???just starting to consider DVC

[mickey'sbud]

We are just starting to consider DVC and I'm not sure where to post this.
I got a card in the mail saying "...call now to receive your free Disney Vacation Club video. And be sure to ask about our limited-time, complimentary vacation offer."
If I call, do they start a "high-pressure" sales pitch? The last thing I want is high pressure. And, if we go to "see" or "hear" their pitch, is it high-pressered? And when they say "complimentary vacation offer", is it really, or do you spend ALL you time listening to a pitch that goes on forever. We went to one for a golf community and it lasted for hours and it was hard to finally get away. It made me not ever want to investigate anything similar again!
We love Disney and we have been about 6 times. We even went one year for a long wkend just to enjoy the resort--we didn't even go into the parks that time and we had a great time.
I appreciate any info you could provide. Also, where can I get additional info to research this, before we even think about hearing a "sales" pitch.
Thanks!

 

[tjkraz]

You will NOT get the hard sell. In fact, if you want a referral to a great DVC Guide (salesman), send me a PM. From the time we called for a video to the time we agreed to buy we NEVER received an solicited phone call and he never even tried to "close the deal." In fact, his parting words after our first brief conversation were "well, you know where to find me when you're ready to move forward."

99% of current DVC members will tell you a story just like the above.

As far as getting info, read as much as you can on this board and don't be afraid to ask questions. There is a FAQ linked above with basic info.

Getting the video from DVC is also a wise move. Last time I saw one they are only about 20 minutes long, but will give you a good, high-level overview of the program and resorts.

 

[princess mom]

i agree, you'll get no pressure to buy...i was nervous to make the call as well (didn't want the sales pitch), well, my guide just answered my questions and sent more info, and said if you have any more questions call me...he also said that he was out of the office a lot, so to leave a voice mail and he'd return my call...and he did every time. Never once did i feel and type of pressure to buy. I did as much research as i could...mostly on this board, you'll find a wealth of knowlege here. Everyone is very helpful and someone can and will answer your questions!! Best Wishes!!!! missy

 

[rmontgo892]

No "hard sell!" We were staying at the Polynesian back in 1993 and called then and there for information and to set up a "tour." We actually enjoyed it!! It was a fantastic experience from beginning to end. We were skeptical, to say the least! For our family, DVC is the perfect fit and we have been able to share vacations with extended family and friends! Since you enjoy Walt Disney World vacations then learning anything "new" about the place can only be a positive!

Posting and asking questions here for research is a great start! I had "no computer" back then so the internet can be a wealth of information for many now! The fact that the "disney" name/brand is associated with DVC(Disney Vacation Club) is a plus for most people!

Obviously, the "official" material is the best way to start and having a forum like this to ask a question when your not clear on something can really help!

Good luck!!

 

[JimMIA]

You will NOT get the hard sell. In fact, if you want a referral to a great DVC Guide (salesman), send me a PM. From the time we called for a video to the time we agreed to buy we NEVER received an solicited phone call and he never even tried to "close the deal." In fact, his parting words after our first brief conversation were "well, you know where to find me when you're ready to move forward."

99% of current DVC members will tell you a story just like the above.

Agreed, except that I've yet to see that 1%! No pressure, none, zero. When you visit, plan on 1 1/2 to 2 hours to chat, take the tour, and discuss any questions you may have - but forget pressure.

The free vacation offer is a buying incentive. They have one basic price, but they package the incentives in different ways. One is getting 150-160 points "free" when you buy. Another is giving you $5-8 off the base price. Those options vary depending on specifically which alternative works out best for you. That's different for everybody, so discuss your situation with your guide and see which works best for you.

Also, check ALL of the incentives. Right now, they have a very attractive add-on incentive at SSR. It might be in your best interests to buy a minimum contract and one or more 120 point add-ons. Ask the guide about those options.

Follow tjkraz' excellent advice. Read all the FAQ you can find, ask as many questions as you can think of here, and then when you feel well-informed, call a guide.

 

[darner]

we didn't feel a hard sell...
initially we made a deposit and then cancelled it because we were "afraid" we'd feel too locked in to WDW vacation... no problems from DVC... but about two years later we came back around and took the plunge... and no hassles from DVC (they still had us in their system and knew about our previous decision to cancel)... Things have been great ever since and we've gone on numerous non-DVC vacations in between the DVC trips (including non-Florida DVC trips). With our next DVC resort trip we will be at break even on our initial purchase.

--
If you think you'll enjoy going to WDW every other year or so for the next 10 years or so, you'll likely break even on your purchase... And have many wonderful memories...

 

[DizneyNutz]

We have never even taken a tour yet, but I think we will. We contacted the number for the video and other information. It was sent to us with no problem. We called back with questions after watching the video and I told DW that she had better be prepared for the have to get rude and hang up if they won't take no for an answer routine, but I assure you I was completely wrong and surprised that our (agent to be) was completey helpful answering any and all questions and even telling us to take some time to think about whatever decision we made. (I think it is reverse psyhcology) You know! Why are they not pressuring us??? They want to keep it all for themselves and have all the fun!! BUT I'LL NOT BE DENIED So needless to say we are now happy owners and with no pressure sales at all Don't even hesitate to make the call or any call for that matter for fear of pressure there, because it won't happen.

 

[Cruelladeville]

I agree, there was no pressure. I had to beg to have someone show us around! They said,"well, OK, if you really want to..." What was up with that, I wondered? I had been on lots of high-pressure tours, so it was a real surprise! Then, after I had been shown around, they said thanks, and here's the number to call if you are interested in hearing the specifics about the program. Can you tell me now, or is it a secret? I asked, and that's when they finally told me how the program worked, and $$$.

I had resisted every high pitch I had ever heard(4 of them), but I fell for Disney's easy pitch. Of course, the product had something to do with it.

 

[O2BNWDW]

We are just starting to consider DVC and I'm not sure where to post this.
I got a card in the mail saying "...call now to receive your free Disney Vacation Club video. And be sure to ask about our limited-time, complimentary vacation offer."
If I call, do they start a "high-pressure" sales pitch? The last thing I want is high pressure. And, if we go to "see" or "hear" their pitch, is it high-pressered? And when they say "complimentary vacation offer", is it really, or do you spend ALL you time listening to a pitch that goes on forever. We went to one for a golf community and it lasted for hours and it was hard to finally get away. It made me not ever want to investigate anything similar again!
We love Disney and we have been about 6 times. We even went one year for a long wkend just to enjoy the resort--we didn't even go into the parks that time and we had a great time.
I appreciate any info you could provide. Also, where can I get additional info to research this, before we even think about hearing a "sales" pitch.
Thanks!

There is no Hard Sell. Gather your information take your time. Hopefully you will make the best decision of your life like so many of us here on the DVC boards!

 

[senecabeach]

My guide was just wonderful and very patient with me...absolutely no pressure!! He told me "not to buy today"...go home...think it over...call if you have questions... WOW...so UNLIKE a salesperson!!

I instantly knew there was NO hidden agenda..and totally trusted what I was hearing! Yes...I went home with much reading material..did my homework...then called my guide at the end of the week to purchase!!

The current SSR incentive is $8. off per point + not paying the maintenance fee until 2006.

BTW....rumors have it that the prices will rise again sometime this summer!!

I sent you a pm...