Tips on handling timeshare presentations

[Belle1962]

If you've EVER taken advantage of a reduced rate for lodging but had to endure a sales pitch in return do you have any advice for others who are considering it?

Let's start a thread with tips on handling timeshare presentations.

I will start:

1. Do not ask any questions. The sales people will take this as an indication you are really interested and off they go with their "pitch". They will also see this as a sign of 'weakening" and increase their presssure.

2. Bring your children--even if they offer onsite babysitting. (It's easier to make an escape with a misbehaving or bored child than on your own). Tell them (I'm sorry but we're not comfortable leaving our children in a daycare situation)

3. Watch the time. Once their "allotted"/"what they told you" time is up, politely inform them you have another appointment and need to leave. If necessary, "arrange" an interruption (phone call, etc.)

[mudd]

Just say no thanks.

[Jimi]

Thanks so much for this info. I have had mixed feelings about where I'm staying at in December - the resourt looks great and from what I've read it great. But to get the reduce rate...I have to do the presentation. I've never done one before and I'm a little nervous...but I know we can't afford it we just built a house. Were staying at the Star Island Resort and Country Club via Hotelkingdom.com the rate at the resort website was$285 I get it for $59.90 by doing the presentation...quite a difference. I feel like I could tolerate a lot at that rate...it's not like I'll be dealing with again while I'm there...Will I?

If you know anything about this resort...post it.

Thanks again it was helpful...and I've printed so dh can read.

Jimi

[MollyBelle]

This was a very helpful Q & A, and one I am interested in as well...we have reservations at Marriott Grande Vista in Sept., and we know several people who've "endured" the spiel, and still loved the resort, but I am wary! Has anyone else had experience with either this place or another of Marriott's Vacation Club properties (my sister-in-law & husband) are members and they RAAAAVE about it... I just want out of the presentation as fast as humanly possible -- it's taking up my Disney time - ha! (we're staying at ASMu the first 3 days and Marriott the last 4)--any comments appreciated! Thanks~

[imgointoDis]

Whatever you do, avoid the sales pitch at Westgate! They were absolutely the most rude people I have ever encoutered! Talk about high pressure!!! I was wondering if I was going to come out alive!!!!!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Belle1962]

Another tip: If they give you a choice of days do the LATEST date possible in your trip. (That way they'll keep being nice to you during your stay until you finally say "NO")

Just saying "NO" does not always work--sometimes it is NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO.
Sometimes you have to get as high pressured as them: say NO and mean it.

[Lisa P.]

1. Look online for the cheapest resale prices you can find for that resort, print them out and bring them with you. If you show them to the rep, say that you think the resale price is outrageous :eek: and you're sure they will have to wait YEARS before they'd ever get that much money back!

2. Ask what time the rep has on their watch, when you first sit down together. Mention that you have an appointment (in 100 minutes or whatever) to meet others at a theme park (they don't need to know it's Goofy) and you DON'T want to be late. Smile, of course.

3. Start the meeting with negative comments about anything you found unsatisfactory about the place, if there were any. Mention that the location is not your very first choice.

4. Mention at the outset that you never, ever, EVER buy anything that costs more than $200 without talking it over, OVERNIGHT, so there WILL BE NO SALE THAT DAY as an FYI. Smile.

5. If they say that you'd only be able to return to their wonderful resort by buying, say that you like trying a new place in Orlando with each trip.

6. Unless it's something you want to say, for a purpose, don't make small talk. They ask a lot of open-ended questions so that they can try and gear the sales pitch to hook you. The less they know about you, the better. (Ex., they ask, "What kind of work do you do?" "That's personal" :eek: then look away.)

7. If (um, when) they ask what kind of vacation you like, say "relaxing, no pressure." You might even say (if it's true) that sometimes you just prefer camping in the back woods.

8. Prep your children... no "oooh, ahhh" if they see a big screen TV, a double jacuzzi tub, the main pool area or the playground. Let them know this is ONE time when you WILL permit them to tell you that they are bored or want to leave, right in the middle of an adult conversation.

9. Guard your own expressions (neutral) when you tour... don't nudge your spouse or smile or wink when you see something you like. No "oooh, ahhh" from the grown-ups either. ;) Just wait until you are away from the rep. When asked, "What do you think of the resort/rooms?" ...answer, "they're like you'd expect, this area seems to have a lot of very nice resorts."

10. Don't tell them you would ever want to exchange outside of Orlando. They will waste time lying to you about where you could "easily" trade "whenever you want." Why would anyone want to go anywhere but Orlando!?!?!! :rolleyes:

11. Mention the great local deals at suite hotels and how interesting it will be to see if rate bargains stay steady for a few years if there's a recession.

12. IF they keep pressing the sales pitch after you have said no and AFTER your tour time commitment has been met, tell them that you appreciate their time in showing you around but your decision has been MADE and you don't want anyone to waste any more of their precious time. If that doesn't work, smile and tell them that they have seen your gentle "no" but they really won't want all the other nearby touring guests to hear your frustrated, emphatic "no," do they? :mad:

12. Last but not least (and again, if your time commitment HAS been met), if they persist, remind them of the time on their watch, say no thanks (as you please) and just get up and leave. :cool: Once you've toured, you've fulfilled your end of the deal. Adios!

BTW, most of these techniques are rarely necessary. :D The tours can actually be pleasant if you are able to sense that the salesperson understands that you are just fulfilling the obligatory tour but will not be buying, period. Sometimes the afternoon tours are less pressured (the reps may be more tired) but they blow your whole day.

For the person touring Grande Vista, Marriott is known for rather LOW pressure tours, with a lot of good information sharing.
:jester: :sunny: Hope this helps. :sunny: :jester:

[BedKnobbery]

I just wanted to provide some balance regarding Westgates sales presentations....I realize that some people have had some difficulty with them re: high pressure, but I found our sales rep and the tour to be very laid back and with very little pressure. At the very beginning of our meeting, our sales rep even told us that at the end, we'd meet with a manager who would make sure we didn't feel it was a high pressure presentation.

Also as a side note, remember that no one can MAKE you stay beyond your agreed upon amount of time. I realize that for some people, it is difficult to be assertive, but the only person responsible for a 90-minute-tour-turned-3-hours is YOU. I love Lisa's advice about saying you have an appt to meet someone in the parks at X time--that will give even the least assertive person an out!!

Warmly,
Susanne

[lynaaron]

The most reasonable advice is if you don't want to go throught the sales pitch then don't stay at the timeshare under those conditions. It makes me cringe a little when people complain about having to endure a sales pitch when they know from the beginning that's how they are able to get a great rate.

[mhopset]

Keep looking at the sales person and say "no eng-lish, no eng-lish" LOL

[2minnies]

We visited the Grande Vista August 2000 and had a very low pressure salesperson. We scheduled our tour for our last full day, took the earliest available and would not leave our children in the play area alone. We told our salesperson we absolutely would not be purchasing a timeshare from anyone and anytime. He gave us a quick tour and we were on our way in less than 1 hour (with no pressure).

By the way, the resort is beautiful and we had a great time. Very convenient to Disney and outlet shopping at the Premiere outlet center.

[DawnCt]

We went to the time share presentation at Hanalei Bay Resort on Kauai. What is there not to like about Kauai? Anyway, I pointed out to the sales person that I could invest my principal and go any where I wanted on the proceeds with no commitment and no fees. Was it worth my time? Sure, we had a great dinner and they paid the first $100. One time share salesperson suggested that I do not waste my time in the future attending presentations. I told him that it wasn't a waste of my time, I don't make $100 per hour.

[cmaha76]

Isn't it kind of taking advantage of the company if you accept their low rate already knowing that there is no way you will be even interested in buying.

If it were me, I wouldn't feel right if there was a 0% chance of my buying a time-share.

[bobminter]

Originally posted by cmaha76
Isn't it kind of taking advantage of the company if you accept their low rate already knowing that there is no way you will be even interested in buying.

If it were me, I wouldn't feel right if there was a 0% chance of my buying a time-share.


Absolutely not , the company is gambling that they can sell a reluctant person and they usually do win!!

[bobminter]

Originally posted by cmaha76
Isn't it kind of taking advantage of the company if you accept their low rate already knowing that there is no way you will be even interested in buying.

If it were me, I wouldn't feel right if there was a 0% chance of my buying a time-share.



Absolutely not , the company is gambling that they can sell a reluctant person and they usually do win!!

[cmaha76]

I'm not talking reluctant here... I just think it's unfair if you have zero intention in the first place and the only reason you found and took the rate is that you know it's a "deal". Now, even if it is a slim... like 1% chance, I say have at the reduced rate.

I've had people pull their offer when I said I was not interested at all, that leads me to believe that I would have had to at least lie a little bit to get the deal.

Just my opinion...

[nuthut]

just say no and call 1-800-800-9100. It's the number to Disney Vacation Club. The only timeshare I know of that increases in value!!!

[GoldenPrincess]

Just don't go in the first place.

Why anyone would want to put themselves through this kind of torture is beyond me! Not for an annual pass and a free two week trip to WDW at Grand Floridian would I do this. No amount of "freebies" is worth it to me.

[kathie]

Once you have gone and end up buying is there any way out. We made
this mistake and are still paying for this thing a year later. It may be a good
thing for some, but we do not need this. Anyone with advice please let me know.

[Minnie's Mate]

Isn't it kind of taking advantage of the company if you accept their low rate already knowing that there is no way you will be even interested in buying.

My wife and I went to one once (hasn't just about everyone) and we will never go to another.

But, first of all, they contacted us and offered the gifts to us in exchange for the opportunity to sell us the timeshare. They were hoping to take advantage of us and were quiet persistant to the point of rudeness when we said no. And quiet frankly, when we got our "gift" (a cheap car vac) we really felt it was not worth our time at all...and we weren't using any of our vacation time either!

So do I think we took advantage of the company or sales person...emphatically NO!!!!

[stlrod]

I own Marriott and have never been pressured. However my wife and I went to one in Branson one time and it was the presentation from down under (not a reference to Australia.) When the salesamn went to get the manager for added pressure, I told my wife to just agree to anything I said. After a couple of pleasantries with the manager about our kids, their kids, etc, I told then we just discovered my wife was pregnant with our third child (big lie) and that as parents, the two of them could probably undersatnd that this was not the time for us to take on additional unnecessary obligation. Magically, they said they understood and let us go.

[Dara]

This is our first visit to WDW and the Timeshares sound wonderful to me even if I don't end up buying anything. Who knows I might learn something new. However, what I would like to know is how many Timeshares in the area is there, and what is everyone's favorite? I'm leaning towards Blue Tree Resort. Can anyone give me their opinion on this one and others. Thanks. The reason I'm leaning this way, is cost and number of bedrooms. We have 2 teenagers, 15, and 16, boy and girl. Most of the resorts in WDW seem to only have 2 double beds and not many 2 bedroom suites, or if they do, do high in cost.

[nancycels]

we've gone to marriott's for years... we own in the northeast, but almost always trade for
orlando. one thing u want to know, u may want to buy in another area and trade back in.
we own a studio, although red time zone, so its prime exchange. we bought it for around
4000. its deed and title, we always manage to exchange for a 2 or 3 bdrm when we go to
orlando... so we kick in the exchange fee... no big deal! we like cypress harbour, but saw
Grande Vista this year, and wd love to go there another year! maybe i'll write and see
about a presentation! anyone know what they usually offer? thanks!

[nancycels]

my favorite excuse is that i'm starting med school next yr! lol... i work at a med school/univ hospital, so its
plausible...kids starting college next yr is another... then there's the time we told them we
had 8 more foster kids... <g> whatever works!

[Janann0565]

Lisa P.'s responses were great -- I'll keep some of those ideas for myself!

We have done the timeshare presentations a few times, and have never had a problem. Here are a few suggestions:

-- Bring a calculator, so that you look ready to challenge every dollar figure that is thrown at you.

-- When they tell you that the cost of hotel stays go up every year, tell them that the cost of property taxes and homeowner's association dues at the timeshare go up every year also.

-- Tell them you have stayed at a number of time shares, and know how the whole things works (which is true for my situation). This throws off their emotional, "wouldn't you love to go to Hawaii" sales pitch.

-- Ask about all the hassles and expense of RCI or II membership dues and exchange fees, and how many hours it will take on the phone to get the exchange you want.

-- As Lisa P. mentioned, talk about what a cheap deal you can get on a resale.

Attending time share presentations is definitely worth it. Do the math to figure out how much you are "earning" per hour by attending the presentation. It makes it much easier to get through it!

[CarolA]

I did a Marriott presentation in Hilton Head one time and actually enjoyed it. The place was beautiful and they were really nice. I did not buy but at least considered it. I also did DVC and eventually bought there via a resale. I don't think I would do some of the others due to the pressure I have heard about, but I would do Marriott again.

Also, in some states you can void the contract within 24 hours. If you are thinking of buying you might want to find out the laws in the state you are looking at. I have no idea what the Florida law is.

[Robinrs]

I think it truly depends on the person. I work with a very obnoxious sales staff and have become absolutely deaf to any and all spiels.

I took a tour in 1999 and sailed through it. I agree, don't talk small talk, keep your eye on your watch and quote the Florida law. I tell them that it's 90 minutes, stand up and start towards the door. The look I get is usually one of exasperation. I figure they get all their profits from the one or two people they hook that day but it will never be me.

[StilesMom]

Jimi - We have stayed at the Fairfield Cypress Palms twice, which is the sister resort to Star Island, and we'll be checking into Star Island in three weeks. :) My inlaws are Fairfield owners, so lodging doesn't cost us anything. We did the presentation ourselves in September and there was absolutely NO PRESSURE to buy! Of course, we went in and were upfront.... we are here because of the promotion and never intended to buy because the inlaws own so many points that they have 4 weeks of vacation per year and always invite us along. We also were very familiar with the program they were trying to explain already. Basically, what they told us was..... look, these properties sell themselves so our policy is NOT to pressure anyone into buying. In fact, after we met with our rep we were asked a few questions by her manager and one was whether or not we felt pressured. Of course, the rep will still be required to go through the entire presentation. Ours included a tour of a unit and a short (10 min) movie. It only lasted about an hour and to us, it was worth what we got in return. I wouldn't hesitate to do another tour here at all. Enjoy your vacation!! :)

Note: Our "excuse" for not buying (which is legitimate) seemed to be very effective. Although we weren't pressured to buy.... our rep did try to point out the advantages of owning a timeshare. Well.... our situation really stumped her because she could think of NO reason why we would need to own ourselves if the inlaw's points were always available to us. So..... if you don't mind telling a little white lie... go with our "excuse"... it worked. :)

And whatever you do... if you want to get out of there on time... DO NOT mention DVC!! There was one couple at a table near us who was questioning the timeshare vs. DVC and that conversation seemed to last forever!! So... don't go in thinking you're going to use the "but I'm buying DVC" excuse because they have a very effective answer for that one!! :)

[disneygals]

Dara,

You should check out www.tug2.net to learn about timeshares. I own at the Vistana and bought a resale. There is also a Disney Vacation Club board here that you might want to check. With the exception of Disney, possibly Marriott or Starwood, you are always able to get a better deal with resales.

Vivienne

[Kenbar]

I have voluntarily attended timeshare presentations for 20years in Europe just to get the free goodies usually day trips or free attraction tix. Some of the better closers have an answer for anything you say so do,t try to out logic them. Example: at one resort during a pause where no progress was being madedue to me continually saying that I couldn't afford it, The guy lit a cigarette and said
Closer "I wish I didn't smoke"
Me " Yeah me too"
pause
Closer "Smoke many?"
Me "Two packets a day"
Closer "tell you what" (dumps half cigarette) We'll both pack in right now" You will save £5 a day, £35 a week, £1,750 a year. Now you can easily afford these two weeks"

The only time I attended one in Florida I was with my partner but being unmarried we had different surnames and she didn't have any address ID to prove that we lived together so they wouldn't even start the tour.LOL. We had some fun then by pretending that we wouldn't have needed a sales pitch and that we had come to buy 2 weeks in the prime time. "Even got the bankers draft in my pocket." "however if thats your attitude towrds your customers then we had maybe better look for another company to give our money too. "
The closer was furious watching his commission walk out the door

Ken

[hawt1]

Here are our list of excuses, all true...

Tell them you can rent a week at a two bedroom on www.skyauction.com - RCI's clearinghouse per se for under $400 tax included.

Also, we have used the resale line and quoted what we paid for our last resale - $1500 for a 3 bedroom five star resort in orlando.

Tell them you can buy their resort on ebay.com for much less.

Tell them that, quite frankly, you have stayed at nicer places and that this is your last budget trip - normally you stay at higher end resorts.

Just say no...several times. Don't even entertain all of their attempts to bring you into the conversation. IF you are familiar with timeshare, they will try to sell you on points stating that they are more flexible (blah, blah...). Just keep saying no - unless you are interested. In which case, remember the part about buying their unit resale for much - much less!!!

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says................................We did our first one at the Westin on Maui. Beautiful place. Not much pressure at all, of course I showed no interest in all the great places he showed us. On the entire presentaion he only got one little " wow" from me, when we saw pictures of glass bottmoed huts ,in a lagoon in Thailand. I think he got a clue right away as they offered pastries, drinks etc. at the beginning and I said no, I don't want to owe you anything! After 55 minutes, we sat in the room to discuss pricing. He left for a minute, probably to set up his next appt!!! When he got back he simply asked if I had any interest in looking at the pricing, I said no, and we were "released" in one hour! Still don't know the price.

[travelitis]

We went to 2 presentations at Westgate properties, neither of which were in the least high pressure. Had the first one been anything other than extremely laid-back we wouldn't have returned. We didn't take the kids with us, and I'm glad we left them in the childcare, because they had a blast. When we said we weren't interested they asked if we needed driving directions anywhere, had us quickly sign a paper, and told us to have a great time at NASA. We could barely pull the kids out of the childcare center.

Cmama, most of the sales they get are from people who go there thinking there is no way they are interested. They'd love to fill the place with people convinced they don't want to buy. Any prospect is better than none. The person who books this thinking they might be interested is rare at best.

After we'd seen the presentation a 2nd time and were planning our 3rd trip there, we decided to buy. I was absolutely certain I was totally against buyng a timeshare and completely immune to any sales tactics. The 2nd time around, though, the price was $10k less, and that made all the difference. We do know someone who paid the higher price a few months after we bought and didn't get a better accomodation or more time. Yikes!

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says........................So, travelitis, I guess they finally got you!! Hope you are happy! The fact that I can get the same package at 50% off resale, or at 80% off as a cruiser!!, doesn't matter. Darn, Disnee Dad is getting a little grumpy! For the rest of you, don't ever buy into a vacation plan, anywhere, at anytime, except maybe DVC. I latter found out at the Westin in Maui, wich is a great place, that I paid less than the members association fees, to stay for 5 nights!! Just say NO!!

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says....................How could someone pay several k MORE, when the max true value for a week is around, 1K at best?? God I love math, and the fact that god lets me do it in my head!! There is no timeshare anywhere that makes economic sence, so why do they try to play it that way? If I sold them it would be " simply convienence, and you don't need to plan", we take care of it. For the next 50 years to the same place, unless you find someone from Ixugastan, who wants your week, for a week at Ixugastan.

[Belle1962]

For the person who had questions about Westgate.

[joe]

I am staying at the Marriott Cypress Harbor in September. I bought a week for 400.00 through e-bay. Can I do the timeshare presentation for tickets??? I'm already there.

Also, realize that these companies sell units to people that THINK there is 0% chance of them buying. These companies know this and they also know some of those people end up buying if the salesperson is good.

[travelitis]

You don't need excuses to refuse the offer, and excuses just open the door for them to overcome your objections. It's harder for them if you state no objections, really. However, one thing I said which was true was that I worked for an airline and had travel benefits. My hotel discounts were pretty decent, and they had no way to overcome that one.

Disney Dad, I would like to respond with my own math, but it's not on topic. Let's please keep to the subject of how to decline rather than discussing if I should own a timeshare or not.

[Lisa P.]

Originally posted by disneefamily
There is no timeshare anywhere that makes economic sence, so why do they try to play it that way?
I, for one, am really glad that there are soooo many happy timeshare owners who understand differently. That means that we are able to enjoy exchanging to more of the 3700+ resorts in RCI! And btw, you don't need to find someone from a resort you want who also wants your resort week. The exchange companies pool all the weeks that people give up on exchange and you take from the pool.

Especially when it comes to well-priced resales, timeshares can be an excellent value and the best way for some families to travel. If someone wants to know more, take a look at Timeshare Users Group - TUG (http://www.tug2.net) and learn before you buy.

There are plenty of techniques to limiting your timeshare sales pitch. Educating yourself is key. If the following are true, try them:
Make a note of the time, with the salesperson, as soon as you finish eating (the official start of the "90 minute" tour).
Don't answer questions in any detail - be vague and say you've not considered it before.
Don't make small talk.
Let them know upfront that you only buy resales and only after considerable time to think it over and that you are just curious about the resort after learning of the tour.
Let them know you never buy anything on credit or financing and you would need to save for a purchase anyway.
80 minutes into the tour, let the salesperson know that you'll be leaving in 10 minutes.
Keep young children with you. Chat with them and ask if they are looking forward to leaving and going on with the day's plans.
If you or your spouse are good at looking antsy or bored, don't hold back. ;)
Consider letting the salesperson know at the outset if you are only there for the gift. Some will choose to sign you out and move on to greener pastures. Others will be brief. Others will go through the whole spiel in hopes of a surprise but won't be as likely to push it past the 90 minutes.

If you really only want the gift, this is a quationable practice, as many salespeople are doing their jobs as a legitimate way to earn a living and may only get paid on commission. Just a thought.

[jbthi]

I have gone to many presentations, mostly to get the gifts, occasionally because I'm interested in the resort. I own 7 timeshares, the first purchased 20 years ago. My daughter was a supervisor for RCI for several years and plus all the years I have owned I know more about RCI than the average salesman. I have called them on many of their lies.

Above all, don't tell them you like the resort but can't afford it. They will do everything in their power to make sure you can. I always tell them it's a nice resort and the price is reasonable (even if its $50,000);) It just doesn't happen to be what I like or want.

[lawgs]

jbthi...

yes....we have come to realize that RCI does not really work for US but for their own bottom line ( many things happen behind the scenes that we do not know about ) ...that is why most exchanges we do now are online even though i know they are holding back some of the best "exchanges"


RCI is a necessary evil....but what do they really do for you .....except take $$$$ for exchanges and yearly fees

lucky for us we found out about resales before we bought and we still have all the "privileges" of the people who bought from the developer ( we did use tours to evaluate the type of resort we would like to be in )

we really enjoy DVC and have never regretted joining

[st_claire]

I know people that have gone and told them right at the start that they are there for the passes (was offering 2 free theme park passes) and have no intention at all of buying the timeshare. And the sales people say ok, hand them the passes and that's it. They didn't even have to go on the tour.

I have only ever been to one, and that's when I was a kid. Most places won't let you go unless you are married or over 35. But when I went as a kid, we got free video games, but the food was terrible. hehe. They tried to pressure my parents, but we got to go to universal thanks to them so it was worth it.

[Purrrrfecta]

Above all, don't tell them you like the resort but can't afford it. They will do everything in their power to make sure you can. I always tell them it's a nice resort and the price is reasonable (even if its $50,000) It just doesn't happen to be what I like or want.

And that is exactly what I did. I was honest. I thought the interior of the resort was unattractive. I do not care for the modern look. The saleswomen, who I might add was very angry at the end of the presentation, said, "Please do not attend anymore timeshare presentations because they are all the same, and you need to be worrying about spending quality time with your son."

Needless to say she received the only tongue lashing from me.

My whole thing is those presenters are like trained dogs. They all have the same speech they have to give, and they are controlled from the corporation. Like I told the sales presenter. It is the company’s fault. They take the risk of allowing people to market their product, and sometimes they do this in a dishonest way. They will say, "get two Disney tickets for twenty dollars, and all you have to do is look at their resort." They forget the hard sales pitch that goes along with it. They company is very well aware of what they are doing to promote their resort. It is the risk they take. The only problem is that they train their sales people to believe they are at fault when they do not make the sale on those people who say they "only want tickets."

[disneygals]

Joe,

We stayed at the Cypress harbour in Feb. It's gorgeous, you'll love it. (my hubby had free nights from a work prize). They offered us 300 Marriott dollars to go for a timeshare tour, we didn't have time so not sure how you can use them.

We own at Vistana (resale, thank goodness after reading up about it) and every time we stay there, they offer us $40 to let us know about some new property or program they have. We have no intention of buying (they have all our info and know it's a resale) but I always go because I find it interesting and I'm happy to take their $40.

Vivienne

[allforpooh]

Original Post
"Once you have gone and end up buying is there any way out. We made
this mistake and are still paying for this thing a year later. It may be a good
thing for some, but we do not need this. Anyone with advice please let me know."


We also purchased at the Hilton last year, but there is a 30day clause for any time share in Florida. You have thirty days to submit in writing that you want out.

Once home, we were able to look through everything more carefully and found that even though it sounded great there were more rules than would make any vacation planning fun. The banking and cancelling rules were terrible, we would have to plan vacations 2 to 3 years out. So we sent in our letter and had no problem getting our deposit back.

Several months later and lots more reseach we bought DVC, whch is where we wanted to buy in the first place. Up front the price looks alot higher than the other time shares but what you get is so much easier to use and of course its Disney.

Denise

[lawgs]

but there is a 30day clause for any time share in Florida

are you sure about that time line......my understanding it was 10 days to "recede" a purchase of time share in florida....

perhaps hilton had a different clause in their contract....

maybe you can clarify this ....

[Belle1962]

I was just at a timeshare presentation today and they told me 10 days when I asked. (I said I understood I had 30 days to rescind and they said no it is 10).

[Belle1962]

:Pinkbounc

[travelitis]

I looked it up in my timeshare contract, and 10 days it is.

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says....................................Travelitis , An apology many months later still counts, doesn't it? Hope you are happy with your purchase. I should not have rained on your parade the way I did. While I stick with my facts, I really hope you are happy and use it to its maximum benefit.
To get back on topic, simply show no interest. If you go with the mind set that you don't want the timeshare, even if they gave it to you free, then you will do well.
I'm still smiling that my Westin trip to Maui, was less than the annual dues of the timeshare! And I got $175 in credit at the hotel. I guess they paid me to go there! And I can do it every other year if I stay on the "right list". If not I think I hear Marriott calling!

[ciociania]

Hi, that's pretty interesting thread, isn't it? I had a question in a different thread about avoiding a presentation, and received tons of information, that helped my DH and me decide what to do. Since we couldn't avoid the presentation or we would be charged a higher rate, we simply decided to forget the whole deal. I would probably survive the presentation (I am Polish...), but my DH doesn't want to bother with it.

[travelitis]

Travelitis says....water under the proverbial bridge, Disnee Dad. Of course an apology counts, but I had to think about why you would be apologizing. Then I read the thread and realized I came down on you too. How about a mutual apology?

After our trip with extended family over Thanksgiving, even my anti-timeshare FIL said it made sense for us as much as we go to Orlando, and that was AFTER we told him the purchase price. Yikes! That would be like DISNEE DAD saying it! ; ) I was fully prepared for the big lecture, and instead, he gave his stamp of approval. I'm still shocked.

I promise, I was as anti-timeshare as anyone could be, even though my dh wanted to consider it. At least for the next few years, this makes sense for us, and we don't even want to exchange. We're either taking the kids to WDW for a week or going on a cruise. The real bottom line for us is purchase price + fees = 8 more years before we save money. It is paid in full, so there's no interest, but in 2012 it will finally save us money. Fees will probably go up, but so will hotel rates. It's more about liking a particular accomodation and amenities than saving money. I think because we bought with that understanding, we've been more satisfied. We never made the purchase looking for a profit later or a big savings.

Here's the tactic my FIL used: He told them he doesn't make any major purchase without ample time to consider it no matter how good it looks. Funny, when we asked if we could have a few hours to think about it, the answer was, "At this price? Of course not, it's a timeshare." With him, they extended the offer to the end of his stay, and they kicked in an extra night or 2 at no charge. Be assertive and pull out that poker face whether you're interested or not!!

[juliej2001]

Ah, but if you DO like the place, you may recommend it to someone, who may just be a buyer. Word-of-mouth is what many of these places count on.

[travelitis]

Very good point! We do like our accomodation, especially since because of our unit still not being completed we just found out they gave us another upgrade I didn't even ask for. All I insisted on was an equivalent accomodation at a sister resort. We should've had a room with 2 dbl beds, large bath with shower only, mini-frig, microwave, and private laundry. We've been assigned to a 1 bedroom with jacuzzi tub with mini kitchen and wall between the living room and bedroom. Last time I got upgraded because I told them they were going to, and this time I got upgraded because I told them I wasn't looking for an upgrade - just an equivalent accomodation. Now what are we going to do when our building is complete and they stop upgrading us constantly? LOL!

[spacewalker]

I have been around the block on this one. If you are going to take advantage of the deals, and you don't want to be pressured, you have 3 choices, period. Marriott, Hilton and Starwood (Sheraton) all have "Vacation Clubs". They have phenomenal success, and written, posted commitments to no high pressure. The other one is Disney Vacation Club, but they don't offer big deals to tour. If you visit an independent, one purpose (selling timeshare) company, expect to get hammered. Those guys know all the tricks posted here and are better at overcoming it than you will be in using them!!!!

[Aubrey]

We attended a presentation at Vistana and found it to be pretty pleasant. Our "excuse" for not buying happened to be true. I told the presenter that I was not the buyer but was scouting for my affluent aunt and uncle who were not on this trip but interested in locating several attractive properties worth considering on their trip a few months later. We kept the presenter focussed on the notion that his task was to impress us with the resort and make us like him enough to give his card to the real buyer. Whenever there was "drift" in his attitude, I audibly remarked to my husband that I did not think my relatives would appreciate a pressured approach and that perhaps they really would be happier with DVC. We viewed several properties and in fact they did end up with Vistana (on a resale).

[travelitis]

Spacewalker, I have to respectfully disagree with you on the statement that those are the only 3 that don't do high pressure. My thought is that it really depends on the sales person, and it's possible to run into high pressure at any timeshare presentatin. Conversely, you may have a low pressure experience at other timeshares.

[spacewalker]

You are 100% right, it really depends on the rep. My point was that the likelyhood of a bad experience is dramatically reduced at those 3 resorts, and very much increased at the independent resorts. That likelyhood is increased by the fact that you have to make more money to get in on the deals at the major resorts, too!

[Belle1962]

:bounce: