Timeshares are profitable products. Why else would resorts offer ‘free’ packages, tours, and travel accommodations worth hundreds of dollars. They know that high pressure sales work to sell their overpriced properties. A fool and his money are soon parted.
Quite simply, the timeshare salesmen will do whatever it takes to make you feel cheap, set you against your spouse, or guilt you into purchasing their property. For this reason timeshare presentations require that you attend with a spouse. They plan to use your signifigant other against you to make the sale.
Often timeshare presentations are touted as a no pressure 90 minute tour. What they fail to advertise is that if any interest whatsoever is shown for their product, they will lash into you with a non stop sales pitch that can easily last all day. You will be stressed, possibly insulted, and find that nothing you say works as an excuse.
They’re trained to handle excuses. You say that you need to check your finances, they’ll respond with a laptop to let you log in to your bank account. Say you can’t afford it and they lower the price. Say you don’t want it and they’ll ask you why you don’t care about your spouse’s happiness.
You’ll doubtlessly get hit with the big lies offered by timeshare promoters. Don’t give in.
Generally the best way to get out is to use the unqualified no. Sadly, most people are uncomfortable with saying no without an excuse. We feel the need to justify or explain ourselves. Timeshare salesmen are trained to exploit that need and convince you that the key to your immediate and longterm happiness is to give them thousands in commissions.
Each time you attend a presentation you’re playing with fire. Reader John writes:
I’ve done timeshare presentations a few times. In my experience (I’ve made it out alive five times, not including the time I actually bought one of the cursed things), whatever they’re giving free is nowhere near worth the time and harassment you’ll suffer there.
No one attends a presentation expecting to buy. By attending, you’re putting yourself at great risk that you will break down and buy. If you’re still bent on doing one of these, keep the following tips in mind:
- Say you’re single, unmarried, not seeing anyone and that you have no significant other. If the timeshare people discover you have anyone along they will require that person to attend.
- Get someone to explain FIRST what exactly will be expected in the presentation in order for you to receive the free benefit.
- Do exactly what they require for as long as required, then begin to forcefully ask for your benefit.
- If you have difficulty being forceful, tell them plainly that there is no way (don’t be ambiguous) that will purchase one of their products now. If you feel the need to excuse yourself state that you might buy if you have some time to think it over.
- Be prepared to be louder, more obnoxious, and forceful than you may have ever been before. Chances are high that you will have to cause a scene that’s impossible for them to ignore before you get what you want.
