Used car salesmen are often held up as a stereotype for fast-talking, flashy and overly aggressive individuals who use manipulation and deceit to offload unreliable clunkers. 
 
And yet, compared to a timeshare company sales agent, those stereotypical used cars salesmen pretty much look like models of integrity.
 
At least a used car sales agent sells you something that actually gets you where you want to go (well, usually…at least for a while).
 
And the timeshare folks?
 
Well, take a scroll through the hundreds of complaints owners have filed with the Better Business Bureau against Capital Vacations and you’ll find there are no guarantees you’ll get anywhere with a Capital Vacations timeshare.
 
Here’s one that shows you exactly what we mean.
 
“We are filing this complaint to address the deceptive and unethical practices of Capital Vacations, which have caused us significant financial harm and rendered our timeshare useless.”
 
“We attended a presentation where we were shown brochures of enticing vacation options. After purchasing the lowest-level package, we quickly discovered it was worthless, offering no access to the destinations promised.”
 
It’s kind of like buying a car that you can’t even drive off the lot. Not even a used car sales dealer can get away with that. 
 
“Later, we were pressured into attending another presentation where [Capital Vacations] sales representatives claimed we need to upgrade to access any meaningful benefits.” 
 
Oh, so you wanted a car with an engine?
 
That costs extra!
 
“Since purchasing the timeshare, we have been unable to use it any meaningful way.” “Every attempt to book accommodations has been met with roadblocks, even with months of notice. For example, over 16 months and countless follow-ups, we were unable to secure a single booking for our son’s honeymoon.”
 
You wanted the car to work on the days you planned on driving?
 
You should have said so!
 
“When accommodations were available, the costs matched or exceeded prices on platforms like Expedia, making the timeshare financially impractical.”
 
You could have bought a car that actually works…for less?
 
Not our problem!
 
“The locations offered are often inconvenient and far from central attractions and the financial burden of ownership far exceed what we would spend on better accommodations elsewhere.”
 
The car won’t go exactly where you want to?
 
Sorry, not sorry.
 
“Capital Vacations has failed to deliver on every promise made during their misleading sales presentations.”
 
We think Capital Vacations’ sales practices make the used car business look pretty good by comparison.
 
No wonder somewhere between 70% and 85% of timeshare owners regret buying a timeshare.
 
But finally, there may be some hope on the horizon.

U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502), which is essentially a long overdue “bill of rights” to prevent timeshare consumers from being sold a dream and delivered a nightmare.  

The Timeshare Transparency Act (TTA) sets out clear, commonsense requirements for timeshare companies, so consumers understand exactly what they are purchasing:  

• Total Cost Disclosure: Requires a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs (including fee increases).
• 14-Day Cancellation Period: Grants buyers in all states a 14-day, penalty-free period to cancel contracts.
• Exit Options: Requires clear, documented procedures for exiting ownership.
• Review Period: Allows buyers to review documents privately without high-pressure sales staff present.
• FTC Enforcement: Empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these regulations. 

To be considered further by the U.S. Congress, the Timeshare Transparency Act needs more support. If you agree, contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representative.  Tell them you support the Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502).  

• Find your Senator: senate.gov
• Find your Representative: house.gov

While we are at it, let’s also email Travis Bary, the co-president of Capital Vacations, at tbary@capitalvacations.com.  Wonder if he has any plans for his agents to become at least as trustworthy as used car sales people.
 
You would think Jason Gamel, the President and CEO of American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the trade association for the timeshare industry, wants Capital Vacations to aim higher. Let’s email him at jason.gamel@arda.org to find out if he has any plans to get Capital Vacations to do better.
 
Are your timeshare benefits less reliable than your car? Use the information in this list of ARDA VIPs to ask your company’s leaders why that is.
 
Has your timeshare company broken all its promises? Tell us how at info@timesharefacts.com. 
 
PS:  Follow us on social media.  Twitter   Facebook   Instagram  LinkedIn  Threads