Posts: 77
From: Danville, IL USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 02-03-2005 17:32               

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I've been scouting Worldmark listings on resale and auction sites and I don't understand the difference between Premier and Standard contracts. I have seen definitions of Premier including such things as Bonus time and additional exchange possibility through RCI and II as well as Worldmark.

But I have never seen a definition for Standard. Does a Standard contract exist or are all contracts Premier now? Maybe just a marketing thing?

Some resale sites state that they only sell Premier contracts. Some auction listings don't specify if it is Premier or not.

Is there any way to tell from an ad that isn't specific? Such as a difference in maintenance fees or points available.

Thanks for any insight.

Steve

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Posts: 3731
From: San Antonio, TX 78258
Registered: Mar 2002

posted 02-03-2005 17:52               

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It's a marketing thing. The urban legend goes that in the early does of worldmark, there was some "standard" contracts sold. While noone knows exactly what a standard contract is, it is known that they expire 40 years after originally sold.

I don't know if any were actually ever sold, and whether they are still out there, but it's safe to assume that if it's not stated, it's premier. When you get your paperwork, it will say Premier (or theoritically, Standard). If it doesn't say premier, don't sign.

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Posts: 1474
From:
Registered: Jul 2004

posted 02-03-2005 18:36               

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I think the only owners of standard contracts are the Lock Ness monster and Big foot.

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Posts: 881
From: Newark,CA,USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 02-03-2005 20:51               

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There were a few (very few)standard memberships sold...expire in 40 year, no bonus time use.

Wonder if this will be reintroduced at some point?

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WM owner since 4/96

[This message has been edited by roadsister (edited 02-03-2005).]

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Posts: 91
From: Alamo, CA, USA
Registered: May 2001

posted 02-04-2005 07:50            

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As I recall, the "standard" credits differed in three ways: no bonus time, no use of resorts built after the credits were purchased, and couldn't be passed on to heirs. At least this is what we were told at a Trendwest presentation about 2 years ago. The pitch was that you could only purchase a premier membership if you do so right then. If you left the presentation and decided to buy later, you could only get a standard membership.

Carol Ann, on the Worldmark forum, confirmed the existence of the standard memberships a while back, if I recall correctly.

As stated on this thread, very few standard memberships are thought to exist. But, since some apparently do, one should certainly confirm the type of membership being purchased.

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Posts: 211
From:
Registered: May 2004

posted 02-04-2005 07:52            

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quote:

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Originally posted by ChipH58:
The pitch was that you could only purchase a premier membership if you do so right then. If you left the presentation and decided to buy later, you could only get a standard membership.

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Yep, they like to use that lie... err.. line.

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WorldMark Owners' Community - - www.wmowners.com

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Posts: 169
From: Oregon- *Owner of Worldmark*
Registered: Apr 2002

posted 02-04-2005 10:26               

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I would love to go to a presentation and act like I was only interested in the standard memership, and see what they do. I wonder if they could sell you one now, or if it is just a ploy (which is my first guess)

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Posts: 211
From:
Registered: May 2004

posted 02-04-2005 14:17            

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That would be good... when they tell you it's $1.whatever for the premiere credits, ask how much for standard credits? Tell them you probably won't live more than 40 more years, aren't spontaneous enough to use bonus time, the resorts they have as of right now are good enough for you, and you have no next of kin or friends to heir it to

I bet the look you get would be priceless...

Wonder if they will price match if you bring in a resale ad? LOL

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WorldMark Owners' Community - - www.wmowners.com

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Posts: 169
From: Oregon- *Owner of Worldmark*
Registered: Apr 2002

posted 02-05-2005 08:44               

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I would have to go alone, but I would love to try it!!!!!!! My honey would crawl under the table in embarrassment! He is one of those never return ANYTHING type people, that is often embarrassed to admit he is at a presentaion for the freebies only. He goes, because he enjoys the freebies, but I do most of the talking.

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