Phase 3. Asking the Timeshare For Help
When most of us make a large purchase, we normally do quite a bit of research prior to executing the transaction. Whether we’re buying a house, a car or planning a vacation – we spend a good amount of time sifting through deals and comparing options. When it comes to buying a timeshare, nearly every sale is closed on the spot. This shows how intriguing and persuasive the presentation can be. If timeshare companies can talk consumers into handing over tens of thousands of dollars easier than real estate agents or car salesmen, imagine what they’re capable of once the contract is signed. Getting rid of timeshare contracts can be an uphill battle if you’re not prepared for the reality of your situation. The further along you get, the harder it becomes to get rid of timeshare contracts.
It’s easy to understand why some timeshare owners research their decision immediately after making the purchase. Subconsciously, they realize what they should have done before forking over that amount of cash. This is why timeshare companies have a plan in place to combat “buyer’s remorse.” If you bought into the second phase of their sales process, or simply gave up during the rescission period, you’ll probably end up contacting the timeshare with concerns at some point in time. When you do, they have the right amount of “resolutions” in place to keep buyers from getting out of timeshare contracts for good.
What to Initially Expect From the Timeshare
When you first ask a timeshare company for help, you have to realize they’re going to be aggressive with a top-down approach. As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, they’d love to persuade you that your current package is to blame. That you’re not enjoying the purchase because your package is limited or inferior. The resort knows that buyers aren’t immediately interested in legally getting rid of timeshare contracts. Another $50 per month for your timeshare mortgage is worth a few potential perks, right? If you look across the travel industry, the companies that make a lot of money know how to upgrade.
Have you ever booked a cheap rental car and received the smallest vehicle currently in production? You’re promptly informed that there’s no other options on the lot and that they don’t carry many economy cars because most people truly need the mid size car. I can hear the rental guy now, “For only a few more dollars per day, you can have cruise control and enough truck space to fit the bags our small car – that you booked – can’t carry.” They know just how to excuse the inconvenience and make the upgrade option seem more appealing than ever. Timeshare companies are doing the same thing. They tell you this is what you wanted and agreed to purchase. You can be down in the dumps about what you paid for or you can be like this guy,
Who wouldn’t want to share a watermelon orange juice with this guy? This manipulative tactic allows them to position upgrades with ease by making it sound like a no brainer. It’s important that you remember consumer rights in this instance. If you’re able to prove that advertisements or closing statements were misleading, then they might change their tune. Communicating this before listening to their sales pitch is crucial. But, it doesn’t mean they’ll conform.
Timeshare companies know that a majority of vacation owners won’t invest in legal action when it comes to getting rid of timeshare contracts. Using this to their advantage, it’s easy for them to tell you an upgrade option is the best they can do. You can either take their “limited time offer” or continue dealing with the subpar package you decided to sign up for. It’s like a no return policy on an online purchase. Except it’s costing you tens of thousands of dollars.
In-House Solutions For Getting Rid of Timeshare Contracts
If you stand your ground and refuse to upgrade, then you might want to put your seatbelt on. This is where things can become extremely misleading as the top-down approach continues. Once timeshare companies realize you’re not budging from expectations, they realize the chances of you seeking outside counsel greatly increases. If you continuously relay your desire to get rid of the timeshare contract, they eventually take note. At this point, some will begin to accept your cancellation requests simply to keep timeshare owners from looking into 3rd party termination programs.
At first glance, you’d think they cared. But, in reality, they’re just keeping you engaged long enough for the next payment to go through. It may seem like you finally made progress towards a resolution, but it’s important you understand the angle they’re taking here. Like most sales organizations, they want you to believe your best interest is being considered. But, they’re in no way shape or form motivated to help you get rid of your timeshare contract. There are plenty of examples but most have just enough options to keep timeshare owners engaged and on time with payments.
Analyzing Relief Programs by Timeshare Companies
When it comes to some of the more ambitious timeshare companies, they know exactly how to nurture their club members. They’re going to keep making promises until you finally take a “deal” or decide to shelve your dissatisfaction. A good number of prominent timeshare clubs have been able to keep a number of timeshare owners in-house by rolling out their own cancellation programs. In order to compete with timeshare cancellation services like ours, they claim to be protecting you from being victimized.
It’s interesting that the inaccuracy of this statement is the common value proposition amongst in-house “solutions.” When timeshare owners are continuously forced to pay for something they don’t want anything to do with, who’s really the victim here? Programs like these keep owners around by offering a number of different exit plans without fees. The difference is, you’re upgraded or further contractual obligations are added. These types of resolutions are sold in a way that makes timeshare owners feel like they’ve finally found something that works!
The thing is, a majority of people wanting to get rid of their timeshare contract aren’t eligible for anything really all that beneficial. In order to qualify, club members need to have the mortgage paid off and maintenance fees need to be current. I mean, why wouldn’t they help out someone that’s paid them more money than the property is worth and who makes their payments on time? On top of ensuring they’ve consistently made money off you, they pick and choose which levels of ownership and resorts qualify. When things don’t work in the consumer’s favor, the timeshare company is able to easily blame-shift once again. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these programs entail.
Getting Rid of Timeshare Contracts with the Resort.
As you continue reading, you’ll be able to understand how the timeshare company uses these limitations to their advantage, while discrediting exit programs altogether.
- CAP Program. This option is the closest thing to legally getting rid of a timeshare contract. This allows qualified owners to transfer deeds or club points back to the resort in order to eliminate maintenance fees and cease ownership. It’s not as big of a loss for the timeshare because the property is paid off and the chances of them selling additional travel packages after the transfer increases. The buck doesn’t stop here and most timeshare owners end up with new problems in the long run.
- Surrendering Points. Also known as the “Limited Addition Program,” this option allows timeshare owners to terminate maintenance fees for 3 years while relinquishing their purchased points back to the timeshare company. Although they retain user rights to travel, it’s basically a forbearance period that doesn’t exactly eliminate the problem. Timeshare owners are given temporary relief only to deal with new occurrences down the road.
- Reselling. If you’re set on selling your timeshare, certain companies will offer a list of preferred resellers that are licensed and don’t require up front costs. Receiving approved options from a popular timeshare company creates an extra layer of trust because timeshare owners know they would be on the hook if a scam surfaced. This option is a win-win for the resort because of referral commission and the simple fact that timeshare owners will be forced to return when the property doesn’t sell. It’s a less appealing option though because fees do occur and resale values are extremely low – if they exist at all. Most buyers are never able to sell and continue paying the resort while waiting for a buyer.
Assessing the Resort’s Solutions for Relief
A lot of skepticism surrounds many of these types of programs because of failed attempts in the past. Most of these “resolutions” have been accused of manipulating timeshare owners into buying more points. As you can see, timeshare “cancellation” services like these are created in favor of the resort, By using open ended statements like a promised “opportunity” for a buy back, they’re able to generate enough hope to keep you under contract.
At the end of the day, timeshare companies specialize in selling weekly intervals, not getting rid of timeshare contracts or buying them back. It’s important that you understand that their intention is rarely beneficial to you. Their definitive goal is to make money, not manage customer service calls. It’s a very cut through industry and if you allow them to get the best of you it can be a long ride.
Timeshare Companies Will Never Help You Escape Ownership.
Similar to a retention department with any other company you are under contract with, timeshare companies are masters at distracting their customers from contract disputes. When you contact them with an issue, they always find a way to get you off the phone, buy some more time and persuade you the issue will be resolved. Whether you take their word for it, upgrade your package or buy into one of their relief programs – you inevitably run into the same issue over and over again.
They don’t care how many times you call, their system is built to keep you under contract. Just because the program is offered by a major vacation club, it doesn’t mean the option is viable. Everything these timeshare companies sell you on eventually circles back to where you started. This can be extremely frustrating for people that continue to believe they’re making headway. Although we understand not all timeshare experiences are bad ones, things can go bad when expectations aren’t met.
We’ve Had 100% Satisfaction Since 2014!
If you’re struggling to find a way out of your agreement, it’s important that you understand what you’re up against. If you can see what’s going on around you during the early stages (phase 3) of your purchase, you’ll be able to see the value in legally getting rid of timeshare contracts before more money is wasted. The longer you wait to take action, the more opportunities there are for other companies to step in and manipulate you. The more options you continue to buy into, the more money you’ll spend with nothing to show for it. To learn more about how we go about getting rid of timeshares, you can schedule a free consultation or proceed with our qualification form below.
Read Part 3 of This Blog Series
What to Expect From Predatory Agencies When Getting Rid of Your Timeshare.
