Memorial day, what are you looking for?   If you are absolutely looking to get the cheapest tub possible with limited warranty and no set up, then buying online will be your best bet.  You will either need to set up the tub and install it including a certified electrician to be totally safe. There are things you do need to be aware of when going this route and many do.  Simply go to Costco.com or Amazon.com and you can get a hot tub delivered to your front yard and it might save you 40%.  

However,  you do need to know what you are getting this Memorial day and it may turn out perfectly fine for you.  

1. Choice:  When buying online, you get what you get.  The color of the shell vs. interior are all picked ahead of time for the big boxes so you may not get the coastal gray with carbon fiber.   Do you have any desire to protect the cover?  If your tub is under cover, a soft cover may be fine, but if you are outdoors, maybe not.  Most online orders come with soft covers that are very expensive to replace.  

2. Warranty-  The warranty at a local dealer will be much better than the online route.   They do have warranties on new but the issue is getting it done in a timely manner.   A local dealer should stock and be able to handle warranty work within a few days and be totally covered from 1-3 years depending on the model you buy.

3. Delivery and set up:  Maybe you have a handy man that will get the tub off the curb and set up.  Be careful here because if they damage the tub, you actually own it when it is dropped off or heaven forbid they get injured?  You typically will need 4 strong folks to be able to set the tub up and you will likely need to hire an electrician.  When ordering from a dealer, they will cover the tub up to the install at your location and you would be insured.      Be sure he has liability insurance and workman’s comp.

4. Fit and finish –  The biggest issue you may have with online, is you can not touch or sit in it until you get it.   You may be disappointed when it is all set up and ready to go, that the seating is uncomfortable.  Opt to be able to sit in it before buying if at all possible.