Sad/Funny/True/Not True---This Is What Wikipedia Says

For those of you who have not been paying attention, I get into a LOT of hot water for putting my views onto a public platform.  I'm OK with it, despite the fact it results in lots of ignored e-mails, being barred from certain events and lots of name calling behind my back.

But since this new timeshare book that I'm writing (here's the link to have your voice heard:  http://www.timeshareinsights.com/feedback.php) is based solely on consumer input (I can be ignored and people can wish that I would go away, but it's harder to get away with that towards the public), I found this description of the timeshare "tour" i.e. sales presentation on Wikipedia worthy of blog recognition.

I've done NO editing.  Sad/funny/true/eye-opening?  You tell me.

The Tour

First, the "Prospects" (prospective buyers) are seated in a Hospitality Room with many tables and chairs to accommodate families. The Prospects are assigned a Tour Guide; he/she is usually a Licensed Real-Estate Agent, but not in all cases. The actual cost of the Timeshare can only be quoted by a Licensed Real-Estate Agent. After a warm up period and some coffee or snack, there more than likely will be a Podium Speaker welcoming the Prospects to the Resort. Then the lights will dim and the Prospects will be shown a film designed to dazzle them with exotic places they could visit as Timeshare Owners.

Next, the Prospects will be invited to take a tour of the property. Depending on the Resort's available inventory, the tour will include an accommodation that the Tour Guide or Agent feels will best fit the Prospect's family's needs. Then it is back to the Hospitality Room for the verbal sales presentation. The prospective buyers are given a brief history of Timeshare and how it relates to the Vacation Industry today. During the presentation they will be handed the resort exchange book from RCI, Interval International, or what ever exchange company is associated with that particular Resort Property. The Prospects will be asked to tell the Tour Guide the places they would like to visit if they were Timeshare Owners. The rest of the presentation will be designed around the responses the prospective buyers give to that question.

If the guide is licensed, he/she will then give the Prospect the retail price of the particular unit that best seemed to fit the prospective buyer's needs. If he/she is not a Licensed Agent, a Licensed Agent will now step in to present the price. If the Prospect replies with "no", or "I would like to think about it", the prospective buyer will then be given a new incentive to buy. This incentive will usually be a discounted price that will only be good "Today". If again, the reply is "no", or "I would like to think about it", the Guide/Agent will ask the Prospect to please talk to one of his/her managers before the Prospect leaves. It is at this moment that the prospective buyer realizes that the 'Tour' has actually just begun.^[24]

The Manager, Assistant Manager or Project Director will now be called to the table. This procedure is called: "TO", or getting the "Turn Over" man to find an incentive usually in the form of a smaller less expensive unit or "Trade-In" unit from another owner. This tactic is commonly used as a sales ploy, because the Resort is not interested in reselling 'Already Deeded Property'. Similar to the Automobile Sales Industry, the manager and salesman know before hand exactly what the lowest price is that will be offered to the Prospect, well before the prospective buyer has arrived for the Tour. If one incentive doesn't move a Prospect to purchase, another will follow shortly, until the Prospect has either purchased, convinced the usually very polite sales crew that no means no, or has gotten up from the table and escorted himself/herself out of the building.

What To Know Before Buying A Timeshare

When purchasing from the developer, it’s implied you have clear title, although it is always good to ask.  In addition to the questions you need to ask yourself to determine if timeshare is right for you, there are a number of questions you should get full answers to before signing on the dotted line.  Remember that there are more than 6,000 resorts worldwide and at any given time, literally millions of intervals for sale on both the primary and secondary market.  Rarely, if ever, does a case of “this is the only one” exist in timeshare.

Here is a “starter list” of questions to ask and get full answers to:

1)    Do you understand all the terms and conditions of the contract?

2)    What are the current maintenance fees?

3)    What is the five (5) year history of those fees?

4)    Are there any special assessments and if so, what are they and what are they for?

5)    Is the HOA (Home Owners Association) under developer control or owner control? 

6)    How much of the resort is sold out?

7)    Does control of the HOA change at any point based on how sold out the resort is?

8)    What is the current delinquency rate among owners?

What would you add to this list?

 

Update About The Ongoing Issues At The Manhattan Club

I'm posting this on behalf of a group of Manhattan Club owners who are involved on the pending litigation with the Manhattan Club.

The following is NOT my statement as I am NOT affected or involved with this case.  I have deleted three words for that reason.

If you have documentation, please send it to me at lisa@timeshareinsights.com and I will forward them to the person collecting the data.

This is our first phase!  We need documentation to prove the Manhattan Club is ___.

 

We are assembling information related to ownership, prices, unit numbers and model, and purchase dates.  A maintenance fee history is also important.  Also, did you pay for your unit in full?  Did you receive documents attesting you paid in full? This information is helpful for the lawyer.  Additionally, we are amassing structured information about difficulties in making reservations, difficulty in selling, anything else you think of that would help us fight this ___, etc.  (If someone sells their unit for a hundred dollars or one dollar or some other outrageous price, they disappear from the field of battle since they're no longer interested - nonetheless, we shouldn't lose track of them.  They may be of interest in the future as 'past owners'.  And we should have them in the database.)

 

Please send me this information. It will be put in database and shared with the group and the attorney.

 

We are currently working on a database of every single New York State legislator, city councilor, New York and Company member, the governor, the mayor, the district attorney, and office of consumers affairs to ease sending out emails and documentation on this ___.

 

Guest Blogger Mark Bell Reviews The Crane Beach Resort

Today's Guest Blogger is Mark Bell, from the UK based timeshare reseller Confused About Timeshare (http://www.confusedabouttimeshare.co.uk) a proud supporter of International Timeshare Appreciation Day.  Check them out!

The Crane Beach Resort & Residential Resort Review

Location: Crane Beach, Barbados, Caribbean

Located on Barbados, is where you will find the world famous Crane Beach Resort and the Crane Residential Resort. The Crane Beach is called "one of the Ten Best Beaches in the world" by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. One of the Caribbean's first resort hotel's is the Crane and was open first in 1887, but has now been completely expanded and restored to make a very unique property that combines incredible beauty, old world charm with romance in a secluded setting.  Even though Barbados is a small island, it is large in character and steeped in tradition, culture and history. The natural charm it exudes is uniquely Bajan, which pleasantly surprises many visitors with the sleepy villages.

Crane Beach has for centuries been sought by visitors and locals for its serenity and natural beauty, power soft pink sand and lush coconut groves. The Crane is located on the southeast side of the island. Sea bathing, in the 18th century was considered improper in public for ladies, but by 1769 it had become so popular that at least one bathing place was constructed close to The Crane. People referred to it as the "Horse" and could be reached by steps cut into the sea cliff. Today, the stairs going to the "Horse" can still be seen from the far south side of The Crane, similar to the way they were in 1769.

The Crane Beach Resort is a 200-year-old historic building containing 15 suites on 40 acres that overlooks a half mile of ocean frontage with some of the most beautiful beaches of coral sand in the world that are lined with mature coconut groves. Out of the eleven parishes that all offer different traits, Saint Philip parish is the one on the south eastern side of Barbados that contains The Crane. This area is unique with small villages and the only "dependency" of Barbados called Culpepper Island. Culpepper Island is a tiny rock in the ocean that is used as a feeding ground for sheep and cannot be reached without a boat except at low tide when you can walk across.

Some of the other parishes in Barbados include Saint Andrew with its picturesque, limestone hills, and Christ Church parish with its action packed night life, just to name a few. Just between these two, vacationers will find something to satisfy each and every desire. Known for their sand, sun and sea, Barbados goes above and beyond what most Caribbean Islands offer, an experience here will touch your very heart and soul. Surrounding The Crane, the area combines warm golden sunlight, sparkling blue waters and lush tropical greenery.  For those looking for somewhere to get away from it all and relax in the sea, sand and sun, come to Barbados and The Crane Beach Resort & Residential Resort for you next vacation, where you will find a tropical paradise in a place of stunning beauty. At least according to "Top 50 Places to Go Before You Die," "Top 25 Sexiest Beaches in the World," and "The Caribbean's 10 Best Hotel Villas - 2013."

The Crane Beach Resort & Residential Resort Accommodations

The Crane offers luxurious accommodations that include rooftop terraces, gardens and private pools to name a few. This combined with its award winning restaurants offering many cuisines including Contemporary Caribbean, Italian, Japanese and Thai make this resort one you will never forget. Also included in the guest accommodations is complimentary Wi-Fi in every guest room, even on the Crane Beach and complimentary long distance phone calls, shopping, the best spa services, and open air markets. One thing that makes this resort the ultimate in paradise is the swimming pool that is only accessible by either a staircase or a glass front beach elevator, that is protected by a natural coral reef.

Of all the swimming venues on Barbados, this is not only the best, it is also the only one of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean. Other than its safety, it has a gentle descent from shallow to deep and the sand is so soft on your feet. The Crane Residential Resort include superb suites in its private residences, luxury oceanfront accommodation with incredible ocean views. All suites offer very spacious living areas, stone or hardwood floors, private ocean view pools, authentic Barbadian furnishings and 12' ceilings. All 15 of these incredible suites also include safety deposit boxes, hair dryer and razor point, iron and ironing board and a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette that is perfect for dining al fresco on large terraces or dining inside.

The Crane Residential Resort Suite Details

There are 15 suites that include Junior Garden View suites, One Bedroom Ocean View suites, One Bedroom Ocean View with Plunge Pool suites, One Bedroom Ocean View with 28' Pool, Two Bedroom Ocean View with Plunge Pool, Two Bedroom Ocean View with 28' Pool, Two Bedroom Ocean View Penthouse and Three Bedroom Ocean View Penthouse. Each unit is cooled by a constant breeze off the ocean and even though AC is not necessary, it is available for free based on how much you use. All units have a TV, telephone, coffee maker, toaster, mini-fridge, a king size bed in the 1BR units, one king sized bed plus a pull out sofa in the 2 BR units and 2 king sized beds and a pull out sofa in the 3 BR units.

All other suites include 1 BR and 1 marble bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, separate toilet room and separate shower; sleeps 2 adults, bay windows, cable TV with DVD, living area, terrace or balcony with table, and two chairs. The One Bedroom Ocean View Suites includes 1 BR and 2 bathrooms one of which is a private bath with a jacuzzi bath, large dressing room, spacious wardrobe, spa shower with multiple shower heads and separate toilet room; the guest bathroom has a shower, toilet and vanity. It sleeps 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. The master bedroom includes cable TV with DVD, the living area includes cable TV with DVD, sofa and soft bed and large dining table. The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge/freezer, ice dispenser, utensils, stove and oven. Unit includes a washer/dryer, large balcony with table, chairs, sun loungers and view of the ocean.

The Crane Beach Resort & Residential Resort are both affiliated to RCI as Gold Crown resorts.

 

Steve Burton Reviews Carlsbad Seapoint Resort

Our intrepid reviewer Steve Burton is back!  If you'd like to contribute a resort review, we'd love to have you as a Guest Blogger.

Carlsbad Seapointe Resort (3987)

 

This resort is located a short drive from the village of Carlsbad. It is also close to a busy road and a railway line which serves both Amtrak and the coaster commuter service that runs between San Diego and Oceanside. The resort is just five minutes’ walk to Poinsetta station so it’s convenient for the coaster service.  Some people find the noise of the trains to be annoying but I am not one of these people as I have an interest in trains be it in my own country i.e. the UK or in the USA.

The units at this resort are of a high standard and the resort is very clean and tidy. There is a good activities programme and two swimming pools at the resort one being for adults only. A car would be helpful but in my view is not essential because of the close proximity to Poinsetta station.

I visited Southern California in April and May and what surprised me was how cool and cloudy it was for most of my five week visit to the area. I am used to visiting Florida at that time of years so it was quite a shock to the system to note that most of the time the temperature was only in the sixties with a cool breeze from the Pacific Ocean. I was soon made aware by locals of the terms May Gray and June Gloom.

There is so much to do in the area be it Legoland which is only a five minute drive away. I particularly enjoyed visiting San Diego Zoo and the Wild animal park. It was also enjoyable taking the tram from San Diego down to the border with Mexico. A visit to Old town San Diego is also an enjoyable experience and it is easy to get there using the coaster train. If you don't wish to drive to Los Angeles there is a commuter train that runs from Oceanside to Los Angeles.

There is a beach close to the resort but you have to cross a busy road to reach it and it is not the best beach in the area. However taking everything into account this is one of the better timeshare resorts that I have visited since becoming a member of RCI back in 1980. I hope to be able to return again at some time in the future.

 

It's a New Timeshare Book!

The Timeshare Crusader Seeks Consumer Input for New Book

Lisa Ann Schreier, long time timeshare industry writer, blogger and author has announced that she has started work on her fourth book tentatively entitled “A Consumers’ Guide To Timeshare.”

“My previous books, “Surviving A Timeshare Presentation”, “Timeshare Vacations For Dummies” and to a lesser extent, the college text “Timeshare Management-The Key Issues For Hospitality Managers” have mainly been on focused on my thoughts, outlook and opinions.  After being around timeshare owners for nearly 15 years, it made sense to have a true consumer book.  The timeshare industry touches millions of people each and every day. Those combined touch points create an incredibly valuable resource for consumers.  This book will be by and for them.  It’s not about me.”

The book will include chapters on Primary Market Marketing and Sales, Secondary Market Marketing and Sales, Transfer Companies, Financing, Exchange, Customer Service, Timeshare Usage and Communication issues to name a few.  Schreier is using her social media outlets on Facebook and Twitter to solicit input. “I know that some people might be reluctant to divulge personal information, so they can remain as anonymous as they want.  The idea is to get the best and the most honest information about great experiences and instances where problems still exist so that consumers can assist each other.”

Owners, consumers and any timeshare related company that wishes their customer base to participate can contact Lisa at lisa@timeshareinsights.com for additional information.  The online form is available on her site http://www.timeshareinsights.com.

 “A Consumers’ Guide To Timeshare” is slated for a mid-2015 release

Five and Almost 20 With Helen Foster

Helen Foster  Marketing Manager – Publications, RCI Europe)

 

What was your first job in timeshare?

Editor of the RCI Ventures Magazine (European, Middle East, Africa and India Edition). Though I wear many RCI hats in my role today, the business magazine and its supplementary website, www.rciventures.com are my ‘babies’. I love Ventures because we need new resorts, experiences and brands to come into the market to grow our industry, organically, and it is both my plan and hope that the RCI Ventures media encourages and inspires existing resort developers to expand their operations, as well as offering reassurance to potential new entrants that timeshare is a business model that works well – and that there is a support network in place to help with the mysteries of sales and marketing! It is my goal that RCI Ventures is seen as a ‘virtual’ community where all that is great about this business is shared and showcased.

 

What was the greatest lesson you’ve ever been taught? 

That to try and to fail is better than not to have tried at all. That was my Mother’s mantra. Her greatest fear was that you should leave this world wondering what if… It’s worked for me. Another important learning for me is that timeshare is an amazing product. Yes, I believed all of the negative press before I started looking into it properly in preparation for my RCI job interview 14 years ago. Now I totally believe in our product and find it frustrating that so many struggle to see its many benefits – especially as a perfect family holiday solution.

Where is your favorite vacation spot? 

I have two. Austria – Salzburg and surrounding area. It really is picture postcard pretty and the people are so warm, welcoming and gentle. The clear air, sparkling colours of the hills and cute little houses on a summer’s day – simply exhilarating. The Salzburg Christmas Market with festive stalls, living statues, choirs by night in the square and concerts up at Fortress Hohensalzburg make it a real winter wonderland. Tenerife is up there too. Before joining RCI, I had a very poor perception of Tenerife from hazy recollections of press articles around it being a Mecca for ‘Brits’… Being in timeshare, Tenerife was top of my list of visits as the European heartland of the industry. I was so completely taken with the island I soon returned. Such a lot of variety on so small an island. We always hire a car and explore the many different landscapes, from the expansive ‘cowboy’ territory of Mount Teide, to Santa Cruz with its majestic squares and architecture, wonderful window casements (love them) and its air of old island grandeur.

If you could change one thing about timeshare, what would it be? 

A shake up of the holiday experiences offered by resorts. Having interviewed John Spence of Royal Resorts several times now for RCI Ventures, I am so impressed with what he has done with the Karma brand. Karma represents fun, beach parties, live DJs, and everything to attract a younger, affluent professional demographic. I would like to see that Karma approach to resort experience – the Karma DNA, as John terms it – infused into more resort offerings. In-resort entertainment is more important than ever – and it can be tailored to family groups and middle-aged couples just as effectively – to distinguish timeshare from rental and other hospitality products. The increasing popularity of the all-inclusive model proves that people are prepared to pay for the right package and, having been on those holidays and talked to my fellow holidaymakers on  resort, the nightly shows and entertainment is just as big a pull as the drink being on tap.

What is your favorite color?  

Sky blue – a Tenerife sky that is, as opposed to a UK sky. A very calming colour, it suits my skin tone and reminds me of great holidays I’ve had!

 

NTOA Implements HelpLine

Earlier this week, the National Timeshare Owners Association unveiled its new Consumer Helpline. (1-844-ASK-NTOA)

I sat down with the NTOA's President to find out more about this helpline.

Can you tell us a little bit about the genesis of the NTOA helpline?

The "ASK NTOA" program was developed out of the many requests of timeshare owners who felt they needed to have their voice heard. These were not our members but still needed some level of assistance and access to our association. 

What makes it different from any other means that timeshare owners have at their disposal to provide feedback on an issue or company?

The owners who are contacting us have used other means and not found the assistance they were looking for. As an consumer centric organization, we make time for owners and their needs. Sometimes it's a matter of us getting the right person or company contact involved with an owner that can resolve an issue perhaps at a higher level. 

I see that consumers do not have to be NTOA members in order to avail themselves of the helpline.  Do NTOA members receive priority or special assistance?

NTOA members receive many benefits including a more advanced but informal resolution process in which the association performs follow up with the member to assure their needs are met. 

What type of assistance is the NTOA going to be able to offer and when will that assistance be offered?

ASK NTOA is a new open resource for owners. With this program, we listen, we refer and we record the issues we receive but further action is limited once the referral is made unless the owner has special circumstances. 

Can foreign residents with a timeshare issue in the US and/or US residents with a timeshare issue outside the US use the helpline?

NTOA works with strategic partners around the world like TATOC. This network gives the ability to form a safety net for most any owner and in most any situation.  

Consumers in general and timeshare owners in particular are extremely worried about privacy issues.  What assurances can the NTOA offer that they will not provide personal information to another party?

ASK NTOA is a voluntary program. While owners can remain anonymous when reporting an issue to us. We do ask these owners to allow us to share basic information with only the parties involved so that the problem can be fixed. Aside from this no information will ever be shared with a third party. 

I would be remiss if I didn't mention two other resources for timeshare owners.  The first is TATOC (http://www.tatoc.co.uk/) and the second is Mindshare (http://mindtimeshare.me/)

Of course, this blog and Timeshare Insights in general are great places to turn for help.  In the past week, I've been able to assist three owners with issues. 

Where do you turn to for timeshare help?
 

A Frustrated Bluegreen Owner Has Her Opportunity To Speak

A few weeks ago I saw a tweet from some expressing displeasure with Bluegreen for not being able to get out of a fully paid off timeshare.  I contacted the person and gave her the opportunity to tell her story.  This is it.  I've only made minor grammatical edits and deleted her name as she want to remain anonymous.  It's a long post, but very much on target and well worth your time.

Hello Lisa -

I take it you could read a little sarcasm into my tweet.  I apologize - I did not mean to offend. Fact is, I was venting and no one ever reads my tweets anyway.  Here is a synopsis of our situation.

We purchased a timeshare in what I think was January 2002.  I don't have paperwork in front of me.  We paid within a very short amount of time the full amount of the deed. We were young and in love and planned on spending all of our vacation time at Big Cedar Resort.  The Wilderness Club through Bluegreen seemed to be legit, after all - Bass Pro was one of the most respected businesses in our part of the country.  Everything through them is 5 star top notch.  We can drive there in half of a day, and spend quality time as a couple and family.

At the time, there was one lodge with one more coming, and maybe 13 cabins.  From day one, it has been a joke trying to stay there.  Or anywhere.  We rarely use any of the points. Ever.  Even when we vacation, we don't even bother trying to book through our points. Our maintenance fee we pay annually is well over $1000 (thanks to the fact the "2 bedroom" we signed up for was really a 1 bedroom and a lockout....so YAY...2 units...2 maintenance fees.)

I get so frustrated at the people who try to put a spin on owners who say, 'well you should have known what you were getting in to?" We get it.  At the time, we wanted what they were selling.  It has never ONE time, felt ANYTHING like what they were selling, EVER.

And I have never heard of anything that you couldn't be done with at some time.  You can sell a car.  You can sell a house.  You can wean your kids off of your salary at a certain age. You can give away a pet.  Lifestyles change.  Preferences change.  Priorities change.  I am THRILLED that some people are completely smitten with the timeshare lifestyle.  It should not be that big of a deal that we aren't as impressed for us.

But the fact that it appears to be the most locked in, binding, insanely ridiculous life-long contract eludes me. I watch my husband have a meltdown every year when fees roll around and he realizes that he works 90 hours plus a week and none of his family had time to use the points.  We can't plan anything in our lives more than 3 weeks out- and it is certainly not feasible for us to fly as a family, and then rent cars and then pay for the activities once we get somewhere.  We just aren't THAT into vacationing.  Something we did not know prior to having all our kids.  

I am ALWAYS tempted to stand at Bass Pro or anywhere I see people trying to sign people up for these tours and pitches and wear a sign that says ASK ME WHAT MY EXPERIENCE IS...... which is sad.  I want people to enjoy the resorts and travel.  But how in God's name am I locked into this madness for life? I honestly cannot believe that no one has gone all postal on one of these places.  It is such a trapped feeling.  If I am being completely honest with you, when I think "timeshare" I think "slit my wrists." Extreme? Yes. Would I? Of course not. But that feels like the only way out.  BUT WAIT? Is it? Don't my kids have to inherit, then?  See how grotesquely crazy that sounds?  It is just a stupid one week vacation a year......it should be able to go away.  I just want to know how.  Thanks for letting me vent.  

Lisa- this is my latest communication with someone. It sounds like every other communication I have ever had. Again --Amazed over the permanency. I could get a divorce easier than ridding our family off of a stupid purchase. Again- we had no regrets when we did it. We thought it SOUNDED awesome. Years later- after deed is several years paid in full- just have stupid maintenance fees to a resort that took a ridiculous turn away from the 5 star resort vision of Bass Pro, we just want to cut ties.

I have been directed to Pinnacle – Bluegreen’s sales office. They never do anything. They send out packets with a ridiculous amount of paperwork- once you hound them enough- but then nothing is ever done with it. We have not tried the give back the thing because everything I am finding online says they won't do it. We tried eBay for a dollar a few years ago and all that did was attract people who would "sell it for us" for a fee. My husband literally works in the fields in the farming industry 80-100 hours a week.  Labor intensive. I work up to 40 hours a week for free at my kids’ school as a volunteer coordinator. The last few times ours has been used has been as a donation for auctions- and then the guests that go are hounded about buying- so it is not a good experience.

When I have booked a trip (very rarely) they try to trap us into a meeting on your vacation to buy more points. Again- Big Cedar- the property where we thought we were buying was a 5 star resort. What the timeshare has created is a pitiful overcrowded stepchild version where I wouldn't want to spend my time. We have bought a vacation home in a location we love that fits our needs. It is the convenience and family time and luxury we thought we were buying into at the time of the timeshare purchase.  We are happy and fortunate. We just want to leave our past mistake behind us and move on.  That $1400+ we are giving to Bluegreen every year could go to our church, our school, our son’s mission trips. So many better useful places. Again- we have acquaintances who love their timeshares who use them faithfully. It is just not for us. 

THIS IS THE E-MAIL THAT MY CLIENT RECEIVED FROM KELLY ROBINSON AT QUALITY TIMESHARE CLOSINGS IN BRANSON, MISSOURI
 

Once you sign a contract and go past your right of rescission, there is very little anyone can do for you unfortunately. If you have a loan, you probably cannot walk away without bad credit due to foreclosure. Or you can pay an attorney thousands of dollars to try to get them to forgive your debt.  Buyers are few and far between.  Resale market is at rock bottom prices. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. If you would like a referral to a resale broker or attorney, please call my office.

THIS IS THE E-MAIL THAT JASON MAAHS OF THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI SENT TO KELLY ROBINSON AT QUALITY TIMESHARE CLOSINGS IN BRANSON, MISSOURI

Hey Kelly,

I received this email earlier from someone needing to get out of their timeshare. I'm not afraid to admit that I am completely ignorant on the topic; I thought you may be able to help them out with your knowledge of the industry. I am forwarding you the email I have received and their contact email. 

THIS IS THE E-MAIL THAT MY CLIENT SENT TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

Message:
I am in need of trying to find out how to begin the process of cutting ties with BlueGreen Vacations Wilderness Club at Big Cedar. We have been members since 2002 I think. Paid well over $22,000 in full for and now pay maintenance fees annually that are basically equivalent to what a vacation would cost. We were young and naive and believed the salesperson. All we wanted to do was have more time at Big Cedar. What a sad joke that was. All we want to do is walk away. Relinquish the deed. If you research on line, it is easier to give up a child than it is a time share. It has totally ruined our honeymoon impression of what was the greatest resort this side of the Mississippi. I just need guidance from a real source, not another arm of the timeshare never ending scam, giving advice. You can sell a house, you can change careers, you can move out of the country, you can wean your child off of your bank account; there has got to be a legal, simplified, honest way to get out of a timeshare. It should not be a secret. Any help or guidance to the next step would be more than appreciated. Most Sincerely

 

WHO IS GOING TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND HELP THIS OWNER?