What is your best excuse for not buying a timeshare?
I’ve always been curious about this. I’ve been to just one timeshare presentation (when I was in fresh out of college, and I didn’t know that my coworker lured me to attend a timeshare presentation). I’m curious to go to another, as 8 years have lapsed since then.
Now, I’ve been to many car dealerships (because I have been interested in buying a used car), but haven’t really been subjected to such high pressure sales tactics–at least not the ones described to me that timeshare people use. For instance, no car sales person has ever said to me "well, you can always gift your car to your heirs when you’re done using it" or "buying cars are a great investment instrument!"
I’ve been to many blogs and websites on timeshares (Tug2.net, saveoneresorts, igougo.com, tripadvisor, stayhereplayhere.com, consumeraffairs.com, complaints.com, bbb.org, to name just a few) to get both sides of the story. I’ve seen some standard responses (I can’t afford it, it’s not for me, I don’t want to make a decision now, let me ask my wife, I don’t have kids) but those are easily answered by most timeshare salespeople. What other excuses have worked for you in the past that are truly ingenious?
Thanks Steph, for your answer!
Actually, I also read somewhere that the salespeople say that you can avoid your yearly maintenance fees by referring *just* 20 people to come and take a tour. I think that is how my coworker got me to go in the first place. She made no mention of a timeshare presentation–she basically had an ad in our work intranet bulletin board of a free vacation. I guess that’s how she paid for her maintenance fees, and I guess she also got to keep any of the extra perks, since I wasn’t offered any money or tickets after the presentation either! All of that for a 3 day/2 night stay in Charleston, SC.
To NCCMSS: Excellent post! That is one of the sites I’ve never been to myself. Thanks for the info.
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Tagged with: 8 years • bbb • blogs • bulletin board • buying a used car • buying cars • car dealerships • car sales • charleston sc • coworker • free vacation • heirs • investment instrument • maintenance fees • money • pressure sales tactics • sales person • salespeople • timeshare presentation • tug2 net
Filed under: Buying Timeshare
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I own one and actually wanted it too. I did my homework though. I didn’t buy from a po-dunk company that no one heard of or had just one resort which I would be forced to go to every year. I am happy with it and have saved quite a bit of money by using it. Sure the maintenance and taxes go up every year but how much would you pay per day for a 2 bedroom suite with a full kitchen, jacuzzi, living room, dining area, microwave, fridge, and washer and dryer in room? I’ve more than made my money back. Our resort is well managed and cared for. If you want to get out of buying it then tell them you have made an appointment for something post presentation. My timeshare website is below if your curious.
http://hgvc.com
It is easy; you just have to handle it right.
Here is the formula, set an Appointment somewhere else to start 20 min. after the sales presentation supposed to be over. (Doctor, Dentist, show, water park, what ever,) Be cordial, let them do their job, let them know that you are broke and there is no way you can afford anything, bring the document (invitation) that states the time length, 30 min. before it supposed to be over let them know of the appointment. Leave.
How about turning the table on the sales reps and just stating the truth. They are not stupid, and I would recommend that you start off with telling them why you are there. THE FREE GIFTS! Go to the Timeshare Advocacy International website and read their blog articles on this topic. Additionally, eHow.com has an article or two as well. Timeshare Advocacy Int. has a link to the article on the left hand side of their navigation bar, about half way down.
I always say, "My mother-in-law just sold her timeshare. She said that the company was constantly raising the maintenance fees. Can you guarantee that won’t happen?" Usually they start freaking out when I say the first sentence (I usually say it loudly too) and go a head and give me whatever incentive they were offering (some places it’s 50 bucks or tickets to a dinner show).
It’s not a lie either, my MIL really did sell hers because every year that she had it, they raised the maintenance fees by 100 dollars.