Going to a timeshare presentation. What would you do?

[SetzKitten]

Here's the situation. DH and I have been separated for 2 years, on friendly but reserved terms, and live totally separate lives.

A few months ago, he and a "friend" went on vacation and did a timeshare presentation. He got roped into purchasing an "explorer package", that obligated him to go to another presentation in exchange for vacation points. Well, apparently, he didn't read the fine print because he must bring his spouse to the second presentation or else they will fine him what I consider to be a significant amount of money. In the time since the first presentation, he got laid off, so finances for him are limited.

So now, because we're friendly enough that I won't let him down, I'm obligated to go to this timeshare presentation 2 states away, even though I didn't agree to or sign anything.

Besides the fact that I've basically been railroaded into this, two things tick me off. First, for the amount of money he spent on the "explorer package", I could have gotten about 10 nights at the Dolphin with my employer discount. Second, he'll get vacation points for going to the presentation,which he won't be spending on me. So basically, I'm bailing out his butt for nothing in return. But that's my choice. I can't justify throwing away money because I'm stubborn and he's an idiot.

So, since I've never been to one of these presentations, I'm wondering what the best way to handle it is. Should I tell them up front the situation and act all ticked off to be there, which I will be, or sit quietly and let them ramble. I could really see this as a lot of fun if I played my cards right.

One other thing, I read online where they ask lots of questions. Is it ok if I just tell them I don't share personal information, and since I wasn't interested and didn't contact them in the first place, I won't be sharing anything with them? The contract only states that we both have to show up for a presentation, not that I had to provide any information to them.

I can guarantee you, when the hour is up, my butt will be out the door whether they're finished or not.

Let me know how you handled your timeshare presentation.

 

[undertheradar]

Here's the situation. DH and I have been separated for 2 years, on friendly but reserved terms, and live totally separate lives.

A few months ago, he and a "friend" went on vacation and did a timeshare presentation. He got roped into purchasing an "explorer package", that obligated him to go to another presentation in exchange for vacation points. Well, apparently, he didn't read the fine print because he must bring his spouse to the second presentation or else they will fine him what I consider to be a significant amount of money. In the time since the first presentation, he got laid off, so finances for him are limited.

So now, because we're friendly enough that I won't let him down, I'm obligated to go to this timeshare presentation 2 states away, even though I didn't agree to or sign anything.

Besides the fact that I've basically been railroaded into this, two things tick me off. First, for the amount of money he spent on the "explorer package", I could have gotten about 10 nights at the Dolphin with my employer discount. Second, he'll get vacation points for going to the presentation,which he won't be spending on me. So basically, I'm bailing out his butt for nothing in return. But that's my choice. I can't justify throwing away money because I'm stubborn and he's an idiot.

So, since I've never been to one of these presentations, I'm wondering what the best way to handle it is. Should I tell them up front the situation and act all ticked off to be there, which I will be, or sit quietly and let them ramble. I could really see this as a lot of fun if I played my cards right.

One other thing, I read online where they ask lots of questions. Is it ok if I just tell them I don't share personal information, and since I wasn't interested and didn't contact them in the first place, I won't be sharing anything with them? The contract only states that we both have to show up for a presentation, not that I had to provide any information to them.

I can guarantee you, when the hour is up, my butt will be out the door whether they're finished or not.

Let me know how you handled your timeshare presentation.

Since you will get nothing out of it, why would you go? You are being used.

 

[wdwmom2]

I have only ever been to 1 timeshare presentation. They were VERY pushy!!!


If you decide to help him out and go along, I would offer absolutely NO personal information.

If they try, and they will, to get you involved in the conversation, just say, "I'm not interested". Then lather, rinse, repeat. Again. And again. And again!!!

You're a better person than me, OP. He got himself into this mess!!!!

 

[MEK]

Is this a location that you wouldn't mind visiting for a couple nights? I assume they are giving you a few nights "free" in exchange for the timeshare pitch.

How was your separated husband able to purchase some type of package in the first place without a spouse with him?

So many questions, but to answer your question. I would sit through the presentation and when they get to the numbers just politely decline. Say neither one of you are interested in adding any more vacations points at this time. End of story.

Since you are doing your ex a favor, I would not get into the specifics on your current relationship. There is nothing to be gained from that.

My husband and I did a timeshare presentation in April in Williamsburg, VA. We declined on the basis that I did not like the actual unit they were selling. I was very honest that it did not appeal to me and I was not interested. Unfortunately, our presentation was 3.5 hours and at the end I was fried. But we did walk away with $175 in gift cards and we got a free two night stay. Just hold your ground.

And one more thing - whatever awards or points he gets you should expect him to share with you. You should definitely get some kind of benefit from this.

 

[SetzKitten]

Since you will get nothing out of it, why would you go?

Because if I asked him for help, he'd help me.

To the other poster, the reason I thought I considered mentioning the situation is because the way it is now, neither of us can buy anything without the other until we're divorced, so they're just wasting their time. Would they really think I'd buy something with him so he can use it with someone else.

 

[hereyago]

Um let the friend he went withbefore pretend to be his new spouse. I highly doubt you would do something like he did for him to even bail you out. You can't claim to be railroaded, you do have a choice. He got himself into this he can deal with the consequences, don't enable him. This is not a emergency situation that he had no control of then needed your help, that would be something different. Also if you help what is to say he will get himself in another predicament and need your help again? As women we are fed the bs of "saving and helping" I say bs to that. Le2t him save himself this time and its 2 states away? Lol my time is too valuable for that kind of stuff.

 

[Acklander]

Usually there are other qualifications beyond the bring your spouse one. If you don't answer the income, and whatever else questions, it might end up the same as if he didn't show up. Have him fax you a copy of the contract before you make your decision

 

[bookgirl]

Here's the situation. DH and I have been separated for 2 years, on friendly but reserved terms, and live totally separate lives.

A few months ago, he and a "friend" went on vacation and did a timeshare presentation. He got roped into purchasing an "explorer package", that obligated him to go to another presentation in exchange for vacation points. Well, apparently, he didn't read the fine print because he must bring his spouse to the second presentation or else they will fine him what I consider to be a significant amount of money. In the time since the first presentation, he got laid off, so finances for him are limited.

So now, because we're friendly enough that I won't let him down, I'm obligated to go to this timeshare presentation 2 states away, even though I didn't agree to or sign anything.

Besides the fact that I've basically been railroaded into this, two things tick me off. First, for the amount of money he spent on the "explorer package", I could have gotten about 10 nights at the Dolphin with my employer discount. Second, he'll get vacation points for going to the presentation,which he won't be spending on me. So basically, I'm bailing out his butt for nothing in return. But that's my choice. I can't justify throwing away money because I'm stubborn and he's an idiot.

So, since I've never been to one of these presentations, I'm wondering what the best way to handle it is. Should I tell them up front the situation and act all ticked off to be there, which I will be, or sit quietly and let them ramble. I could really see this as a lot of fun if I played my cards right.

One other thing, I read online where they ask lots of questions. Is it ok if I just tell them I don't share personal information, and since I wasn't interested and didn't contact them in the first place, I won't be sharing anything with them? The contract only states that we both have to show up for a presentation, not that I had to provide any information to them.

I can guarantee you, when the hour is up, my butt will be out the door whether they're finished or not.

Let me know how you handled your timeshare presentation.

Do you have a legal seperation? If not you're still married enough and on the hook for whatever he signed up for. They can come after you if he defaults and since you were present at the meeting you had knowledge. I'd say don't go.

 

[happygirl]

I wouldn't go, but it nice you are willing to help him out.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Look at the requirements.. They will only want to 'pitch' to somebody who is gainfully employed with a min. income level.

He needs to let them know that he has been laid off...
Give back anything that they have given him so far....

YOU SHOULD DO - NOTHING....
DO NOT GO.

(except finalize a legal divorce to protect your best interests)

 

[happygirl]

Look at the requirements.. They will only want to 'pitch' to somebody who is gainfully employed with a min. income level.

He needs to let them know that he has been laid off...
Give back anything that they have given him so far....

YOU SHOULD DO - NOTHING....
DO NOT GO.

(except finalize a legal divorce to protect your best interests)

 

[ksjayhawks]

I agree with the others--do not go! Why should you put out time and money to bail him out? Unless he is giving you money, UPFRONT, to cover your gas, meals, and other expenses???

Even so, I would not go. If you don't show up, he will have to pay money, but at least (hopefully) you can't be held liable for anything.

 

[leebee]

Most of the timeshare presentations I've been to require both spouses to attend and you have to meet income requirements. Perhaps if you call them and explain that he's been laid off, they won't want you at the second presentation because he obviously doesn't meet income minimums... unless YOUR income puts you over the limits, in which case you probably need to go to the presentation or you'll be out that substantial sum you mentioned!

You really need to get divorced to protect yourself against actions like this. For as long as you are legally married, you are legally responsible for his debts. Not a happy position to be in!

 

[Peanut Giggleface]

Just keep in mind the fact that you're still married to him. If he decides to go ahead with the purchase of this timeshare, you're going to be held liable if he defaults.

As for visiting a timeshare presentation, I've never done it. We did attend one of those restricted membership only wholesale companies and that was pretty high pressured. We were much younger when we went and we could not afford the membership fee if we wanted to. They held us hostage for about an hour and a half trying to get us to commit even though we told them we couldn't afford it. One of them even blocked the door at one point. We finally had to be rude and just walk out (once the door was free).

 

[Gumbo4x4]

A few months ago, he and a "friend" went on vacation and did a timeshare presentation. He got roped into purchasing an "explorer package", that obligated him to go to another presentation in exchange for vacation points. Well, apparently, he didn't read the fine print because he must bring his spouse to the second presentation or else they will fine him what I consider to be a significant amount of money. In the time since the first presentation, he got laid off, so finances for him are limited.

Did the "friend" sign anything? Did the friend present herself as your husband's wife?

 

[LittleMissMagic]

I totally understand wanting to help him out, and I think that's great. If you think he would do that for you, definitely do it for him!

If it were me, I'd tell him I'd go and be his wife for the day as long as I get a free vacation out of it (not including the one he takes you on for the presentation).

Then, I'd ask him how he wants me to act. Does he really want to buy into this, or is he just doing it for the free vacation? Buying a timeshare is kind of like buying a car. You probably shouldn't act super excited about it, or you're going to be paying sticker price. It's a good idea to act a little bored (but attentive), point out flaws in the systems, reasons why this won't work for you, etc, and be prepared to talk to really overly-persuasive, often pushy people. And you very well might want to tell them that you are separated (you know, make it awkward on the guy....), especially if he doesn't really want to buy into this.

My guess is that the reason you need to be there is because you need to sign something. This is going to be a joint venture because you're still married. Make sure that you discuss how this is going to work out with him before you sign anything!!! Is he going to be paying for everything, and you're just signing because you have to? If that is the case, are you going to be contacted if he doesn't make a payment? Could the responsibility of paying off the timeshare fall into your hands if something happens to him (I'm guessing yes... another great reason to bring up the fact that you are separated to the salesman)? Do you have kids? Will the kids get the timeshare in his will? Lots and lots of questions!

 

[ChristmasElf]

If you have to do a timeshare, do Hilton. They are the most flexible.

But I know you posted that you are not interested at this time. Once they hear that your Dh is unemployed, they will not push you to buy.
Just decline and get the gift for your time and kick Dh's butt as you are both out the door.

 

[Bob NC]

Well, apparently, he didn't read the fine print because he must bring his spouse to the second presentation or else they will fine him what I consider to be a significant amount of money.

Can a timeshare company force you to remain happily married?

If he MUST bring his spouse, but you can prove you are separated and have been for quite some time, there must be a way out of this.

 

[johnsontrio]

Surefire way to cut your presentation to the minimum, research the resale market for the development that you are previewing on Ebay or tug2.net and print out as many resales as you can find. Research any timeshares that might be a competitor in the the same geographical area and print those out as well. Educate yourself on resales using TUG before you go and ask questions related to resales at the presentation. They will want you out of there before other folks around you hear what you are talking about. They will not keep you longer than required and may let you out early. Good Luck!