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Author	Topic: timeshare pitch - Do it or NOT?
Zac495 TUG Member Posts: 386 From: Limerick, Pa Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-08-2005 04:01 Got one of those "free" things in the mail. I decided to call anyway. Interesting. 2 nights at the Radison in FLL (and a t/s presentation), 2 night cruise to Bahamas, 1 more night Raddison, 2 nights Raddison in Orlando, free car rental, free food at the hotel for the whole time, all port charges and food on the cruise - plus 2 more nights at Raddison in Orlando (you can drive there with the free car OR go another time). Then also - 3 nights in Puerto Vallarta in some fancy hotel (Hacienda something or other) and 2 nights in Las Vegas (imperial or something less fancy). 60 days advance booking (though they booked Easter already for us). Of course we pay our own way. All parts of vacation may be sold or transferred other than the 3 nights FLL and the cruise. 698 per person (pay 698 down/rest when you go). Additional 99 per child if you want to bring kids on cruise. Kids stay free and eat free everywhere. So I said yes and paid 698. I have 5 days to rescind. It sounds like a good deal, but not sure. What do you think? ------------------ Cheers, Ellen IP: Logged
nimrod TUG Member Posts: 29 From: Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-08-2005 05:21 Are you sure it was the Radisson, and not Ramada? I've heard many lousy experiences with similar offers involving Ramada, but I can't give any feedback if it is indeed Radisson. IP: Logged
Dave M Administrator TUG Member Posts: 6352 From: Boston, MA Registered: Dec 2000	posted 04-08-2005 05:34 This reminds me of the free airfare certificates handed out in the past for taking some timeshare tours. The problem was that you had to buy your hotel stay from the promoters at such high "rack" rates that you would have done better to get your air and hotel through whatever cost-efficient sources you usually use. The unstated details of the package you refer to are such that the entire package is definitely not worth any more than what you are paying. You can buy similar packages on eBay and other sites for less than what you have paid. Example: Wait until you see the "cruise ship". It's definitely not what you are visualizing it to be. (I think they use Regal Bahama Cruises or Imperial Majesty.) Also, some people have reported here of having a very, very difficult time actually booking specific dates for the "vacation". Bottom line: Stick with your purchase if it's the type of vacation you would have planned anyway. But not because you think you're getting a bargain. You aren't. IP: Logged
PA TUG Member Posts: 3809 From: San Antonio, TX 78258 Registered: Mar 2002	posted 04-08-2005 05:40 There'll be a mix of TUGGERS who wouldn't attend a timeshare presentation for any amount of money, and another group that would do anything for a freebie, no matter how trivial. Further, you'll get the holier than thous who will tell you it's wrong to go unless you have an inclination to buy, and another group that'll encourage you to take the freebies and steal anything else you can find, since they're just a bunch of sleazeballs anyway. So you have to be able to make your decision, without regard to our opinions. Just be prepared to get the high pressure treatment. Also, you might want to carefully check out all the restrictions on these prizes. You might be down in the basement of the cruiseship with the engine room, or the luggage or rats, or whatever they keep down there. There might be add-on charges, few availability dates, etc. on the timeshares. The Radison is likely to be a standard hotel room suitable for only 2 people. IP: Logged
Jestjoan TUG Member Posts: 422 From: Wetumpka AL Registered: Feb 2002	posted 04-08-2005 06:02 Rescind if it is a Ramada Plaza deal. www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/ramada_refund.html IP: Logged
Jestjoan TUG Member Posts: 422 From: Wetumpka AL Registered: Feb 2002	posted 04-08-2005 06:10 Also, www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/ramada_plaza.htm IP: Logged
Zac495 TUG Member Posts: 386 From: Limerick, Pa Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-08-2005 06:12 It's definitely Raddison. But I still think I should rescind. ------------------ Cheers, Ellen IP: Logged
nthc TUG Member Posts: 1043 From: VA Registered: Aug 2002	posted 04-08-2005 10:45 Your concern about this leads me to believe you should as well. It may or may not be what you expect. Better to be safe than sorry. cindy IP: Logged
PerryM TUG Member Posts: 1534 From: Ballwin, MO, Park Plaza in Park City; WorldMark &TrendWest; RCI Points; Windjammer tall ship; SA Registered: May 2002	posted 04-08-2005 11:31 As someone who attends timeshare sales presentations at the drop of a hat (well, the freebees must average about $200) I can tell you that if you have a problem saying NO to a salesperson DON�T GO! But, even if you do go and become weak-kneed you can always get out of the sales contract by exercising the Rescind Letter which ALL timeshares that I know of have. Mexico is especially tough and even I would not go to a presentation down there � I value my credit rating and would be afraid the south of the boarder salesreps might screw around with it. If you should buy a timeshare make sure you XXXX out the 5 or 10 days on the Rescind Letter and put in 21 days at the minimum. Tell this to the salesrep if you get that far � you need more time. There is no reason under the sun why they should not give you more time � but they may balk. Tell them it�s a �take it or leave it� point and you WILL NOT budge on this. When you tell the salesrep you need at least 3 weeks to do your due diligence, check your finances, and compare other offers from other timeshare companies and of course resale prices your salesrep will have a dazed look in his/her eyes � you want to what? OMG can this be done? Just XXXXX out those crummy 5 days and write in 21 and initial it and have the SALESMANAGER initial it too. They may have to call the corporate honchos and run this buy the general council � but if they don�t want to budge say goodbye to this sale. (Your salesrep will be pulling for you � he has a BMW payment that you will be making for him). Perry IP: Logged
cz TUG Member Posts: 3250 From: The Rushes wk 26, Lake Forest wk 3, Christmas Mt 5 UDI's up to 17 wks each UDI. 2 Cottages & 3 OakTimbers. RCI Points, and wk. 10 Driftwood Inn Registered: Mar 2002	posted 04-08-2005 11:53 Perry, the sales reps in general are rougher in Mexico but we have never felt the need to to sign a contract just to escape a sales presentation. It is fairly simple, the bigger the gift (more cash) the more pressure you can exspect. But if people can not stand the heat they should not go to the presentation.But then they will miss hearing some of the funniest stuff. We have learned quite a bit usefull information about those resorts we have done presentations at and have have fun with them, especially the ones in Mexico. Bruce ------------------ Bruce F. & Judy Czajkowski, Kansasville Wi. Judy is a teacher and Bruce is retired and thinks that you are never to old to have a happy childhood. Also own at Driftwood Inn, Vero Beach wk 14, wk 52 Sea Club IV,Daytona The Islander wk 12(non RCI or II) North Reddington Beach, Florida Bay Club in Key Largo and a Rayburn Country that is somewere in Texas. IP: Logged
theunitrep TUG Member Posts: 103 From: Vista, CA Own at: Westin Ka`anapali, Sheraton Mountain Vista and Parkway International Registered: Feb 2004	posted 04-08-2005 12:05 I remember getting burned by a company many years ago after agreeing to a similar offer. I should have realized something was wrong when the company wouldn't accept a credit card for payment. When I tried to cancel per the agreement, it turned out the offer was simply a scam and I was out $599. Months later, I learned the State Attorneys General Office in Wisconsin had hundreds of complaints against the company. All I can suggest is be careful! Jerry [This message has been edited by theunitrep (edited 04-08-2005).] IP: Logged
Zac495 TUG Member Posts: 386 From: Limerick, Pa Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-08-2005 12:41 Oh, I can say no!!! It's not like it's totally free, so I wouldn't feel guilty taking the trip and not buying. BUT - I think it's too expensive now that I think of it. I did use a credit card which is why I believe it was real - not a scam. OR can I say no? I guess I said yes, so I'd better say no or I might say yes! EEK. ------------------ Cheers, Ellen IP: Logged
Dave M Administrator TUG Member Posts: 6352 From: Boston, MA Registered: Dec 2000	posted 04-08-2005 13:47 quote: Originally posted by Zac495: I did use a credit card which is why I believe it was real - not a scam. That's not a good measuring stick. Just for example, most of the upfront fee scam artists charge your credit card for the fee and then disappear - at least as far as trying to sell your advertised week. It's just been the last few years that the timeshare scams have ventured into Western Union payments and refunds of overpayments made by bank checks or certified checks. IP: Logged
BocaBum99 TUG Member Posts: 1504 From: Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-08-2005 14:23 I would say that I have become an expert in attending timeshare presentations. What I have found is that the deals where airfares or cruises are involved are a total ripoff. There are always extra taxes and hidden fees that drop the value of those offers down to about $75. I like the pitches that give you cash or cash equivalents like Disney Dollars. I stay completely away from offers of cruises or airfares anymore. IP: Logged
Luanne TUG Member Posts: 1949 From: San Ramon, CA, USA Owner: Maui Lea at Maui Hill, San Diego Country Estates Registered: Dec 2000	posted 04-08-2005 14:47 I generally just throw out all of the timeshare presentation offers. However, we're going to do one for the Hyatt Pinon Pointe in Sedona later this month. The offer was for a room for $39/night (we ended up paying $69/night since we're going over the weekend) plus we get $135 towards spa services. For some reason we feel pretty good about this one. And I have no problem saying "NO!". ------------------ Luanne IP: Logged
Zac495 TUG Member Posts: 386 From: Limerick, Pa Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-08-2005 15:06 So I called to cancel. They are HORRIBLE. They kept offering me cheaper and other packages. NO NO NO. they said it's not cancellable. I said yes it is - 5 days in PA. No, they want to know why. I can't get them to cancel it. I'm on hold now. The guy won't cancel it! BEWARE!!! AH. Suddenly he's going to cancel. But I'm talking to the supervisor and letting him/her know how I was hassled thoroughly. ------------------ Cheers, Ellen [This message has been edited by Zac495 (edited 04-08-2005).] IP: Logged
Dave M Administrator TUG Member Posts: 6352 From: Boston, MA Registered: Dec 2000	posted 04-08-2005 15:29 quote: Originally posted by Zac495: But I'm talking to the supervisor and letting him/her know how I was hassled thoroughly. I assume you are kidding. Who do you suppose trained the other person to make it difficult for people to cancel? My guess is the supervisor will listen intently and will tell you that you are absolutely correct and that he/she will talk to the person that made it difficult to cancel. Then after you hang up, he/she will either blast the person for allowing you to cancel or congratulate the person for almost keeping your money and say "Better luck next time." That's what "boiler rooms" do. ....Just like trying to get a refund from an upfront-fee company, except you had more success. IP: Logged
Zac495 TUG Member Posts: 386 From: Limerick, Pa Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-09-2005 05:17 Oh. You're probabaly right! If it weren't for TUG, I don't know if I would have fought so hard. I might have given up, figuring the final deal they offered was pretty good (which it was - it was okay - 396 for 6 nights plus a rental car - but I checked out the prices of the Raddisson hotel and they're CHEAP - so why bother!??) ------------------ Cheers, Ellen IP: Logged
derb TUG Member Posts: 682 From: coral springs fla hgvc flamingo, jockey club,ore st george, 2 diks and marriott hh Registered: Dec 2000	posted 04-09-2005 05:50 Did I read this right, you cancelled over the phone. If so, better follow up with certified mail etc. IP: Logged
pwrshift TUG Member Posts: 2803 From: Toronto Registered: Dec 2000	posted 04-09-2005 06:16 call your credit card company to cancel payment and collect back from the seller. worth a try. Brian ------------------ Those who dream most, do most. IP: Logged
frenchieinme TUG Member Posts: 1852 From: Biddeford,ME,USA; Owner :Orlando,FL,, USA Registered: Jun 2002	posted 04-10-2005 17:43 If you paid with a credit card insist on them crediting your same credit card AND GET THEM TO GIVE YOU AN AUTHORISATION CODE FOR THAT CANCELLATION CREDIT. Once you have that, immediately follow up with a written cancellation of your 5 day rescinding PA period. make sure you send it registered mail with proof of the date in which the recinding letter was sent. JMHO of course frenchieinme ------------------ Visit our webpage at http://userpages.prexar.com/rhoude IP: Logged
Zac495 TUG Member Posts: 386 From: Limerick, Pa Registered: Jul 2004	posted 04-11-2005 10:11 I used my debit card. It's a VISA debit. Does it work the same? Of course I will follow up with certified cancellation. They are mailing me something - if it's not here today, I'll call and get the address to cancel without the package. ------------------ Cheers, Ellen IP: Logged
skylerlee TUG Member Posts: 583 From: Woolwich Township, NJ, USA Registered: Mar 2002	posted 04-11-2005 11:46 Ellen........you've got mail. Try a legitimate presentation with me just for fun..... Don't think I can mention it here......but see your email. Skylerlee ------------------ Ruth IP: Logged

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