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Author	Topic: Tell me if you go on promotion tours...
Quilter TUG Member Posts: 1662 From: MI Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-26-2000 17:17 We are stopping in MAR Palm Desert on the way back from Hawaii in June 2001. We have reservations but after browsing around TUG I saw talk of extensive promotion use. We're staying 3 days. Should we do this on a promotion tour instead of paying a daily rate. Already know the MAR spiel (owners) but wouldn't mind 90 minutes for 3 days. So--do you guys take advantage of these offers?
JLB TUG Member Posts: 7189 From: Add another 2500 posts!!! Table Rock Lake, Branson. Registered Dec. 2000 Registered: MAR 2002	posted 12-26-2000 19:56 That's how we got started timesharing 11 years ago. Really, really, really detest it now. We've done 1 in recent memory, mostly because the premium was so good, but somewhat because I wanted to see if the lying was better, worse, or about the same as before. Having confirmed the lying and BSing is at least as bad as before, probably worse, I feel I do not need to tour for many years, if ever again.
snelson TUG Volunteer Posts: 6520 From: Belly-View, WA. Owner: Embassy Poipu (floating); Winners Circle (Week 52), Raintree Vacation Club; Club Regina Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-26-2000 20:30 We do promos when we are interested in learning more about the resort (or Club) for possible future exchange and/or purchase. I am always very upfront with the sales person that we are not going to buy and what we are interested in learning from the presentation. ------------------ Steve Nelson If you want to sacrifice the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, go ahead, get married. - Katharine Hepburn
Fern Modena TUG Member Posts: 7601 From: Southern Nevada Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-26-2000 20:51 Personally I don't do promos. I haven't done one in at least several years, not even a "tout" once already at a location. I work hard, and want to relax when I am on vacation, and it just isn't worth it to me. If I want to see a unit (which I recently did in NOLA), then I just go to the resort's front desk and ask them. I've never been refused. That doesn't answer your question though. I think to answer it I need to ask you one. How do YOU feel about it? quote: Originally posted by Quilter: We are stopping in MAR Palm Desert on the way back from Hawaii in June 2001. We have reservations but after browsing around TUG I saw talk of extensive promotion use. We're staying 3 days. Should we do this on a promotion tour instead of paying a daily rate. Already know the MAR spiel (owners) but wouldn't mind 90 minutes for 3 days. So--do you guys take advantage of these offers? ------------------ Fern Modena, TUG Volunteer, Bulletin Board Manager http://timeshare-guru.com
MNdeeCA TUG Member Posts: 2825 From: Oceanside CA USA, Owner in SA at Dikhololo, Mt. A and Panache Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-26-2000 21:59 Because you are an owner and would have interest in not only the Palm Desert Springs Marriott (which is awesome, by the way) but the one in Newport Beach and others in the works, I see nothing wrong with doing the promo and asking lots of questions of the rep. As an owner, you would be a more likely buyer anyway. Besides you really DO "need" information in case you want to exchange during a MUCH COOLER season ) We recently did just a "walk-through" at the Newport Beach Villas and were given very courteous treatment. Even though we were obviously not going to buy, she gave us a packet with first day offers which she said would be good for the next month. Prices will be going up in the near future, of course. ------------------ www.glasslady.com
ysr_racer TUG Member Posts: 435 From: RSM, CA. USA Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-27-2000 07:40 I take 4 or 5 promos a year. When They ask me how much I spend on my vacations, I tell 'em, "usually about $89 for 3 days". They don't seem to think it's too funny, but it's the truth. Brad : )
tonyg TUG Member Posts: 6990 From: East Canaan, CT -- Own at:Royal Mayan, Seapointer Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-27-2000 08:12 Going on tours, seems to depend on 3 factors: 1) availability of "dead" time, 2) value of the incentive, and 3) Curiousity about the area resorts. Then there is the wife factor: Can I talk here into it ? And the annoyance factor: Westgate's resorts will never be toured again(wife's adamant decision). Generally if its a place I'm familiar with and have some time to burn, I'll try to talk the wife into it. If its a place where there is a beautiful beach and great weather--Forget about it. ------------------ in 1555, Nostradamus wrote: Come the millennium, month 12, In the home of greatest power, The village idiot will come forth To be acclaimed the leader (unsubstantiated interpretation of the quatrains)
Ray TUG Member Posts: 1319 From: Vacation Village @ Parkway Own: Marathon Key, LaCosta, Inn on Harbor, HarwichPort, Marriott Vail Birch Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-28-2000 08:23 tonyg, Your comments are on the mark for me. We do tours from time to time because I actually enjoy: - learning more about a resort - learning how a salesman has been prepared and what he or she really knows about timesharing (yesterday the guy knew about Fairfield points and that was about it. After 15 minutes he said he needed a drink of water, left for about 10 minutes, came back and gave us $50 which we then gave to our daughter for her family's trip to SeaWorld--but not today because of rain and lightning - learning of any new developments in this industry which is so much of our lives now. I also read Fairfield and Marriott eGroup boards (although we own neither), some TST posts, particular timeshare sites. Actually, this stuff is my "homework" for putting together six-month timeshare trips. From Star Island where local phone calls are 82 cents and a new pool is being built (done in late February?) which makes access to the current pool and spa somewhat difficult. Sales efforts are stong here, but little else is offered. We are in the same unit for two weeks which is a change from earlier policy here (I stopped by and complained about their old policy a year ago). I would not recommend acceptance of exchanges to Star Island until March. Ray
Malibu Sky TUG Member Posts: 872 From: Malibu, CA-Sweetwater @ Park City, UT-Desert Breezes, Palm Desert, CA-Always looking for a good T/S rental! Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-28-2000 16:33 Promotions...we love them. We recently bought our first timeshare but it was after going on promo's to about 5 resorts over the last few years, including the Marriott in Maui & Kauai and the Hilton in Las Vegas, were not takling about Iowa but really good locations! What a better way to learn about a resort than actually staying there! Best of all, dollar for dollar you usually are paying alot less than the owners. For us, the time spent is well worth it, we usually bring our two little ones 6 & 8, and by the time they are done with with the salespeople they are ready to get us out of there as soon as possible When we were in Maui last summer, I had the salesman begging my son to go out surfing with him..talk about a change of pace. Of course, some presentations do get quite tedious, we have had salespeople tell us that timeshare is "not" for us, give us our "gift" and scoot us out as so they may find someone to sell. It is all a matter of the direction you take, we even found a saleswoman in Las Vegas who knew an a business associate of my husband and she couldn't do enough for us. We tend to play the husband/wife, I like it..I don't game. I am an attorney and when my husband mentions it, that will usually put our sales presentation into a different dimension, it tends to freek out the salespeople and boy, do they watch what they say! We recently visited the Marriott in Park City on a walk in basis and they were very nice although I was a little upset at myself that I didn't get anything! The units there are quite spectacular but really expensive. Every Marriott promo we have done has been well worth the time and money. My husband had been making fun of me and my timeshare pursuits although when I get us a really good deal he tends to ease up on me, for a least a week! If you have the time i do believe the promo's are worth it.
Karen G Moderator TUG Volunteer Posts: 2928 From: Bellevue, WA; own in New York, Hawaii, Mexico, South Africa, Texas (RCI Pts.) Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-28-2000 17:00 We always do the promos in Mexico because with three teenagers, the activities can get expensive. The kids usually sleep late, so by the time we're done with the breakfast and sales talk, they are ready to go on the ATV's or wave runners we've negotiated for. It's interesting to see the new resorts, too. We did the promo at Dolphin's Cove in Anaheim because we wanted the Disneyland tickets, but we usually don't do the presentations elsewhere unless the gifts are really worth our time.
Quilter TUG Member Posts: 1662 From: MI Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-28-2000 20:20 Thanks for the response.
JLB TUG Member Posts: 7189 From: Add another 2500 posts!!! Table Rock Lake, Branson. Registered Dec. 2000 Registered: MAR 2002	posted 12-29-2000 06:52 [QUOTE]Originally posted by Malibu Sky: were not takling about Iowa but really good locations! You should be careful what you say. You never know when you'll need the Iowa vote! You have now been banned from exchanging to the lovely Iowa resorts!!!!! ------------------ Jim Beasley KC/Table Rock/Branson [This message has been edited by JLB (edited 12-29-2000).]
Malibu Sky TUG Member Posts: 872 From: Malibu, CA-Sweetwater @ Park City, UT-Desert Breezes, Palm Desert, CA-Always looking for a good T/S rental! Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-29-2000 10:21 Oh no..you are right...did I slam Iowa? You just never know when you want to trade into Iowa, knowing my luck my kids will end up going to Iowa State. Then I will be sorry
MJ TUG Member Posts: 197 From: Cedar Falls, IA, Own: The Carriage House, Las Vegas; Palm-Aire Spa, Pompano Beach Registered: DEC 2000	posted 12-31-2000 15:18 I've been to Malibu. All it has going for it is sun, sand, and ocean. I'll take Iowa any day! Most of us here mind our manners and don't insult Californians. They wouldn't get it anyway!
Malibu Sky TUG Member Posts: 872 From: Malibu, CA-Sweetwater @ Park City, UT-Desert Breezes, Palm Desert, CA-Always looking for a good T/S rental! Registered: DEC 2000	posted 01-02-2001 13:25 The sun is shining so bright out here, I must have lost my mind. I promise never to insult Iowa again... I promise never to insult Iowa again... I promise...
Melanie TUG Member Posts: 533 From: Birmingham, AL, USA Registered: DEC 2000	posted 01-02-2001 22:12 We just returned from Massanutten, VA and took their tour while there. They fed us a nice breakfast and paid us $114 in a check and gave us $50 Massanutten money. Also gave us a 4-day Orlando hotel stay (which we probably won't use). It was very low pressure. We toured the Summit complex, told them we owned South Africa and wasn't interested, and they sent us on our way. It was less than two hours, and the kids were still in bed when we returned to the condo. We loved it! Melanie
Mimi TUG Member Posts: 267 From: Toms River, NJ Mt. Amanzi-2 wks. Ocean Landings 3 wks Kona Coast II, Pono Kai, Maui Schooner Registered: DEC 2000	posted 01-03-2001 15:42 We do tours when the weather is poor and the gifts are worth our time and effort. My husband always tries to push me into tours because I often know more than the sales staff. Many times we are dismissed following a reasonably good breakfast and given money or a nice gift. The bottom line is a (developer resale) sad joke! We own in Kona (from the developer--our 1st mistake) and low priced resales in Florida and South Africa that come with low MF's. We've also purchased units in Florida and SA for our kids/grandchildren, so they can afford vacations, follow their dreams, and saver memories earlier in life than we did. Timesharing is certainly preferable to cramped hotel rooms. Getaways can be excellent deals, based on luck/availability and trading a Dik for a 2br/2ba 5*/GC resort is the sweetest deal of all!
Mac unregistered TUG Member Posts: 267 From: Toms River, NJ Mt. Amanzi-2 wks. Ocean Landings 3 wks Kona Coast II, Pono Kai, Maui Schooner Registered: DEC 2000	posted 01-03-2001 16:28 We bought at the Marriott Desert Springs last spring and paid full price. THat was before tug. I know better now. But I have referred three couples there for the promotional tour which is a much cheaper way for them to visit Palm Springs. The sales people didn't seem to be pushy to them. However when I found out my sister was going to Palm Desert and paying $1000 for three nights at some resort I told her to check the Deset Springs Villas. WHen she called them last week, they said they were sold out and to call back this week. They have started building another resort just a few miles away so maybe they will sell that inventory from Desert Springs Villas. Don't know for sure. Hve other friends that are booked to do promotional in March and they haven't been notified that they can't do it. Mary Anne

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