I've been reading a rash of unfavorable reviews of timeshare resorts lately...and they almost all have to do with complaints about sitting through a timeshare presentation.
Look people...it's 2010, you know perfectly well that if you accept the discounted tickets, you're going to have to sit through a timeshare pitch. Just like you did last year, the year before that and in some cases, the day before yesterday in an attempt to "subsidize" your vacation.
I've railed for years against the timeshare industry for "bribing" consumers with these discounted tickets and the like. And I haven't softened my stance one bit.
But, let's put some blame where some blame is due...if you don't want to find out more about a timeshare, if you don't want to buy a timeshare, if you can't afford the timeshare, or the only way you can afford to go on vacation is to take advantage of timeshare presentations...DON'T SAY YES...do the right thing and SAY NO.
You'll save everyone a whole lot of aggravation and might actually improve your vacations. I don't know anyone who find timeshare sales pitches fun.
It's not the resort's fault you didn't like the presentation or even the vendor who sold you the discounted package. It's YOUR fault for taking the bait when you know perfectly well what is in store.
JUST SAY NO.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Upcoming Events and New Year Plans
It promises to be a busy start to the new year. On Thursday, January 21st, I'll be attending the ARDA Social Media Symposium here in Orlando. On the 29th and 30th, I'll be working and attending WIN's first ever Florida Regional meeting. The National Timeshare Owners Association is having their Florida meeting on January 31st, so I'll be speaking there as well.
On Wednesday February 10th, I'll be moderating a free webinar with Brian Rogers from TUG as the guest.
The annual ARDA Convention is being held in Las Vegas this year (sigh) from March 14-18 and during that time, there will be another WIN meeting. March 21st I'll be in Venice Florida for the Florida Timeshare Owners Group.
So, what can Timeshare Insights do for you? What do you want to hear about? What do you love about your timeshare? What can the industry do better? What products and services would you like Timeshare Insights to make available in the new year?
We want to hear from you!
On Wednesday February 10th, I'll be moderating a free webinar with Brian Rogers from TUG as the guest.
The annual ARDA Convention is being held in Las Vegas this year (sigh) from March 14-18 and during that time, there will be another WIN meeting. March 21st I'll be in Venice Florida for the Florida Timeshare Owners Group.
So, what can Timeshare Insights do for you? What do you want to hear about? What do you love about your timeshare? What can the industry do better? What products and services would you like Timeshare Insights to make available in the new year?
We want to hear from you!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Inflation
I just read an article comparing the prices of various things in 1999 and now in 2009. Did you know that it cost $4.00 to go to the top of the Empire State Building in 1999 and now it is $20.00?
Anyway, it got me thinking about timeshares and hotels.
In 1998, the average price of a hotel room in the United States was just over $111. Now, as a former timeshare salesperson I can tell you that I used to "pitch" 5% annual hotel inflation which my clients generally agreed with.
If that was the case, then the average hotel price in 2008 would have been just over $182, not including hotel tax. So what was the average hotel price in 2008? About $130. Hmmm...
And the timeshare? In 1998 the average price for a timeshare was about $12,500. In 2008? you guessed it...$20,000.
Now my point is not to diminish timeshares...I am all for timeshares...I think that they provide people with "better" accommodations and an all-around "better" vacation.
Something does need to be done about the cost though.
The first company or individual that latches onto this concept and actually DOES something not only about the high cost but the huge discrepancy between a "new" timeshare and an "old" timeshare will, in my opinion be the clear winners in the next decade.
Pssst....I have the solution...e-mail me and we'll do the right thing!
Anyway, it got me thinking about timeshares and hotels.
In 1998, the average price of a hotel room in the United States was just over $111. Now, as a former timeshare salesperson I can tell you that I used to "pitch" 5% annual hotel inflation which my clients generally agreed with.
If that was the case, then the average hotel price in 2008 would have been just over $182, not including hotel tax. So what was the average hotel price in 2008? About $130. Hmmm...
And the timeshare? In 1998 the average price for a timeshare was about $12,500. In 2008? you guessed it...$20,000.
Now my point is not to diminish timeshares...I am all for timeshares...I think that they provide people with "better" accommodations and an all-around "better" vacation.
Something does need to be done about the cost though.
The first company or individual that latches onto this concept and actually DOES something not only about the high cost but the huge discrepancy between a "new" timeshare and an "old" timeshare will, in my opinion be the clear winners in the next decade.
Pssst....I have the solution...e-mail me and we'll do the right thing!
Happy New Year
To all of our fans and our clients, our sincere wishes for a happy, prosperous, healthy and smart New Year!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Good News From The Vermont Attorney General
Back in July, I did an undercover piece with WFTV here in Orlando revealing some of the nonsense that goes on at one of those despised "postcard company" presentations...the ones that lure unsuspecting timeshare owners in with promises to make "immediate offers" on their timeshare only to find out that it involves both giving up the fully-paid deed and a few thousand dollars.
A really, really, really bad thing for any consumer to do.
News came from the Vermont Attorney General's office that the company in question will have to pay over $64,000 to 15 consumers and $65,000 in penalties for their practices.
This is wonderful news for consumers and I hope that other states will follow suit. I'll be featured in January on a major network segment about this and other companies.
If you want details about the Vermont case, you can access the news at http://www.atg.state.vt/.us/news/timeshare-repurchaser-settles-with-attorney-general.php
A really, really, really bad thing for any consumer to do.
News came from the Vermont Attorney General's office that the company in question will have to pay over $64,000 to 15 consumers and $65,000 in penalties for their practices.
This is wonderful news for consumers and I hope that other states will follow suit. I'll be featured in January on a major network segment about this and other companies.
If you want details about the Vermont case, you can access the news at http://www.atg.state.vt/.us/news/timeshare-repurchaser-settles-with-attorney-general.php
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