Kudos to DVC

[NJShoreDad]

Our first experience with a timeshare presentation was in 2002 and was similar in a lot of ways to what the OP described in terms of being high pressure. I had been doing a lot of travel for work and staying in Marriott hotels so they sent me an offer for a 4-night stay at an Orlando Marriott timeshare resort but we had to take the "short" presentation and tour. The resort itself was okay but certainly not overwhelming. What was overwhelming was the awful experience we had with the timeshare presentation. They wouldn't let up even though we were pretty adamant that we weren't going to buy - we don't make large purchases on the "spur of the moment". I kept telling them that I would need to do some research but they were insistent that we had to buy right then and there otherwise the offer would be invalid. We were finally let go (after going through several "layers" of salespeople/managers, etc.) it really seemed like we were being held captive, that is how bad it was. I had no problem sitting through a reasonable presentation and proper salespitch - after all we were staying at the resort for a very low rate, but the whole thing was a very negative experience.

Our first experience with DVC was a day or so later - we saw the kiosk at DTD and decided to see what DVC was about and made an appointment. It was low-pressure and quite a pleasant experience in comparison to the one at Marriott. We were told up front that we did not have to buy on the spot and were able to take the materials home and look them over. Our guide said we could call with questions and they would be happy to do the transaction over the phone and via FedEx for the paperwork. At that time it didn't fit our budget. At least so we thought - now, looking at the low prices at the time I wish we had bought at that time.

We bought at BLT last year - I would say it was a great experience. Not a lot of pressure, our guide spent time with us as we considered the options of pricing and which home resort, etc. It was a pleasant experience.

Perhaps there are other timeshare companies that also are low pressure, and maybe Marriott has improved (9 years later), but that first experience really set the tone for us.

 

[BeesKnees]

It didn't take long for the tide to turn. She asked us if spending time together was important to us. "yes, of course." Then why don't you want to invest in a vacations. Do you know the divorce rate of people that don't vacation together.

I would have never let her get away with saying something this stupid to me. I would have immediately answered "If a couple can't stand each other enough to take vacations together I expect it is really high."

I should go to that presentation. I would find great delight in someone trying to bully me. It would turn out so badly for them. By the time I was done they would be glad to be rid of me.

 

[chalee94]

Those of you that own both DVC and another timeshare...What do you like/dislike about DVC in comparison?

i own a week at a small owner-managed resort in NC in addition to DVC.

(and i still haven't ever been to a timeshare presentation. they seem like a waste of time to me, at best.)

*DVC is great for onsite wdw stays...and the flexibility is nice.

*i like that DVC is very open about their system. it was very easy to research on the web to find out about costs, dues and general operating policies. other timeshares are a bit more murky and it took me longer to get comfortable.

BUT DVC is a LOT more expensive.

*my other timeshare cost $1 on ebay (actually less than that since the prior owner paid 1/2 the first year's dues.)

*annual dues for my other 2BR timeshare are generally about half of DVC dues for a DVC 2BR.

if i wanted, i could trade my week in NC for a DVC week (with less flexibility than using DVC points, tho') but i enjoy the other trades for non-wdw trips right now.

*i'd also agree with Jim about the lack of a full membership in RCI (or II) for DVC members. it's nice to have access to the cheap last minute rentals.

 

[chalee94]

Perhaps there are other timeshare companies that also are low pressure, and maybe Marriott has improved (9 years later), but that first experience really set the tone for us.

i've stayed at 3 marriotts through my other timeshare: in vegas, hilton head and st kitts. accommodations and service were all first rate.

as i said, i've never been to a sales presentation and never been hassled to go (invited each time by the marriotts - each time i decline - no problem.)

as dean said, don't confuse the sales side with the actual timeshare operations. the sales people can only make a living if you buy - if you don't, they may feel you are wasting their time and if they are unprofessional, they may vent. it has even happened with some DVC guides. it's a risk you take.

 

[Dean]

Perhaps there are other timeshare companies that also are low pressure, and maybe Marriott has improved (9 years later), but that first experience really set the tone for us.

I've had many tours with Marriott and while none were as low pressure as DVC (too low pressure, IMO) all were appropriate and professional. Can't say that about some others though. As Chalee noted, not everyone's experience with a DVC tour has been positive either.

 

[minandmick]

Such a wealth on information. Thanks everyone!

So, without going to the presentations, what is the best way to find out about different timeshares available? I'm having a hard time finding it on the internet.

I just want to be very informed before we purchase anything.

Also, let me bounce this thought I had today off all of you as well....

we a 3 month emergency fund set up (along with retirement) and we were planning on saving $$ to buy DVC with cash.... however, would it make more financial sense to save/invest the money we would spend on the timeshare and finance a resale DVC paying it off early?

I'm open to all thoughts and opinions as long as I don't have to wear a flame-retardant outfit.

 

[Doug7856]

Such a wealth on information. Thanks everyone!

So, without going to the presentations, what is the best way to find out about different timeshares available? I'm having a hard time finding it on the internet...

I think the best place to research timeshares is TUG! Check out http://tug2.net/.

Have fun dreaming and planning!

 

[Dean]

Such a wealth on information. Thanks everyone!

So, without going to the presentations, what is the best way to find out about different timeshares available? I'm having a hard time finding it on the internet.

I just want to be very informed before we purchase anything.

Also, let me bounce this thought I had today off all of you as well....

we a 3 month emergency fund set up (along with retirement) and we were planning on saving $$ to buy DVC with cash.... however, would it make more financial sense to save/invest the money we would spend on the timeshare and finance a resale DVC paying it off early?

I'm open to all thoughts and opinions as long as I don't have to wear a flame-retardant outfit.

Spend 6 months investigating. Decide what you tend to like and where you would normally go. Think about how important the resort itself is to you and how flexible you are. I'd look at places like Timeshare Forums and the Timeshare Users Groups. I'd look at the online directory (both accessible to non members) for the two main exchange companies (II and RCI) and see who has where you want to go. In general I'd steer most novice's to other mini points systems like Wyndham, Bluegreen, WorldMark, Shell, Hilton, etc.

As for dollars, non DVC timeshares will be a great deal more cost effective than DVC to accomplish similar goals, assuming you've done your investigation and look at resale. For a similar product assume pennies on the dollar to get into the system and dues about 2/3 to 3/4 that of a comparable DVC option. For many I think a DVC and non DVC option together can be a good fit for someone who feels spending a significant amount of money extra for on property is worth it. Here are a few examples for comparison to get you an idea.

• DVC for a 2 BR for a week Dream Season around 285 points at SSR or $15000 resale with yearly dues in the $1500 range a year.
• Bluegreen would be essentially free to buy in resale plus closing, maybe $500 or so total to get a week at the Fountains in a 2 BR with yearly fees around $1000. For that you'd get free RCI full access as well and direct access to all BG resorts. Potentially you could trade to DVC as well but that's not something to count on.
• Wyndham should be Similar in costs, maybe a little higher fees comparatively and they have the Bonnet Creek resort, somewhat on DVC property.
• Marriott would be more variable but one should be able to buy in to say Grande Vista in Orlando for $2-3K with fees in the $1200 range. If you wanted to exchange you'd have to pay for II, maybe another $100 a year. For that you'd get internal trading preference to other Marriott's, direct access to some other FL properties (at 6 months out) and the possibility of trading for 2 weeks a year due to the lockoff feature.

There are many other options and variations, just pointing out some idea of what you can do. I can normally trade to most places for a cost of around $300 total including fees and purchase price allotment for a week, add another $95 if I trade into DVC,which I do regularly even though we own.

 

[ems_mom]

I am so sorry for the OP's hard-sell timeshare experience. I empathize and understand that feeling because I experienced it myself many years ago.

My DH and I went to Cancun for our honeymoon 27+ years ago. It was just being developed; the hotel was beautiful and relatively inexpensive and the service was wonderful. We did see construction going on, but it was not a major distraction.

Three years later we returned for an anniversary trip. Wow how things had changed! We got talked into a timeshare presentation in exchange for a "free" dinner at a restaurant we had loved on our honeymoon.

One of the worst experiences of my life! We were literally held hostage in a room. My husband had to threaten to call the police (and actually physically threatened the sales guy) to get out of the building. There were multiple rooms and curtains. We really wanted to make a run for it but didn't know where to go. Honestly, we were scared for our physical safety! It was, sign this and we will let you go. Not a good memory.

DVC was the polar opposite. I never dreamed DH would be interested but he was the one who stopped at a booth and had us taking the tour. No pressure other than we may not get a year of "developer points" if we waited for so much time.

We got rides to and from, drinks and snacks, a private room to discuss the details, and a visit to the ice cream parlor.

Night and day.

 

[chalee94]

So, without going to the presentations, what is the best way to find out about different timeshares available? I'm having a hard time finding it on the internet.

I just want to be very informed before we purchase anything.

I would recommend spending 6 months or so doing your homework on TUG as well. Read through random threads in the different forums to see what certain owners like and don't like. (I believe Starwood owners have complained that they don't have the right to book a certain week and trade it through II - Starwood gets to choose the week deposited for them which often results in lower trading power...things like that.)

The number one rule for non-DVC timeshares is that they are very easy to buy but often MUCH harder to sell. Here are some issues that might be worth considering:

*what is the upfront cost for a resale? (Scout on ebay – completed listings to get an idea.)

*what are the annual maintenance fees? (Scout TUG.) Some mini systems also have additional fees for things like calling “member services” to book or cancel a reservation, or additional charges for housekeeping/cleaning.

*what is the risk of a special assessment - which are additional maintenance fees to take care of issues that the original MFs didn’t budget for? (This is a tough one to figure.)

*if trading becomes difficult, is your timeshare one you actually would be happy to use?

*do you want a weeks-based timeshare or a points-based timeshare?

*do you want a fixed week or a floating week? A fixed week guarantees you the same week every year to use, rent or trade (great if you have something like a 4th of July week) – a floating week can give you more options or it can mean you wind up having to take a week you don’t want or that has less trading value…homework needs to be done if you are looking at a floating week.

*what season do you need? Platinum costs more and may be critical for getting weeks when school is out (summers/holidays). In Hilton’s timeshare program, platinum contracts get you more points at the same maintenance fees as a silver contract. But if you are trading for lower demanded times and areas, you may not need the trading power of a platinum contract and can save some money…

*is your timeshare resort in driving distance in case airfare gets unreasonable?

*if it is within driving distance, does it have “day privileges?” Most don’t, but some timeshares will let owners swing by and use the pool and facilities if things are not crowded.

*is your timeshare affiliated with II or RCI (or both)? This may limit your options –if your timeshare is II-only, you can’t trade for RCI-only resorts like DVC. If RCI-only, you can’t trade for II-only resorts like most of the Marriotts.

*are you brand sensitive? If you own a Marriott week and trade through II, you have a preference over non-marriott owners (if a Marriott week is deposited, for the first few days or weeks, only Marriott owners have the option to trade for it). Starwood owners get a similar benefit for Starwood trade requests.

*does your timeshare have a lock-off feature? As Dean said, a Marriott Grande Vista 2BR can be used or traded as a 2BR, or it can be locked-off into a 1BR and a studio, which you can use, rent or trade separately. If you are trading into a situation with a lot of availability (such as Orlando), you can sometimes trade up in size to get a 2BR with a smaller unit.

 

[MukilteoSailor]

This has been a very eye opening thread. A lot of great info here from such a bad experience. Thanks for sharing.

 

[taaren]

We had a similar experience in Las Vegas when we went to get free tickets on our honeymoon last year. Were promised a 90 minute presentation, but it took well over 4 hours of brutally emotional pitching. On the limo ride back to our hotel I said "Honey, let's do a DVC add-on"! Now that we had seen what was out there, we knew we just wanted to stay longer/larger units at our home resorts and called TSS that day, made an offer that was accepted that weekend since a near-perfect contract happened to be available and our guide said they had just sold out of points in our UY that month.

My sister-in-law sells Wyndham, and she's one of the exit room people, but so sweet I can't imagine her bullying like the people I saw in Vegas and you described. Similarly, we own a Marriott and have gone to several presentations to hear the pitch to add weeks/points over the years and they were higher pressure than DVC but still classy and did not want to make a sale if we were going to rescind, going so far as to having us sign the contract but not pulling the trigger on funding until we were "completely comfortable" and had 24 hours to think about it since we were on the fence. (I think it helps that the salespeople get negative points for selling people contracts that they pull out of within the 10 day mark so they want to make sure you want it/know what you're getting into with the larger, brand-name timeshares like Hilton/Marriott/Wyndham/DVC).