Joeblack
Proud DVC Member
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2000
In hopes of helping prospective buyers and also in response to Wislodgers' post, I would like to share my experience with you.
A few years back, I bought a timeshare with Marriott and had the usual presentation in my office, but at no point was I rushed into buying. I took some time before doing so and I am happy with my purchase. MVC is an excelent company. Same with DVC, except in this case I bought based only on advice in the DIS (plus I fell in love with the BWV when I visited). Again, could not be happier with my purchase. I added-on at WLV and will add-on at BCV.
However, I once made the mistake of going to a timeshare presentation in Cancun and had a similar experience to Wislodgers'. I would never ever subject myself to being in another presentation like that and I urge all of you DIsers to stay away from the timeshares that use the pressure tactics mentioned here. $65 Disney dollars (or $500) are not worth the uncomfort, scrutiny and pressure you feel there, let alone insults or threats if you decide not to buy (which is what you must do with such companies).
Believe me. I would pay $65 to recover the 2 hours I wasted in Cancun at that presentation. The only reason they give "free" gifts and money to prospective buyers is because it is a natural tendency of people to feel indebted or obligated to do something in return. The "there is not such thing as a free lunch" motto is rooted in our brain. You wouldn't believe how many people purchase under pressure just because they cannot say NO to somebody who's giving them a gift. Please don't fall for that.
Other tactics these sharks use are:
Having you wait to call their "manager" just to make you even more anxious, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have wires in their table when they leave you just to listen to what you are saying. Again. they are investing time on you and you feel more obligated to give something in return.
Another thing they will always do just to impress you is to write backwards in their notepad as they face you. I don't know why they do this, but they always do. Probably to give an air of proffessionalism or superiority.
And of course, the most infamous tactic of all. Appealing to people's greed. The "if you don't sign in the next 30 minutes, the price will double and your family will be doomed for eternity." I am amazed at how many people still fall for this. Just look at TV infomercials: "The first 100 callers will get an additional gift for free/half price, etc". Come on people. If they still use this BS, it's gotta be working.
Finally. I don't undertand why some people say DVC is expensive. $26000 for a 2 bedroom in Westgate? My goodness!!!! For a timeshare which I am sure you can rent at probably $800/week? I am gladder than ever I have DVC. I think I am gonna call to add on some points today.
You want a timeshare? Stick to Marriott, Hilton or Disney which will probably still be around for many years, rely on the quality and value of their product and don't recur to unethical pressure tactics.
Anybody else can share other pressure tactics they have been subjected to by companies like Westgate? Maybe we will save somebody from making the wrong choice.
A few years back, I bought a timeshare with Marriott and had the usual presentation in my office, but at no point was I rushed into buying. I took some time before doing so and I am happy with my purchase. MVC is an excelent company. Same with DVC, except in this case I bought based only on advice in the DIS (plus I fell in love with the BWV when I visited). Again, could not be happier with my purchase. I added-on at WLV and will add-on at BCV.
However, I once made the mistake of going to a timeshare presentation in Cancun and had a similar experience to Wislodgers'. I would never ever subject myself to being in another presentation like that and I urge all of you DIsers to stay away from the timeshares that use the pressure tactics mentioned here. $65 Disney dollars (or $500) are not worth the uncomfort, scrutiny and pressure you feel there, let alone insults or threats if you decide not to buy (which is what you must do with such companies).
Believe me. I would pay $65 to recover the 2 hours I wasted in Cancun at that presentation. The only reason they give "free" gifts and money to prospective buyers is because it is a natural tendency of people to feel indebted or obligated to do something in return. The "there is not such thing as a free lunch" motto is rooted in our brain. You wouldn't believe how many people purchase under pressure just because they cannot say NO to somebody who's giving them a gift. Please don't fall for that.
Other tactics these sharks use are:
Having you wait to call their "manager" just to make you even more anxious, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have wires in their table when they leave you just to listen to what you are saying. Again. they are investing time on you and you feel more obligated to give something in return.
Another thing they will always do just to impress you is to write backwards in their notepad as they face you. I don't know why they do this, but they always do. Probably to give an air of proffessionalism or superiority.
And of course, the most infamous tactic of all. Appealing to people's greed. The "if you don't sign in the next 30 minutes, the price will double and your family will be doomed for eternity." I am amazed at how many people still fall for this. Just look at TV infomercials: "The first 100 callers will get an additional gift for free/half price, etc". Come on people. If they still use this BS, it's gotta be working.
Finally. I don't undertand why some people say DVC is expensive. $26000 for a 2 bedroom in Westgate? My goodness!!!! For a timeshare which I am sure you can rent at probably $800/week? I am gladder than ever I have DVC. I think I am gonna call to add on some points today.
You want a timeshare? Stick to Marriott, Hilton or Disney which will probably still be around for many years, rely on the quality and value of their product and don't recur to unethical pressure tactics.
Anybody else can share other pressure tactics they have been subjected to by companies like Westgate? Maybe we will save somebody from making the wrong choice.