Why you shouldn’t go to Timeshare Presentations just for the Free Gift

I’ve never thought about getting involved in a timeshare, but when I was covering the L.A. Travel & Adventure Show, I was bombarded with requests to go to a presentation in exchange for a complimentary gift.

A young guy from the Wyndham Hotel chain booth called me over and I went to see what he was offering. Since I was there as press I wanted to talk to as many people as possible for the article I wrote about the event. He knew I was a reporter–I had on my press badge, and I explained to him what The Voluntourist is all about.

Still he proceeded to butter me up and tell me how great I am, blah, blah, blah. Then he started trying to sell me on a timeshare presentation.

He said I’d get two free nights at Wyndham Hotel in a fun location like San Diego, Long Beach or a few other destinations I could choose from. In addition, I’d get a bonus gift if I went the next day and he showed me brochures for a three night stay at Palm Springs or Sedona.

So I agreed because I thought the topic of timeshares would be interesting to write about. But there was a catch of course. I had a pay $40 to reserve my spot, however, I’d get it back when I arrived to the presentation. This was also to ensure I’d show up.

I was annoyed, but gave him my credit card to swipe.

The next day I drove from Studio City to Long Beach for the presentation, which was on the Queen Mary.

Here’s how it worked.

Parking was free and there were turkey sandwiches (no vegetarian), chips and coffee for people to snack on.

Each person or couple have their own personal representative who asks why you’re interested in a timeshare and how often you travel. This will be the person who tries to seal the deal at the end.

There’s also a group presentation with a dynamic well spoken representation that explains why timeshares are the way to go.

Here’s what I learned at the event.

This isn’t a traditional timeshare. You’re not locked into one location– there’s over 100 countries and 4000 resorts to choose from.

Premiere benefits are offered the first time you attend a presentation only. This means you’re given a highly discounted rate if you decide to buy a timeshare that day. And there are 10-year finance plans, which in that time you should have the timeshares paid off.

Most people attend for the gift but the presentations can change people’s mind for the following reasons.

-Hotel nightly rates will continue to rise, but the price of the timeshare remains the same.

-You buy a certain amount of credits, depending on how often you travel. There are no black out dates, but during peak season you’ll spend more credits and every location requires a different amount of credits. If you don’t use all

your credits they role over and you can borrow next year’s credits without penalty.

-You’ll be able to stay in better accommodations than what most hotels offer.

-This is something you’ll own forever and can pass on to family.

I have to admit after the presentation I was a little sold on it. When you think about how much you spend just on hotels alone, then how much you can get a timeshare for, it’s a good deal.

Traveling is expensive and trying to do regular family vacations is costly, so I think timeshares can be great for many.

That said, you have to be at least 28-years-old for this one and make at least $60,000 a year.

So for those thinking about going to a presentation just for the free weekend trip, or whatever the prize is, it requires more personal time than you think.

I spent half a day, including drive time, and I have to register for the two nights in advance and mail in the coupon I have. There are very specific directions and if you don’t follow them all you will no longer be qualified.

And that bonus gift is actually a one night stay up to $100 that I have to pay for in advance. I will be reimbursed at a later time, which is such a hassle.

In addition, most of the representatives are on commission only. So if you go just for the free gift, you’re taking them away from people who might actually buy.

While this wasn’t a bad experience, it wasn’t anything I feel I need to do again unless I really want to own a timeshare. To sit through the presentation and waste my time as well as someone else’s for a complimentary hotel stay isn’t my thing, but I do think they’re  great for anyone who is genuinely interested in getting a timeshare.