My parents were VERY into time share presentations; we kids used to love it because we'd get to hang out and play video games (this was before home video games were a thing) or similar. My husband and I have done a few of them. I also read a book about time share deals, which said that companies build in 20K or more per unit into sales.
Here's my advice:
- Skip the snack -- unless you just want something to eat. This doesn't count towards your 90 minutes (or whatever they've told you). During this time they start "checking you out": asking about your job, trying to gauge your salary, your stage in life, etc. They're honing in on how they're going to attack you -- will they talk about precious time with your small children, or the importance of keeping your adult children close, or vacation as a way to spend time with your grandchildren.
- When they begin to talk about the great value of owning a timeshare vs. hotel rooms, AGREE with them! Explain how you've talked to friends, how you're very interested in investing in quality time with your family. Trading time shares? Not interested -- who would vacation anywhere except Orlando? This will speed this part right on by.
- After this part, typically it's time to view the condo. Express your concern about time -- you have dinner reservations or a boat ride reservation two hours from now. You want to see the condo, but you also want to get back in a fairly quick amount of time /talk money.
- If you can walk to the condo or drive your own car, do so. It's best not to put yourself in their control for transportation.
- Look through the condo, ooh-and-ahh over everything -- that's usually pretty easy. It's on a golf course? You love golf! They have a toddler pool? You have a grandchild or nieces/nephew who'd love that!
- When you return to the sales office, the salesperson is feeling sure he's going to "close the deal" with you. You came in very interested, and you loved the condo.
- When they show you the prices, your demeanor changes -- how can this cost so much? You're confused. From your purse you pull out the cost of other couple-year old time-shares in the area -- other places you're considering. They're much cheaper. You pull out the cost of resale time-shares (which can be 90% less). You're more confused. How can this product be so much more expensive? The sales person discusses the perks you get along with "buying new" -- you point out that the perks are nothing compared to the difference in cost. The sales person points out the support /help you'll get by "buying new" -- you ask if they don't support ALL their owners.
- They bring in "a closer" to put on more pressure, but you stick to the numbers on your print-outs. They have nothing to argue with math, and saying that you can't possibly buy the first time share you've toured -- especially when re-sale is up to 90% off -- is too much /too soon. You owe it to yourself to investigate Marriot, Hyatt, whatever else before you commit.
- You've gone through their presentation (quite possibly in less time than you promised to spend). You're going to go home and do more research. You collect your perks and leave.
- Know that they will call you the next week and say that they're just closing Phase 1 of the build, and once they begin Phase 2, the prices will go up! Expect 4-6 more phone calls over the next couple months.
Listen. Everyone always says there is ZERO chance they will sign up. But the people they put in these things are GOOD. They are charismatic and they know how to get you to sign even if you don't want to. EVERYONE walks into these things thinking they just want a free insert whatever here and an hour of their time is worth that.
They would not still do these presentations and incentives if no one ever signed. So be aware!
True, and I'll promise you this: No matter what you think now, a small part of you will be interested in what they're offering. The salespeople are very good, and it's human nature.
Isn't accepting their perks bad faith if you have zero chance of signing up?
Nah, it's an industry. Taking what they're offering is fine.