Summary
Ever since developers realized that they could earn quick profits from hotel or real estate projects through the sale of timeshares, their sales representatives have targeted unsuspecting travelers. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to avoid a high-pressure sales pitch that leads you into a timeshare presentation, wasting your precious vacation time and potentially risking your financial well-being.
The last thing you may want to consider while on vacation is purchasing real estate; however, these salespeople aim to change your mindset. They lure you with enticing offers such as free flights, complimentary nights, and other so-called “free” gifts.
Timeshare salespeople are trained to be tenacious, trying to wear down your resistance. Moreover, some of the more unscrupulous ones can be quite deceitful. However, you are not defenseless. By learning how to dodge a timeshare presentation and setting aside your usual politeness, you can render those salespeople as bothersome as pesky insects.
1. Avoid something-for-nothing offers.
Have you ever answered the phone to hear a robotic voice proclaim, “Congratulations! You’ve won a free vacation… a romantic vacation… a trip to Disneyland“? If so, hang up immediately! Such offers are merely traps; you won’t receive anything valuable if you engage with these individuals. Therefore, if you’re not interested in questionable investments, it’s best to ignore such offers received via phone, mail, social media, or on-site presentations.
2. Find out who you’re dealing with.
Sellers can often be crafty, using alternative phrases instead of “timeshare presentation,” such as discovery tour, gift opportunity, or special value promotion. Therefore, if someone extends an offer, don’t hesitate to inquire if they are a salesperson and whether real estate ownership is involved. Trust your instincts and be wary!
3. Get in and get out.
All right; perhaps you couldn’t resist their charm. They promised a quick presentation with worthwhile rewards. Therefore, hold them accountable for their timeline, using your watch or smartphone alarm. Notify them fifteen minutes before the presentation ends that you intend to leave.
4. Give out as little personal information as possible.
Avoid sharing your cellphone, home, or work phone numbers and your primary email address with timeshare sellers. If they press for details, provide fake numbers to safeguard your privacy.
5. Don’t sign anything.
Once you sign an agreement, you become legally bound to its terms. Should you develop an interest in the property, request an unsigned copy of the agreement to review with an attorney later.
6. Just say no.
Make your refusal clear: it should be a firm “no” without hesitation or vague responses like “we’ll think about it.” The worst strategy is to mislead a salesperson, as they may become overly persistent.
7. Be willing to be rude.
While it might not be in everyone’s nature to bluntly say, “No… I don’t want this… get away from me,” remember that you’re interacting with a salesperson, not a friend or family member. If they press, feel free to push back. They are trained to handle rejection.
8. Leave.
You have the legal right to leave at any time. If you decide to exit, you may forfeit any promised “gift,” and you’ll be responsible for your own transportation back to your lodging. However, you will regain your freedom.
9. Call the police.
If someone attempts to block your exit, immediately call the police from your cellphone and document the interaction. It’s often unwise to ask for a manager, as they are typically senior salespeople skilled in manipulation.
What You Need:
- Ability to withstand sales pressure
- Willingness to be firm if necessary
- Determination not to sign any agreements
- Wisdom to turn down “too good to be true” offers
- Understanding that the true beneficiaries of timeshares are the sellers, not the buyers
