DVC Tour Frustration

[Dean]

I think the overall consensus was that it makes sense that they have both parties present in order to avoid the non-attending party from pouring cold water on the deal after the fact. However, the guide in this case said the "decision maker" needed to be present -- which is completely uncalled for.

I would read this as decision makers pleural since they would not have given the gift for a male only either in the situation but none of us were there.

I would be insulted if they did the same to me. If I had been treated like that I am not sure I would have ever purchased either.

My DSIL did the tour at WDW and took the documents home for her DHs signature. He is not a Disney fan and would never have gone on the tour.

My question is do they only give the gift if you buy? If not they should have given the gift to a woman by herself because buying was not required to buy to get the gift. So what if her spouse wouldn't approve. That is false advertising.

They only give the bribe if you meet the requirements, the OP did not in this case.

 

[bumbershoot]

Completely makes sense, so I'm sure I'm just being oversensitive. Thank you!!

I don't think you're oversensitive, but it's normal in timeshares.

That said - letting me tour by myself would be like shooting fish in a barrel for the salesperson! My husband would be the one totally kiboshing the whole deal

That's me and DH reversed. We own because of him.

Yes, that's a horrifically sexist comment.

Nah. They wouldn't have seen keels' DH without keels either.

And the decision maker thing was likely either the phone person going with the majority of the people on tours OR it reflected her relationship.

 

[sndral]

IMO to tell a woman twice that she can't do the tour without the decision maker - her husband - is sexist plain and simple. The guide did not say both spouses, or even both decision makers, she said the decision maker and when OP explained that this was a decision she was making solo the guide repeated that the decision maker needed to be on the tour. OP please call and report the CM, we are no longer living in the 19th century, women are not the property of their husbands and yeah, they get to make decisions on their own once in a while, the CM's use of language was offensive and discriminatory and they need to be advised & corrected.
To me the language used is distinct from DVC's reason for wanting both spouses to attend - I'm ok w/ that. What's offensive and discriminatory are the actual words used by the CM not the reason for wanting both spouses to attend.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

IMO to tell a woman twice that she can't do the tour without the decision maker - her husband - is sexist plain and simple. The guide did not say both spouses, or even both decision makers, she said the decision maker and when OP explained that this was a decision she was making solo the guide repeated that the decision maker needed to be on the tour. OP please call and report the CM, we are no longer living in the 19th century, women are not the property of their husbands and yeah, they get to make decisions on their own once in a while, the CM's use of language was offensive and discriminatory and they need to be advised & corrected.
To me the language used is distinct from DVC's reason for wanting both spouses to attend - I'm ok w/ that. What's offensive and discriminatory are the actual words used by the CM not the reason for wanting both spouses to attend.

I'm the furthest thing from a feminist, and even further from being politically correct.

That said, I totally agree with your post.
What's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong.

MG

 

[ScubaCat]

Maybe that guide ran out of Minnie gift cards and only had male characters left. Who knows.

This really sounds like a typical salesperson (not "salesman" of course) playing the odds and just forgot to invoke some basic tactfulness.

Consider it a favor, though. That guide saved you a huge premium by redirecting you to the resale market

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

IMO to tell a woman twice that she can't do the tour without the decision maker - her husband - is sexist plain and simple. The guide did not say both spouses, or even both decision makers, she said the decision maker and when OP explained that this was a decision she was making solo the guide repeated that the decision maker needed to be on the tour. OP please call and report the CM, we are no longer living in the 19th century, women are not the property of their husbands and yeah, they get to make decisions on their own once in a while, the CM's use of language was offensive and discriminatory and they need to be advised & corrected.
To me the language used is distinct from DVC's reason for wanting both spouses to attend - I'm ok w/ that. What's offensive and discriminatory are the actual words used by the CM not the reason for wanting both spouses to attend.

There have only been 2 times that either my husband or I have gotten calls regarding our interest in time share presentation..we were under 25 at the time and not married yet to each other but the under 25 was the "oh sorry maybe in a few years speel" (some have 25 year old age requirement, some 27 years old, some even older).

I completely agree with you. I don't think requesting that a couple who are married is out of the norm for a timeshare presentation;in this day and age that could be a same-sex couple too. I do think assuming that the man is the decision maker in the family is antiquated. Furthermore when the OP attempted to clarify things the timeshare representative ignored her and went on with their previous assumption..maybe the CM has their own personal convications that are clouding their way of going through the requirements. Either way the wording and the actions of the CM (maintaining the idea that the man is the decision maker even when corrected) is wrong. Quite frankly the question should have been "are you the decision maker in your marriage?" with no wordage towards gender (you don't know if the couple is same-sex). If the CM advised me that both partners in the marriage needed to attend due to requirements I would have made an appointment when both my husband and I could make it. If the CM acted like the one in the OPs original message I would not have made any attempts to schedule an appointment at a later date.

 

[pearlieq]

That is outrageously sexist and I'm so sorry that happened to you. I would have been livid too, especially with her choosing to use the term "decision maker" more than once!

I've always thought DVC had a bit of a sexist bent. Even though I did the whole transaction and was their only contact, guess who is the "purchaser" and who is the "additional member" on our contract???

 

[DebbieB]

I noticed I had some calls from HGVC (Hilton Garden Vacation Club) on my caller ID. I occasionally get sales calls because I'm a Hilton Honors member. They called last weekend and I picked it up, figuring I would stop them from calling. But, I couldn't help playing a little. He asked where I like to vacation. I said Disney. Well, how would you like a free Disney vacation? I said is it on Disney property? He said no, but close. I said no, I only stay on Disney property (knowing that the Hilton resorts are not on property). Then he said well how about Mr B, does he like Disney too? I said there is no Mr B. Then I said, look I own Disney Vacation Club, I've owned it for 16 years and have no interest in another timeshare, there's no sense wasting both our time. He said I appreciate your honesty, thanks. End of that.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I noticed I had some calls from HGVC (Hilton Garden Vacation Club) on my caller ID. I occasionally get sales calls because I'm a Hilton Honors member. They called last weekend and I picked it up, figuring I would stop them from calling. But, I couldn't help playing a little. He asked where I like to vacation. I said Disney. Well, how would you like a free Disney vacation? I said is it on Disney property? He said no, but close. I said no, I only stay on Disney property (knowing that the Hilton resorts are not on property). Then he said well how about Mr B, does he like Disney too? I said there is no Mr B. Then I said, look I own Disney Vacation Club, I've owned it for 16 years and have no interest in another timeshare, there's no sense wasting both our time. He said I appreciate your honesty, thanks. End of that.

We did the Hilton Grand Vacations Club tour a few years ago. We had a very cheap three night stay at the Doubletree at DTD (it was way before Disney Springs), two adult tickets for SeaWorld and we had to take the tour. We did enjoy the tour, but we told them we also owned DVC and they suggested we not continue with the tour. We are currently members of HGVC, but only because we bought two flex weeks at an affiliate resort on the south Florida Gulf Coast. We've used our points at Tuscany (right near the Prime Outlets and Publix) and Parc Soliel (also in Orlando). It was a nice way to extend our trip.

 

[Dean]

I noticed I had some calls from HGVC (Hilton Garden Vacation Club) on my caller ID. I occasionally get sales calls because I'm a Hilton Honors member. They called last weekend and I picked it up, figuring I would stop them from calling. But, I couldn't help playing a little. He asked where I like to vacation. I said Disney. Well, how would you like a free Disney vacation? I said is it on Disney property? He said no, but close. I said no, I only stay on Disney property (knowing that the Hilton resorts are not on property). Then he said well how about Mr B, does he like Disney too? I said there is no Mr B. Then I said, look I own Disney Vacation Club, I've owned it for 16 years and have no interest in another timeshare, there's no sense wasting both our time. He said I appreciate your honesty, thanks. End of that.

By reputation Hilton is one of the better and more professional tours along with Marriott and ? Hyatt. Bluegreen, Wyndham and Diamond can be brutal just to name a few of the larger ones.

 

[MinnieB]

I've always thought DVC had a bit of a sexist bent. Even though I did the whole transaction and was their only contact, guess who is the "purchaser" and who is the "additional member" on our contract???

This happened to me also! And it really bothers me every time mail comes from DVC addressed to only my husband given I was the one to initiate the purchase after our initial meeting and charged the deposit to MY credit card! DH barely even cares that we have DVC and will probably never even log onto the system.

 

[bwvBound]

I'm having an exciting (<grimace>) weekend here on the homefront ... and having a delightful time musing the "decision maker" phrase, today. My husband is away on his annual off-road camping trip with the fellas. My recent decisions ... all on my lonesome:

• Solve my well tank problem.
  My water tank sprung a leak and was nearly empty as of Wed evening. By midday Thursday I'd sourced and reviewed a couple of replacement options and selected a vendor. I performed a phone-site-survey with the vendor and placed the order for a Saturday installation. Heavy equipment started arriving yesterday -- how exciting. I've got a really cool crane sitting in my yard!
  Last night I turned off the well pump and ran water like there was no tomorrow to drain the tank:
  • Run Laundry.
  • Run Dishwasher.
  • Run Irrigation -- oh, and fix a new break I found in the line running along the driveway.
  • Take a really long shower -- just because I'm trying to use all the available water! Yippie!
  • Create pools of "available water": fill the bathtubs and sinks; fill buckets for flushing toilets; fill pans for washing dishes.
• Solve my internet problem.
  Saturday morning I wake to "no internet." Sigh. I'm out here on Satellite and had been watching an intermittent warning showing on the diagnostic console through the week. I rebooted everything (modem, wifi-router): nada. Phoned tech support -- uh, oh: "What did you say your name was?" Oh, yeah -- the internet is in my husband's name. "Oh, right, please call me <DH name>." Response, "You are his wife?" "Yep, I'm the wife -- but if your system requires it, please call me <DH name>, I'm OK with that." Gladly the tech laughed -- and was OK continuing the call with my name. We determined my satellite dish is responding and that the tech could reach through to the modem. That means the problem is likely on my end (wifi router). Guess who will be going to Best Buy later today (hopefully) to buy a new router?
  In the meantime I am connected on a backup internet solution: tether through my phone. Yeah for backup options!

It has been a busy weekend and it is only Saturday! Yeah for decision makers!

 

[mj2vacation]

The way the terms are usually written, for an "incentivized" tour, it is the "all" decision makers are present. Having worked for DVC, it is very rare for a married person, who is touring on their own to purchase. Hence, the restriction on the bribe. They will still offer a tour, which many other timeshare companies will not, but not typically with any incentive.

 

[Meandnevaeh]

The moment you said, "I would be purchasing this under my name alone," they should have set up the appointment. Anything else is ridiculous.

If you are married, you can not enter into a mortgage purchase on your own, at least in most states. Legally both spouses need to be on the deed. The way it was worded in the case "the decision maker" is entirely unacceptable, however I understand why both spouses need to be there, because legally both parties need to sign, and they don't want to waste their time.

 

[PlutoFan10]

Is that the case if you are paying cash? In my state, it's ok to have deeded property in just one name.

 

[brinkley07]

So sorry to see your post. I was just at WDW and one day we went over to visit a friend at the Boardwalk. As we walked by the DVC desk in the lobby there were 2 women who were both sweet and easy to talk with. My friend is a DVC owner and I am currently looking to buy. They offered a tour that moment, a phone call to go over options, or to schedule a tour for when I return in late Sept. During our talk they knew my DH wasn't with me, and they were still very happy to offer any way to get me in. Maybe you will have better luck with another person. We actually spoke with those women for 20 minutes about various things Disney, DVC, and other destinations. Oddly DH and I did take a tour a few years ago and were ready to buy, but didn't like the guide we ended up with and he killed the deal. Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

So sorry to see your post. I was just at WDW and one day we went over to visit a friend at the Boardwalk. As we walked by the DVC desk in the lobby there were 2 women who were both sweet and easy to talk with. My friend is a DVC owner and I am currently looking to buy. They offered a tour that moment, a phone call to go over options, or to schedule a tour for when I return in late Sept. During our talk they knew my DH wasn't with me, and they were still very happy to offer any way to get me in. Maybe you will have better luck with another person. We actually spoke with those women for 20 minutes about various things Disney, DVC, and other destinations. Oddly DH and I did take a tour a few years ago and were ready to buy, but didn't like the guide we ended up with and he killed the deal. Good luck!

The people at the podiums on Disney property are DVD ASA's, their job is to start the warm fuzzy's and sign you up for a tour.

The people on the phone are in a call center and they are reading from a check off script and they want both parities to attend the sales presentation, better chance of closing a sale.

The guides are licensed real estate sales people and they want prospective buyers to be pre-screened so that they only meet with buyers that they can close. They get paid for closing, not for visiting.

Bill

 

[brinkley07]

The guides are licensed real estate sales people and they want prospective buyers to be pre-screened so that they only meet with buyers that they can close. They get paid for closing, not for visiting.

Bill

We were/are the perfect couple for DVC, but the guide just didn't mesh with our personality. We had scheduled for a different guide prior to touring that I had previously talked with, but she wasn't available that day or at that time and we didn't know until we had arrived. On that day we literally arrived with cash in hand, but it was Disney's loss as we then turned to the resale community. Now we are actively looking after taking some time due to a few years of surgeries for my DH. It saved me money in the long run, so everything works out for a reason!

 

[disneynutz]

We were/are the perfect couple for DVC, but the guide just didn't mesh with our personality. We had scheduled for a different guide prior to touring that I had previously talked with, but she wasn't available that day or at that time and we didn't know until we had arrived. On that day we literally arrived with cash in hand, but it was Disney's loss as we then turned to the resale community. Now we are actively looking after taking some time due to a few years of surgeries for my DH. It saved me money in the long run, so everything works out for a reason!

I can understand that you want to buy from someone that you mesh with but the reality is that all guides are forced to follow the same sales terms for everyone. It really doesn't matter who your guide is because unless you buy direct you will probably never talk to him/her again. Some of the senior seasoned guides will contact you if they feel that you might buy direct, some will just call to say hi, others will add you to their mailing list.

Glad that DH is feeling better, have fun during your search for the perfect contract.

Bill

 

[DMKEDM]

I wonder how many sales are lost to this "both spouses must be present" policy? (I had the same problem when I was buying new windows -- 22 of them! -- for my house). I am not married, but the question about my marital status so annoyed me that I just refused to do business with anyone who wouldn't schedule an appointment with "just me" (without ascertaining my marital status). That cost a couple of window sellers a $25,000+ job...but I was happy with the company that was happy to discuss my purchase with me, so I guess it doesn't really matter. I don't much care if it's "easier" for the seller...it's their job to sell me; it's not my job to make it "easier" for them to sell me! Argh. I HOPE you don't buy from anyone who would hand you that malarkey (thanks, Joe Biden)... hope your stars align again (soon!) and you get a chance to buy (hopefully resale from a seller who won't question your marital status before agreeing to sell to you!!!)...good luck.