What many people don’t realize about timeshare ownership is that the sale doesn’t end after they’ve signed the contract. Timeshare companies know that once you’re locked into a perpetual agreement they can pretty much dictate where your travel dollars go. Aside from a high pressured approach during the initial presentation, they take additional measures to persuade their users to spend more money over time. Because of this, we believe it is highly beneficial for owners to dump timeshare contracts before they’re persuaded into buying upgrade options.
Before solidifying this claim, it’s important we understand how fractional owners got to this point in the first place. What exactly causes them to believe they need to take action? What element of the experience has them contemplating spending more money or dumping the expense altogether? Whether you believe our perspective is bias or not, many timeshare owners are plagued with this decision. Every day, we talk to dozens of disgruntled buyers looking for guidance or insight on their options.
Why Dumping Timeshares Is Smarter Than Upgrading Condos.
While it may seem like both decisions are irrational, you have to understand a majority of buyers have no desire to stay where they are. They’re seeking timeshare relief because they don’t believe they’re getting what they paid for. Although the first impression of vacation ownership typically involves excitement and anticipation, the level of enthusiasm normally dwindles over time. Anything from availability frustrations to unacceptable accommodations can leave timeshare owners in a pool of regret – instead of by the pool without worries. Aside from expectations not being met, they feel taken advantage of and vulnerable. They’re not sure who to trust or what the actuality of their timeshare really is.
Enduring a purchase that hasn’t aligned with expectations forces many to hope for the best. Especially when they’re at the mercy of a perpetual agreement. Buying a timeshare costs a lot of money. For some, it’s easier to spend a little more to get what they want instead of throwing away the entire purchase. Let’s face it, some people just have the money to blow. While it’s easy for these types of people to swallow their pride a little, others become more prideful and refuse to give into obvious tactics that devalue buyers. But it doesn’t mean they won’t cave once a deal with appeal comes across the table.
No matter how upset owners become, customer service reps (CSR, AKA sales reps) are trained to deflect grief and connect with their owners. Most sales operations make their living off an ability to combat dissatisfaction. In some cases, timeshare owners are led to believe that the poor experience is their fault. That they bought a cheap package or that agreeing to additional options during the contract signing would have improved availability and enjoyment.
When reverse psychology doesn’t work, CSR’s have a number of tricks up their sleeves to reassure their users. Without going into too much detail, timeshare companies are equipped to force your hand. When the initial purchase flops, they basically dare you to cancel the timeshare while teasing you with intriguing deals and upgrade scenarios. Why wouldn’t they choose something they’ve already invested thousands into? Especially when timeshare cancellation companies are suspect themselves. CSR’s know the latter is risky so they’re willing to wait on you. You signed the contract and they owe you nothing, but will sell you anything.
Like we said, signing the contract is only the beginning of a never-ending ales cycle. Any type of relief can turn into many forms of grief. It’s the way of the industry. Although your experience thus far might be forgettable, who’s to say it’ll get better when you pay more? Caving may seem like your only option, but is it a responsible one? While analyzing how timeshare owners got to this point provides us with substance, the real reason you should dump timeshare contracts lies in the aftermath of an upgrade. Let’s look at three consequences that solidify our stance on termination.
1. Saying “Yes” to Upgrades Puts a Target on Your Back
If you’ve worked in any type of sales environment before, you’ve probably heard the common saying, “take 3 no’s before giving up on a yes.” But what many fractional owners don’t realize is this rule doesn’t apply to them. Once someone has agreed to the timeshare contract, they’ve become susceptible to a lifetime of misleading, persuasive abuse. While the initial presentation can be overwhelming, the pressure to take advantage of discounts and special offers is limitless. If they can persuade people to pay $20-40K unexpectedly, they can easily add a few thousand along the way.
Some people don’t possess the ability to say “no” and they end up racking up all kinds of expenses because of it. Moreover, once they agree to an upgrade, the vultures start to circle. Incentivized sales teams know who the most gullible owners are. The worst part is that many of these “upgrades” don’t add much value or resolution to fractional ownership. If you’re constantly being harassed to upgrade your points program, understand it’s only a bidding war on secondary inventory that the general public doesn’t want. The goal isn’t to improve your experience, rather increase your annual donation so the salesman can go on vacation and the timeshare’s margins increase.
2. Upgrades Won’t Resolve Your Complaints.
Have you ever confronted someone and they responded by offering you something? Although you really want to remain upset about the situation, the idea of being treated can be compelling. Sometimes, it’s enough to cause you to apologize for your holding a grudge or being mad. You might even forget about the problem or concern altogether – at least until they wrong you again.
Aside from maximizing revenues from fractional owners, timeshare companies know how to execute this “bait and switch” tactic as well. Instead of actually listening to your concerns and providing you with a solution, they’ll make you feel like the repayment was worth the inexperience. The relief doesn’t last, headaches resume and the resort is able to keep you from dumping the timeshare contract for a few more months until things unravel again.
3. Dumping Timeshare Contracts Isn’t As Costly.
What many owners don’t realize is they end up paying more for the same problem. Instead of going with their gut, they give the timeshare another chance to deliver on something they promised. In their mind, they’re still owed. In the resort’s mind, they just want to remain in the driver’s seat. They know their obligated customer isn’t going anywhere. All they have to do is pretend they care and offer something to make you go away.
Aside from complaints not getting resolved, the cost of ownership rises significantly when you agree to new terms. The simple fact that additional contracts are being signed is often overlooked during the upgrade process. As agreements stack up, it becomes more and more difficult to dump timeshare ownership. In turn, legally exiting the timeshare becomes more expensive. Continuing to sign new contracts proves you’re responsible for your decisions. This gives the timeshare quite a bit of leverage. Remember, you have the ability to say, “No.”
Understand Upgrades Before Agreeing to Them.
When you think about it, timeshare companies sell “what could be’s” instead of actualities throughout the entire process. After a few rounds of this, many owners realize dumping the timeshare contract is their only option. We’re simply here to tell you that you can legally walk away now and avoid the heartache. Thousands of people are reeled back into ownership every year and hundreds of thousands of dollars continues to go towards something that never improves. It’s how the industry has been able to thrive in a market full of alternative, convenient travel options.
Don’t be a statistic and get rid of your timeshare for good. Especially if you’re having second thoughts about the purchase. Over time, your decision can become extremely costly. Dumping your obligation and pursuing a sensible vacation can be one of the best things to ever happen to you. Even if you have to deal with the regret for a few years. For more information on VOC, you can schedule a FREE consultation or proceed with a qualification form below.
One Response
I have been a time share owner for 5 years and disagree with your perspective on timeshare. It is great value for money. Where I used to spend $15,000 over 3 years on holidays I bought a timeshare for $22,000 and spend only $1000 per year to own and pay $0 for holidays using credits that aren’t subject to currency exchanges or inflation. I pay once not for the rest of my life through travel agents or hotels. Credits come back cash doesnt. Most importantly holidays are vital to our health, well-being, family growth , happiness and on many other levels. Timeshare clubs can help best utilise ownership and they can help with planning holidays. Timeshare forces me to take holidays like superannuation is forced to be paid to workers. Vacation time is compulsory superannuation is compulsory.