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Is there such a thing as a free gift?
If the timeshare offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Vacationers are offered free breakfasts, activities like horseback riding or scuba diving, or even a week-long vacation just to attend a short 90-minute timeshare presentation. They are told that there is no obligation to buy a timeshare, just listen and learn about any great deals or investments on offer. In return, they will enjoy some freebies to compensate them for their time and thank them for their interest. While some of these pitches are legitimate, most are scams that use high-pressure sales tactics to lure customers into buying high-priced, low-value timeshares.
The moment the presentation experience usually starts off in a nice way. Patrons enjoy a delicious ocean view breakfast or lunch, tour beautiful properties, and enjoy free alcoholic beverages. It looks like the timeshare presentation will be short and informative; however, 90 minute presentations quickly turn into 3-4 hour nightmares.
Throughout this stressful process, potential buyers are offered several different packages, each package getting progressively cheaper as they try to work within the client’s budget. If the customer is not convinced to buy, they will bring in new salespeople to offer an even better deal. Pushy salespeople don’t let customers walk away. Some clients have even told us that when they ask to leave after 4 hours of listening to the timeshare presentation, they are told to wait for the shuttle to pick them up to take them back to the resort. Another 4 hours later, they were finally released, distraught and exhausted after being coerced into signing a fraudulent timeshare contract.
During the timeshare presentation, clients are often presented with further offers of free gifts or services if the timeshare contract is signed. Common promises include things like deep discounts on airfare, cruises, or VIP service at five-star hotels and resorts around the world. They are sometimes offered additional points in their vacation club package that can be redeemed for international cruises or stays at other international resorts. These giveaways are scams used by timeshare sellers to close the sale. They will give certificates to customers to redeem their special offers. However, when buyers go to use these “gifts”, there are additional fees involved in redeeming them, making the “gifts” virtually worthless. It would be cheaper for customers to book the vacation as non-owners than to use your special offer. Other times, sellers claim that the free offers are unlimited; they do not expire and/or can be used for friends and family in addition to timeshare owners. These promises are never put in writing, and when customers try to use their certificate, they are told that this offer has expired or only applies to owners.
Sellers will tell customers that their offer to receive the freebies is only valid if they buy now. Potential buyers don’t have time to wait and think about the purchase because the offer will expire today. Salespeople are very good at convincing customers that they want to help them by offering a great deal, and customers often feel pressured to buy because of these pushy and deceptive sales tactics.
Legitimate timeshare sales will not claim unrealistic one-day sales or giveaway offers. If timeshare isn’t a scam, your offers will be the same whether you buy today, tomorrow, or a month from now. As a timeshare buyer, it is important that you take the time to research the property you are interested in purchasing a timeshare. Be sure to look up customer reviews online to make sure they are not a scam and that their offers are valid and successfully enjoyed by your customers. A timeshare can be an enjoyable purchase if you’re investing in a plan that fits your vacation needs and has the flexibility your family desires. Don’t feel pressured to make a timeshare purchase based on the freebies on offer today alone. Before you invest thousands of dollars in a binding commitment, be sure to purchase a complete vacation package that gives you the freedom to travel whenever and wherever you want.
If you’ve already purchased a timeshare from a company that hasn’t lived up to its promises, and you can’t use the free “gifts” you’ve been guaranteed, don’t despair. We are experts in helping clients who have been scammed and tricked into buying timeshares under fraudulent premises. Our staff at Gonzalez & Gonzalez Timeshare Solutions can help you cancel your contract based on the lies and misrepresentations you were told during your timeshare presentation. Don’t let these scams continue to destroy your life and financial status. Contact us today for a free consultation!