When it comes to timeshare ownership, there are a number of complaints that can surface. Some are easy to fix and others can be concerning or problematic. In an age where travelers can pretty much go anywhere, you’ll find that many are willing to take risks for the right deals. They’ve learned to temper their expectations and embrace a little more adventure. When you’re traveling with enlightenment in mind, the unexpected tends to be riveting. Traveling to places you’ve never been tends to come with a dash of unexpectedness. This is what adds a little thrill to the nomadic culture that scours our planet today. At the same time, it’s what separates retail travel from vacation ownership. In order to understand why buyers cancel vacation ownership, we have to acknowledge why they make the purchase in the first place.
With that being said, there are still a plethora of people that value the traditional element of vacationing. They’re willing to pay higher prices to be pampered to a certain degree. An ability to enjoy upgraded living spaces, first class meals, amusement and entertainment outside of the norm is what vacationing is all about. It allows them to escape their worries, unless the trip becomes worrisome. When expectations aren’t met – or travelers don’t feel like they’re getting what they paid for – the entirety of the experience can be ruined altogether.
Generous Spending Travelers Have Expectations.
To put things in perspective, the average vacation costs $1,145 per person. Standard costs can be significantly lower when you’re traveling to less popular destinations. But for the most part, this is pretty consistent. It’s easy to see why so many people get their panties in a bunch when something goes wrong. In the case of the timeshare, a poor purchase decision can cost thousands of dollars per year, for life. This can be extremely problematic. Especially when there are so many timeshare owners that can’t even enjoy their purchase due to availability complications.
If you’re the type of person who gets worked up when the continental breakfast isn’t available or the coffee pot is empty, then you probably won’t handle typical timeshare letdowns very well. The types of situations buyers face after signing away their annual salary is bothersome. While all travelers should witness top-of-the-line amenities and service when paying a pretty penny, timeshare owners deserve much much better. But because they’re under contract no matter what and retail opportunities are more fruitful for resorts, fractional owners continue to receive the short end of the stick.
Since we’ve already discussed most of these problematic scenarios in earlier articles, we wanted to talk a little bit about what finally pushes property owners over the edge. Although most believe things will eventually get better, others can’t wait until the day they’re timeshare free. A sense of hope is held onto because timeshare companies really know how to lead their users on and buy themselves more time. At the same time, there are 4 realizations that tend to occur at some point during ownership. The eagerness to cancel timeshare agreements usually peaks once owners see the purchase for what it is.
Why Would You Want to Cancel Vacation Ownership?
When making a substantial purchase, consumers typically take their time. Because of the competitive nature of these transactions, a good amount of haggling is often involved. Not many people go into a car dealership and accept the sticker price. With that being said, it can be difficult to understand why so many consumers don’t use the same approach during a timeshare purchase.
But unless you’ve attended a timeshare presentation (or another high pressure sales environment) before, then it’s hard to get a sense of the level of enthusiastic deception involved. Incentives sometimes cause salesmen to make promises they can’t keep. Although regulations are beginning to crack down on unethical practices, timeshare owners are still being left in the dark about their purchase. Because a lot of their dissatisfaction stems from a lack of disclosure during the initial presentation, canceling the timeshare immediately is typically on their radar. Let’s take a look at 4 reasons why.
1. The Perpetual Reality Settles In
One of the many reasons buyers eventually cancel vacation ownership is the realization their obligation is perpetual (never ending). Leading up to a timeshare sale, the contract details are often overlooked on purpose. Some make the purchase without even knowing a contract exists because they’re caught up in what they believe is a deal of a lifetime. Sales reps know how to keep attendees distracted with “shiny objects” instead of focusing on disclosure. Leaving out contract disclaimers and other pertinent information essentially encourages them to make a large purchase they know little about.
Timeshare owners usually realize their payment obligations never cease once they’ve paid off the mortgage. The euphoria of paying something off can quickly turn into despair when the contract details are brought to their attention. The realization also occurs when availability issues become so concerning that the owner begins inquiring about a refund. When they’re pointed to the rescission period (agreed amount of time to cancel vacation ownership), they usually uncover the actualities of the deal for the first time.
Having no control over future financial obligations or property use typically motivates owners to find a way out. To them, canceling a timeshare contract immediately is better than continuing to pay for something (for life) that they didn’t necessarily agree to. When compared to other relief options, like selling or renting, cancellation is far more rewarding.
2. The Survivorship Clause Loses Its Appeal
Aside from contractual specifics, timeshare companies do a great job of adding a number of value propositions to presentations that entice attendees. Empty nesters have been known to be a major target since they no longer have their children in the home. As this demographic ages, they tend to value an ability to will things to their children. Because of this, timeshare companies sell additional perks that benefit the whole family.
Besides right to use options (for friends, family or business travel), this demographic is normally intrigued by an ability to gift their children a paid off vacation package when they can’t use it anymore. This Survivorship Clause, also known as the “Legacy Pitch,” is another way salesmen distract attendees with partial truths. Instead of inheriting an available condo, heirs actually take over payments on a property that’s rather difficult to use. Some may not even want it.
Whether the owner is processing the transfer or the heir is digging through the contract, the lack of disclosure can be unsettling. Canceling vacation ownership becomes a lot easier when it’s clear the purchase was based on a lie. Owners don’t want to pass grief onto their kids and heirs typically don’t want to deal with the hassle. Especially if it’s from a parent that’s recently passed.
3. Interest Rates + Fees = Desire to Cancel Vacation Ownership
When people first hear they can vacation every year for a fraction of the cost, they normally have a few questions. But timeshare sales teams are very sly when it comes to explaining payment obligations. While the expense may seem pretty straight forward, you’d be surprised how many buyers don’t analyze the entirety of the purchase. If they did, it’s safe to say many people would reconsider the expense.
During most closings, the potential buyer is made aware of their monthly commitment to the resort. What they don’t realize is they are obligating themselves to pay double (and sometimes triple) the retail rate. While the average cost of a timeshare contract is $20K over 120 months ($167/month), the purchase is actually closer to $43K when you factor in a 17.9% (average) interest rate. Buyers aren’t completely aware of how much this actually costs them because the numbers during the presentation don’t include loan details.
Maintenance fees also tend to catch new timeshare owners off-guard. Every year, fractional owners receive an “upkeep” bill with a $1K average. This brings the total cost of the timeshare to (at least) $53K. Their total will continue to climb if assessment fees pop up in the mail. These can be anywhere from $2-4K each.
Remember, the contract is perpetual, so annual fees continue for life. This makes it difficult to even put a cap on the purchase. When you break it down, $400-$500/month is a lot different than $167. Many simply can’t afford this while others become bitter towards the cost. Especially when they’re only able to garner 3 star accommodations – if they’re available. Seeing they can spend $5000 on something better or save it altogether forces them to pull the trigger on vacation ownership cancellation services.
Poor Disclosure Causes Most Timeshare Cancellations
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the explanation of timeshare contracts. Many timeshare companies have been busted for their unethical practices while others continue to find ways to misled their targets. Either way, a lot of the cancellation requests we receive are from timeshare owners who feel they’ve been lied to. What they thought was true inevitably wasn’t and now they’re spending their time trying to cancel vacation ownership instead of enjoy one. If you believe you have a right to cancel or are simply wanting to get out of your timeshare agreement, we’d be more than willing to help. We offer FREE consultations or you can get started by submitting an eligibility form below.
