How to Survive A Timeshare Sales Presentation

Learn what really goes on at a timeshare sales pitch and how not to be taken advantage of.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Prepare in Advance
   
   Know in advance that the average timeshare sales presentation lasts anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Even though they generally advertise it as 90 minutes.
   
   Things to know ahead of time:
   The average price of a timeshare in 2007 was about $16,000. If the
   salesperson is showing you a price substantially higher or lower
   than that, you should be asking "WHY?".
   
   You will be asked to buy right there...at the end of the
   presentation and be offered incentives to do so. Remember to
   never buy because of the incentives, however attractive they may
   be. Instead, buy because you can truthfully answser "YES" to these
   questions:
   * Do you understand what you are buying?
   * Do you like it?
   * Will you, in all probability, use it?
   * Can you afford to pay for it?
   
   How do you know if you are a good candidate for a timeshare? Very simple...if you can answer "YES" to these questions, you may very well benefit from vacation ownership:
   
   * Do you like to vacation?
   * Do you typically spend more than $80 a night for a hotel?
   * Do you typically vacation more than 7 nights per year?
   If the answer to any of these questions is "NO," then timeshare may not be the way to go.
2. Things to be Wary Of
   
   There are four words to avoid at all costs. Those words are "FREE," "PERFECT," "ALWAYS," and "NEVER." Free and perfect simply don't exist and always and never are very long times. If your salesperson uses of these, be wary.
   
   Also, if you are offered alcohol at any time before or while signing paperwork, walk away. You need to know what is going on at all times.
3. Before You Sign
   
   If you have decided that the timeshare is for you, make sure you understand all the terms and the usage.
   
   Also, be sure to inquire about the financing. You want to be able to pay for the timeshare early, or refinance it altogether when you get home without incurring a pre-payment penalty.
   
   It is also a wise idea to make sure that the timeshare salesperson is licensed in the jurisdiction that you are doing business in and that the resort is a member of a local Better Business Bureau, Convention and Visitors Bureau, etc.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional information, visit www.timeshareinsights.com. The Timeshare Crusader is here to help!