Timeshare Vacations?

[Irish Insanity]

Honest question...what is so bad about owning a time share?

I don't think anyone is saying there is, but rather that the presentation and getting out alive isn't as easy as it sounds.

I wouldn't be comfortable giving them my credit card info or letting them run my credit.

I approve this message.

 

[Blaise]

To be clear, you didn't get the free-promised stuff because you left before they finished?

That is the major catch, they have to be done for you to get your stuff... When I got myipad, I had to sit through nonsense on top of nonsense, I have had friends go, and leave after 90 minutes, cuz that is what they originally told them, and they didn't get their free trip because they didn't sit through entire presentation

 

[Luckylucci]

To be clear, you didn't get the free-promised stuff because you left before they finished?

Correct, keep in mind that was 10 years ago. So, no idea if that industry or process has changed but it was brutal. After the presentation they take you into a room where there are several of the pushiest salesmen you'll ever meet. Incredibly uncomfortable and I'm in sales, so that stuff usually doesn't bother me but they are just terrible human beings. They were saying some ridiculous stuff to other folks at other tables. Again, my experience doesn't mean that they are all like that but definitely something I'd never do again. With that said, if I was prepared for it, which I would be now and you go in with the attitude that you don't give a F, then you could have some fun toying with the sleezy salesman.

 

[ACamp1900]

That's interesting, the ones I have been to, the same both times, were right in the middle of the trip so you already got a bunch of free stuff by time you get to that point... the show tickets and or extra stuff does get to you when you leave the presentation... but it was really as simple as,

"not interested"...
"maybe a cheaper package?"
"nope."
"Okay let me get manager to sign for your tickets and verify your attendance."
Manager- "One last time, maybe this super great deal?"
"Nope."
"Okay, here are your tickets... everything else is good to go. enjoy."

 

[koonja]

Correct, keep in mind that was 10 years ago. So, no idea if that industry or process has changed but it was brutal. After the presentation they take you into a room where there are several of the pushiest salesmen you'll ever meet. Incredibly uncomfortable and I'm in sales, so that stuff usually doesn't bother me but they are just terrible human beings. They were saying some ridiculous stuff to other folks at other tables. Again, my experience doesn't mean that they are all like that but definitely something I'd never do again. With that said, if I was prepared for it, which I would be now and you go in with the attitude that you don't give a F, then you could have some fun toying with the sleezy salesman.

Do you remember the company it was with?

 

[BobbyMac]

I am fairly confident NDCrusader is a timeshare salesman.

Worse.

I'm the guy who had to sell Used Car Mgr's all over the country Auto Trader Magazine's idea of selling their used cars on the interwebby thingamajigger. And thus, Crusader gave the world Autotrader.com

Honest question...what is so bad about owning a time share?

99.9% of the time you can do the same vacation for less without Timeshares. The internet has ruined their model. i can get on Kayak, Hotels, even Craigslist and beat their deals. Pre-internet there was an argument for the service. I don't wee it anymore unless you find a unique property like Newport Coast Villas at pre-build.

 

[Luckylucci]

Do you remember the company it was with?

I do not.

 

[Irish#1]

Lol. I'm not as tough as you, but I will say no.

So it sounds like anyone who's actually done this, no one has regret it. Weird how those who've actually experienced it have a different opinion than those who have never stepped foot.

Wrong, I would never sit through one again. Wasn't worth it and my wife agrees.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

When you adjust for risk, maintenance fees, and the time value of money, you're much better off investing the money and paying cash for your vacations.

I really don't think my parents pay that much. I want to say something like $250 a year. not sure how often they get hit with maintenance charges.

My mother has been in finance her whole life. Her specialty is determining the risk for her bank to lend money to hedge funds. I find it difficult to believe my mother would invest in something that should would lose money in.

I will check with my parents later today for the costs associated and fill ya'll in.

 

[ab2cmiller]

Correct, keep in mind that was 10 years ago. So, no idea if that industry or process has changed but it was brutal. After the presentation they take you into a room where there are several of the pushiest salesmen you'll ever meet. Incredibly uncomfortable and I'm in sales, so that stuff usually doesn't bother me but they are just terrible human beings. They were saying some ridiculous stuff to other folks at other tables. Again, my experience doesn't mean that they are all like that but definitely something I'd never do again. With that said, if I was prepared for it, which I would be now and you go in with the attitude that you don't give a F, then you could have some fun toying with the sleezy salesman.

I got $10 for Koon if he can string along the timeshare salesman for 5 hours.

 

[wizards8507]

I really don't think my parents pay that much. I want to say something like $250 a year. not sure how often they get hit with maintenance charges.

That would be extraordinarily cheap, especially if the property is somewhere at risk of hurricane, flood, etc.

My mother has been in finance her whole life. Her specialty is determining the risk for her bank to lend money to hedge funds. I find it difficult to believe my mother would invest in something that should would lose money in.

The math is often better than break-even so I have no doubt that she did an analysis that showed it was a smart financial decision. The problem with folks who have backgrounds in institutional finance is that they tend to under-value risk in their personal finances. Your mom's bank, for example, has a significantly diversified portfolio that it can easily absorb the risk of a bad investment. Most individuals don't have such flexibility so there's a cash premium.

 

[Luckylucci]

I got $10 for Koon if he can string along the timeshare salesman for 5 hours.

If you take the mindset that Crusader has explained, I imagine you could have some fun with it.

 

[Irish#1]

Correct, keep in mind that was 10 years ago. So, no idea if that industry or process has changed but it was brutal. After the presentation they take you into a room where there are several of the pushiest salesmen you'll ever meet. Incredibly uncomfortable and I'm in sales, so that stuff usually doesn't bother me but they are just terrible human beings. They were saying some ridiculous stuff to other folks at other tables. Again, my experience doesn't mean that they are all like that but definitely something I'd never do again. With that said, if I was prepared for it, which I would be now and you go in with the attitude that you don't give a F, then you could have some fun toying with the sleezy salesman.

My wife and I have attended a couple of these. One shortly after we married. The second time was about 10 years ago or so. We thought things might have changed, but no. When we left we had decided it wasn't worth the time. No mater what is offered, never again for us.

I really don't think my parents pay that much. I want to say something like $250 a year. not sure how often they get hit with maintenance charges.

My mother has been in finance her whole life. Her specialty is determining the risk for her bank to lend money to hedge funds. I find it difficult to believe my mother would invest in something that should would lose money in.

I will check with my parents later today for the costs associated and fill ya'll in.

My sons mother in law owns one. I think she may still be making payments on it, but she also has an annual maintenance fee. My son and his family use it frequently to stay at various locations. They pay a $50 fee to change locations and dates. They have no complaints about the accommodations.

 

[ACamp1900]

If you take the mindset that Crusader has explained, I imagine you could have some fun with it.

"I'm just looking for an good Old Fashioned deal... you know what I'm sayin (wink)......"

"I like the way you grip that pen boy"

 

[Whiskeyjack]

Koon, if you are an expert at saying no, do it. I used to go on a couple a year when I was in my 20's and 30's.

When they started their sales pitch, I'd tell them I was really disappointed in the property and they hired one hell of a photographer to make the brochures look that nice. Then thank them for their time and get up and walk out. When they chase you to the door whining that they will get fired if you leave without talking with their sales mgr, tell them they weren't cutout for this industry anyways.

If the Sales Mgr comes over before you leave, call out his attempts to close you. Things like... Did that trial close come out of a their manual or are you winging it? or Give me two trial closes followed by your best Apology Close. When he acts like he doesn't understand, tell him... No wonder you washed out of the car business.

I had a rude guy in Pagosa Springs, Colorado who i toyed with for an hour I made him get me 4 cans of Coke and just put them in my jacket pockets unopened, right in front of him. When the hour alarm went off on my phone, I got up and told him he should go back to New York and drive a bus because he couldn't even sell me a Coke.

Do it and screw them for all the little guys they screwed before.

I'd pay good money to watch you do this, Crusader.

 

[Luckylucci]

My wife and I have attended a couple of these. One shortly after we married. The second time was about 10 years ago or so. We thought things might have changed, but no. When we left we had decided it wasn't worth the time. No mater what is offered, never again for us.



My sons mother in law owns one. I think she may still be making payments on it, but she also has an annual maintenance fee. My son and his family use it frequently to stay at various locations. They pay a $50 fee to change locations and dates. They have no complaints about the accommodations.

Ha, my lady wanted to give it another try here recently as well, and I said no dice.

 

[wizards8507]

"I'm just looking for an good Old Fashioned deal... you know what I'm sayin (wink)......"

"I like the way you grip that pen boy"

With Koon's luck, they'd take him in the back and PIIHB.

 

[Luckylucci]

I'd pay good money to watch you do this, Crusader.

Well there you have it. An IE class trip to Koon's presentation with Crusader as our "buyer". I'm in.

 

[Irish#1]

Ha, my lady wanted to give it another try here recently as well, and I said no dice.

You're smart man.

 

[koonja]

In case anyone's interested, the costs would be:

- $25 in hotel taxes
~ $600 in round trip flights for 2
~ $212 total in cruise tax and port fees

So it's essentially an $850 cost, plus all drinks we'd buy on the 5 nights. So it's a matter of dealing with some inconveniences (again, my GF wouldn't have to do the presentation) and being on a ship, or paying ~$2,500 total for an all inclusive for both of us on land.

I'm still debating.

 

[calvegas04]

In case anyone's interested, the costs would be:

- $25 in hotel taxes
~ $600 in round trip flights for 2
~ $212 total in cruise tax and port fees

So it's essentially an $850 cost, plus all drinks we'd buy on the 5 nights. So it's a matter of dealing with some inconveniences (again, my GF wouldn't have to do the presentation) and being on a ship, or paying ~$2,500 total for an all inclusive for both of us on land.

I'm still debating.

that is so free... how is everyone not doing this?

 

[koonja]

that is so free... how is everyone not doing this?

It's free in the sense that the cruise is, and the hotel is... Obviously there'd be the tax/flight cost.. That's not a surprise to me. $850 against $2,500 isn't something to shrug at for a guy like me.

 

[Blaise]

In case anyone's interested, the costs would be:

- $25 in hotel taxes
~ $600 in round trip flights for 2
~ $212 total in cruise tax and port fees

So it's essentially an $850 cost, plus all drinks we'd buy on the 5 nights. So it's a matter of dealing with some inconveniences (again, my GF wouldn't have to do the presentation) and being on a ship, or paying ~$2,500 total for an all inclusive for both of us on land.

I'm still debating.

When is the date of the presentation?

 

[Irish#1]

In case anyone's interested, the costs would be:

- $25 in hotel taxes
~ $600 in round trip flights for 2
~ $212 total in cruise tax and port fees

So it's essentially an $850 cost, plus all drinks we'd buy on the 5 nights. So it's a matter of dealing with some inconveniences (again, my GF wouldn't have to do the presentation) and being on a ship, or paying ~$2,500 total for an all inclusive for both of us on land.

I'm still debating.

So that free vacation is now $850. Don't forget contingency fees like the ship getting back just late enough that you miss your flight and have to get a room for the night or have to pay to change flights.

 

[wizards8507]

It's free in the sense that the cruise is, and the hotel is... Obviously there'd be the tax/flight cost.. That's not a surprise to me. $850 against $2,500 isn't something to shrug at for a guy like me.

If you don't have the cash for a $2,500 vacation, you don't have the cash for an $850 vacation. Take all the money and throw it at your debt.

 

[ACamp1900]

850 dollars is not my idea of free but to each their own... when my wife and I did it we spent money on gas to and from... and we stocked our cooler full of beer... and off memory I believe we chose a couple eateries outside of the inclusive package... otherwise it was all free.

 

[koonja]

850 dollars is not my idea of free but to each their own... when my wife and I did it we spent money on gas to and from... and we stocked our cooler full of beer... and off memory I believe we chose a couple eateries outside of the inclusive package... otherwise it was all free.

If I lived at one of the ports this would be a much easier decision. But I'm a 27 hour ride away from FL, so 2 flights are necessary.

 

[ACamp1900]

If I lived at one of the ports this would be a much easier decision. But I'm a 27 hour ride away from FL, so 2 flights are necessary.

totally understandable... just sayin.

 

[Blaise]

If you don't have the cash for a $2,500 vacation, you don't have the cash for an $850 vacation. Take all the money and throw it at your debt.

100%

 

[koonja]

If you don't have the cash for a $2,500 vacation, you don't have the cash for an $850 vacation. Take all the money and throw it at your debt.

I have cash for both and will be doing the former if we don't do the timeshare. Just because the money is there doesn't mean I want to spend it.