These time share companies need to get bent. These platforms perpetuate the worst types of scams on our most vulnerable populations (elderly).
I went to one of these timeshare pitches because they were giving away free stays at an associated hotel — got a “free” 4 day/night accommodation. The catch here was I had to attend a 1-2 hour sales pitch for their “club” (timeshare).
Read the fine print before accepting the 4 day/night accommodation to make sure I did not have to accept a timeshare contract. Only obligation was the sales pitch and stay for the entire pitch.
Scheduled the pitch for later in the week of the vacation. Set a timer on my watch/phone as soon as I checked in for 1.5 hrs. Listened passively to their pitch. I feigned interest but ultimately declined each contract and each attempt to pull my credit report (do not give these people your SSN).
Each decline was met with:
- “I can go back to my manager and get a better deal. I’m making no profit”. Person comes back with a contract that throws in a bunch of “perks” (more “points” or something like that).
- high pressure sales tactics like: “this deal expires today”. “I’m basically giving this away for free”.
- Lies such as: “vacation anywhere you want in the world and any time”. But clearly contract and terms state otherwise and need to purchase additional “points” at certain locations. Doesn’t include holidays.
- more lies such as “after it’s paid off, you ‘own’ the time share”. Again, it’s bullshit. the “monthly maintenance fees” are in perpetuity (forever) and go up at any time at the discretion of club. You don’t “own” jack shit. The contract is worthless.
There were several other people as well in doing the sales pitch and made sure to call out the absurdities and lies so everyone could hear.
As soon as my watch/phone timer alerted. Got up, shake hands with sales person and manager, and I just left. I fulfilled my obligation.