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4 Timeshare Lies That Resorts Commonly Tell Potential Buyers.

4 Timeshare Lies That Resorts Commonly Tell Potential Buyers.

by | Feb 3, 2020 | annual costs, Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, maintenance fees, timeshare presentations, timeshare relief, timeshare scams, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

For those that have bought a timeshare, the ownership experience can carry quite the mixed bag of emotions. People either enjoy it or they regret the decision. Truth be told, it all starts with the sales presentation. When buyers are fully aware of all the purchase entails, it makes it easier to find contentment. But when they’re sold on false hopes, then higher costs and minimal availability, regret tends to be the result. When a salesman from the timeshare lies about the reality of the product while leaving out pertinent information about the contract, buyers feel rather forsaken to say the least.

When you think about it, buying a timeshare is no different than any other large purchase. An informed decision that matches expectations will be a satisfactory one. An expensive, impulse decision that was too good to be true would leave a bad taste in anyone’s mouth. While it’s never a good idea to make an uninformed purchase of this magnitude (interest, fees and mortgage usually exceeds $40K), it’s hard to fault the consumer when the timeshare lies.

Misleading Consumers is Extremely Damaging.

When a retailer has the ability to lock uneducated buyers into perpetual (lifetime) agreements, a higher level of responsibility needs to be expected. If the travel opportunity is so great, then selling people on the concept shouldn’t be difficult. You shouldn’t need to lie or hide details in order to close a deal. Some people have no business owning a weekly timeshare interval. The simple fact that consumers are pressured into buying something they’re not even seeking out – for a misleading price – is downright criminal.

One unexpected expense can easily push most people over their budget and into financial hardship. So in order to help them avoid haste, we thought it was a good idea to break down four ways timeshare companies convince potential customers with lies. If you’re not aware of the strategy behind this, you could be easily swayed into a disastrous situation. No matter what the resort tells you, the signed contract terms are the only thing they’re legally bound to. Broken promises happen frequently here and if you’re unaware of common timeshare lies, misconduct is extremely difficult to prove.

aging man with beard looking borderline angry after finding out news about potential lie

Why Lies About Timeshare Travel are Common.

Timeshare sales teams know that once the rescission period (a trial period that lasts 5-7 days in most states) is over, new owners are officially bound to whatever they signed that was in writing. Any undocumented guarantees, hypothetical scenarios or suggested possibilities cease to exist. This gives customer service teams a chance to position up-sales as solutions. When the timeshare salesperson lies and the owner can’t prove it, they’re often forced to spend more money just to make the purchase worth it. 

When they can’t use the property the way they envisioned, many find themselves at the mercy of the resort. It’s hard for them to say “No” even when they don’t have the money because thousands of dollars are already going to waste. Pride and hope often gets in the way here. So, preventing a bad decision starts with asking the right questions. Once you know how and why the salesman of a timeshare lies to you, it’ll be easier for you to identify deceit, confidently say “no” and walk away. Hopefully this article equips you to act accordingly.

Lie #1: Cheap Travel Options Are Available.

When it comes to assessing the sales strategies in the timeshare marketplace, the ideal target audience is pretty clear. Resorts usually crave to speak to those who rarely even think about traveling or lavish vacations. These groups of people tend to be 35 and older with an average annual income of $50K. Most of which aren’t privy to the history of timeshare travel and don’t have a lot of extra funds laying around for a nice family vacation every year. 

So why do they target people with limited funds and zero travel aspirations? Because the timeshare lies about the product being an affordable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that isn’t actually out of reach. They know how to make it seem like it’s a deal not worth passing up by leaving out potential limitations, costs and fees. But first, they have to gain their victim’s trust by showing them a smashing good time.

senior citizens jumping up in the air on rocks by seashore vacation front lured by timeshare lies throwing hat in air

Creating Appeal Before the Deal

Every year, timeshare companies advertise free gifts in order to lure hundreds of thousands of ideal customers to their destination resorts. The only thing they require is that each guest attends (or endures) a “brief” timeshare presentation. Wining and dining consumers that rarely experience a pampered lifestyle creates an uncommon sense of euphoria. 

This opens a consumer’s mind to possibilities. It’s like getting your spouse drunk to elicit a reaction that benefits you. By the time attendees are told an affordable getaway is at their fingertips, the excitement of the new experience blinds them from their intuition. In the midst of bliss, escaping for a week all of a sudden becomes appealing.

Undisclosed Dollar Amounts.

In reality, buying a timeshare is rarely what it seems. Far too many people end up finding this out the hard way. During the sale, specific number amounts are normally highlighted or pointed out in order to mislead the buyer. What tends to be left out are annual maintenance fees, potential special assessments, interest and even taxes. What was said to be $359/month all of a sudden becomes $525/month after the first year is all said and done. That’s $6,500 and an unknown liability cost for mediocre accommodations for a week. Does that sound like an affordable travel alternative to you? Since maintenance fees rise every year and special assessments are spontaneous, there’s no telling how much the overall cost will be. 

When the purchase sends a buyer into financial hardship, additional costs and penalties can devastate their livelihood. Something that was sold as a way to bring the family closer together can end up tearing them apart. Even if the timeshare lies and claims the total cost won’t exceed $19K, most vacation owners end up paying close to $41K by the time they’re repayment term ends. This is assuming all payments were made on time. It also doesn’t consider the simple fact buyers are on the hook for maintenance and assessment costs for life. So, the true “all in cost” (at maturity) is closer to $56K.

Timeshare Lies Prove to be Costly.

When it’s all said and done, forking over six figures for an annual trip isn’t unrealistic. Even for a median income household. This is crazy to think when far cheaper options are available. If buyers knew the cost would play out this way, it’s safe to say most would have walked away. But since they were told they could afford it and lied to about the financial commitment, many are forced to adapt to a financially handicapped situation. All for the sake of a few thousand dollars in commissions paid to a sales representative with no conscience.

pointing fingers like guns sales teams for timeshare companies confidently lie about sales packages to consumers

Lie #2: Timeshares Are Investment Opportunities.

Since we’ve discussed this a number of times in other articles, we’re going to keep this short and to the point. A timeshare is not an asset, it’s a liability. Think of it like leasing a car. You can’t resell the vehicle and it’s only costing you money to use it. There isn’t much that’s advantageous about it from an investor’s standpoint. The fact of the matter is, timeshares hold zero resale value – now and in the foreseeable future. If anything, they’re depreciating faster than ever before due to improved travel options and other advancements that the timeshare industry is failing to adapt to.

Buying a vacation interval isn’t even comparable to the purchase of a new car that depreciates when you drive it off the lot. It never carries any value. The market is so dense and competitive that it’s nearly impossible to ever even get in front of someone looking to rent or buy one. So when the timeshare lies and mentions resale or rental as a fallback or investment option, don’t believe it. A weekly interval should never be mistaken for a business opportunity.

Supplemental Pipe Dreams.

The resort wants you to believe that the more you buy the more you’ll be able to make. The low risk, high reward sales pitch works when people think they can earn supplemental income while vacationing for free. Especially those with limited incomes and not a lot of spare change. It’s extremely appealing to them and often used to combat their initial remorse. But a mediocre interval during a limited week will never be able to compete with timeshare marketing strategies or premium vacation homes that are visibly listed on AirBnB or similar.

depressed-middle-aged-woman-sitting-on-couch-alone-in-dark-space-wondering-if-shell-ever-be-able-to-sell-her-timeshare

Lie #3: Booking Priority and Convenient Availability.

One of the biggest lies timeshare companies tell involves availability. Nearly every day, we talk to someone that was told a specific week or destination was going to be available and it wasn’t. It’s just another way sales teams use verbal affirmations to get people to sign the dotted line. Buyers that are on the fence about the purchase usually want certain guarantees before agreeing to the deal. When they’re able to lock in a date that the entire family would appreciate, the pot becomes too sweet to pass up.

But the Actual Deal is Usually Sour.

In reality, first dibs for bookings almost always go to third party online travel retailers like Expedia and Priceline. Although new owners may have been led to believe they had priority booking, it’s highly unlikely. You’d have to make a substantial investment to guarantee a specific date – at which point you are drastically overpaying for something you can reserve through one of the aforementioned third parties. Resorts profit far more from retail travelers during peak seasons. They’re not going to hand over these dates to clients that are already obligated to pay.

If the buyer doesn’t figure this out within the first week, the trial period will end and they’ll be stuck with limited dates and destinations for good. Misleading statements and guarantees about availability can really put a damper on the entire experience for the consumer. Especially when the scheduling department for the timeshare lies further by claiming another vacation owner booked the week first. Ironically, this sets the resort up nicely to pitch an upgrade for the desired dates.

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Lie #4: “Beneficial Interests” Add to the Family Legacy.

If you stay at a timeshare presentation long enough, sales teams know how to start tugging on your heart strings. After a few hours they start trying to make attendees feel as though they’re letting loved ones down by passing up an amazing opportunity they may never come across again. Whether they’re referring to children, extended family members or a close group of friends; the timeshare company knows how to pull information out of you and use it against you.

A Legacy Pitch is a Red Flag.

Telling a proud father that his kids deserve an annual trip is a good way to chip away at the sale. One of the more famous ways they go about doing this is what’s called a “legacy pitch.” This leads potential buyers to believe they’ll be able to leave their kids a piece of vacation property (otherwise known as “beneficial interest”) for future use once they pass away. This tends to be pretty convincing for aging couples nearing the end of their lives.

Unfortunately, it’s just another way the timeshare lies about the actualities of the bargain. While the offer is normally sold as a points program through a trust, in most cases, the contract language states the owner doesn’t actually own anything at all. The trust owned by the timeshare does. However, the owner is on the hook for the mortgage, maintenance and assessment fees. What ends up happening is, the children of the deceased buyer end up absorbing the burden down the road and the resort begins requesting liability payments from them.

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Avoid the Lies and Focus on the Facts.

At the end of the day, the only reason a timeshare should be purchased is for the travel experience. However, participating in minimal research and simple comparisons will show this to be a poor financial decision. While the purchase is sold as an affordable expedition with ideal dates that are too good to pass up – you must understand that you’re paying a premium to vacation this way. Nothing is guaranteed unless it is in writing. If you feel as though your emotions and personal relationships are being used to leverage your decision, it’s always best to walk away.

The truth is, it’s very hard to identify timeshare lies and deception at the point of sale. But when you know what to ask and how to confirm pertinent details, you’ll always be able to make a confident decision. The last thing you should want is to enter a never-ending sales cycle that continues to prey on your desperation with false hopes. If you’re stuck in an unfavorable agreement, we’d love to help you exhaust your options with the resort before helping you find a favorable outcome. We provide free consultations that explain how to get out of a timeshare or you can begin the qualification process below.

The Truth About Sales Strategies in the Timeshare Exit Marketplace | Part 2

The Truth About Sales Strategies in the Timeshare Exit Marketplace | Part 2

by | Jan 27, 2020 | Cancellation, Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, timeshare relief, timeshare scams, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

As we continue the discussion about the sales practices of the timeshare exit marketplace, keep in mind that not all products and services here are bad. Often times, the narrative surrounding companies like ours is negative, resulting in a skewed perception. So we thought now was a good time to remind you that there are businesses out there that genuinely care about your vacational bliss. While it is rather disappointing to acknowledge the deceitful tactics many individuals choose to partake in, it’s also quite refreshing to know that a little research will go a long way. There are a multitude of ways fraudulent companies lie to fractional owners. But understanding what’s actually true will help you make intelligent, confident decisions regarding your timeshare. 

As a vacation owner of an expensive property, you have to realize that there is all kinds of public misinformation about the purchase. It’s very difficult to come across accurate data or unbiased articles and reviews. Even when you’re lied to, there’s always some online user willing to back up the deception. In most cases, they’re compensated or rewarded for their involvement. If you own a weekly interval on a perpetual term, finding a resource that’s only interesting in outlining the facts should be a priority of yours. 

By discussing the trickery of the timeshare exit marketplace, we hope it allows you to avoid pitfalls and trust our advice. At the end of the day, we’re not interested in harassing you to cancel your agreement. We’d rather guide you towards an ideal and reasonable solution. In the meantime, here are some additional ways that illegitimate cancellation companies mislead potential customers.

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The Sales Pitch Never Actually Scratches the Itch.

Similar to the acquisition strategies of destination resorts, the timeshare exit marketplace views the initial sale as the most important step of the transaction. Once you’ve proceeded with an agreement, they now have all the leverage. Whether you’re attempting to resell the property or cancel the mortgage, the downpayment is never cheap. Owners that commit to an exit strategy usually stick with it for too long because the initial investment forces them to remain hopeful. While it may seem like an ignorant thing to do, any uninformed owner would do the same thing. Especially when promises are made during the sale.

1. Unexpected Outcomes and Charges Add up.

The problem is, every level of assurance given during the pitch typically leads into another sales opportunity that surfaces when things don’t pan out. We recently published a news article that explained how phony resellers in the timeshare exit marketplace claim to have eager buyers, but they disappear before the sale goes through. This gives the resale company an opportunity to sell advertising and other add ons to “improve results.” Thousands of dollars can be collected before the timeshare owner even realizes that selling the property was a bad idea. All of which transpired because they were led to believe willing buyers were readily available. 

A similar approach is often used by fraudulent companies claiming they can help owners legally get rid of agreements. Once a commitment has been made, they continue asking paying customers for more time and money in order to work with the resort. Sometimes, they even throw in unexpected complications to collect even more. Since the cancellation process is known to take a while to conclude, scam artists are able to invoice desperate owners for a long time before abruptly abandoning them by abolishing the business or filing for bankruptcy.

distraught-african-american-woman-duped-into-contracts-by-relief-companies-stole-her-money-with-no-resolve

2. Service Limitations Are Rarely Disclosed.

We believe it’s safe to say that none of the fractional owners taken advantage of by scams in the timeshare exit marketplace saw it coming. They counted on the company selling them relief to come through. Unfortunately, most services in this realm will tell you anything to get the ball rolling, we call this the “hope” pitch. Another way they victimize fractional owners to their benefit is avoiding full disclosure. For example, canceling a timeshare agreement doesn’t always eliminate the financial responsibility you have to a bank. Many relief programs don’t advertise this, but they can’t do anything with monetary amounts that are financed through a third party. 

Unless the timeshare loan is borrowed through timeshare affiliates or the resort itself, most of these operations aren’t properly equipped to terminate an agreement. Timeshare owners rarely think to ask if third party financed amounts are covered. Any level of understanding here would save them from making an ill-advised decision. When disclosure isn’t requested, it’s very easy for crafty businesses to collect payments from owners then protect themselves by blaming the resort or a third party for a failed cancelation.

hipster-salesman-with-aviator-glasses-standing-in-front-of-luxury-car-signifying-deceit-and-greed

3. Worthless Solutions Waste Time and Money.

Recently, a growing number of companies in the timeshare exit marketplace have marketed an ability to overcome third party loans. Even though they say they can get people’s money back, there’s no way that guarantees like these can be made. Unless they assess the contract and loan itself, there’s no way of knowing what can transpire. These types of services are simply charging people to contact the bank in an attempt to persuade them that the timeshare expense wasn’t authorized or agreed to. If the timeshare responds to the claim with proof of your signed contract, then the dispute will be denied.

If you’ve ever filed a complaint like this with your bank, then you know that it can sometimes take a few months to conclude. There’s no telling what a greedy cancellation ploy will charge you for in the meantime. The evolution of these “businesses” usually derive from those that failed in the past. Like we mentioned before, our industry is known to recycle customers with new offers that cater to previous disappointments. This is just another example. The point is, the sales pitch can be extremely deceiving. They know exactly what you want and need to hear.  If you don’t know what to ask and you’re uneducated on the purchase, it’s best to wait until you’re better informed before buying in.

Random charges like closing costs, transfer fees, and legal expenses are often used to increase the total amount due at any given time. No matter how much reassurance is given, regarding the maximum price you’ll pay, a lack of evidence should compel you to walk away. Listening to, getting excited about, and buying into a sales pitch will only get you into trouble. No matter how compelling the presentation is, you have to be able to look at the facts. If they’re unwilling to guarantee a specific outcome in writing, then nothing about the service should produce any type of optimism.

aging-white-women-chatting-downtown-about-fraudulent-timeshare-exit-marketplace-over-coffee-paradigm-shift-by-friend

Qualification Shortcomings Lead to Disappointment. 

For anyone helping fractional owners escape perpetual contracts, we believe the single most important step is qualifying them for the service. Far too many businesses in the timeshare exit marketplace predicate their success on conversion rates. In other words, their objective is to acquire as many paying customers as they can, whether they can help them or not. This is extremely short-sighted and one of the main reasons why the reputation of the industry has been consistently bad. It’s extremely irresponsible for companies to collect payments before assessing the situation.

1. What Some Fractional Owners Need to Hear.

Often times, timeshare owners don’t even know the resort has them under multiple contracts with differing agreements. During our qualification process, we frequently stumble across additional financed amounts or credit lines that the buyer had never seen before. Some owners simply have no basis for cancellation while others could easily work things out with the resort. If there is only a year or two left on a right-to-use contract, waiting it out might be more ideal. When there is a reasonable offer on the table, most people just need to hear “take it” from a trustworthy source. Unfortunately, it’s more convenient for them to pay someone to tell them what they want to hear.

deceiving-sales-practices-leave-consumers-trusting-false-information-while-keeping-blind-eye-to-timeshare-scams-in-exit-marketplace

Companies that lead people to assume their process is the best option – when it’s not – are doing the timeshare exit marketplace a huge disservice. People deserve full disclosure. If fractional owners are not prepared or equipped to handle backlash or further consequence from the resort, then they have no business paying to get out of the agreement. Despite high failure rates, many exit services just don’t care. They’re in business because they’ve been able to consistently persuade desperate people.

2. Eventual Costs Are Rarely Presented.

Selling hope pitches or failed promises, just like the timeshare, convinces unhappy buyers that they need to act now. Even if it doesn’t work out, they still get paid. Unethical companies in the timeshare exit marketplace know they can charge more when additional contracts or credit lines are found. Instead of allocating everything on the front end and presenting an accurate proposal, they slowly send invoices and rarely follow through. The more complicated a timeshare owner’s situation is, the easier it is for the exit company to cash in without fully completing the job. This generally leaves owners worse off than they were before.

For this reason, consumers should never be drawn to price in the timeshare exit marketplace. Unless you’re able to break down the entirety of your agreement before shopping around, it’s naive to assume anyone will give you an accurate quote. This is why we take pride in offering free consultations before the details of our service are even presented. Vacation owners deserve a chance to see the reality of their situation so they know what it’s going to take to get out of it. While we believe this to be extremely valuable, some owners still allow themselves to be sold by appealing offers. Sadly, many of them return to VOC with even more debt.

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What to Ask, Why Compare and How to Know?

When looking for a way to get rid of a timeshare, your first question should never be “what is the cost?” It should be “what is your process, how does it work and what can I realistically expect as a successful outcome?” Remember, low prices are always deceiving. This is why it’s important to participate in as many interviews as possible. Be prepared to hear “today only deals” and don’t let incentivized deals influence your decision. In most cases, you’ll be able to tell who’s really interested in helping you based on the interaction. A lack of professionalism or an aggressive nature should be a good preview of what’s to come.

Either way, no matter how good the sales pitch is, you have to take the time to research the business itself. On the surface, many scams do a great job with legitimacy – but in reality, it’s all a mirage. Those willing to investigate leadership, employee reviews, past partnerships and the validity of the business as a whole are usually glad they did so. Nearly every scam could have been avoided with a little effort.

dehydrated-man-in-blue-shirt-in-desert-reaching-for-water-but-unable-to-grab-it-before-expiring-in-desert-sand-blue-sky-voc

At VOC, we’ve committed to doing some of the legwork for you. While the reputation of the timeshare exit marketplace may make it difficult to trust our intentions, we want you to know we care. At the end of the day, our goal isn’t to acquire as many customers as we can and mislead them along the way. We’re only interested in helping struggling vacation owners find a resolution they can hang their hat on. For more information on our attorney based process or to speak to one of our representatives, you can schedule a free consultation or proceed with the qualification form below. 

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Timeshare Exit Options Pay Endorsers to Increase Team’s Credibility

Timeshare Exit Options Pay Endorsers to Increase Team’s Credibility

by | Jan 13, 2020 | Cancellation, Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, timeshare relief, timeshare scams, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

For most timeshare owners, finding a way to get out of their contract is a grueling experience. By the time buyers are ready to abandon the resort’s ship, it’s usually a challenge for them to know who to trust or where to turn. Although a good portion of timeshare exit options are all talk, the lack of consumer trust normally stems from the resort experience as a whole. When a prominent hotel chain has the nerve to swindle them, they’re almost certain others will.

It’s not easy for the average Joe to understand what buyers experience before they see that the expensive timeshare purchase as a mistake. Many spend thousands of dollars trying to make it worth it. Others even try to recoup some of their losses through resale opportunities with no prevail. For the most part, fractional owners are sold on possibilities, but often left feeling used or betrayed by the empty promises. It’s difficult for them to let it go.

By the time buyers realize that terminating a timeshare agreement is worth considering, their skepticism is at an all time high. But can you blame them? Aside from the fear of being taken advantage of, the sheer number of timeshare exit options alone can be quite overwhelming. Deciding which will be the most beneficial is something fractional owners are rarely able to do on their own.

hopeful-woman-battered-and-broken-looking-for-something-to-believe-in-that-will-help-her-get-rid-of-timeshare-debt-but-doesnt-understand-exit-options

You see, many relief agencies use the same sales tactics as timeshare sales teams do. They smother unhappy buyers with promises and empty guarantees in order to lead them into another vague, impulse decision. But some have discovered – even from the beginning – that consumers value products and services that are seen as a trusted commodity. When you think about it, the easiest way to get people to believe in a timeshare exit team is to pay famous people to endorse it. Specifically, celebrities that most timeshare owners know and appreciate.

How Paid Endorsements Aid Timeshare Exit Teams.

If you’ve taken the time to analyze your timeshare exit options, then it’s highly probable that you’ve come across Reed Hein and Associates’ Timeshare Exit Team. This operation has been spending excremental amounts of money on radio advertisements and weight-carrying public endorsements for a while now. Since they have a catchy company name, it’s easy for disgruntled buyers to remember where to turn when they feel relief is necessary. Especially if a financial guru gives the Exit Team a plug.

The Dave Ramsey Timeshare Exit Option

When timeshare owners find themselves in a financial pickle, one of the many places they turn to is Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. If you’ve ever taken one of Dave’s classes or purchased one of his products then you’ll know that he spends a lot of time warning people about timeshares. Although his message is geared more towards people looking to prevent or escape the burden of debt, he helps a multitude of people realize that the pursuit of an enjoyable timeshare experience is nothing more than chasing a mirage.

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Because of his straightforwardness towards fractional ownership, Reid Hein and Associates saw him as the perfect spokesman for their newest venture in the timeshare cancellation industry. For years now, they’ve been paying him to market their product and endorse their solutions. While he doesn’t specifically explain the Exit Team’s specifics, his influence leads masses of consumers to believe they’re by far the best option.

Since Mr. Ramsey talks a lot about why he doesn’t believe in vacation ownership, Timeshare Exit Team doesn’t exactly have to do much persuading. Because his recommendation carries authority, it also allows them to avoid explaining their services. But even Dave’s personal recommendation seems a little biased. “If you own one and feel stuck, Timeshare Exit Team provides a way out. They’ve been doing this for over 7 years, have successfully exited THOUSANDS of MY listeners, and are the ONLY exit company I recommend.” Either way, many timeshare owners pay the Exit Team, without asking any questions, because Dave said so.

The Timeshare Exit Team Steve Harvey Endorsement Ploy.

When it comes to Timeshare Exit Team, leveraging Financial Peace isn’t the only way they’ve been able to capture the owner’s attention. Steve Harvey has also been a long advocate for the Exit Team. Aside from his ability to influence minorities (specifically the African American community), Harvey has also been a staple as the host of Family Feud amongst other ventures. He’s commonly known as a well respected man that only endorses quality companies.

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Reed and Hein’s decision to use both of these gentlemen was a great idea, but it doesn’t mean they’re the best in the business. Since our goal isn’t to bash our competition, we encourage you to shop the estimates you receive to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Just because a famous person says they’re trustworthy, it doesn’t mean all cases result in positive outcomes. If you take the time to read through reviews and complaints, it will tell you a lot about the actualities of the service. When endorsers are getting paid to praise, you can’t exactly expect them to shed light on the negative side of things.

Other Timeshare Exit Options Pay for Endorsements Too.

In the internet realm, you can find nearly anyone with a following that aligns with your agenda. Another influential person in today’s digital marketplace is a man by the name of Steve Sanchez. His radio show and podcast has been deemed, “Water-Cooler Talk on Steroids” and generally consists of strong Christian views for a conservative audience. His special appointment listening and viewing allows him to make listeners feel as though they’re apart of something and only fed the truth.

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Since the Steve Sanchez Show has been around for nearly 30 years, he has plenty of influence. This is why Wesley Financial Group decided to take a page out of Reed Hein and Associates’ book and pay Sanchez to make a similar statement about their timeshare exit options. While it almost seems like cheating, it’s easy to understand why so many people buy in. His aggressive mentality motivates people to take action and Wesley Financial could surely use the boost.

Laura Ingraham Was Paid to Help Resort Release Recover.

Even the “most listened to woman in political talk radio” joined in on a kickback campaign. Resort Release, who has been known by multiple different aliases ended up recently paying Laura Ingraham for a personal recommendation. Like the other “celebrities” mentioned in this article, it’s highly unlikely Ingraham knows much about the timeshare exit option. But since she has thousands of followers and an in-demand voice, the relief operation couldn’t help themselves. This occurred just before their well-known bankruptcy filing in Florida in an attempt to escape multiple lawsuits filed against them by timeshare giants. We’ll call it one last gasp for air.

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Choose Timeshare Exit Options Wisely.

Although paying influencers to market a product or service is becoming more common, consumers are starting to see through the noise. There’s a difference between endorsing something you like or use and something you’re paid to promote. While the strategy can be effective, it’ll be difficult to sustain if the service isn’t superior. As we’ve covered in other articles, the timeshare industry is riddled with people telling you what the best timeshare exit options are. Whether review websites are paid for leads or resorts pocket from kickbacks, doing your homework goes a long way.

At VOC, we believe in an authentic approach. We’re not in business to persuade people we’re the best, we’d rather show you. While it may be difficult to know who to use or where to turn when it comes time to exit your timeshare, try to eliminate the noise and make a decision that’s best for you. Anyone that needs to pay someone to be seen as a trusted commodity should be questioned extensively. To learn more about our attorney based exit process, you can either schedule a free consultation or proceed with the qualification form below. 

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Can I Rent My Timeshare? The Reality of Mortgages, Fees, Cost and Return.

Can I Rent My Timeshare? The Reality of Mortgages, Fees, Cost and Return.

by | Jan 6, 2020 | annual costs, Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, maintenance fees, timeshare scams, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 1 comment

The timeshare resale market is often viewed as an area of opportunity for vacation owners to “make some money” when times get tough or they grow tired of their interval. Nearly every day, we speak to someone wondering, “Can I rent my timeshare when I can’t use it?” While those posing this question are sometimes convinced they can profit off of something that has inevitably failed them, most simply aren’t sure what’s true. Like we’ve mentioned in previous articles, this oblivion is mostly due to the deceptiveness of the initial sales presentation. 

During the purchase itself, many buyers are told they can easily resell, rent or even refinance the purchase at some point if it better suits their needs. A number of things are strategically communicated to prospects in order to put them at ease about the perpetual commitment. Even when some buyers ask the right questions, sales teams know how to respond in a vague manner while using perks and possibilities as a distraction to concerns. Floating the idea that buyers can effortlessly resell or rent a timeshare is down right criminal to say the least. But resorts aren’t the only entities that deceive fractional owners.

The Idea of Timeshare Rental is Meant to Seem Promising.

When consumers find supporting misguidance from resale programs or bias timeshare resources, it encourages them to waste a tremendous amount of optimism and capital on something that was never truly opportunistic. While the message relayed might seem promising, it’s hardly true. Buyers should already be leery of this after the timeshare presumed expectations that didn’t match the experience. Any fractional owner or person intrigued by vacation ownership should look at all information about timeshares as questionable at best.

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Let’s make one thing clear, we’re not here to persuade you that our perspective is better or that timeshare cancellation is your best option. We simply believe that owners deserve to know how to critically analyze what they’re told regarding a purchase of this magnitude. If you’re really wondering, “Can I rent my timeshare,” then you ought to know what you’re actually getting yourself into. In order to explain what the timeshare rental process really entails, we have to be able to look at the entire picture. This way, you’ll be able to see that our perspective is valid and that intent isn’t to mislead you further.

3 Types of People That Buy into Renting Timeshares.

If you took the time to poll every owner that tried to rent out a vacation property, a majority of them would tell you to avoid the attempt at all costs. We know this because a good number of them eventually call us. When buyers initially experience remorse, they normally consider selling the timeshare first. This is because they mistakenly believe the property is an asset and holds value. But once they realize getting rid of a timeshare just isn’t that simple, renting tends to always be the fallback plan. 

Unfortunately, the decision to continue pursuing resale by leasing intervals is usually a costly one. While many fall into the timeshare rental trap out of desperation, there are others that truly believe renting their timeshare is a great idea. Below, we do our best to give you an idea of their reasoning and motives. Challenge yourself to see if you fall under one of these categories. If so, try to honestly justify your optimism by the end of this article. 

1. Gullible Owners that Don’t Challenge Sales Pitches.

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The biggest income opportunity for timeshare companies is vulnerable buyers. While many new owners believe the sale is over once the contract is signed, it most certainly is not. The sales cycle for vacation ownership never ends. Because of this, gullible buyers are often preyed upon throughout their ownership experience. These types of people often paint a target on their backs for their willingness to say “yes” to resort upgrades or suggestions. Sadly, most of these recommendations only benefit the timeshare or its affiliates.

When they repeatedly do as they’re told and trust the pitch instead of investigating every solution, they often find themselves in a lopsided situation they can’t escape from. If you’re asking the resort, “Can I rent my timeshare,” you have to understand why they’re going to tell you “Yes.” Using their resale programs allows them to continue collecting your payments with the potential to make even more money off of your inconvenience. The same goes for third party rental platforms that promise you returns.

Those that are easily persuaded – by either or – rarely last long as owners due to the contractual binds they place themselves in. After maximizing options in an attempt to “fully enjoy an experience” they’ve yet to receive, many have little to show for it. When they reach back out to the resort for guidance, many are sold on points programs or the concept of selling or renting timeshare weeks to make some of their lost money back. These people often have the money to spend, but no cognizance of how they’re being taken advantage of. The elderly normally reside in this category.

2. Owners that View Timeshare Rental as a Saving Grace.

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While many timeshare owners look to leasing because of an overall disappointing experience, some have no choice but to decrease their overall spending. Whether vacation ownership was the culprit for financial hardship or not, all fractional owners end up paying more than they budgeted for. This usually causes unexpected financial problems for those who had no business owning one in the first place. 

In case you didn’t know, resorts specifically target low income households because it allows them to hold the user hostage when funds run out. These types of people are easily persuaded because vacationing is currently considered wishful thinking. An impulse purchase usually transpires when they’re offered free gifts and “once-in-a-lifetime” vacation packages that seem to be affordable. But once they realize they’re in over their head, they frantically look for a way to recoup any of their losses just to stay afloat. 

Whether broke vacation owners desperately try to rent their timeshare through a third party or the resort itself, they’re often relieved by the promises they receive. Some are so ecstatic about the possibility of offsetting their costs that they blindly pour more of their precious capital into advertising in hopes of expediting the timeshare rental process. When timeshare renters or buyers never surface, the outcome is monetarily devastating for those already low on cash. Look, if you’re struggling to keep up with payments, leasing the property will never be your saving grace. There are just too many retail travel options to compete against.

3. People Who Buy Timeshares With Intent to Rent Them Out.

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Over the years, we’ve spent an awful lot of time analyzing online searches regarding timeshare ownership. When it comes to the search phrase, “Can I Rent My Timeshare,” we found that some inquiries are performed by aspiring investors. The problem is – like we said before – the online guidance regarding timeshare rentals can be quite misleading. This causes a number of aspiring entrepreneurs to pull the trigger on what seems to be a promising opportunity with an easy return. 

At the same time, multiple timeshare purchases aren’t always pursued as initial investments. First time buyers with high income levels often purchase additional timeshare packages with the intent to rent when the initial purchase doesn’t work out. They believe a quantitative approach will increase their chances at usage while they make money on unusable intervals. While this may seem like a smart solution to a less-than-stellar timeshare, what happens when you can’t rent or get rid of either property?

What ends up happening is, the financial competence of these types of buyers allows them to be patience while they await a sale. Most view timeshare rental or resale like that of selling or remarketing a house. But it’s nothing like that. Although a lack of interest during the first 6 months may seem normal to them, a year or more of no return can financially cripple their aspirations. The demand for vacation ownership isn’t anything like the residential real estate market – and it should never be viewed that way.

When you assess the reality of timeshare sales, people end up buying because they’re aggressively sold or misled about investment return. Nobody – besides the resort, resellers or investors – are looking to rent a timeshare. They’re looking for those asking, “Can I rent my timeshare,” because they want to take advantage of their desperation so they can make money. Trying to make supplemental income on something people aren’t looking for is a good way to lose a lot of money. Truth be told, many owners can’t even get rid of timeshares for a dollar. 

The Disadvantageous Cost of Renting A Timeshare.

Since we’ve hit you with a lot of hypothetical scenarios thus far, we can understand if you still think you can successfully rent a timeshare. So, let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages that renting brings before breaking down how much it will more than likely cost you to try.

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1. A Large Investment of Time and Money.

Once owners begin the timeshare rental process, they’re normally caught off guard by how much time it takes them to setup the listing. Not only will you need to provide ample descriptions, a list of amenities and up-to-date imagery, but you’ll also have to manage availability and booking. Although the initial listing cost is fairly cheap, costly upgrades are usually offered to help you with setup and increase the exposure or appeal of the property. 

While every rental platform is different, most recommend advertising to improve results. What was originally viewed as an easy way to profit off of an unused week can quickly add hundreds of dollars to your monthly timeshare expenses – with no money earned. This is especially frustrating when buyers spend countless hours managing their listing.

2. No Guarantees Should Catch Your Eye.

Even though a timeshare rental pitch may sound great, you have to understand that nobody can make promises regarding resale outcomes. Unless there is some sort of money-back-guarantee in writing, you can’t buy into the things you’re told. Far too many owners confidently partake in rental opportunities without much thought because they’ve been reassured the result will be favorable. But even when resale reviews seem positive, you have to learn to separate sales pitches from reality in the timeshare industry. Like most relief options, they’re nothing more than a revenue ploy.

3. Timeshare Rental Scams Are Real.

This disadvantage is pretty self explanatory. Whether you’re looking to rent a timeshare due to dissatisfaction or supplemental income, predatory agencies are built to collect payments and drag out the process. Since most scams are run by former timeshare employees, the operation knows how to dupe and persuade vulnerable owners. They know how to create phony company information so they’re perceived as a valid business with a reliable reputation. Like resale and exit fraud, rental scams should concern you.

4. An Unwarranted Peace of Mind.

One of the most overlooked elements of misleading timeshare rental practices is the simple fact that most owners believe they’ve found resolve. In the midst of financial hardship or extreme inconvenience, they temporarily feel as though they can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sadly, many continue the cycle of regret when they’re left feeling duped and betrayed by another entity that promised relief. Creating peace of mind with empty guarantees while the owner makes payments is pretty low.

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Breaking Down the Actual Cost of Renting Timeshares.

When you take the time to analyze the overall expense of timeshare remarketing, it can be quite staggering to say the least. In this example, let’s assume the aspiring renter pays around $4500 per year for their mortgage, maintenance fees and special assessments. We believe this is a generous number (below average) which breaks down to about $375 per month. If the owner were to spend $1000 on remarketing setup, management and advertising, it would add $83 to their monthly total ($458). If they purchased an additional timeshare interval with the intent to rent the property, then we can double this total ($917). 

After inspecting some online reviews for “successful” rental solutions, we found that most happy owners typically waited at least 6 months before they saw results. This means, the average reseller spent nearly $3000 before any transaction occurred. While they may have collected a few thousand for the week, they’re still on the hook for the remaining balance. If you owned 3 properties and only rented one interval then your expenses could be extremely one sided – and not favorable by any stretch.

Keep in mind, this scenario is assuming you find someone to lease the timeshare. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, you can see why this isn’t a wise choice. If you’re purchasing multiple units with the intent to rent or sell, then you’ll be digging quite the hole to kick off your investment project. If you don’t take the time to research the purchase initially or any other option throughout, you could find yourself swimming upstream for quite some time.

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So Do I Rent My Timeshare or Not?

In conclusion, renting timeshare intervals is one of the biggest mistakes fractional owners make. While you may not value what we have to say – because we specialize in terminating timeshare contracts – we hope this article has given you some insight on the reality of reselling your perpetual property. We understand that a number of third party agencies and biz operations have had success with timeshare rentals, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re equipped to experience the same. 

Many of these resale companies know how to prey on desperate timeshare owners, purchase intervals for nothing and target unexpected consumers with what seems like amazing deals. Unless you’re a con artist yourself, it’s going to be difficult to compete with these guys. They know how to publish mass income opportunities and “stay at home jobs” that attract uninformed consumers – you don’t. In most cases, you probably don’t even have the capital available to pull it off. Even Disney timeshares, that are high in demand, are hard to resell or rent on your own. 

If you really think, “I can rent my timeshare and make some money,” we encourage you to explore other options. Instead of waiting years to master the process and coup a few thousands dollars, you could cancel the timeshare agreement altogether and move on. What could potentially turn into a loss that exceeds tens of thousands of dollars could eventually be avoided with a one-time-payment that’s significantly less. 

To learn more about our attorney based process and our experienced staff, you can schedule a free consultation or proceed with our qualification form below. 

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Are Christmas Timeshare Gifts a Good Idea?

Are Christmas Timeshare Gifts a Good Idea?

by | Dec 16, 2019 | Holidays, Home-Blog, Home-Page-Blog, timeshare presentations, timeshare relief, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

As Christmas steadily approaches, millions of people are looking for the perfect gift that shows their friends and family just how much they appreciate them. While some simply enjoy spending a lot of money without limitations, for the most part, the generosity of the holiday season is pretty contagious. Unless you’re a Scrooge that enjoys watching The Grinch by yourself after too much eggnog, you can’t help but acknowledge what the presence of Christmas brings. Last week, we talked about the intrigue of timeshares to holiday shoppers. This week, it’s only fitting that we discuss whether or not Christmas timeshare gifts are a good idea.

But before we analyze this form of gifting, we wanted to remind you that the best Christmas gifts aren’t always the most expensive ones. If you’re really looking to show someone that you care about them, then time – not a timeshare – is normally a great gesture. Although it may appeal to you to gift the entire family with a “discounted” trip you stumbled across, try to consider how the experience could play out. 

Every year, thousands of consumers plan on attending a getaway vacation that never transpires. Whether the cause is flight delays, family cancellations or an inability to book a timeshare during desired dates – the result can create quite a bit of bitterness for those anticipating the trip. While making unforgettable memories might have been on the docket, the only thing people might remember is your inaptitude of vacation-planning. Even though availability may not be your fault, the idea was. 

So, if you’re considering a big splash purchase that’ll “wow” family and friends this holiday season, we suggest you invest in something a little more safe. There are plenty of things you can buy with the money it would cost to purchase a timeshare travel package. While a crafty, overhyped timeshare presentation may grab your attention, there’s usually more than what meets the eye. Like we mentioned last week, the overall burden of fractional ownership can leave you with Christmas timeshare gifts that keep on giving you a bad taste in your mouth.

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Why Owners Give Timeshares as Christmas Gifts.

When a timeshare purchase turns out to be nothing like it was advertised, it still gives some buyers a unique opportunity to share the time (or interval) they purchased from the resort. For many, it’s tough to get everyone together during Christmas. So giving away an unusable timeshare week may be the best way to bless those you’re unable to see during the holidays. Especially when the purchase hasn’t exactly been advantageous. You might as well share it. 

You see, far too many timeshare owners were told they’d be able to use the condo during the holiday season, only to find out they can’t. They simply assume the dates they discussed during the presentation would be available. Little did they know that booking far in advance is a critical step in guaranteeing usage. But even then, the condo isn’t always available. Truth be told, most resorts prioritize booking retail customers because the profits are higher. In turn, timeshare owners are given the leftover dates to choose from. 

As you can imagine, this leaves a lot of buyers furious. The problem is, it’s extremely difficult to escape the perpetual agreement they signed up for. Because of this, a majority of owners spend a lot of time and money trying to create the experience they anticipated when they bought it. Whether they upgrade packages, invest in empty resale markets or even try to donate the timeshare, rarely are any of their efforts fruitful. This results in buyers doing what they can to make the most of the purchase – which is where Christmas timeshare gifts come into play.

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Who Usually Accepts Christmas Timeshare Gifts?

Family members (especially those with large families) absolutely love it when they receive free accommodations during the holidays. Although limited availability is normally the cause, some buyers have excess weeks or a surplus of timeshare points that need to be used. This forces them to hand out intervals at the end of the year. While gifting a week may not be as big of a gesture as buying someone a timeshare for Christmas, nearly anyone would accept a travel package during the busy holiday season.

Sharing a timeshare is actually a pretty common gesture in today’s society. Recipients are given access to other people’s condos all the time. But it’s not just a communal opportunity for families. Well performing employees are sometimes rewarded with a timeshare stay for their hard work or successful role within the company. Newlyweds are often gifted intervals for their honeymoon. Even when timeshares become a burden, giving other people a chance to stay at a resort for free helps ease the pain a little.

How Gifted Timeshare Weeks Can Backfire on Owners.

While the idea of giving a free get-away can make a buyer feel better about a remorseful purchase, you have to understand what can go wrong. The last thing owners should want is for their guests to have a bad time. But sometimes, the timeshare gift is more overwhelming than enjoyable. At the end of the day, most resorts view all consumers as a potential sale. When they have an opportunity to sell them something, they do. So before you go handing out free intervals to everyone you care about for Christmas, you need to consider some situations that may arise.

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In most cases, the resort methodically plans to welcome timeshare guests with a large helping of limited time offers. Upon arrival, many are given a tour and offered a number of upgrades to make the experience even more enjoyable. Free breakfasts or drinks are usually offered to establish some sort of trust or expectation that cost is not an issue. In some cases, first time users are taken immediately to a timeshare sales presentation and not allowed to leave until things get a little uncomfortable. 

At the end of the day, their effort to persuade your guest to invest in something misleadingly explained as an asset is relentless. Thousands of people end up saying “yes” just to escape the harassment. They assume they’ll be able to cancel the purchase once they get home but they really don’t understand the depths of timeshare travel. Sadly, we speak to hundreds of people every year that become stuck in these types of situations. But the sale doesn’t end after the first impression.

While the first wave of aggression is normally noticeable, some of the additional tactics can be a little more subtle. Nonetheless, none are beneficial to recipients of Christmas timeshare gifts. Once other sales representatives find out there’s fresh meat on the premises, they begin circling like vultures. The check in process may even get drug out just to inconvenience the guest while the plot thickens. Before handing over the keys to your timeshare interval as a gift, make sure recipients understand they could experience quite a few high pressure sales that they don’t need. While it may seem like the resort is being helpful, in most cases, they only want their money.

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What to Expect From Timeshare Gifts After Check In.

If they’re able to avoid the timeshare presentation, they’re not quite in the clear. For the most part, people visiting someone else’s timeshare need to practice a firm “No.” Letting salesman know you’re not interested – no matter what they tell you – will get them off your back. While this may cause them to retaliate and hinder the experience, it’s far better than dealing with phony customer service with bad intentions. There are plenty of ways to get this point across.

When guests are unable to communicate a firm “No,” they’re known to receive routine courtesy calls that offer further incentives, free accommodations and even forced to attend presentations. Mandated “owners update meetings” are a common way the resort attempts to gain control of the visit. Although this is normally presented upon arrival, some places have been known to harass visitors throughout their stay, even making threats if they don’t attend one of the meetings.

Even when guests are able to escape the hotel lobby and avoid relentless phone calls, most destination cities are riddled with timeshare offers. Off premise concierges (OPC) are one of the ways timeshare developers attract tourists. These are usually in places that are the most popular for travelers. Whether guests go to the beach, walk the strip, or attend an event – you can almost guarantee someone is looking to close them on something. While most tourist-focused businesses are overpriced, the cost of a timeshare can be devastating.

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If you’re going to give a timeshare as a Christmas gift, you have to acknowledge the possibilities. Although it may seem like a nice gesture, the main beneficiary is going to be the resort. While not all timeshare experiences are bad, most resorts are greedy. Preparing guests by educating yourself on expectations can go a long way. You never know, it could save someone receiving a Christmas timeshare gift a lot of money and a whole lot of heartache. 

If you’re frustrated with your timeshare or you know someone that is, we’d be more than happy to help. All of our consultants have been trained to avoid haggling and stick with the facts. We understand a majority of timeshare owners have been put through the ringer and the last thing we want is to be categorized with the deceit. At the end of the day, we know how to get out of timeshare contracts and take pride in delivering on our promises. To learn more about our attorney based process, you’re more than welcome to schedule a free consultation or proceed with the qualification form below.

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Are Timeshare Promotions More Appealing During the Holidays?

Are Timeshare Promotions More Appealing During the Holidays?

by | Dec 9, 2019 | Cancellation, Home-Blog, timeshare presentations, timeshare relief, Travelling, Vacation Ownership | 0 comments

Americans shell out an awful lot of money during the holiday season. The increase in indulgence is fairly apparent. From Black Friday deals to Cyber Monday specials, nearly every product or service looks to take advantage of loose spending habits during this time of year. Whether consumers are looking for unique ways to stuff stockings or preparing to host family, the planning and shopping seems ceaseless. The distractions and temporary priorities give travel companies and resorts quite the opportunity to position timeshare promotions.

When you think about it, the preparation for the holiday season isn’t the only thing that occupies the minds of people this time of year. Parents have to adjust to their kids being home from school after getting used to their absence. Entertaining them and guests is a job in itself. Catching up with family in general can also be exhausting when you’re limited on time. Managing grocery lists, attending holiday parties and experiencing everything you can in the short span of the season can be quite a blur. But the joy that it brings most is well worth it.

People Want to Enjoy the Holiday Season in Style.

When Christmas is finally over and people start thinking about their New Year’s resolutions, they want to be able to look back at this time with satisfaction. Participating in things worth remembering is what life is all about. It’s why a good portion of our culture invests in holiday vacations this time of year. Since the excitement of the season remains constant, people enjoy adding to the experience by getting away. This helps them rejuvenate while creating lasting memories in new places with people they love.

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Why Consumers Decide to Partake in Holiday Travel.

While some say the holiday season is kicked off by Halloween, not many people look to treat themselves to anything other than candy and costume creativity. The holidays are often seen as a time where family, friends, football and food come together. With that being said, the week before Thanksgiving is typically when the fun begins. Why? Because most people are off work while the kids are out of school for consecutive days. While Memorial and Labor Day weekends tend to be a blast, there isn’t much opportunity to maximize a vacation.

Although most holiday travel arrangements are strategically planned and budgeted for, many people end up trying to sneak a quick trip in during time off just to get away. Some are simply looking to escape the cold and enjoy the outdoors in a warmer climate. Others just want to fulfill their desire to travel somewhere nice for a change. If you’ve ever been forced to spend the holidays alone, then you can probably understand why escaping can be appealing.

At the same time, an eagerness to travel isn’t always the reasoning. Some people prefer to gift their loved ones with experiences instead of wrapping Christmas presents. This is especially true when most of the family is around. Although this is becoming more common with parents of spoiled children, taking people on vacation can be a great substitute for anyone during the holidays.

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Why Are Sporadic Vacations Popular This Time of Year?

Like we already mentioned, an underwhelming holiday season can be a good reason to get up and go somewhere. Whether the kids are finally grown and gone or plans fall through, the inclination to go on vacation during this time is always there. Sometimes, the only thing holding people back is their ability to travel. But financial limitations don’t always keep people grounded.

When people just can’t seem to catch a break and experience a holiday season like the Griswolds, there’s always an opportunity to book a brief staycation with the family. While it may not be super exciting, it allows people to escape the reality of their situations so positive memories can presume. While it may not be the cheapest time of year to shop for a trip in Florida, hotels in colder weather climates with indoor pools usually suffice. It’s an easy decision for those looking to hit the reset button. 

Other reasons for sporadic vacations during the holidays normally revolve around last minute invites, unused airline miles or available trips that someone you know can’t make. There’s always an uncle or co-worker that has a last minute emergency or inconvenience that cancels their plans. This gives someone an opportunity to use their condo, guesthouse or timeshare for little to nothing – or even free. Not many people will turn down discounted travel packages. Which is why many consumers are intrigued by holiday timeshare promotions.

The Appeal of Timeshare Holiday Promotions is Real.

For most of us, we don’t have a cousin that’s a flight attendant. Many of us will never even be offered a gifted stay at a resort by someone we know. But it doesn’t mean we don’t wish for an ability to travel in style. During the holidays, companies selling vacation ownership are most certainly out and about persuading shoppers to indulge in their limited timeshare promotions. 

For most, it can be hard to ignore an appealing timeshare sales presentation or advertisement that’s seemingly cheap. Especially when we’re approached during a time when your spending ceiling is a lot higher than usual.

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How People Come Across Timeshares During the Holidays.

If you don’t remember ever coming across a timeshare sale during the holiday season, chances are you’ve been too busy to notice. Nearly every mall is equipped with multiple off premise concierges (OPC’s) that promote enticing offers for destination travel. While most are staged signs atop a small podium with blank forms, some involve more engaging kiosks with aggressive salesman. 

If you’re waiting in line for Santa Claus, it may seem harmless to submit your information for more details. But once they know how to contact you, they’re relentless. Bass Pro Shops was recently in the news and took a lot of heat for Bluegreen Vacations’ pressure filled setup in their stores. From 2016-2018, nearly 15% of the global timeshares’s revenue came from the retailer. 

Every holiday season, thousands of consumers ignorantly hand over their contact information in exchange for a resilient sales pitch that never ends. Whether they’re attending an event, theme park or on vacation in a popular destination, these leaching operations persistently harass them until they give in or walk away. 

Making an impulse decision becomes easier when people are led to believe the timeshare package is a limited time offer. It’s the same reason why consumers will buy an extra big screen TVs just because it’s half off on Black Friday. When so many things are going on around you, it’s difficult to know for sure what you might be missing out on. Because of this, many people don’t want to pass the opportunity up. Although holiday timeshare promotions may seem legit, understand that sales teams are paid handsomely to close you quickly.

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Why People Are Intrigued By Timeshare Holiday Deals.

Due to the business of the season, it can be an emotional time of year. Shoppers usually aren’t fully cognizant of what they’re doing due to fatigue and a never ending to-do list. Hectic schedules and deadlines force many to look for a method of rejuvenation when they’re on the last leg. Enter an appealing timeshare promotion. While the offer may initially catch people off-guard, the more they think about it, the more they feel like they deserve a vacation.

Some people have never thought about taking a legitimate vacation before. They might want to try to be the hero of Christmas or prove they can treat their family to something nice. Instead of thinking about the extent of the timeshare promotions, they might be blinded by the possibility. While this is normally the case for gullible buyers, it’s definitely magnified during the holidays. The frenzy of the season could easily be bypassed by an affordable trip to Branson, Missouri.

When salesmen go into detail about how timeshares are assets and that other family members and friends can use it, the intrigue continues to grow. But what normally gets people to sign the dotted line of perpetuity are the additional perks and free gifts presented to them. Consumers love free stuff, whether it be dinners, events, shows, resort stays or other forms of entertainment. If we could give you one word of advice, it would be to not take the free gift cards, tickets, vouchers and passes. Anybody that has to pay you in order to persuade you to buy what they’re selling can’t be trusted.

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Avoid the Bait by Timeshare Conglomerates.

Discounts on vacations is a rarity in today’s society. Especially when it comes to a timeshare. Maintenance fees, special assessments and other surcharges make the purchase more than meets the eye. While the actual cost of most travel deals aren’t backbreaking, misleading timeshare promotions can definitely break your bank. Before committing to a resort and destination you’ve never been to, make sure you fully understand what you’re getting yourself into. 

Walking away from enticing offers during the holiday season is the best thing all consumers can do. Taking the bait of a timeshare promotion can leave you reeling for years to come. The last thing you’ll want is the continued reminder of a Holiday purchase that never resulted in any positive memories.

If you or someone you know feels trapped in a timeshare agreement, we’d love to help. A free consultation with one of our timeshare experts will provide you with clarity on next steps. If you’ve already made the decision to legally get out of a timeshare contract, you can always proceed with our qualification form below.

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Written by the top Real Estate Litigators in the Timeshare Industry

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