Timeshare Presentations - How to act?

[Hillbeans]

I'll preface this by saying we went down last week and part of our stay was with a 4 night deal with the Marriott Grande Vista. We weren't able to stay on-site due to Spring Break crowds, but we had a nice room at the Renaissance, with tickets to Sea World in exchange for us sitting through a semi-soft sell 90 minute sales presentation.

We did in fact like the Grande Vista, and in all respects could see buying there or some type of timeshare in the future. We went into it saying "no matter what, we agree that the answer is no".

How do you, then, approach the sales pitch if you actually do like the product, yet want to really "think it over". We did the presentation, myself, husband and 3 yo, and we pretty much agreed with all the salesperson had to say. How do we then, say no? By the time we hit the 2 hour mark, our son was really antsy and wanted to go. My husband said we never make on the spot decisions that would cost that much money, and even cited an example of a car we'd bought for more money days later after "thinking it over" just as to not be pressured.

My question is twofold...1) if you like the product, yet don't really want it, how do you say no, not interested and 2) do you fake that you're not interested to make the salesperson just speed through. We spent close to 2 hours even though we knew we wouldn't buy. I'm sure some people walk into these things watching their clock when it hits the 90 minute mark. I don't like to lead people on, and we had some interest in the product, however I feel we wasted an extra 45 minutes getting the "financial guy" to come in to talk with us when we had no interest in buying.

 

[Pop Daddy]

dont go, dont get it, even if you like it

 

[joshsmom]

I was faced with this very issue on Valentine's day this year. DS and I went to Branson, MO and I didn't even go there with ANY intention of LISTENING to a sales pitch for a time share. Somehow I got myself roped into one. And, I REALLY liked the property and the network of properties. We LOVE to travel, but we have so many bills with Josh's medical issues. So I fought with myself--could I afford it or not? They really sweetened the deal SEVERAL times andI finally decided to buy. I have FOUGHT with this decision since--and am STILL fighting with it. Should I resell it? Shoudl I keep it? I don't know. I wish I would have never gone to the stupid sales pitch.

I didn't answer your question AT ALL, but I was going to post about this dilema several times and decided not to. So, you gave me an out!

Sorry--long post. Please don't hate me PopDaddy.

 

[Pop Daddy]

long post

 

[faithinkarma]

We did the presentation at Disney. We were really interested, but not at that time. We made it clear that this was just an information gathering session.

Just remember you have no obligation to buy !

Don't forget, these salespeople ( not the Disney ones of course ) have studied hard to know how to push your buttons. It is a battle of wills between you and them and you must not let them win.

 

[joshsmom]

BUMP--I'm interested to hear from others about this!

 

[Hillbeans]

This was the first time ever we listened to a timeshare presentation and we looked at it as a fact gathering session. In addition, we didn't know the first thing about timeshare ownership either, and would never decide that after 90 minutes to buy something that costs many many thousands of dollars, no matter how great the property is and how nice the salesperson is. When we buy a car, we research and read up and review. Granted, they sweetened the deal a lot to the point where we probably could have a trip to Hawaii with the points gained, however that wouldn't sway us. I couldn't imagine being on vacation and feeling that sinking feeling that we just signed our life away for a timeshare and went into debt for vacation.

My DH felt bad after the presentation that we didn't buy because we liked it, but then I reminded him about the maintenance fees we'd be paying for life and he then agreed we did the right thing.

Maybe at some point we'll get a timeshare, but we will not be pressured into buying anything. I also felt a little weird the rest of the day that we spent time on our vacation at a sales pitch.

 

[Lisa F]

I've found that when dealing with salespeople every word you say is something for them to latch on with to attempt to convince you to buy. "oh we can't afford it right now" means that they have to go into a half hour of financing options. "we like your property but we want to think about it" means if they keep pushing hard enough they might get you to change your mind. I think you should keep it simple and leave it at that. Maybe even take an honesty is the best policy and say you just took the presentation for the free seaworld tickets (though that might make them mad). Just don't tell them anything they could latch onto with an additional sales pitch.

 

[DawnCt]

I've been to a few timeshare presentations for the gift only. Sometimes its sizable. One offered $200 off on our luau in Hawaii, another was a $100 dinner at the Hanalei Bay Resort, so I do think it is worth some of my time to attend a presentation. I find out the rules in advance. Usually there is a requirement that you must stay between 1 and 2 hours to get the gift. When I am asked why I am there and why I came, I always say, "I came for the gift". Even if I do like it, I find fault with the accommodations, the location, the financial arrangements, lack of flexibility, etc. etc. I also tell them up front that I would NEVER buy a time share and I give them economic reason why I wouldn't. Typically, "X amount of dollars invested at Y% yields Z dollars, I maintain my principle and can go anywhere I want with the proceeds". When they show me how costs can eventually exceed my annual income if I live long enough, I repeat the formula and remind them that costs can only approach what the market will bear. When my time requirement is filled, I tell them I am ready to collect my free gift and insist on leaving. My husband is less comfortable with this approach and tends to listen and nod so as not to offend. I feel that I am doing the sales person a favor by being honest about why I came and putting them out of their misery early. I was actually asked to leave a time share presentation early due to my obvious lack of interest and the fear that my mathmatic formula would contaminate other potential buyers. When the salesperson suggested that I not waste my time or his in the future. I reminded him that I don't make $200 an hour. If you like it and it is something you want to do in the future, you have seen the place. Keep your favorable opinion to yourself and look for it on the secondary market. Timeshares sell often for pennies on the dollar. Buy wisely. Its your money.

 

[DawnCt]

Also, you would be surprised at what offers you can take advantage of and not even have to attend a presentation. We are going to the Big Island this summer. I was able to get a room at a great resort, one that we already had reservations at for an incredible rate. It was offered as part of a timeshare presentation. I told them that I would take the room, I would pre pay it but no way would we accept the requirement that we attend the timeshare presentation. I am booked at the resort. I have confirmed it with the hotel directly, I am pre paid and I am "UNHOOKED", as the term goes. Remember, you are in charge of your own time and money.

 

[ckr]

Tell them that you never buy from the developer. You always buy re-sale for THOUSANDS less!

Do your homework on this before you go. Check out ebay and see what the particular resort is going for. Not many go for more than $5k, but Marriot may be one of them.

Ask them to add you to their list to call if they ever get any forclosures or other such units that they would sell for under $5k.

We usually start the presentation with this tidbit and let them know that we are just looking to see if THEIR resort would fit our likes/needs. "Sell us on buying into this resort instead of that one, but know that we won't be buying from your full-price developer inventory."

Then, if they don't catch on, start listing the things you didn't like about their resort that they cannot argue about. If it's a large resort, say you like smaller, intimate resorts. If the decor is contemporary, say you like rustic. If they have a huge pool complex, say you don't swim. If they say you can trade all over the world, say you don't want to pay trading fees and plan to buy where you'll vacation most. Finally, tell them you already own Disney Vacation Club and will probably just buy more points. That always shuts them down!

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by ckr
."

Then, if they don't catch on, start listing the things you didn't like about their resort that they cannot argue about. If it's a large resort, say you like smaller, intimate resorts. If the decor is contemporary, say you like rustic. If they have a huge pool complex, say you don't swim. If they say you can trade all over the world, say you don't want to pay trading fees and plan to buy where you'll vacation most. Finally, tell them you already own Disney Vacation Club and will probably just buy more points. That always shuts them down!

Finding fault with the resort always works. I remember walking outside with the salesman in Newport, RI. I sniffed and said, "What IS that smell??" When he told me that it was the fresh ocean air I said, "Yuck, it smells like dead fish to me".

 

[phorsenuf]

My husband and I just did a presentation at a place in VT. I'll admit, I just wanted the freebies
Anyways, when they were shouwing us the accomondations and I turned the corner to climb the 3rd set of stairs I asked if they had an elevator in the place. He said no. When it came time to say yay or nay (and of course we said nay) they asked why. I told him I have problems with my legs that will probably get worse and prevent me from climbing stairs and since I wouldn't be able to access the room it won't work for me. Needless to say there was nothing they could come back with to get us to change our minds. It just happened to work out real good for us.

 

[binny]

we went to one and just told the guy right up front. We arent interested.

I said " this just isnt our thing" and he said " ok I can understand that but we still have t go through the schpeil" I said fine so we all played this little game, had a nice breakfast and walked away with our free tix to Sea World it WAS a nice resort though and had we been interested we would have considered it

 

[binny]

Originally posted by DawnCt
Finding fault with the resort always works. I remember walking outside with the salesman in Newport, RI. I sniffed and said, "What IS that smell??" When he told me that it was the fresh ocean air I said, "Yuck, it smells like dead fish to me".

ROFLMBO!
that is classic!

 

[Hillbeans]

I've never worked in sales, minus some retail in college, and can't imagine how these people do this for a living. I guess if they really believe in the product they're selling, it's easy, but it just seems like a very tough gig. They know people are on their vacations and probably only 10% have some moderate interest in the product while the other 90% just want a freebie. I hope they make lots of money to do this day in and day out, it must get frustrating.

 

[faithinkarma]

I was actually asked to leave a time share presentation early due to my obvious lack of interest and the fear that my mathmatic formula would contaminate other potential buyers.

I love it !!! Good for you !!!

 

[Hillbeans]

LOL, that would have been very funny to see!

 

[PhotobearSam]

I'm thingking of using this one on my next timeshare tour...

" I'm sorry but all my income comes from illegal activities and I can't have anything in my name in case the IRS/Canada Customs and Revenue agencies come looking...I'm sure you will understand if I decline your offer on these grounds..."

What do you think? Will it work? Now don't steel it...I am going to try it out next trip.

Dh thinks they'll have a cute answer for this too...

 

[DawnCt]

Originally posted by PhotobearSam
I'm thingking of using this one on my next timeshare tour...

" I'm sorry but all my income comes from illegal activities and I can't have anything in my name in case the IRS/Canada Customs and Revenue agencies come looking...I'm sure you will understand if I decline your offer on these grounds..."

What do you think? Will it work? Now don't steel it...I am going to try it out next trip.

Dh thinks they'll have a cute answer for this too...

While it might be funny at the time, you don't want to say anything about yourself that is disparaging or that you wouldn't want repeated in a serious conversation. I would rather be "smarter than they are".