When most people plan a destination vacation, entertainment normally plays a big role in their decision. Although some prefer a quiet escape with minimal distractions, most people travel to do what hasn’t been done or see what hasn’t been seen. In Las Vegas, Nevada, there isn’t much that doesn’t catch your eye. The city’s ability to grab and hold one’s attention span is unlike any other point of interest in our country. For example, it would take one person 288 years to stay the night in every single Vegas hotel room.
Nearly every American citizen has been to Las Vegas at least once in their lifetime. Some people never leave once they arrive. It’s been estimated that over 1,000 people live beneath the city of lights in underground tunnels. A few people even find pleasure in not being able to remember what transpired during their stay. The popular slogan, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” is the real deal. People looking to get loose for a weekend or two seem to be able to do so without any regrets. Not many places have been able to thrive with that motto.
While this only adds to the element of what has become known as “Sin City,” there is still a tourist draw to the Entertainment Capital of the World. Some people enjoy themselves so much that they plan multiple vacations to the strip every year. The lively, recreational landscape changes so much that they’re able to relish in something new each trip. Although gambling, sensuality and partying might headline most recommendations, live shows, sporting events, business seminars, product launches and people-watching can be just as appealing to travelers.
Either way, we can all agree that there is something for everyone on the 4.2 mile long strip in the middle of the desert. You don’t have to look at the city from space to know that it’s one of the most radiant places on Earth (actually the brightest from space). If it wasn’t so alluring, people wouldn’t be so willing to cash out in Nevada instead of a tropical paradise elsewhere.
While Las Vegas may not seem like an ideal place for timeshare developers, it most certainly is. There are plenty of ways they use the city to maximize revenue. Although it may not be ideal for an American traveler to buy into an annual vacation across the World, Las Vegas always gets their attention. So before we explain why Las Vegas timeshare owners are exiting their contracts, let’s discuss a few of the deceptive practices being used to get people to make a lifetime travel commitment to Sin City.
The Las Vegas Lure is Advantageous for Timeshare Companies.
Since Vegas timeshare developers don’t have to spend a lot of time selling people on the perks of the city, all they have to do is dangle the idea of a free trip to garner attention. This simplifies their approach, unlike sales tactics for timeshare resorts in other parts of the country (or world). Most consumers tend to know what a “trip to Las Vegas” entails. This gives resorts an advantage when investing in cold calling techniques and direct mail campaigns. Although solicitation efforts have dwindled in the timeshare industry today, many consumers will listen to discounts in locations that already interest them.
Regional Outreach Efforts Entice Proximate Residents
When it comes to outreach methods, Vegas timeshare companies understand their biggest opportunity lies in neighboring states and cities. Geographical proximity targeting increases their ability to sell fractional ownership because of the convenience of the package. Whether prospects are being targeted through the mail or over the phone, the possibility of them driving to Vegas to check out the offer is a lot higher than other geographical locations.
Since Las Vegas is located in the center of multiple major U.S. cities, this gives developers an advantage when luring people to the Entertainment Capital of the World. Come to think of it, we have offices in Scottsdale and Malibu that are only a few hours from the strip. Sales teams have already been known to say anything to get people to a timeshare presentation. It’s a lot easier for them to lure aspiring travelers to Vegas with a “complimentary” stay or for “a deal of a lifetime.” In the timeshare marketing world, this technique is called a “mini vac.” Their job becomes easier once they get you to Vegas.
What many people don’t realize is that there are some drawbacks to accepting “free” offers. In order to use certain entertainment packages and perks, guests are required to jump through certain hoops. Normally, attending these requirements take up a majority of their trip to the strip. If you refuse to follow through with “your end of the bargain” (even if you weren’t briefed), you could end up with some unexpected situations that can be costly in themselves.
Targeting Travelers During Their Vegas Trip.
Vegas timeshare solicitation doesn’t stop with cold calling and mailers. Timeshare companies know there is a huge advantage to targeting travelers during their vacations to Sin City. It’s easy for them to reel in tourists that are stuck in a state of vacation euphoria, looking to enhance their experience. In Vegas, a majority of these people aren’t in a clear state of mind and resorts know it. The Las Vegas Sun even did a piece on how tourists are bucketed and targeted. Thrill seekers and those intoxicated (or hung over) are easy to engage and manipulate. The loose spending habits that normally accompany Vegas travelers also gives resorts an upper hand.
As the article states, Vegas tourists are easily persuaded to attend a “free” show, dinner or nearby activity with little resistance, in exchange for 90 minutes of their time. If attendees are already enjoying their Vegas experience, they’re normally intrigued by the idea of something free. Once they’re pampered a little, returning to Vegas every year at a discounted rate sounds even better.
What starts off as a brief, “no purchase necessary” invite quickly turns into an all-day event. From here, many travelers leave with a $20-40K mortgage on top of a perpetual timeshare contract they know nothing about. Nearly every buyer walks away believing they made a good decision. They normally don’t realize they made a mistake until booking their timeshare becomes problematic down the road.
The Main Reasons Vegas Timeshare Owners Want to Cancel.
At this point in the article, you can probably assume why so many people want to get out of timeshare agreements in Las Vegas. Misspeak and commission breath is believable when you’re on vacation, especially in Sin City. Thousands of travelers say yes to something that doesn’t match the description. They quickly realize they’ve been duped into buying something they can’t even use. Once payments kick in and they receive their annual fees, their desperation to cancel can go into overdrive.
Aside from being misled, many timeshare owners struggle to even enjoy their purchase. Finding availability in a popular tourist destination (during ideal dates) can be nearly impossible. If you split the contract cost with someone else, conflict regarding usability may arise. Certain properties can even be difficult for aging travelers to access. Layouts and amenities sometimes hinder those with medical conditions or parents with young children. At the end of the day, many Vegas timeshare owners are left unable to use the vacation but are still required to pay the dues.
While timeshare owners always have the option to pursue upgrades or exchange programs, they’re often left reeling throughout their experience. Once the “too good to be true” offer is seen for what it really is, fractional ownership is tarnished. Paying more for a property you’ve yet to experience can be hard to stomach over time. With all of that being said, it’s easy to understand why so many buyers want to get out of their timeshare agreement as quickly as possible.
It’s Never too Late to Cancel Timeshare Contracts.
Although listening to an intriguing sales pitch about routinely vacationing in Vegas may entice you, we urge you to proceed with caution. It’s always important that you don’t make a hasty decision during the heat of your trip. Often times, your judgement will be clouded and you won’t be able to make a rational decision. A Vegas timeshare isn’t something that’s only going to cost you a few thousand bucks. It’s a lifetime agreement that funnels you into a perpetual sales cycle that’s hard to escape.
If you feel that you prematurely signed up for a timeshare and believe you’ve been deceived, we’d be happy to help you exhaust your options. Timeshare cancellation only makes sense if the contract doesn’t match the original sales pitch. You can schedule a Free consultation to learn more or you can proceed with a timeshare qualification form below.
