| Hands down… The number one timeshare horror story we hear from readers: Manipulative, high-pressure, inescapable sales tactics. It doesn’t matter which timeshare company. Not one of the stories we receive say anything about having a good time on vacation. How did we get here? It often starts with an offer for a free vacation, a free room at a resort, or tickets for special events – all for attending a “brief” timeshare sales pitch. Beautiful, even luxurious, timeshare options are offered as examples of all that could be possible in the world of timeshare…even if the sites do not yet exist. Pressure tactics We have shared many of our readers stories with you. Timeshare sales agents seem to be trained in tactics that heighten the pressure to buy. Most frustrating is when that short presentation turns into an hours-long showdown. Some readers report having to meet with several people, especially when they say they are not interested. Others report having to wait long times in between parts of the meeting. Some have tried to leave and are threatened with paying for the “free” accommodations if they don’t stay “until the end” of the never-ending presentation. Sales reps may say an offer is available only at that moment, just to make you act quickly. Others have claimed that cancellation is easy if you change your mind once home, but fail to provide the details about how quickly one must act. In the end, many of our readers say they gave in to exhaustion, signing anything just to get out of the room. How to Handle a Timeshare Sales Presentation The Federal Trade Commission works to protect and educate consumers. It offers some sound advice to help handle a timeshare or vacation club presentation we thought might be useful to share before folks head out on holiday vacations! Research the company before going to a presentation. “Search online for complaints about the resort developer and the management company offering the presentation. See what others are saying about them.” Don’t act on impulse or under pressure. “You’re committing to paying thousands of dollars — potentially for decades or for the rest of your life. Take time to make a decision you can live with.” Ask the salesperson why today is the “only” day they can offer you the deal. “The company sets the rates, so why aren’t those available later? This kind of rush is a warning sign: they may not want you to stop and think about what you’re getting into.” Ask about your ability to cancel the contract. “This is sometimes referred to as a “right of rescission” or a “cooling-off period” — a time when you can cancel the deal after you’ve signed the papers. State law or your contract may say how long this period is. If you decide to cancel, send a letter to the seller by certified mail and ask for a return receipt.” Study the paperwork on your own. “You have the right to get all promises in writing. If you’re looking to buy a timeshare in an undeveloped property, you also have a right to get a public offering statement. Take all of the documents with you after the presentation and review them on your own or with someone you trust before committing.” (or signing!!) If you have some “buyer beware” tips about timeshares, send them along to info@timesharefacts.com. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) represents timeshare companies in Washington, DC. Jason Gamel is the President and CEO of ARDA. Maybe he should hear how these sales tactics impact the lives of real people, not just the bottom line of timeshare companies. Let’s email him at jgamel@arda.org. Or… here is a list ARDA published of its VIPs across all its member companies. Maybe you can find your timeshare company executive and share your story with them too! Tell us your timeshare horror story, too. Send it to us at info@timesharefacts.com. PS: Follow us on social media. Twitter Facebook Instagram |
