by Rodney Harris

Created on: February 11, 2011   Last Updated: February 13, 2011

Most people have been, at one time or another, invited to spend a weekend at a beautiful full amenity time share resort. These resorts spend a great amount of money to get people to come and sample their wares. The main reason they spend this money is because they know that, for this weekend at least, they have you at their mercy and you are literally a captive audience.

One of the first things to expect at a timeshare presentation is courtesy. Timeshare resorts live and die by their courtesy and they want you to feel as comfortable as possible. The red carpet is usually rolled out for every customer because there is no way of knowing which person or persons they will impress enough to become a buyer. So expect to be pampered and spoiled by anyone associated with the entity you are visiting.

Another thing to know going into the timeshare experience is that your “free” weekend is very contingent on you attending the timeshare presentation. This is a sales presentation but rarely will you hear the word sales used the entire weekend. Although the presentation may come at the later part of the weekend you will be made aware that you must attend the presentation to receive the voucher to pay for rooms, meals or any other amenity promised.

When the hour finally comes to view the presentation to which you owe this wonderful weekend never believe the time frame touted by the timeshare group itself. This time is very low-balled so people won’t be turned off by its length. If they tell you it will only take an hour plan on at least two.

The presentation will usually include a tour of some of the property and amenities involved. All the while the sales person will be gathering information such as “how often you vacation” or “are you retired” or “do you plan to retire soon”. These and many other “innocent” conversation topics will be used when it gets down to the sales pitch.

After the grand tour the sales person will get down to the actual sales pitch. The value of the timeshare and how it will benefit you will be shown in dramatic detail and then the price will be given for your immediate approval. Even if you have come to this weekend knowing you want to buy into this timeshare, do not buy at this time!  This is the first and highest price you will be quoted.  

When you have turned this offer down at least three or four times the sales person will very courteously excuse himself and tell you he will get your voucher(s). You will most likely never see this person again. The sales person’s manager will come bringing the vouchers but also be bringing another pitch with a lower price. This process can go on for several more switches but depending on how patient you are it can be stopped with the adamant demand of the vouchers you were promised with no strings attached.

If a person goes into a timeshare presentation with both eyes wide open knowing what to expect it can be a much more enjoyable experience.  If you are going to buy try to wait for the second or third offer, they will be a much better deal.              

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