Have you ever made an impulse buy that never really met your expectations? At the time, it seemed like the right call, but as time went by you began to second guess the decision? Unfortunately, we’ve all been there – whether it was in-store, online or during a random sales presentation we attended for the free food. Not thoroughly thinking through a purchase decision can leave us with a bad taste in our mouth and less money in our pocket.
When I think of bad decisions, I’m always reminded of my inability to select a restaurant that satisfies everyone in my family (of 8) while we’re on vacation. No matter what place I choose, someone is left disappointed when the bill comes. It’s a tough pill to swallow. Blaming Google Maps or a curse might make me feel better, but it doesn’t eliminate my family’s experience. It kind of stings and I want to find a way to rectify it – like, by getting everyone ice cream or something. Making up for a bad decision allows us to cover up the experience to some degree.
Admitting Mistakes Can Be Tough.
Unfortunately, many timeshare owners are faced with a reality they never saw coming. After buying into the hype of vacation ownership, they quickly realize it isn’t exactly what they expected. They struggle to find availability during their annual vacation dates and upgrades stand in the way of their enjoyment. But, in most cases, they continue to ride out the timeshare wave and cover up the reality. Even when fees pile up and their expectations dwindle, they’re still not ready to label it as a mistake.
Why Acknowledging Timeshare Defeat isn’t Easy
At first glance, it may seem like unhappy timeshare owners are fools or bad investors. But, it’s important that we understand their perspective. Getting out of a timeshare mortgage is easier said than done. A lot of people actually think it’s impossible. Even when the property is paid off, it’s extremely difficult to escape the grasp of timeshare companies. Some resorts are even willing to pursue family members if you pass away.
Although help like us exists, other predatory agencies have caused timeshare owners to believe genuine resolutions aren’t out there. They’re left believing broken promises and misrepresentation by timeshare companies is the norm – and that simply dealing with this “reality” of timeshare ownership is their only option.
Many Cope Before Seeing Timeshare As Faulty.
Similar to the bitterness that follows some of our impulse buys, timeshare owners are also forced to cope with their decision. The difference is, recurring fees continue leaving bad tastes in their mouth and less money in their pockets. They’re not able to leave the memory of a bad restaurant choice behind them. They have to keep paying the restaurant even if they can’t eat there. Imagine the feeling..
From their point of view, they really have no choice but to make the most of it. Giving up on the purchase isn’t always an immediate reaction. Would you be quick to admit the mistake or would you rather continue buying everyone ice cream? How you view the situation truly determines the outcomes. So, let’s take a look at some of the emotional reasons why vacation owners won’t admit their timeshare purchase was a mistake.
1. Hope. The Timeshare Can't be a Mistake.
Timeshare companies know how to make a handful of inconveniences seem like uncommon occurrences. It’s easy for timeshare owners to believe things can only get better. Hoping for the best instead of expecting the worst helps them avoid viewing the purchase as a mistake. I mean, not all timeshares are bad. Although skepticism can creep in, there are other factors that keep them hopeful.
The photos and video testimonials during the sales presentation remind them that happy timeshare owners do exist. The anticipation of finally experiencing vacational bliss eliminates the thought of their last 6 mortgage payments going down the drain. They might even have some close friends that absolutely love their timeshare. It’s easy to assume the investment will eventually be fruitful.
Improvements and Guarantees Are Misleading.
Once the upgrade options come into the picture, they begin to think their misfortunes will expire if they invest more. They’re led to believe that the package they currently have is to blame – that they should have gone with Tier 2 for a little bit more. This sense of hope forces them to take the passive route. The inexperience and lack of research prior to purchase is working against them and timeshare companies know it.
This positive outlook also carries over into personal relationships with family and friends. Some timeshare owners are really looking forward to sharing their weeks with loved ones. In order to keep their promises, they’re willing to do whatever it takes to make things work out. They have to be the ray of hope when the family is counting on them.
Wishful Thinking Doesn't Improve Reality.
This is normally where owners believe they’re making progress with the timeshare company. They have reason to believe, as most of us would, that it’s only a matter of time before the customer service kicks in. Why would they believe the timeshare purchase was a mistake at this point?
They continue planning vacations while finding comfort the the smooth talk of the timeshare sales team. They reassure loved one’s that everything is going to be OK. Surely, after all of the extra hoops they’ve jumped through, things will improve. But when the letdown continues, their hope essentially turns into optimism.
Timeshare Hope Can Slowly Turn Into Optimism.
Staying optimistic throughout your entire experience is a good approach. But, it can grow old fast. At the same time, we encourage all timeshare owners to exhaust all of their options before pulling the trigger on a sale, exchange, transfer or cancellation. To some degree, immediately viewing the purchase as a mistake somewhat forces you to waive the white flag. Whatever you do, don’t give timeshare companies the advantage of hopelessness.
There are plenty of ways to leverage timeshare companies and get what you paid for. If you want to remain hopeful and pursue a resolution, we’d love to point you in the right direction. Although we specialize in contract termination, we’re not going to force you to do something that’s not in your best interest. Until we’re positive your timeshare purchase was a mistake, we want to help you keep the hope alive!
2. Pride. I Don't Make Timeshare Mistakes.
Most timeshare owners hate to admit they were “suckered” or scammed into buying a timeshare. At first, the execution of timeshare companies makes buyers truly believe their investment was worthwhile. A sense of entitlement, due to the amount of money invested, causes timeshare owners to believe the leverage is still theirs.
When I think about losing, I tend to look at all elements of the win. Was it fair? Did someone step out of bounds? Would the outcome have been the same if I had my running shoes? It’s a different story when it comes to acknowledging a loss with a timeshare. You still feel like you’re owed what you paid for.
Upholding your end of the bargain gives you a sense of pride or confidence. It’s similar to not admitting you lost when you know the other party cheated. You have to immediately challenge the legitimacy of what’s going on while ignoring the final score. In your mind, it wasn’t a loss. Instead of hoping for things to turn around, timeshare owners with pride tend to bet on themselves to get it straightened out.
Prideful Confidence Can Make Matters Worse.
Aside from the bank account, admitting defeat can be can be damaging to one’s ego. It’s not only embarrassing but nauseating to know the return on investment wasn’t there. Owners have spent thousands of dollars over the years maintaining a property they expected to receive equity on one day. When it doesn’t work out, the time and money invested creates a sense of disbelief. Knowing that it isn’t what they signed up for, there’s no way it’s going to end like this. If family members or friends are involved, admitting the timeshare purchase was a mistake might be the last thing on their mind.
It's Difficult to Tear Down a False Perception You Help Build.
I wonder how many timeshare owners boasted about the purchase after making it. When it’s viewed as a financially-friendly decision, many probably feel really good about it. In fact, owning a new and limited vacation package may even create a sense of accomplishment. They might even feel a little special for receiving such a deal. Could this result in some unwarranted arrogance? I can just hear an ignorant fellow saying, “I’ll send you all some pictures of us on the beach while you’re at home in the cold..”
It’s hard not to couple pride with arrogance in this scenario. When you think about the situations a disgruntled timeshare owner might face, you’d think the pride would dwindle at some point. Some owners simply believe they’re incapable of being swindled. That they don’t make bad investments and they’ll fix the problem. Sometimes, they believe throwing more money at the issue will make it go away. It’s always worked in the past, right?
Well, it’s easy to assume what can transpire for someone with this mindset when things don’t go as planned. If an excessive amount of boasting was done on social media, then it can be difficult for some to backtrack their arrogance once they’ve been stonewalled. Mistakes are the usual consequence of those obsessed with protecting their pride.
Stubborn Irrationale Can Be Blinding.
When pride gets in the way of making logical decisions, a lot of money can be wasted. Putting yourself in a bigger hole just so you don’t have to admit the timeshare purchase was a mistake can cause even more problems. If you really feel like the “investment” isn’t adding up, don’t be stubborn and look into an exit strategy to see if it makes sense.
Saving thousands of dollars over the next year is a lot more to be proud of. It should feel like a win. Now you don’t have to feel like you’re continuously losing to someone that’s not playing fair. Tons of people make bad investments and even more feel trapped in their timeshare agreement. Swallowing your pride and seeing the purchase for what it is will help you make the right decision for you and your family.
3. Fear. The Timeshare is All My Fault.
The first set of emotions are very similar as they pertain to a lack of knowledge or understanding of what’s actually transpiring. When timeshare owners believe everything will work out in the long run, they easily formulate a sense of hope, or even arrogance. It inevitably blinds them from the reality of their situation. But, as timeshare ownership progresses, they begin to lose the optimism and pride they once had. Once they feel trapped and vulnerable, it’s easy for fear to set in.
After listening to a multitude of broken promises from the timeshare company, you can’t blame timeshare owners for assuming the worst. When they first began experiencing frustrations, their initial reaction may be to sound off on the resort. Being taken advantage of causes most people to feel the need to stand up for themselves and demand a fair resolution. They may even threaten a lawsuit if they feel strong enough about the inconvenience. Before the initial arrogance wears off, there’s no way they’re going to think the timeshare purchase was a mistake.
Scare Tactics Can Impact Owner Behaviors.
Once fear sets in, timeshare owners become hesitant to sound off or badmouth the resort. It’s hard for them to know whether their actions will make matters worse for them or not. When you think about it, fear might actually be hurting their ability to find a resolution. Avoiding other options, like timeshare cancellation, can be the end result of this fear.
We have to understand that hundreds of people’s vacation plans have been altered (or even eliminated) due to the inadequacies of the timeshare industry. Most timeshare owners live in disbelief. Especially when they find out that there isn’t much they can do about the contract they signed. Their confidence dwindles, their tale sinks in between their legs and intimidation sets in. They begin to wonder about the effect of the purchase on their finances or even personal relationships.
They might become afraid of continuously letting down their spouse, friends or other members of their family. Conflict might arise. Fear of things escalating causes them to simply deal with the hand they were dealt instead of acknowledging the timeshare purchase was a mistake. As far as they know, this is the norm of the industry and it’s not really their fault for getting “hustled.” They know that taking action has only made matters worse.
Fearful of Timeshare Relief Victimization.
Even when owners gather up enough courage to test the waters of the timeshare exit industry, the risk of being taken advantage looms. Once they’ve been burned from multiple angles, fear really takes over. It’s hard for them to know who they can trust. Many are afraid of putting their families in even bigger holes. Despair and anxiety can trickle down into other areas of their lives. It’s really a shame to see. The fear of further ridicule can even cause them to avoid admitting the timeshare purchase was a mistake. Just thinking about it may give them the heebie-jeebies.
At VOC, we’ve talked to thousands of broken-hearted vacation owners. They can’t believe the situations they’ve gotten themselves into and don’t want to fear the thought of being taken advantage of any longer. Despite the gut-wrenching reality of the timeshare industry, we understand the opportunity we have to relieve timeshare owners of their burdens. As a reputable and effective solution, it’s our responsibility to deliver on your expectations – for once.
What Causes People to Admit Their Timeshare Purchase Was a Mistake?
Over the years, we’ve found that many timeshare owners don’t open up about their experience unless they’re around a group of people with similar circumstances. They more than likely bury the topic to avoid becoming vulnerable with remorse. A lot of emotions play into this and, if you take the time to listen, their reasoning makes sense. Most buyers will never admit the purchase was a mistake unless this sense of regret sets in. In other words, when it’s truly seen as a mistake.
At a certain point, they can’t help but to look at everything they’ve been through and what it’s cost them. Many want to put the experience behind them and avoid comparable mistakes moving forward. Just like losing to a cheater, people will want to avoid that opponent at all costs. Some might even feel obligated to help others avoid the same mistakes. We encourage our clients to tell their story and reward them for letting other timeshare owners know they’re not alone.
Timeshare Mistakes Continue to be Made.
The fact of the matter is, tons of people have invested a lot of time and even more money into a vacation that never came into fruition. They’ve grown tired of being lied to while they’ve remained optimistic. They’re tired of swallowing their pride in hopes the experience turns. They’re tired of getting upset during unproductive arguments with the timeshare company. Conflict in personal relationships may have even negatively impacted their quality of life. Once they regret their decision and consider getting out of the timeshare, they realize they don’t have to fear the unknown any longer.
Being overwhelmed with regret is understandable. It’s not like some investments that give you immediate clarity on return. Seeing the purchase for what it is helps timeshare owners understand that they’re not going to get back all of the time and money they’ve already invested. But, once they’ve made the decision to terminate the contract, they still have to be careful about who they trust. Timeshares specialize in distractions and even in-house cancellation programs can land an owner right back where they started.
What to do After Realizing a Timeshare Purchase was a Mistake?
For starters, we’d love to learn more about what you’re going through so we can determine what’s feasible for you at this point. This is why we offer no-cost consultations to any and every vacation owner. We’ve consulted thousands of clients and are committed to stopping the victimization of timeshare owners.
If you’ve lost all hope and are in fear of things getting worse, one of our professionals are standing by eager to listen. It’s not about the sale at VOC – we make sure you’ve exhausted all options prior to asking you to complete an eligibility form for our program. At the end of the day, your unwavering support is all we need to help you find a safe and competent resolution.
4 Responses
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Very well written blog. Thanks for sharing, and there are many people who do mistakes while purchasing a timeshare.
Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the blog!