tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67552550018426833482024-02-19T20:24:46.810-05:00The Word From The Timeshare CrusaderStriving to be a catalyst for positive change in the timeshare industry as well as helping consumers make educated choices. Not affiliated with any timeshare or entity. Opinions expressed are my own. Guest posts and respectful comments are encouraged. Looking for the 19 Questions You Need To Ask Before Buying A Timeshare? Contact me at lisaschreier617@gmail.com Follow me @LisaLooksAtThe Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.comBlogger674125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-45559030896750565892022-12-28T07:52:00.001-05:002022-12-28T07:52:21.571-05:00It’s The End Of The Year…Onward!<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">For my last post this year I present you with the latest communication piece that I co-wrote with ARDA, the trade association representing this timeshare industry </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My detractors on one side will yell and scream and wring their hands saying that I’m a sell out and that I’m no longer a consumer advocate but a mouthpiece for the timeshare industry. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My detractors on the other side will yell and scream and wring their hands saying that they’re pure as the driven snow and claim that the consumer is to blame for all misunderstandings. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">They’re both wrong. I have maintained from the start that I don’t feel one side is right and one side is wrong. There’s enough bad behavior on both sides. I also don’t feel that timeshare is a win/lose proposition. I think at its essence, it’s a great product for the right people. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And while I feel strongly that the industry could do a much better job of taking care of owners who, for one reason or another are done with their timeshare, I think we can all agree that the cottage industry of scammers taking advantage of those owners needs to be shut down. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Step one is letting consumers know the truth about contracts, those scam companies and what they can do to avoid getting scammed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, here’s the piece that I’m proud to have cowritten with ARDA:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.arda.org/4-things-understand-about-exiting-your-timeshare-contract">https://www.arda.org/4-things-understand-about-exiting-your-timeshare-contract</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here’s to a better new year for everyone. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Peace. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-20944096326471205162022-12-16T10:55:00.000-05:002022-12-16T10:55:16.584-05:00Trust<p> </p><p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Today a few words about trust when it comes to timeshare issues. And I’m not talking about legal trusts here. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I recently saw a social media post that said in part that consumers trust timeshare salespeople because they, the salespeople, establish themselves as the experts. True. That’s one of the signs of a competent salesperson. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The post went on about other so-called authorities or experts such as doctors or auto mechanics and stated that consumers don’t question them as they’re the experts. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Whoa. You don’t question doctors or mechanics? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Really? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>How about the salesperson at a boutique who tells you that you look positively adorable in that $500 dress? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Do you take them at their word because they’re an expert at fashion?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Way back in the Dark Ages when I was selling timeshare, I was stunned whenever the customer handed over a credit card for a $15,000 or $20,000 timeshare based on what I said during a 3 hour pitch. Granted, this is one of the major reasons behind my leaving that profession. I was trained to show the customer that the timeshare would be less costly than staying in a hotel for 10 years on vacation by using an inflation factor that we simply pulled out of a hat. You’d think that all or at least most people would at the very least, check my math. Very few ever did. Believe me, I’m not an expert at hotel costs or math, yet people didn’t question it. I wasn’t lying, but I certainly wasn’t an expert. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Maybe it’s me. Maybe I’m leery about all salespeople. Maybe whenever something is going to cost me more than $50 I take a breath and look at all the information I can get my hands on and look for alternatives. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I feel compelled again to say that I don’t condone lying or hiding of pertinent facts in timeshare sales. That’s not what this is about. However far too many timeshare owners are bantering terms like scam, extortion and coercion while accepting zero responsibility for plopping down $20,000 for a very complex purchase in perpetuity. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Trust needs to be earned. Some random dude with a name tag that identifies them as a ‘Vacation Counselor’ doesn’t immediately earn my trust. Why would they have yours?</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-41799446271885261082022-11-08T08:45:00.000-05:002022-11-08T08:45:37.072-05:00A Lesson On Listening And Acting<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I’ve never used AirBnB, but I know they started out to be a disruptor to the hotel and to a lesser extent, the timeshare industry. I also know that they’ve had some significant pushback from consumers and hosts alike. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here’s a series of tweets from Brian Chesky of AirBnB. I’m not saying that this is a better alternative to timeshare because people have different needs, budgets and expectations. I am however saying that addressing the issues in this manner is commendable. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“I’ve heard you loud and clear—you feel like prices aren’t transparent and checkout tasks are a pain. That’s why we’re making 4 changes: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Starting next month, you’ll be able to see the total price you're paying up front.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When you turn this on, you’ll see the total price (before taxes) in search results, as well as on the map, price filter, and listing page. You can also view a full price breakdown with Airbnb’s service fee, discounts, and taxes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. We are prioritizing total price (instead of nightly price) in our search ranking algorithm. The highest quality homes with the best total prices will rank higher in search results.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We started as an affordable alternative to hotels, and affordability is especially important today. During this difficult economic time, we need to help our Hosts provide great value to you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3. To enable Hosts to set more competitive prices, we’ll be launching new pricing and discount tools. Hosts told us they’d like our help to better understand the final price guests pay and what price to charge to stay competitive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4. You shouldn’t have to do unreasonable checkout tasks, such as stripping the beds, doing the laundry, or vacuuming. But we think it’s reasonable to turn off the lights, throw food in the trash, and lock the doors—just as you would when leaving your own home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If Hosts have checkout requests, they should be reasonable and shown to you before you book.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for all the feedback. We will never stop improving Airbnb.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There’s a lesson that the timeshare industry would be wise to learn from. The question is…will it?</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-9962358327161057532022-11-04T10:52:00.000-04:002022-11-04T10:52:24.612-04:00Ch…Ch…Ch…Changes<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">With apologies to David Bowie, today I’m going to say something about changes. In particular, the ability of the developer to institute oftentimes major changes to the contract between you and them.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">You may think that changes are not allowed. You’d be wrong. Well, partially wrong. You can’t make changes. They can. That’s called unilateral change. One party can and the other can not. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">What changes can the developers make? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Where to begin! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Perhaps you purchased at a resort that was one of several properties owned by Developer X. 7 years down the road, Developer X is acquired by Developer Z. For whatever reason, you don’t like Developer Z’s business practices. Can you have your contact dissolved? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>No, you can not. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We’re not talking about fees here by the way, which the developer has the right to increase as they see fit. Guest Certificates which used to be $49 are now $89. The ability to split a week into a 3-night stay and a 4-night stay which used to be no cost is now $70! These are 2 small examples of why it’s imperative to ask the right questions concerning fees before purchasing. (For more questions to ask, I’ve identified <b>19 Questions To Ask Before Purchasing A Timeshare</b>, available for only $18.99)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So, the developer can institute unilateral changes while you, do not have that right. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">You can not decide to change how much or even when you pay. You can not wake up one morning and decide to give your timeshare interest to another person because the developer may block you from doing so. You can’t say you don’t want the timeshare any longer because you used to be able to use it towards a particular cruise but now you can’t because the developer and the cruise line parted ways. Well, technically you can say you don’t want it any more, but saying it means nothing. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">None of this is meant to dissuade anyone from purchasing a timeshare. I’m just pointing out the obvious one sided nature of the contract. Yet another reason to not purchase a timeshare on a whim. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-83098570459364303672022-10-04T12:58:00.001-04:002022-10-04T12:58:14.383-04:00 Cognitive Bias or Something Else?<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">I read an interesting article over the weekend about cognitive biases that consumers have. The article rightly pointed out that “users filter out a lot of the information they receive, even when it could be important.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">This is obviously true when it comes to purchasing a timeshare for reasons we’ve often discussed here on the blog. However, it’s even more true when it comes to owners wanting to get out of a timeshare. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Among the biases that illustrate this are:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><u>Confirmation Bias</u></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">People look for evidence that confirms what they already think. People tend to search for, interpret, prefer, and recall information in a way that reinforces their personal beliefs or hypotheses. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><u>Banner Blindness</u></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Users tune out the stuff they get repeatedly exposed to. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">You can read the entire article here:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><a href="https://growth.design/psychology#banner-blindness"></a></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><a href="https://growth.design/psychology#banner-blindness">https://growth.design/psychology#banner-blindness</a></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Banner blindness really stood out to me because no matter how many times I, and other people looking out for timeshare owners’ best interests, state categorically:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">a) to avoid any company or entity that initiates contact</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">b) not to do business with anyone wanting an upfront payment</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">c) the value of the timeshare is a tiny fraction of the purchase price</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">d) getting out of a contract, particularly when there’s an amount owed should be handled by a qualified attorney as it’s a legal contract</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">inevitably I’ll receive emails or read social media posts saying “Yes, but what about Company X?”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">They acknowledge that they’re aware of the countless warnings but still think that the mysterious Company X is the answer to their timeshare problems despite the fact they were contacted out of the blue by Company X wanting an upfront fee, claiming that they had a buyer for the timeshare for $75,000 and/or there’s no attorney involved or needed. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’m stymied. I’m frustrated. Maybe if all the people, myself included, take a break from warning people common sense will kick in. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Or maybe not. Frustration makes people do strange things. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">What say you?</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-73813838616754534862022-09-16T10:39:00.003-04:002022-09-16T10:39:54.714-04:00A Bundle of Rights or A Smattering of Maybes?<p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Back in the Dark Ages of the early 2000s when I was fresh faced and completely ignorant of the vast amount of timeshare knowledge that was necessary to fully understand it, we salespeople talked a lot about the “full bundle of rights” that came with the timeshare. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">To refresh your memory, those rights were: use, exchange, rent, sell and will. In my defense, the landscape of timeshare ownership was considerably different than it is now. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I recently had the opportunity to both sit in on a sales pitch in person as well as view a training video where these rights were still being pitched. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">However, I recently came across this section of a contract of a major developer:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">“The developer has limited your resale rights. Any future purchaser who buys this timeshare interest from you (other than a transfer as the result of a death, divorce or to an immediate family member) will have severely limited opportunity to reserve occupancy in this timeshare plan.”</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There’s another developer who requires the secondary purchaser to purchase points directly from them in order to use the points fully. And not just a few points; half of the points in the secondary purchase. In simple terms if you purchase 10,000 points on the secondary market, the developer requires you to purchase 5,000 points directly from them in order to use the full exchange privileges. Adding insult to injury, this developer also restricts the original owner from using public sites to advertise the timeshare for sale. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">While a number of developers have a program in place to take back fully paid timeshares, even though many of them charge a fee to do this, some of these developers don’t offer this option for secondary purchases. I’ve yet to understand this-it’s their own product which they can turn around and sell for double or triple what the original purchaser paid-but they shut the door. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">All of which got me thinking that the so-called full bundle of rights had been diminished to more resemble a smattering of maybes.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Maybe you’ll be able to use it if you can figure out the often labyrinth like reservation system. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Maybe you can exchange it if you plan 11-12 months out and aren’t too picky about where you vacation. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Maybe you can rent it if you price it lower than the $399 the developer is advertising a week for. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Maybe you can sell it if it’s paid in full and you don’t expect much more than $1,000 for it even though you paid $17,000 plus 10 years of maintenance fees. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">And maybe you can will it provided you can find someone to take it from you.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Look, I understand the developers’ need to preserve primary market purchases. How about instead of taking benefits away from anyone who didn’t purchase directly, they add benefits to those who do?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Vacations are meant to be fun. Timeshare needs to get back to fun. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-3245851907092510622022-08-18T07:21:00.001-04:002022-08-18T07:21:42.150-04:00Dynamic Pricing? More Like Pull A Number Out Of A Hat Pricing <p><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If, like me, you attempted to/were able to purchase tickets for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s US tour next spring; you’re undoubtedly aware of the horrendous dynamic pricing structure that TicketMaster was implementing. This dynamic pricing structure resulted in nosebleed seats going for more than $1,000 and standing room only floor access going for more than $5,000 in some arenas. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It’s been a public relations nightmare for Bruce and his management who went along and even justified this to the dismay of many long time fans. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">This dynamic pricing structure is very similar to the pricing structure in place by both many/most timeshare developers and the nefarious self-proclaimed exit companies. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">As I’ve written about previously, there’s no MSRP for a timeshare. Disney Vacation Club is the outlier in the industry, as their prices are easily discoverable and oftentimes readily posted on social media sites. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Consumers have no way to compare prices between developers even in the same location, or even between different owners in the same resort. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">That’s because the sales personnel are trained to quote an often insanely high price after which the drawn out negotiations begin. The consumer may think they’re getting a deal, when in truth, they’re paying some arbitrary amount based in large part on what the sales person/sales manager thinks they can afford. This was the procedure way back in 2000 and as I’ve discussed in previous posts, still common practice today. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">While John and Mary might end up paying $20,000 for 100 points at XYZ Resort, Rodger and Janice might end up paying $22,500 for the exact same thing. Rodger and Janice will never know this unless they run into John and Mary at the pool and strike up a conversation. Then again, John and Mary might be disappointed to learn that Tim and Nancy were able to negotiate their purchase price down to $17,350!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The entire process is opaque and puts consumers at a disadvantage. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Not surprisingly, the nefarious self-program claimed exit industry operates the same way. Not surprisingly because most of those employed in the exit industry either got their start in the timeshare industry or carefully studied the playbook. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Take for example the following actual amounts paid to one of those exit companies that’s currently in litigation with a major timeshare developer:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$5,367</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$10,950</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$20,000</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$8,501</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$8,100</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$25,300</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$7,180</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$7,500</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$5,910</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$7,992</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">$9,147</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">These are all actual fees charged to “exit” owners from the same developer! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Seems arbitrary, huh? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Worse yet is that NONE of these consumers were able to get out of their timeshare. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Compare those prices to what an attorney will charge. I spoke with attorney Andrew Meyer of The Finn Law Group in Florida who told me that his firm “charges a fixed fee that could be as low as $3,750 or higher depending on the complexity of the matter and if the consumer has more than one timeshare. In any event, the fee is agreed upon before any contract is signed so there are no surprises.” <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unlike the scammy exit companies, this firm actually does something for the money which more often than not results in a positive outcome for the owner. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The moral of all this is that the consumer is almost always in a losing situation when it comes to pricing in the timeshare industry and the cottage industries that have sprung up around it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">All the more reason to not make impulsive decisions when buying a timeshare, engaging with a company that claims to get you out of a timeshare or sadly, purchasing concert tickets. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">See you in the nosebleed seats at The Amway Arena in February. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-64266114592578338462022-08-10T16:15:00.005-04:002022-08-11T11:10:06.786-04:00Difficult Lessons Learned From A Timeshare Newbie<p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is a Guest Post from Kevin B. Kevin had already reached out to The Villa Group to no avail. I offered him this platform in hopes that The Villa Group would do the right thing and avoid the incidents covered in this post getting more media coverage. I still hope that’s the case. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="s2" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Difficult </span><span class="s3" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Lessons Learned </span><span class="s3" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">From</span><span class="s3" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;"> a Timeshare Newbie</span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIQt-ekg7AfRqPBUyXZCRZ2kxbaxBjZQwJfSpnlAd7pE467J8ZAdozqrBdj__7k-9EWGbIXlhWb_iqHsS9DxO8GEkRIG3NuqN9VhooZR8_O_7ZYZyOyG7u023rgYfCa3OsUXIxjB2pwYK06YHi6naPcLBwu92B_5j-xikCDTTS1Tfo6A5oUFYJkoBRw/s2048/FA3DBF56-AB3C-4C66-A645-464005FA8248.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIQt-ekg7AfRqPBUyXZCRZ2kxbaxBjZQwJfSpnlAd7pE467J8ZAdozqrBdj__7k-9EWGbIXlhWb_iqHsS9DxO8GEkRIG3NuqN9VhooZR8_O_7ZYZyOyG7u023rgYfCa3OsUXIxjB2pwYK06YHi6naPcLBwu92B_5j-xikCDTTS1Tfo6A5oUFYJkoBRw/s320/FA3DBF56-AB3C-4C66-A645-464005FA8248.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="s2" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Background</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Before I recount my experience purchasing a timeshare, I’d like to clarify WHY I’m telling the story. </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">At 50 years old, this was the first timeshare I’d ever purchased. In fact, I had never even sat through a timeshare presentation before. You should have seen their eyes light up when I told them I was a newbie. That’s the root of why I’m telling the story. To grow awareness of the deceptive selling tactics, and carefully crafted contract language in the timeshare industry.</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> At the end of the blog, I’ll provide a few suggestions so you can avoid being taken advantage of like I was.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I’ve been vacationing in Cabo San Lucas for almost 30 years. I love everything about the town, the culture, and the residents. At every resort and restaurant you’ll find hardworking staff that are eager to please. Cabo is one of the only places I</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">’d be happy to visit a couple of times a year, so I had a growing interest in learning more about timeshare opportunities.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Earlier this year, my wife, two kids and I spent a week a Villa la Estancia, one of 4 Villa</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> Group</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> properties in Cabo San Lucas. I decided this was a good time to start gathering information </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">on various</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> investment opportunities in Cabo. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">purchase a property</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">or start small with a timeshare. The resort offered a discounted pirate ship dinner cruise, which my boys loved, in exchange for a “tour” of the properties. I knew “tour” was code for a timeshare pitch but I was OK with that. I was genuinely curious to learn more about timeshares in Cabo.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The Sales Pitch</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">After a quick tour and free breakfast, my wife and I were escorted up to the sales office and provided with free drinks while someone watched our children. Once we sat down I was introduced to our salesperson Angel </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Wong. Angel was friendly and answered all of our questions. </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"></span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Although I was a timeshare newbie, I did know enough to ask about point values. Whenever I’d heard timeshare horror stories, they always seemed to revolve around decreasing point values. In other words, you sign up</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">,</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> get enough points for one week a year and next you know, you’re required to buy additional points to maintain enough points to get you a full week. Angel was VERY clear when </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">he </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">explained that point values won’t change but that my yearly maintenance fee may go up to cover increasing costs, inflation, etc. I was satisfied with his answer, it made perfect sense. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">As our negotiation continued, Angel provided me with hard copy Point Value </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">C</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">harts for all of the Villa Group resorts. The charts helped me figure out how many points I needed to purchase to get </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">the </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">desired number of days </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I wanted </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">per year. He </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">was also</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> quick to point out a brand new resort that has just opened, Villa la Valencia, and provided me a </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Point Value Chart</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> for that property as well</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">(Figure 1)</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6OryB9lGFU5oDK6rShCy4ohZLSCHvxmXOQWtkWfnj7-0BkMJ3_9KaZnfD7XekkOrKoBd1ti6Ic-G942jh0MktzvqZrRXSJU56nxVcOYWOBDxkp3rK1n7iTTOALorRhjp_VMLZqE_5531/s2778/01968D2C-B761-441A-A417-FB419110992B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6OryB9lGFU5oDK6rShCy4ohZLSCHvxmXOQWtkWfnj7-0BkMJ3_9KaZnfD7XekkOrKoBd1ti6Ic-G942jh0MktzvqZrRXSJU56nxVcOYWOBDxkp3rK1n7iTTOALorRhjp_VMLZqE_5531/s320/01968D2C-B761-441A-A417-FB419110992B.jpeg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p class="s2" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The first three offers presented to me were more expensive than I was comfortable with. Angel’s boss came over and together they made a final offer which gave me the number of days I was looking for at a price within my budget. </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"></span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I was excited, we moved forward with signing the agreement. Despite Angel’s assurance that point values are static, I was careful to read the agreement for any mention of changing point values. </span></span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">There is no mention of Villa Group having the ability to change point values anywhere in the agreement that I signed and initialed. </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Keep this in mind as you read the rest of my story.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Double Checking the Points Value policy</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">After signing the agreement I felt both excited and nervous. One of the reasons for my excitement was a day pass Angel had arranged for us the following day at the new Villa </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">La</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> Valencia resort. Our experience at Valencia was awesome, we were there for 5-6 hours. They have </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">a gorgeous</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> infinity pool that overlooks the ocean and a lazy river that my boys both loved! Any apprehension I had about purchasing a timeshare was put to ease by the wonderful day we spent at </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Villa </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">L</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">a </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Valencia. I was looking forward to coming back as soon as possible.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">When I’m on vacation, I like meeting new people. I’m one of those people who will strike up a conversation with a perfect stranger. While at Valencia, I had a conversation in the pool with a current vacation club member. He mentioned that </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">point values</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> at Valencia were more for him because Valencia didn’t exist years when he signed up</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> and was given his Point Chart Values</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. I wasn’t alarmed by what he had to say. It made sense that when a company opens a new resort they can set those point values at whatever they’d like. Because I was given a hard </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">copy Points Value Chart the previous day when I signed the agreement, I had no reason to be suspicious, </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">the point </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">values </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">were already set, </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">but just to be safe, I texted Angel to confirm (Figure 2). </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Angel, did in fact reconfirm my point values, and reiterated that Point Value Charts are the source of truth when it comes to points. Had I misunderstood his explanation of point values the previous day, this would have been a great time for Angel to clarify. Instead, he doubled down with his assurance that my point values were static. His response was immediate, and well within the 5 day window I had to cancel the agreement. Had he told me that point values would be changing I wouldn’t never have signed the agreement until I knew what the new point values would be.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61quq8yqSisUw7GHDL1SWRCmZ31g_bGUfvXYiRDURYdOR7M4hMAQavii3XWsnYEEKAgvlplXikBOCP0xmhM1Hj3suMAmGM80CyGQMIVqpTuyydffNNRTfDixCV4YzhHoBYYA_iqEGEtnED_N3PZy6g9iMnJd0Q2QOvyO2Mzk52NPrKveFqWWReAA1jg/s2778/AEBC3392-E1D6-4057-ABB4-127AC9EDA72B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61quq8yqSisUw7GHDL1SWRCmZ31g_bGUfvXYiRDURYdOR7M4hMAQavii3XWsnYEEKAgvlplXikBOCP0xmhM1Hj3suMAmGM80CyGQMIVqpTuyydffNNRTfDixCV4YzhHoBYYA_iqEGEtnED_N3PZy6g9iMnJd0Q2QOvyO2Mzk52NPrKveFqWWReAA1jg/s320/AEBC3392-E1D6-4057-ABB4-127AC9EDA72B.jpeg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p class="s2" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">(Figure 2)</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The Villa Group Dishonest Sales Practices</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">n</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> mid-July, 2022, less than 3 months after signing my agreement, I called </span></span><span class="s9" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">resortcom.com</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">, the Villa Group service company, to book </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Villa la </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Valencia for December. I provided the agent with the 5 days/nights we preferred for our</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> stay</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. He informed me that my points were only enough for 4 nights. My heart sunk; this was the moment I realized </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">something was awry</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. I informed him that my Points Value </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">C</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">hart clearly shows that my points were enough to cover the 5 days. </span></span><span class="s5" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">He told me the point value’s had retroactively been changed and that my points were now worth 20% less. </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Within days of signing my agreement that point values were changed on me. I was </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">irate! I tried calling my salesperson Angel, who never returned my call so I reached out via email to member services.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">A few days later I was contacted by Director of Member Services Claudia de Avila. I explained my situation, she reconfirmed that information I had received from </span></span><span class="s9" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">resortcom.com</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">, my point values had changed. I explained to her that Angel had reassured me on multiple occasions that my point values </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">were</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> static. I explained to her that I expected The Villa Group to honor the agreement I signed, or I’d like my money back. She told me she </span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">would</span></span><span class="s6" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> escalate my request and get back to me. Meanwhile, still no response from Angel, who I have not heard from to this day.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s5" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The Villa Group Response(s)</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The next time I spoke with Claudia, she cited a loophole in the agreement which allowed Villa Group to retroactively decrease the value of my points. The following passage is in the agreement which I had signed and initialed.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s11" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">“The consumer and the intermediary agree at the time of the signing of this agreement that the value of the points for a week in the “Future Resorts”, have not been established because the resorts either do not yet exist and/or are not in operation. The value of the points will be set later by taking into consideration the characteristics of the resort, unit amenities, services and demand at the time of being put to use for Timeshare members.”</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s11" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">There are numerous reasons why this statement has </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">nothing</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> to do with my current situation. Rather, it’s a baseless attempt by Villa Group to explain retroactively adjusting points values on existing members:</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">1. “Future Resorts that do not exist or are not in operation”. I visited Valencia on a Day Pass on April 22, one day after signing the agreement. The restaurants, the pools, pool service, Kids Club, Fitness Club, Spa, lazy river, and mini-mart were </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">all </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">open. </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Additionally, I found an Events Calendar for the resort dated March 24</span></span><span class="s13" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 6px; line-height: 7.199999809265137px; vertical-align: super;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">th</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">, 2002</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> (Figure 3)</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Without question, this resort “existed” and was “operational”, generating revenue for the business.</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">2. “The value of points will be SET later……”. This is clearly referring to the first time point values are set. This has nothing to do with resetting or changing Point </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Value </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Charts that have already been set. Points for this resort had been set already. I have the Point Charts to prove it (</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Figure 1 above</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">).</span></span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p class="s15" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><img class="s14" src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/a5d9996e-cb6a-491f-97dd-8770d336bda9" style="height: 193px; width: 284px;" /></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I explained the above </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">reasoning </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">to Claudia via email</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> and </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">was able to easily refute her assertions that the company was within their right to change point values within days of </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">signing a</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> new agreement.</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> 4 more days passed before I heard from Claudia again.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">When I next heard from Claudia, via email, she cited a new passage, not from the agreement I signed</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> but rather a passage from the 80 page member handbook.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">“(4) Club Points Charts. The Club Manager shall issue Club Point Charts which describe the associate Club Point value required for a Member to use his or her Use Period. The Club Manager reserves the right to periodically modify, change, and/or amend Club Point Charts.”</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Isn’t it interesting that </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">there is no mention of changing point values anywhere in the agreement/contract members sign and initial? I wonder how many people would sign up for the club membership if The Villa Group was clear about changing point values? </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">At this point, I felt that I still had a strong argument because I possessed the screen shot of the text where Angel provided contrary information regarding point value changes. Unfortunately</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">, The Villa Group has still refused to resolve my situation in a fair and honest manor. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I’m really surprised that a company that makes millions, if not billions of dollars would</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">n’t</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> do the right thing for a customer who had clearly been lied to by one of their own employees. I was also surprised to find a passage in the agreement that allows Villa Group salespeople to </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">tell you anything they want in order to secure the sale.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">“14. No other representations: Member understands, verifies</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> and accepts that no oral representations have occurred that conflict with the above clauses and understands any claim of oral representation will not be cause for cancellation of the purchase agreement.”</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The above statement is a license to lie for all Villa Group salespeople.</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> They can tell you anything they want with no accountability. However, it does say </span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">“above clauses”</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">,</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"></span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">there is no mention in any of the above clauses, or anywhere in agreement that allows The Villa Group to retroactively change point chart values.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">What I would later find out BLEW MY MIND</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Since mid-July, when I realized my points were worth 20% less</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">, </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I’ve been pressing The Villa Group for </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">the specific date the Point Value Chart for Valencia was changed, and details on how the change was communicated to existing members.</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> After multiple requests, I finally received a partial answer. The point values were changed on May 1</span></span><span class="s13" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 6px; line-height: 7.199999809265137px; vertical-align: super;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">st</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. I couldn’t believe it. I signed the contract on April 27</span></span><span class="s13" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 6px; line-height: 7.199999809265137px; vertical-align: super;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">th</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. </span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The </span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">agreement</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I signed clearly states that I had 5 days to change my mind and terminate the agreement for a full refund. 72 hours after signing the agreement </span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">they changed the terms of the agreement</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> by changing my point values.</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">They made these changes within the 5 day window I had to cancel the agreement but they conveniently did no communicate t</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">he</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> change to existing member</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">s, specifically those who were still within </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">the window of cancellation.</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Lessons Learned</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">As I mentioned earlier in this blog, the reason I’m telling this story is so others </span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">don’t make the same mistakes</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> that</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> I did. There’s not much you can do about a dishonest salesperson but here are a few tips that should reduce the chances that you’ll be taken advantage of.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><div class="s19" style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -18px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">1. </span><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Show me, don’t tell me</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">: Rather than ask a question like, “Can </span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> Villa Group change point values retroactively?”, instead say “Show me in the contract where point values are static”. </span></span></div><div class="s19" style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -18px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">2. </span><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Read the entire handbook </span></span><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">within your cancel</span></span><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">l</span></span><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">ation window</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">:</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> It’s not a coincidence that something as important as changing point values is not mentioned anywhere in The Villa Group </span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">membership</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> agreement. This was</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> clearly</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> done by design</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. Had there been mention of changing point values in the </span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">agreement, I would have been able to point out the inconsistency between what Angel had told me, and </span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">the contract language</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. Take the time to </span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">read </span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">your member handbook, cover to cover, and ask follow-up questions if anything is unclear.</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> If they’re not able to provide you with an acceptable answer, this should be a red flag. Cancel within the 5 day opt out period.</span></span></div><div class="s19" style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -18px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">3. </span><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Research the timeshare company prior to your tour/presentation</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">:</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> During my timeshare presentation, I asked Angel and his boss if I could have the night to think about the offer</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. They were adamant that if I left the room, the offer was off the table. Do your research in advance, this way you’ll know if the timeshare company has a good reputation.</span></span></div><div class="s19" style="font-size: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: -18px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">4. </span><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">They can do whatever they want, you must accept that</span></span><span class="s17" style="font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">: Given the lengthy agreement and 80 page membership booklet, typical with most timeshares, you should assume there is probably a loophole for everything. In my case, they couldn’t find anything in the agreement citing their ability to change my point values, but they did cite a passage buried in the handbook. This is why it’s so important to choose a reputable, honest timeshare company who treats their members fairly.</span></span></div><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s18" style="font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Next Steps</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I’m not sure if there is any legal recourse for my situation. </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The fact that they changed my point values within the 5 day window of cancellation and didn’t communicate that to me is my strongest </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">point if we have to litigate. </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I’m currently exploring my </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">legal options and have filed a complaint </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">with </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Profeco</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">, </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">the Mexican government office for consumer protections.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Regardless, of whether or not there is a legal path to resolution, I’ll always have my voice. </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I’m a member of numerous Facebook forums for the various Villa Group properties as well as forums for Cabo San Lucas</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> tourism</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. Additionally, as a Villa Group member, </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">I’ll have plenty of opportunities </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">while visiting their resorts to share my story with prospective customers. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">After providing The Villa Group with a draft copy of this blog, and giving them the opportunity to refute any of my accusations I received another response from Claudia. There were more references to legal loop</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">holes</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> and a thinly veiled threat of libel. She sent me this </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">passage;</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> the last sentence was underlined in red</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">:</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">“(g) No negative Statements or Actions. No member, User or their respective Related Parties shall at any</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> time directly or indirectly take any action and/or make, publish, file or record any oral or written statements that would likely have a negative or injurious impact up the Club and/or its Related Parties except in the connection of enforcing the Governing Documents and/or as required by Applicable Laws. No Member, </span></span><span class="s20" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">User or their respective Related Parties shall engage in any action that is derogatory, defamatory, libelous, or slanderous to the Club and/or its Related Parties</span></span><span class="s16" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">.”</span></span></p><p class="s12" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Tell</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">ing</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> the truth is not derogatory, defamatory, libelous, or slanderous. Isn’t it interesting that when given the opportunity to correct my </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">version of events they had nothing to </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">dispute?</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> Also interesting that in addition to having a clause that permits the salespeople to lie, they also have a clause that tries to intimidate anyone who dares to expose the lies publicly.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">For my own legal protection, let me be clear. I’m not accusing The Villa Group of breaking the law</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">The Villa Group is under n</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">o</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> legal obligation to resolve my situation, they should do it because it’s the right thing to do. I signed up under false pretenses</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"> and had my contract changed within the 5 day cancellation window</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">. </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;"></span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">Rather than give my request fair consideration, they’ve decided to flex their corporate muscles, </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">and hide </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">behind a pile of legal</span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">ese. That’s well within their right. I’m also well within my legal right to </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">tell </span></span><span class="s10" style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 10px; line-height: 12px;"><span class="bumpedFont20" style="font-size: 2em; line-height: 24px;">my story to as many people who are willing to listen.</span></span></p><p><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/74b75ab6-8858-4e8c-bb49-63a2546a2b80" /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-48555823230022829472022-08-04T08:15:00.001-04:002022-08-11T10:46:01.724-04:00What The Salesperson Said<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.41px;">I’ve covered this topic before, but since I keep receiving so many emails and read so many social media posts about “what the salesperson said”, it’s time to talk about it again. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are required to attend a timeshare sales presentation, and you are required to do so if you’ve accepted any type of bribe/incentive, you’re going to talk to a salesperson. Not a vacation counselor, not someone from corporate wanting your thoughts on their new program, or anything else they may call themselves. This salesperson who may or may not be licensed, is working for the developer, not you. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is important to remember because they won’t divulge this except in the mounds of paperwork generated should you decide to purchase. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Why is this important? </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The salesperson has no fiduciary relationship to you at all. If they’re licensed, they are the seller’s agent, not yours. Read that again. They’re the seller’s agent. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, granted this does not give them permission to lie to you. It also doesn’t give them permission to leave out material facts. But what qualifies as material? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For some people, information about the ability to resell is material. For others, information about exchanging is all they care about. I can tell you from personal experience as a salesperson and manager, it’s impossible to cover everything about a timeshare; which is why I wrote 2 books as well as co-authored a college level textbook on the topic. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All of this is to remind you that the only things that you can count on is what’s in the contract and accompanying paperwork. Even ARDA-ROC, in a document that we wrote together last year stated: “Finally, make sure to get all of the terms and conditions of your purchase in writing. You cannot depend solely on verbal representations made during the sales process. If something is important to you and is a major reason you want to purchase, then make sure to get it in writing.”</span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-18768364050426365782022-07-29T08:59:00.001-04:002022-07-29T08:59:08.850-04:00An Exclusive Catered Event-Exclusive To Those Foolish Enough To Attend<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Going through a stack of mail yesterday, there it was. An oversized, 4 color glossy postcard with two photos of frankly unappetizing looking food with the following copy: “</span><span style="font-family: arial;">Please Join Us for an Exclusive Catered Event!”</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2XosiXH6DKdzip0wSQaMq6QgJSAN4FmnNhd8-1bCYug3dCZfSjIJ8D3gw0xJQCIjyXjvuu0f32TYxNvhGT5o4o3pLRqEDg4AYazZoLwnfyab0frEVzNllRD1oZ2Hxw6rxoNOm6MsAeZjh9z_9xas4VZCwqS_lGUisapACvTwdBcsD6fGZE7qutpjxA/s3264/41AC8365-6464-48FA-8926-FB41DA3F3A7B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy2XosiXH6DKdzip0wSQaMq6QgJSAN4FmnNhd8-1bCYug3dCZfSjIJ8D3gw0xJQCIjyXjvuu0f32TYxNvhGT5o4o3pLRqEDg4AYazZoLwnfyab0frEVzNllRD1oZ2Hxw6rxoNOm6MsAeZjh9z_9xas4VZCwqS_lGUisapACvTwdBcsD6fGZE7qutpjxA/w394-h320/41AC8365-6464-48FA-8926-FB41DA3F3A7B.jpeg" width="394" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the reverse, there was an explanation of what attendees would receive: A catered meal for 2: a $100 dining card plus a $25 gas voucher. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Then the exciting Topics of Discussion:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">*. Permanently eliminate all your timeshare obligations</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">* The bona fide ways to get out of a timeshare contract when it no longer suits your needs</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">* OR how to access GUARANTEED savings above and beyond your current timeshare benefits </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">* Recover 100% of your timeshare’s full purchase price while retaining ownership</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyMW6AXVtxn1ULMXdamRIEtRAhrntHl1ZOQVzwUHqVDzi4-lviev4bwKG-4iV8k24Ichqu1tNsLIOb1oNr_bWduuP5kVIlIapOXk4kQCwkA4D-leGpKHveyk5fBcDYudSVZ1a6oxo9QC1dHX4qssPD1CoH2tZNE8awJpJTnfpio6OQBvAzSC6v1f4Yg/s3264/1ECE8398-5596-4274-AB3E-52C6AEAF7901.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyMW6AXVtxn1ULMXdamRIEtRAhrntHl1ZOQVzwUHqVDzi4-lviev4bwKG-4iV8k24Ichqu1tNsLIOb1oNr_bWduuP5kVIlIapOXk4kQCwkA4D-leGpKHveyk5fBcDYudSVZ1a6oxo9QC1dHX4qssPD1CoH2tZNE8awJpJTnfpio6OQBvAzSC6v1f4Yg/s320/1ECE8398-5596-4274-AB3E-52C6AEAF7901.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What wasn’t on the postcard? Well, the name of the company behind this exclusive invitation for one, which should be a huge red flag to anyone even considering this. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These road shows are notorious for being woefully short on truthful information and big on scare tactics…I’ve been to several of them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These companies use the bribery, errrr incentive method of marketing just like…you guessed it…the timeshare developers themselves. This isn’t by accident. First, many…I’d venture to say the majority of these companies are staffed by former timeshare developers. Most of them are not known for doing anything other than same old/same old. Secondly, they already know it works on a certain demographic; namely YOU. YOU bought your first timeshare after accepting a bribe/incentive. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Bottom line remains thus: Avoid any entity that initiates contact. It almost always ends poorly and costly to you. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-91892200692562056732022-07-18T20:17:00.000-04:002022-07-18T20:17:53.150-04:00Back From Never Being Gone<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>The following is the text from an article by Eva Schram, writing for FD in the Netherlands that I was happy to be interviewed for. There are some interesting comments in the article from all 3 sources. I’m unable to post the translated article as a full article, but here’s the entire text:</i></b></span></p><p><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">Back from never being gone: timeshares</b></p><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><i>The maligned timeshare industry in the US remains very much alive, despite all the warnings and bad experiences from people in the past. Eva Schram almost fell for it herself on her honeymoon in Hawaii. What makes this business so successful?</i><b><br /></b></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">Before my eyes the radiant blue ocean glitters in all its glory in the sunlight, in the distance I see dolphins leaping out of the water. I watch this idyllic scene from the 11th-floor balcony of the Diamond Resort on the Hawaiian island of Maui. 'Can you imagine waking up in the morning, drinking your coffee here in this chair, and this is your view?' a saleswoman asks me. She leads us—my husband and I, on our honeymoon—around the corner of the balcony, where we suddenly look out over a spacious pool with cabanas and lounge chairs. "And there, in that corner, we do a free luau every week," the saleswoman says, referring to the traditional Hawaiian feast with food and theater (though most guests usually come for the open bar).<br /><br />The tour of this 11th floor apartment is the culmination of a two-hour session in which the lady in question tries to sell us a timeshare. Timeshares are holiday apartments in which you buy a share, often for a week a year or every two years. So you own 1/52nd of that apartment. Unlike hotel rooms, timeshare apartments have a kitchenette and an extra bedroom, but like hotels, the complexes are equipped with a swimming pool, restaurant and other amenities. Timeshares are popular in the US, but also exist in Mexico, Asia and Europe.<br /><br />For just over $10,000 and an annual contribution of about $1,000 to maintenance costs, we get to stay at the Maui timeshare for a week every other year. Or well, in an apartment at the back of the building, overlooking the car park. The ocean view costs much more.<br /><b><br />Body snatchers</b><br />We ended up on this Diamond Resorts timeshare tour through another savvy seller in downtown Lahaina, the town where we are staying on our honeymoon. "A 'body snatcher' is what they call that person in the industry," said Andrew Meyer, a Florida attorney who specializes in canceling timeshare contracts. 'The sole purpose of body snatchers is to get you into a tour with so-called incentives, or just bribes. They are paid a commission for this. Then you have to deal with the seller who shows you an apartment with a beautiful view and then a third person comes along to make you an unmissable offer that is valid “only today” – you have to sign immediately. The whole process is quite sophisticated.'<br /><br />I can confirm that. The night before we went on the tour, I shouted as loud as I could that I would never buy a timeshare in my life. But after two hours of sales talk, I was almost ready. Luckily my husband kept a cooler head. He called me to order. We wanted to save for a house, didn't we? And hadn't we just spent a lot of money on a wedding? Was this really that wise?<br /><br />He was right, of course. Once away from the resort and the rousing sales tactics, I was happy that my husband had saved us from an expensive, lifetime contract that is difficult to cancel (and sometimes not at all).<br /><br /><b>Also millennials and generation x</b><br />Like many other sectors of the travel industry, the timeshare industry has bounced back with great success after the pandemic. According to the US industry association ARDA, the companies that run the resorts — well-known names such as Marriott, Hilton and Wyndham, although they are usually companies other than these hotel chains from a legal perspective — sold $8.1 billion worth of timeshares in 2021, compared to $4.9 billion in 2021. 2020. In the last pre-corona year 2019, the industry had realized a turnover of $10.5 billion with what it also calls 'holiday property'.<br /><br />That term is less euphemistic than it may seem. More and more often, as a consumer, you do not buy a specific week in a specific resort, but you receive a number of points for the purchase amount that you can exchange for a stay in resorts at other locations. "That is perhaps the biggest misconception about timeshares: that it is still the same product as it was in 1980," said Jason Gamel, CEO of ARDA. 'The points system was introduced to offer the buyer flexibility. And if you don't want to use the points, you can often exchange them for a rental car or a hotel room.' Another misconception: only baby boomers buy timeshares. According to Gamel, the average buyer is 52 years old and more than half of the sales now go to millennials and Generation X'ers.<i><br /></i></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><b>Popular due to inflation</b><br />According to Gamel, the pandemic shows that timeshares are not losing popularity. “Even in the midst of the pandemic, people were still buying $5 billion worth of timeshares. It remains a popular product. Even now, in times of high inflation, owning a timeshare is popular, because you don't have to deal with hotel room prices that rise by 65%.'<br /><br />Gamel's point about inflation sounds familiar: the lady who tried to sell us a timeshare in Hawaii calculated how much we could save on our vacations over the next 40 years if we bought a timeshare now. With calculations that I couldn't control at the time, she came out at $40,000. Compared to that, the $10,000 for the timeshare was a steal. We'd be crazy if we didn't go along with that, wouldn't we? What about the $1,000 annual maintenance cost, which typically increases at about 5% per year? They wouldn't be worth anything if in the future we could always go on holiday for a week on this paradise island, or in any place on earth we wanted?<br /><br /><b>No ads</b><br />It's this kind of sales pitch that timeshare activist Lisa Schreier most denounced. She spent five years in the industry, but realized that the marketing and sales tactics were not for her. "I decided I would be happier if I educated consumers about timeshares," she says. That's why Schreier started a blog, The Timeshare Crusader, to shed light on sales practices and other issues within the industry. “It starts with the fact that you never see ads for timeshares. Potential buyers are always lured to a tour with certain incentives," she says. For example, my husband and I received $150 worth of vouchers to use at local restaurants and a voucher for a week's free stay at a Hilton hotel.<br /><br />But what bothers Schreier the most is the pressure put on buyers to decide within ten minutes whether they want to take the offer. “I don't know of any other product or service where the buyer has to decide so quickly and under such great pressure. The story is always that the offer is only valid today.' I recognize that too: with us the pitch was that because Diamond Resorts was recently bought by competitor Hilton Grand Vacations, we were dealing with a so-called Black Friday moment. It was now or never and we would be a thief of our own pockets if we didn't buy a timeshare now.<br /><br />According to Schreier and lawyer Meyer, this high pressure means that buyers do not always realize what they are signing. 'A timeshare is a legally enforceable contract, usually without an end date. But it is not an investment where you can make a profit. Consumers need to understand that,' says Schreier. She even says that you should never use the words timeshare and investment in the same sentence.<br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><b>No investment</b><br />To be fair, you're not likely to hear timeshare sellers and developers claiming that the product they're selling is an investment. Gamel, of the trade association, says it himself: "You should only do it for personal use and pleasure."<br /><br />According to Meyer, there's a good reason developers don't promote timeshares as an investment (apart from the fact that timeshares only very, very rarely increase in value after purchase – they usually become virtually worthless). 'A few years ago it was said that timeshares should be seen as tradable securities. The developers have strongly opposed this. That would mean that they would have to deal with much more regulation.'<br /><br />At present, there is no regulation of the industry at the national level in the US. The individual states do have laws, but what they exactly mean differs from place to place. For example, in Florida, where 24% of US timeshare resorts are located, buyers are given ten days to withdraw. In Hawaii it is seven days.<br /><br /><b>Return</b><br />However, one crucial element of the contract is rarely defined: a validity period. Without such a paragraph, when you buy a timeshare, you take on the obligation to pay the annually increasing maintenance costs for life. But when my husband and I got our timeshare tour, we were told: if we ever wanted to get rid of our timeshare, we could do it without any problems. Once it's paid off (most buyers take out a loan for the purchase), you can return the timeshare to the real estate developer, in our case, Diamond Resorts, at any time. According to Gamel, all timeshare companies work like this.<br /><br />But giving back is not that easy, warn Schreier and Meyer. "It often costs you money to cancel your contract after you've already paid thousands of dollars for the timeshare itself and thousands more in maintenance costs," says Schreier. "And even then , many developers only take back a limited number of timeshares per year."<br /><br />The bottom line, Meyer says, is that the developers typically have no contractual obligation to take back the timeshare. "So it just depends on whether you have a desirable week in a desirable place." A developer probably wants to take back the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve in a winter sports resort - they can sell it again in no time. But with a week in August in Palm Springs, if it's above 40 degrees every day there, you're probably stuck as an owner.<br /><br /><b>Exit industry</b><br />It is Meyer's day job to help people cancel their timeshare contracts. He usually finds a solution, although he never makes that promise because sometimes it doesn't work. That makes it different from the countless small companies that are active in a shadowy industry that has arisen around timeshares: the so-called exit industry. Gamel, Schreier and Meyer all agree that consumers would do well to stay away from these dubious companies. 'It's very simple,' says Schreier, 'a timeshare is a contract and you need a lawyer to dissolve it.' Gamel has stories of people so desperate to get rid of their timeshares that they give a dubious company tens of thousands of dollars that they never see again.<br /><br />Meyer also finds these practices objectionable. But at the same time, he says, 'you have to ask yourself why such an exit industry even exists. That stems from the fact that the timeshare industry makes it very difficult or impossible for you to get out of your contract.'<br /><br />The common argument that many timeshare developers and sellers give (including us, when we were on our honeymoon) is that you prepay for your vacation for the rest of your life, and that's how you commit yourself to taking an annual vacation. Meyer thinks that's nonsense. 'They also say that when you join the gym, that you force yourself to exercise with your subscription. But it does not work like that. Sometimes life gets in the way. The difference is that you can cancel your gym subscription. But you can't cancel your timeshare.'<br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;">--</div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><b><i>Cash flow bangers</i></b><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody; font-size: 17px;"><i>How attractive are timeshare companies to investors? Most of them, such as Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Hilton Grand Vacations or Wyndham Vacation Ownership, are listed on the stock exchange. According to analyst Patrick Scholes of investment bank Truist, shares in these types of companies are attractive, “especially the free cash flow that these types of companies generate. That money is often paid back to investors through share buybacks and dividends.' In addition, according to Scholes, the companies are somewhat resilient to a recession because the product they sell is prepaid.</i><br /></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-56233634306429541642022-07-11T08:55:00.003-04:002022-07-11T11:33:55.298-04:00Changes Abound With Marriott<p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As we briefly discussed last week with Jason Gamel, changes are nearly constant within the timeshare industry. Today we look at the new Abound program with Marriott. I spoke with Lori Gustafson at Marriott Vacations Worldwide to get details and discuss recent activity within the timeshare industry. </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for your time Lori. What’s your role at Marriott Vacations Worldwide?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">My name is Lori Gustafson and I am the Executive Vice President and Chief Brand and Digital Officer for Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE:VAC), a leading global vacation company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products and services. We have over 120 vacation ownership resorts around the world, and approximately 700,000 owner families in a diverse portfolio that includes some of the most iconic vacation ownership brands. Primarily, I am responsible for the growth of the enterprise’s global brand footprint, leading several global centers of excellence encompassing business transformation, digital products, customer experience, data and analytics, brand, and communications.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MVW recently announced a new program called Abound. Can you give our readers a brief description of this new program?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">Abound by Marriott Vacations™ is a new Owner benefit and exchange program that is going to make vacationing even better with more destinations, more brands, and more choices. Abound</span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">provides access to 90+ vacation club resorts across Marriott Vacation Club®, Sheraton® Vacation Club and Westin® Vacation Club, as well as access to 8,000+ Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2,000 vacation homes, and 2,000+ unique experiences like cruises, guided and culinary tours, premiere events, outdoor adventures and more.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Does Abound require current owners to make an additional purchase?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">Owners do not need to make an additional purchase to experience the benefits of Abound by Marriott Vacation™. Launching later this summer, eligible Owners can reserve vacations throughout an expanded network of brands or for cruises, vacation tours, hotel stays, car rental, airline miles, golf, travel protection, and more.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Will owners of all the timeshare brands under the MVW umbrella be able to take advantage of this new program?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">Launching this summer, Abound by Marriott Vacations™ will be made available to eligible Owners of Marriott Vacation Club®, Sheraton® Vacation Club and Westin® Vacation Club. Designed to offer more flexibility and access, we affiliated our internal exchange programs. This helps simplify our products and offerings, connects our vacation ownership products with Club Points and amplifies program benefits including cruises, guided tours, hotel stays, and more. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MVW has recently acquired several timeshare brands. What is behind these acquisitions? Do you feel that the industry is going to see more M&A activity and if so, is this a good thing for owners?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">Our acquisition of ILG in 2018 combined two of the premier global vacation ownership companies to create a leader in the vacation experiences industry with significant scale, an expanded presence in key leisure destinations, the largest portfolio of upper-upscale and luxury brands in the industry and world-class exchange networks. The acquisition also allowed us to be the global licensee of seven upper-upscale and luxury vacation brands, including Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, Ritz-Carlton Destination Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, St. Regis Residence Club, and Hyatt Residence Club. While we are not currently planning for any acquisitions, we regularly assess the needs of our business and will make additional changes as appropriate to match changing business needs.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We all know that the message from the developer sometimes gets lost. Has MVW contacted all their owners to let them know about Abound?</span></span><span class="s1" style="font-size: 17.41px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">Communicating news with our Owners is always a major priority, and our Owners will receive information as the program rolls out formally later this summer</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lastly, where can owners turn to get their questions answered without necessarily attending a sales pitch at a resort?</span></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;">Travelers interested in Abound by Marriott Vacations™ can visit a newly created website later this summer when Abound launches to learn more about our Vacation Clubs and the benefits of Vacation Ownership. In the meantime, travelers interested can click <a href="https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/0nlJuoYJmw"><span class="s5" style="font-size: 17.41px;">here</span></a> for more information.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span class="s3" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-style: italic;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;">Thanks Lori. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20.8px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="s2" style="font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 17.41px; font-weight: bold;">Remember, as she said, the best way to keep up to date on these and other changes is directly from the developer.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-64335132148208007772022-07-06T11:32:00.000-04:002022-07-06T11:32:00.234-04:00An Interview With ARDA’s Jason Gamel <p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">In timeshare, nothing is constant except change. Lately, the industry has seen a number of mergers and acquisitions that affect hundreds of thousands of owners.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Knowing that it’s imperative for owners to get up to date information, I sat down for a quick interview with <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Jason Gamel, President of The American Resort and Development Association, the trade association for the timeshare industry in the United States. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><u>Thanks Jason for your time. There’s been a number of large merger and acquisition transactions in the past few years. Is this a good thing for consumers?</u></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Let’s start by recognizing consolidation is a natural occurrence in maturing industries. Especially as companies look to grow, they will do so by either growing organically or through mergers and acquisitions. The timeshare industry is no exception. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The latest transactions include MVWC's acquisition of Welk Resorts, HGVC's purchase of Diamond Resorts, and Capital Vacations acquiring VRI. But there are small resort acquisitions to consider as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">Regardless of the parties involved, I believe consumers will generally benefit overall from consolidation activity. That is not to say that what consumers had before those consolidations was a bad situation. I am focused on the fact that consumers will likely receive more vacation options in a "consolidated system" and access to benefits beyond what they originally purchased. And in other cases, there might be some cost savings that are recognized when consolidation takes place, which could lead to savings at the HOA level. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><u><span style="color: #0e101a;">Some of these mergers and acquisitions take a year or more to complete. Do you have any advice for the owners affected by these changes?</span></u><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">That is a great question, Lisa, as these transactions and integrations might take months or years for all of the changes to take hold. My advice to owners is that they need to be patient throughout the process. However, I encourage them to ask questions and read everything they can to keep up to date about the change which might affect their ownership. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><u><span style="color: #0e101a;">What is the best way for owners to get up-to-date and accurate information about the effect that these mergers have on their current and future ownership? And do they have to attend a sales presentation to learn about these changes?</span></u><span style="color: #0e101a;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px; margin: 0in;"><span style="color: #0e101a;">The best way to get information is always straight from the developer itself. Sometimes, that will include updates you might receive in writing or even those from a salesperson. However, as with any decision regarding your timeshare, you must do your homework and insist on seeing things in writing to evaluate how any possible changes might affect your current and future ownership.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-10480063235860196102022-06-15T11:06:00.000-04:002022-06-15T11:06:00.215-04:00Salesperson-One Who Sells<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Merriam-Webster defines salesperson as follows:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">A person whose job is to sell a product or service in a given territory, in a store, or by telephone : a <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salesman"><span class="s3" style="color: #e4af0a;">salesman</span></a> or <a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/saleswoman"><span class="s3" style="color: #e4af0a;">saleswoman</span></a></span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Here’s what the definition does not include:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Expert</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Friend</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">One with a fiduciary relationship</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">One with inside information </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Someone who knows more than you </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Reliable</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Trustworthy</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Let’s also include that the salesperson’s job is usually limited to selling one product; meaning you hopefully would not take anything that the solar panel salesperson said about cryptocurrency as knowledgeable or reliable. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I mention all of this because the number one complaint I get from frustrated timeshare owners begins with “He/she said…” followed by:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">>I could make money off of the timeshare </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">>I could rent out my bonus weeks which would pay for my timeshare </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">>The timeshare would appreciate in value </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">>The new company was going to announce something soon, but I could take advantage of it today</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">>It hadn’t been announced yet, but…</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">>75% of owners had already converted to…</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Now before my very vocal critics jump on the comments tab…who am I kidding, they’ll still jump on the comments tab…I’m not condoning any of this. I’m vociferously condemning such rotten sales practices. The fact of the matter is that many timeshare salespeople leave out information, deliberately mislead or out and out lie in order to get you to sign on the dotted line. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Consumers need to remember that just because a timeshare salesperson says something doesn’t make it true. If they’ve been trained at all, they’ve been trained to sell you a timeshare. They’re not financial experts. They’re not investment experts. They have no inside information of any kind. They’re not your friends. They often times know less, not more, than you do. They certainly know less about your finances than you do. Everything they say and everything they don’t say is designed to get you to buy. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">More than that, everything that’s said during the sales pitch that’s true is verifiable. Everything. You just need to ask. A simple ‘show me’ will usually suffice. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">A great salesperson becomes great because they sell a quality product with integrity and welcome the opportunity to do just that…show, not tell. Your job is simple…ask them to show you. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-55572197133387150052022-05-12T17:14:00.000-04:002022-05-12T17:14:56.480-04:0090 Minutes or 4 Hours? It’s Your Choice<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Lately my email box has been inundated with people crying foul because their sales pitch lasted 4 hours or more.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There’s also someone claiming to be an expert in all things timeshare related who is hawking his ‘services’ including the ‘secrets’ to getting out of a timeshare sales pitch in 90 minutes. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There’s no secret; and there’s absolutely no reason for a 4 hour or longer sales pitch. It’s called reading the paperwork. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">This paperwork is nowhere near as long, confusing and convoluted as the paperwork generated when someone decides to purchase. This paperwork is pretty simple. Very simple actually. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Let’s start with the basic premise. Any time you attend a timeshare sales pitch, it’s because you willingly agreed to it. How? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Either by accepting the bribe/incentive offered, or as part of a trial/sampler/exit program you purchased. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Whichever is the case, there’s a section or paragraph detailing the sales pitch, even though it’s almost never referred to as a sales pitch or presentation. The industry loves to use terms such as resort overview, resort preview, etc. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Don’t get me started on these terms…it’s as silly as developers shying away from using the word timeshare, preferring vacation ownership, etc. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I digress. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">In this section or paragraph where the sales pitch is described it clearly states the minimum time you’re agreeing to. It’s there. Really. By law it’s there. It’s usually 90 minutes or 120 minutes. Rarely less than 90 minutes and rarely more than 120 minutes. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It doesn’t matter if the salesperson knows this or not. The agreement is between you and the developer. The salesperson is bound by the terms and conditions. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Sounds easy, doesn’t it? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Here’s how to deal with this. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">After the salesperson greets you and gets you situated, tell them firmly but politely that you are giving them the exact amount of time that is necessary. Read that again. Firmly but politely. If you can, get them to shake hands on this. Either way, tell them that you’re setting an alarm. Then set the alarm on your watch or phone for 5 minutes less than the agreed length of time. Why 5 minutes less? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You want to give them notice that their time is up. We’re aiming for politeness here. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">When time is up, time is up. Remind them of their agreement as well as what’s on the paperwork and get up. Get up and ask where you need to go to either collect your bribe or be signed out. There’s no need for you to sign anything. There’s no need for you to complete a survey. There’s no need to stay one minute longer unless you want to. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Oh yes…this is why it’s imperative that you do not give your driver’s license and/or credit card to anyone, especially some peon with a name tag at the check in desk. If someone has these, you’re going to be held hostage. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Does this work? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It works if you stick to your guns. Remember that the sales staff has been trained to a) keep you there and b) believe that they have the upper hand. By telling them from the get go that you’re giving them the exact length of time that you agreed to you have the upper hand. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Timeshare knowledge is timeshare power. Use it. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-40112788371265852612022-04-21T09:23:00.001-04:002022-04-21T13:07:19.082-04:00The Missing Value Proposition. Is It Dead?<p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There are many changes that the timeshare industry can and should implement sooner, rather than later if it going to remain both profitable and relevant in the 21st century. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’ve discussed many of those changes in this blog and in media appearances through the years. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">But in my opinion, the industry’s lack of focus on the value proposition of owning-at a price that’s higher in most cases than 20+ years of renting hotel rooms for the average family-is the one thing that continues to trip them up. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Many timeshare resorts like to talk about the ‘value’ of regular vacations and then bolster that discussion with lovely photos of families enjoying a seemingly care free swim in a pool, lounge on the beach. sweat free game of sand volleyball or meals whipped up in the timeshare kitchen. And there’s nothing wrong with any of that. I don’t think you can find a person that’s opposed to vacations or even one that doesn’t agree that vacations are useful, maybe necessary. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">But here’s where that thinking goes awry in my opinion. That vacation, that sand volleyball game, that picture perfect meal? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They’re all available to anyone without the pesky purchase price of $20,000+, the annual fees of $1,000+ (payable whether or not you vacation in any given year) and the various other fees associated with using a timeshare. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Whether from the resort itself, individual owners or a third party platform, vacationers have a plethora of timeshare rental options available to them. And those options are available to them every single year, with absolutely no limit or restrictions. I know people who rent timeshare accommodations every year or even multiple times per year, pre COVID at least, and have absolutely no interest or intention of ever becoming a timeshare owner. Can you blame them?</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">No 4 hour sales pitch. No buy in cost of $20,000+. No exchange company membership fee. No exchange fee…which, if you haven’t checked lately, is insanely costly. No 1 in 4 usage restriction. All the space. All the amenities. All the fun. And yes, all the memories and benefits of a vacation. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The industry experts will of course be quick to counter these statements by saying that renters aren’t guaranteed these timeshare accommodations. Fair enough. Neither are owners! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Unless we’re talking about a fixed week/fixed unit plan, which only a tiny fragment of consumers have, owners aren’t guaranteed anything either!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Which brings us back to the missing value proposition of owning. Unless/until the industry changes the very nature of the timeshare product and makes those accommodations, those beaches and yes, those kitchens exclusive for owners, I’m not sure how it’s going to survive. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Agree? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Disagree? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Respectful comments and discussions are welcome. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-5370138592650486512022-04-01T13:38:00.001-04:002022-04-01T13:38:08.620-04:00It’s Totally Arbitrary <p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If you’ve been a timeshare owner for any length of time, you’ve inevitably been on the receiving end of upgrade sales pitches. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Whether it’s because the once week based timeshare is now selling points, or the resort has been acquired by another, change is a fact of life in most cases. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">What unsuspecting owners don’t know is that the offers they receive are totally arbitrary. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Let me explain. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If a resort transitions from selling RCI affiliated weeks to RCI affiliated points, there’s nothing that prevents the resort from merely converting your week into the correct number of points that RCI has assigned. But, inevitably, you’ll be told that’s not possible. You must first buy more in order to make the conversion. And how much more? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Again, arbitrary. Whatever you’ll accept as ‘the rules.’</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Current Diamond Resorts owners are being fed this right now due to Hilton’s acquisition. Every day, I read social media posts and emails from people who were told varying stories about how much more they’d have to purchase in order to become an HGV member. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Besides the fact that no one should be relying on anything that a salesperson says, and they’re all salespeople, regarding the Hilton/Diamond deal until after official word comes down from Mount Hilton, the very fact that just about everyone gets a different story and a different number of points that they ‘have to buy in order to stay part of Hilton’ is again, indication that it’s all arbitrary. Made up. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Because for some strange reason, consumers see things clearly when talking about anything other than timeshare, let me put this into an iPhone analogy. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Each time Apple comes out with an iOS upgrade, people who own Apple devices can simply hit a button and download it. The exception, there usually is, is if you own a much older device that won’t support the new iOS. If you’re still using an iPhone 6, you’ll understand. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Apple doesn’t require you to purchase a new iPhone or iPad in order to be ‘eligible’ for the new operating system. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">My point is that timeshare owners need to know this before listening to the spiel. Just as there’s no MSRP or Kelly Blue Book value for a timeshare, the ‘required’ figure is arbitrary. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The industry has so much to gain by making things, starting with prices, more transparent. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">(My apologies if this post was a bit muddy. I’m blaming a week plus of COVID fog </span><span class="s3">😵💫</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">)</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-40024274793948031942022-03-08T09:50:00.001-05:002022-03-08T09:50:37.604-05:00The Teeth Gnashers and The Misinformed <p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If you spend any amount of time online searching for timeshare issues as I do, you’ll quickly discover that 95% of the posts, comments and blogs fall into two categories: <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Teeth Gnashers and The Misinformed. Both do more harm than good and both need to go in my opinion. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">First, The Teeth Gnashers. These guys complain about everything associated with a timeshare without offering any solutions and without accepting any blame. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Yes, we all realize that there’s much room for improvement in every step of a consumer’s timeshare journey. Merely complaining about the fact that the sales pitch went on for 4 hours, the maintenance fees increased 15% despite the resort being closed for a year due to COVID or the fact that the developer is threatening to foreclose because the owner decided to stop paying on the loan doesn’t do anything. Neither do the tens of thousands of complaints against one or more self-proclaimed exit companies who do nothing except exit money from an owner’s wallet. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b><u>All of these are legitimate concerns.</u></b> Complaining on a social media site does nothing. Neither does donating money to shadowy organizations that claim to ‘work’ for consumers or have ‘close contact’ with lawyers and legislators but can’t offer any proof. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Our Teeth Gnashers also refuse to accept any blame for their actions and heap insults onto anyone, namely me, who dares to point out that it’s foolish to hand over your DL to some peon behind a check in desk, sit in front of 3 or 4 salespeople for 5 hours when it’s clearly written that they’re only required to stay for 2 hours and chooses to ignore multiple warnings against doing business with any entity that initiates contact, instead choosing to believe that they’re the exception and won’t get scammed. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Closely related to The Teeth Gnashers are The Misinformed. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The misinformed don’t know the difference between ARDA and ARDA-ROC, nor understand what ARDA does. Hint: <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They’re not in business of serving the consumer. The misinformed also have no idea that self-proclaimed exit companies are behind many online sites in a blatant attempt to round up more business. These companies are also behind many articles and online polls, again, to gain personal information and drum up business. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The Misinformed also lack any knowledge of how things work in the real world, preferring to devote time and energy that could be harnessed into a real discussion with the powers that be in the upper echelons of the industry to online shouting about how it’s imperative that the salesperson disclose that the consumer is in for a sales pitch, not an update. Wake up! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Who doesn’t already understand that.?!? To say nothing of the fact that it’s all there, albeit in 8 point type, that the consumer is getting the bribe in exchange for their attendance at a presentation that is a solicitation for the interests of a vacation ownership/timeshare. If your time with the industry heavyweights is limited, as mine is, there are much more important issues to discuss. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Our misinformed brethren are also quick to believe nonsense that get spewed out everyday from anyone, and I mean anyone, who is not directly employed by a timeshare developer. They choose to believe that there is only one bad guy, the developer, thereby creating more scams and financial difficulties. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Lastly, the misinformed are quick to tell everyone possible that they know everything about timeshare and worse, favorably compare themselves to saints and martyrs. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">What to do? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Use some common sense. Avoid these <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Teeth Gnashers and Misinformed. Align yourself with people who command respect from both consumers and the industry, as that’s the only way to bring about real change. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-29371041878925454842022-02-15T10:06:00.000-05:002022-02-15T10:06:22.717-05:00A 9 Hour Cautionary Tale<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">Last week, I had dinner with a couple that bought a timeshare from me 22 (!) years ago. I’ve written about the fact that they’re very happy with it and with me, who sold them a great product that they understand and use.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The resort was recently acquired by Capital Resorts. And although it wasn’t required, the resort staff persuaded this couple to attend an update where they’d learn all about Capital. Of course, it’s not an update, it’s a sales pitch. These people purchased something to the tune of $14,000 whereby they gave up what they owned and converted it into Capital points. It’s important to note here that the process took over 5 hours. Keep that in mind. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">They told me this over dinner and confessed that they had some questions and misgivings. I volunteered to go to the resort with them in a few days and ask some questions of my own. I volunteered for two reasons; first to make certain that these people were doing what was best for them and second because unlike some people with a grandiose view of themselves, I don’t proclaim to know everything about timeshare. I figured I’d learn something about Capital. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So they have an appointment with the sales manager for between 12:00 noon and 1:00. I show up at the resort at noon and I’m told that the manager has moved the meeting to 1:30. Already a bad sign. 1:30 comes and goes. He’s still not available. At this point, the couple have been discussing their misgivings and confusion for several days and have determined that they should cancel. I should add at this point that this was their decision. I was merely asking questions and the more questions I asked, the more it became apparent that things just weren’t making sense. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The husband gets up at this point and tells someone that they want to cancel the purchase. Miracle of miracles, the sales manager becomes available to talk. He proceeds to the computer set up in the middle of a noisy sales center to try to show my friends how they’d be guaranteed accommodations at many resorts if they make their reservations 4 months out. Luckily, my friends know that the only way timeshare reservations are guaranteed is if you own a fixed week, fixed unit. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Things still aren’t making much sense to my friends and the sales manager can’t pull up anything in Hawaii to demonstrate the guarantee he’s talking about. It gets worse. He a) admits that he’s not working on an actual reservation site, but a “test” one and b) complains about the poor wi-fi saying that Capital is going to put $40 million into upgrades at the resort. Again, thankfully my friends understood that a large part of that $40 million would come from increased maintenance fees. Frankly, anyone with a brain would read in between the lines of that statement. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It’s now 2:45. Sensing he’s not making any headway here, the manager asks my friends, who just gave him a credit card for $14,000 several days ago, for their email address, promising them he’d email them screen shots of Hawaii availability the next day. Screen shots! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>My friends casually mention to him that he promised them his personal cell phone number so that he could help them with everything. Incredulously, he still doesn’t provide it, instead saying it will be in the promised email. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I ask some questions and am given some fishy at best answers. The most basic question I asked was to see the comparison/conversion chart between the RCI point structure and the Capital Resorts point structure. He throws out a number, to the best of my recollection it was 10,000 RCI Points translated to 47,500 Capital points, but that no chart existed. Really? <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>So are the numbers simply pulled out of thin air? </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It’s now 3:20. We’ve been there for 3 hours and 20 minutes and have more questions than before. I need to sit down, so the 3 of us walk to the lobby. Soon, we’re talking with someone from the contracts department who gives us completely different numbers for the RCI/Capital conversion. He also mentions that it’s possible to merely convert the current ownership into Capital points without purchasing any additional points. Something that was not mentioned by the sales manager. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So now we have a myriad of options but still no clear answers. The contracts person tells us we’re free to come back anytime in the next few days after 4:00 pm to sign paperwork. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It’s now 4:00. We’ve been there for 4 hours. Add that to the 5 hours my friends were there purchasing the conversion and we’re at a mind numbing 9 hours!</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">9 hours! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>9 hours with no clear understanding and no verifiable information. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">No timeshare sales pitch should go on for 9 hours. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There are several lessons to be learned here:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><ol class="ol1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">A timeshare sales pitch is no place to get educated about anything. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Consumers might want to consider holding off on converting anything for a year. This acquisition of the resort by Capital was only a few weeks old and it was obvious that not everything was going as smoothly as it should. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Resort personnel should be on the same page. Consumers should not be given different information and different options by different people. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If you don’t understand what they’re pitching after 2 hours, 7 more hours isn’t going to make it better. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’m not volunteering to go to any more informational meetings!</span></li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-87498861388417504882022-02-04T09:20:00.000-05:002022-02-04T09:20:59.276-05:00An Alternative To The “24 Cooling Off Period” Chatter<p><br /></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">There’s been lots of chatter online about a survey that was conducted that showed, shocker, that consumers favored a 24 hour cooling off period when purchasing a timeshare. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">A cooling off period differs from a rescission period. In a nutshell, a rescission period gives the consumer a mandated time period to cancel/rescind the purchase and get all their money back. In the US, rescission periods vary from 3 to 10 days depending on jurisdiction. A cooling off period would entail no money being paid until 24 hours after the initial sales pitch and presumably, the consumer being given all the documents related to the sale prior to signing any of them. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Now, let’s be serious here. I’m all for transparency. I’m also all for consumers getting some education regarding timeshares. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>However, the chances of this getting a hearing in any state’s legislature, much less passing, is nil. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So, what should be done? Buckle up…it involves two major paradigm shifts. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Paradigm Shift Number 1</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Change the sales presentation to 120 minutes over 2 days. First day is the realm of the salesperson. The usual discovery, uncovering of a vacation problem, and the presentation of the solution, I.e. whatever they’re selling. Documents, including the document that ARDA and I co-wrote last year, <a href="https://www.arda-roc.org/important-information-for-buying-timeshare">https://www.arda-roc.org/important-information-for-buying-timeshare</a>are <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>presented and given to the consumer to review. No bribes, I mean gifts given. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The following day, the consumer returns with the documents and asks all the questions they need in order to make a decision. The sale is either made or not. The documents are either filled in or returned. The bribes are collected. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s3" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Paradigm Shift Number 2</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The consumer comes in armed with at minimum my list of </span><span class="s4" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">19 Questions You Must Ask Before Purchasing A Timeshare</span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> (available for $18.99) and doesn’t make a decision until/unless they receive answers to those questions. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I’ve heard every reason why this won’t work, but think about it…the timeshare industry has taught the consumer to believe that the current sales paradigm is normal. It isn’t of course outside of timeshareland. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Frankly, I have more faith that one or more developers will change their current antiquated sales paradigm than I do that consumers will change their behavior. Years of telling consumers to absolutely, unequivocally not do business with any company or individual that initiates contact only to have hundreds if not thousands of them cry foul when it becomes clear that they thought they’d be the exception, only to be the victim of a scammer that you guessed it, initiated contact. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Disney Vacation Club operates in a similar manner to what I’ve suggested here. They actively encourage consumers to not purchase right there and then. In 20 years of doing thus, I’ve heard ZERO complaints against them. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">This can be done. Who is going to step up to the plate?</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-23596800416199039272022-02-02T10:29:00.000-05:002022-02-02T10:29:03.201-05:00Is The End Game Is Afoot?<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today we have a Guest Post from attorney Michael Finn where he discusses the lack of a secondary market and puts forth his opinion as to why…the end game has already been planned for. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As a reminder, this is a Guest Post. I welcome respectful, intelligent discourse so let me know if you have something to share. I do not and will not tolerate abusive or insulting language, advertising or solicitations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p class="s3" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;">Nearly Nonexistent Timeshare Secondary Market</span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">From a</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">n overall</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> healthy economic market standpoint, the importance of a robust secondary resale market simply cannot be overstated</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">.</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> Arguably it’s </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">a</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> key</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">economic foundation upon which the overall market</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">structure</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">that</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">nearly all </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">durable </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">consumer-based</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">product</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">s are</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> built upon</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Examples of durable </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">consumer-based</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> products are everywhere, including the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">all important</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> housing market, but perhaps the best example of a new product and used product standing together</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> in the marketplace</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">, and</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> often</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> in the same physical location, is the vehicle market, cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles including boats and motorcycles</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">with some products </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">on display practically side by side</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">In </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">all of</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> these markets, its clear that these higher cost durable products are designed</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and built</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> to </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">accommodate</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> successive owner</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> over time. </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Typically, the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">original owner</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">s will</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> trade in, trade up</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> or </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">re-sell</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">these </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">longer-lived</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> products, </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">utilizing the residual resale value to</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> partially</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> fund their next purchase.</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">For the most part</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> secondary market</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">are</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> easy to access</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> with</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">perhaps </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">the best example being</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> the used car lot </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">often </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">immediately adjoining the new car lot</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">. </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Some durable goods such as recreation vehicles are known to have a relatively steep depreciation curve, while others </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">like</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> residential homes can</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and often </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">d</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">o actually </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">appreciate in value</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">. In every </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">instance and</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">taking all durable consumer goods into consideration (with </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">our</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">one</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> not</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">able</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> exception) every durable consumer good referenced can, when the initial purchaser is ready to move on, be resold for some residual amount</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> via</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">th</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">eir </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">existing </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">secondary market. </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Again, </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">not only are </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">t</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">hese secondary markets </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">typically</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">quite easy to </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">locate,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">but additionally</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> most </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">durable </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">products residual value can be easily </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">determined </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">with minimal market research, so there are rarely many surprises when it </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">be</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">comes</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> that</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> time to sell.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Shifting gears now to our elephant in the room, the clear question becomes, exactly how and why did timeshare interest resales become the major and glaring exception to the nearly universal economic secondary market rule? There are a couple reasons for this anomaly, but first</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> be aware that there is a </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">small </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">secondary market for some timeshares, and further</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> note</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">that there are a small number of existing licensed real estate brokers who do involve themselves in the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">re-sale of timeshares, mostly those located in extremely desirable vacation areas such as Hawaii or other</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">desirable</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> tropical </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">paradise</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> with limited resort availability, or perhaps within the immediate area of a ski resort. </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">However, </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">these exceptions exclude by far </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">most</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> timeshare interests. </span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Additionally, the</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> resale values of even these narrow </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">exceptions</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">are a small fraction of the retail prices being obtained by the timeshare developers who can exert nearly total </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">market </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">control and thereby dominance over the</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">ir</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> entire resort complex</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">es</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">their</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> amenities.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">As to the ‘why</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">’</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">, the answer is purely </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">a question of </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">economic</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">. A</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> resale market creates </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">sales </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">competition for the developer</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> with asking prices far lower than what the developer wants to sell its interests for.</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> Since there is no distinction between a </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">timeshare interest</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">offered by the developer or </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">its</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> current owner</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> as every unit is maintained uniformly throughout the resort, the only thing that differentiates between a developer’s unit and an owner’s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> is the asking price</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">!</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> Since the non-developer re-sale market is economically depressed, the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">owner’s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> asking price is but a small fraction of the developers asking price. An owner may be </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">hoping for</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">less than $2,500 </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">for their interest, but </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">for the same unit the developer will </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">command</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> $25,000! Clearly, it is </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">in </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">developer’s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> economic</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> short term</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> best interest to suppress any </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">owner-based</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">aftermarket</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">! Th</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">e developer can further exert</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> control</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> by restricting the resort amenities that the</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> existing</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> owner </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">can</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> transfer to a new owner upon the sale of the</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">ir</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> unit, and/or by the developer requiring a </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">‘</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">right of first refusal</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">’</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> before an outside sale</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> is permitted to occur</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">.</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> Since the developer retains control over the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">actual </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">physical resort</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> entity</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">, it </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">can</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> exert significant overall control</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> as each</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> interest</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">must </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">exist and </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">function within the overall resort setting!</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Although the developer </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">initially</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">benefit</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> economically by actively suppressing the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">owner’s</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> ability to transfer their ownership, arguably this is a </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">short-sighted</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">approach to the entire marketability</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and economic sustainability</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> of the timeshare </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">market</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">.</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"></span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Perhaps</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> however,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> the developers are willing to sacrifice the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">long-term</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> sustainability of a healthy vacation product marketplace for their excessive </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">short-term</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> profits</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and the knowledge that ultimately when the owners are squeeze</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">d</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> ou</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">t</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> of their interests</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> the developer will </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">simply </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">inherit the ownership of the entire resort</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> which can then be offered to the public</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> as vacation rental units</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> like any </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">comparable </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">hotel based chain</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> resort. Once the </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">existing </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">timeshare </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">owners are forced out</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">, </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">the resort </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">can </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">shed its timeshare skin</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">,</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> and live again as a profitable addition to a resort hotel chain.</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> A rebirth </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">perhaps in the making </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">without the costs of </span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">financing</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> a new business</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;"> model</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">.</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Respectfully submitted,</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">Michael D. Finn, Esq,</span></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="line-height: 21.600000381469727px;"> </span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 21.600000381469727px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">michaeldfinn</span></span><span class="s4" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="font-size: 1.5em; line-height: 25.200000762939453px;">@ finnlawgroup.com</span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-72431803361474727892022-01-26T10:49:00.000-05:002022-01-26T10:49:09.261-05:00Saying What You Want To Hear<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Every salesperson, well every good salesperson, learns early on to tailor their pitch to each unique individual. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While I continue to be amazed at the throngs of unsatisfied timeshare owners falling victim to an ever increasing group of shady, if not downright scammy, self-proclaimed exit companies; I have to give those outfits credit for their ability to sell. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The vast majority of owners who are looking for a way out had no business buying a timeshare to begin with. They didn’t understand the intricacies of what they were presented with, couldn’t afford what they purchased, were caught up in the ether of the moment, or just plain didn’t understand that the contract favors the developer. Many were lied to. Again, the salesperson tailors the pitch to the customer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, after several years, the beleaguered consumer wants out. Most of the time, they’re embarrassed to admit they made a mistake. They say they don’t want to make another mistake. But here’s where the scammy exit companies make their millions. They tell the owner that the developer is evil. They put all the blame on the developer. They promise easy, quick, money back guarantee and anything else that gives the owner a sense of relief. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The truth is that they’re in the same business as the timeshare salesperson. They’re there to put your mind at ease, tell you what you want to hear and sell you something. Anything. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The best defense is of course a good offense. If you know what questions to ask before buying, you’re much less likely to fall prey to a well trained salesperson. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What questions should you be asking? I have a list of 19. It’s yours for $18.99. Your choice. $18.99 or $20,000 to get a timeshare you probably shouldn’t purchase and another $5,000 thrown out to get rid of it. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-70519022658676017212022-01-14T08:56:00.004-05:002022-01-14T08:56:40.455-05:00Do Better<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">There’s an article that’s coming out shortly entitled “How To Create A Travel Experience That Keeps People Coming Back For More.”</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"> </span> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">It got me thinking that timeshare resorts, more often than not, create travel experiences that hinder people from coming back. Almost as if they’ve forgotten that they are in the hospitality industry.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Here are 5 ways that timeshare resorts make things miserable for travelers:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></p><ol class="ol1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">Insisting that owners, exchangers and renters get their parking pass or other such necessity at the woefully misnamed ‘concierge desk’ which is manned by people whose sole purpose is to get the traveler into a sales pitch during their stay. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">If those tactics don’t work, routinely calling, texting, emailing and even knocking on the door to harangue the traveler into attending the sales pitch. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">Bad mouthing or in some cases actively insulting consumers who choose to not purchase or purchase more at the conclusion of the sales pitch. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">Not being respectful of the travelers’ time during the sales pitch. Even though the minimum required time is in writing, a 90 or 120 minute sales pitch oftentimes turns into a half day of high pressure. </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold;">Not allowing the traveler to think about making the purchase, instead insisting that the decision be made now. There’s only one major developer that doesn’t have this insulting and frankly, crazy requirement. </span></li></ol><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So, developers-If any of this sounds familiar, change it now. You have a tremendous opportunity to not only do better, but to set yourself apart from other developers who routinely forget they’re in the hospitality industry. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Do better. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-78355130589536919402021-12-22T17:18:00.000-05:002021-12-22T17:18:43.967-05:00Another Warning For Timeshare Owners<p>I <span style="font-family: arial;">certainly hope some of you frustrated timeshare owners are taking the time to read this. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s come to my attention that there’s a Facebook group that’s ostensibly about so-called timeshare cancellation. From what I can ascertain, it’s run by, no surprise, a self-proclaimed timeshare exit company. They’re not using their name however, but individuals are answering inquiries asking owners to DM/PM them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While this is troubling enough…if you’re going to run one of these pages, at least have the faith in your company to use the company name, there’s something that’s even more worrisome.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It’s timeshare owners themselves. The sheer number of people chiming in claiming to have ‘the answer’ is troubling, but nothing in comparison to the misinformation being amplified. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I can not stress this enough…before you entrust the very serious and very complicated matter of exiting your timeshare, PLEASE do your due diligence. At the very least, contact your developer but NOT the sales department. Talk to Owner Services or whatever that department is called at your resort. Even if they don’t offer a reasonable exit strategy, and most of them don’t, they’ll be able to answer a question. Check online reviews. E-mail me if you want with a quick question.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you need a reminder as to why you shouldn’t blindly trust an unknown person with such a serious matter…chances are that’s EXACTLY how you got into your timeshare mess to begin with.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Stay safe. Stay informed. And stay tuned…big news for you and The Timeshare Crusader will be announced soon! </span></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755255001842683348.post-87936022505978583872021-12-09T11:31:00.000-05:002021-12-09T11:31:50.981-05:002021 Recap<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">I’d like to say that things greatly improved in timeshareland this year. But they didn’t. Again.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So, here’s my list of the Top 5 Timeshare Related Stories of 2021:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><ol class="ol1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Exit Companies </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Mergers and Acquisitions </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Same Old Sales Practices </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Still A Dearth of Exit Options </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">A Giant First Step </span></li></ol><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Exit Companies</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Exit companies are not going anywhere. Despite the AGs of several states filing lawsuits against any number of these scam outfits, consumers throw them millions each year. Timeshare Exit Team and Timeshare Termination Team were two of the biggest names. The former pulled their advertising from Dave Ramsey and incurred the wrath of the Washington’s AG. The latter abruptly shut their doors in July leaving thousands of owners up the creek. No doubt 2022 will bring more actions against these two outfits. Despite the media coverage that I and media outlets give these stories, serving as a strong warning against paying these firms a dime, they continue to proliferate. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Mergers and Acquisitions</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The biggest acquisition news of the year was Hilton Grand Vacations’ of Diamond Resorts. Full details have not been worked out, much less released despite the unscrupulous timeshare sales staff pitching everything under the sun in an attempt to scare and up sell existing owners. Welk Resorts was acquired by Marriott, marking the end of a well known and fairly successful independent developer. I predict more M&A activity in 2022. This is not good news for consumers as it means fewer choices and less chance of a timeshare developer to really break out and do something wonderful. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Same Old Sales Practices</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Day in and day out, I receive emails and read posts on social media sites about 4 hour sales pitches, credit checks being run without consent and timeshares being pitched as investments. Add to that the fact that owners can’t access their information online until significantly after their rescission period has ended, thereby creating tens, even hundreds of thousands of owners dealing with the harsh reality that the truth isn’t quite what the salesperson said. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…since there’s nothing overtly illegal about these disgusting tactics, educating consumers and stopping them from attending these pitches is the only way to stop them. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">Still A Dearth Of Exit Options</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">The industry could, if it wanted to, put an end of the entire exit industry. Instead, only a handful of developers offer beleaguered owners a way out. The entire secondary market continues to be suppressed by the developers. It continues to baffle me why any self respecting developer would allow their product that was sold for $20,000 yesterday to be ‘worth’ less than $2,000 today. Or why every single developer doesn’t offer an exit strategy that isn’t an insult. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleEmphasizedBody; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">A Giant First Step</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I conclude this year end post with an item that may be a little egotistical, but one that’s important nevertheless. ARDA, the trade association for the timeshare industry took a monumental positive step earlier this year by partnering with me to create this document <a href="https://www.arda-roc.org/important-information-for-buying-timeshare">https://www.arda-roc.org/important-information-for-buying-timeshare </a> As far as I know, it’s the first time they’ve ever worked with someone outside their enclave and the first time they’ve ever addressed the oral representation clause that relegates all but the most egregious consumer claims directly to the garbage. There’s a melancholy coda to this story…since that important document was released, ARDA has not taken the opportunity to continue this relationship by working with me on any number of issues despite the fact I’ve suggested a number of consumer facing projects. I continue hold out hope. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 24px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 19px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Lastly, there will be some exciting news to announce within a few days. Stay tuned. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader</div>The Real Timeshare Crusaderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08795102240566121646noreply@blogger.com0