timeshare presentation meaning

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When Is a Timeshare Presentation Offer a Good Deal?

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Would you sit through a two-hour timeshare sales presentation to get three nights at a hotel in Orlando, plus 15,000 Hilton Honors points — all for $199? How about for dinner or a spa voucher at a Marriott hotel in Dubai? Would three nights in Tahoe plus 10,000 IHG points for $249 be worth enduring a long sales pitch?

Companies dangle generous perks to try to sell you a timeshare, with offers ranging from free parking to free hotel nights to deeply discounted hotel stays — provided you sit through a timeshare sales presentation of 90 minutes or more.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a timeshare sales presentation offer.

How timeshares work

What is a timeshare.

A timeshare is a fractional ownership of a vacation property or vacation property lease — usually at a popular travel destination or resort. It’s a lifetime commitment, although it’s possible to resell it. You’re basically investing in the opportunity to spend a week or more at select properties every year.

Many hotel chains have timeshares, including Hilton , Marriott and IHG .

The question "Is a timeshare a good deal?" is different from the question "Is this timeshare presentation offer a good deal?" Timeshares are often pitched as ways to save money on future vacations. Depending on your travel habits, it’s possible the timeshare pros and cons could tilt in your favor. But in most cases, collecting points and miles redeemable for travel is a better way to save.

But even if you know the timeshare route isn’t for you, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should skip out on the timeshare presentation offer. The perks could be well worth your time.

» Learn more: Are timeshares worth it? Possibly, if you buy smart

Timeshare presentation offers

A timeshare presentation offer is any benefit or discount — like free or reduced hotel stays, bonus points or free spa treatments — that you can receive by agreeing to sit through a timeshare sales presentation. These offers can include things like free parking at a resort where you’re staying, free hotel nights or deeply discounted hotel stays and resort experiences.

To determine whether it’s worth sitting through a presentation, consider the value of the perk being offered. In the case of free parking, you would probably be better off spending $50 to self-park and skip the sales pitch.

Can attending timeshare presentations offer a good deal?

Even still, there are times when sitting through a timeshare presentation can be worth your while. You can find good timeshare deals on offers for discounted stays, free nights and more online — or get offers through phone calls or targeted emails. In some cases, you might decide the savings are worth it.

Tip: Watch out for blackout dates, hidden charges and more

Depending on the hotel chain, your offer could be subject to blackout dates, high-season charges and package expiration dates. Read the terms and conditions carefully.

» Learn more: Find the best hotel credit card for you

Worthwhile timeshare offers, by chain

Here are a few offers from major hotel chains that, depending on how you feel about sitting through a sales pitch, might be worth grabbing.

Hilton has a timeshare presentation offer that gets you a three-night stay in Orlando or Las Vegas, plus 15,000 Hilton points for $199. That’s a pretty decent deal considering that rooms normally cost $175 to $500 per night.

This offer is good at several hotels, including the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista — an official Walt Disney World hotel. This means it gives its guests additional benefits, such as extra magic hours and access to FastPass. (Note that both services are currently on hold).

Other Hilton offers include a five-night stay at a resort in Hawaii for $649 plus taxes. The online offer includes 15,000 points. But a recent phone call to Hilton proved that sales representatives have some leeway to negotiate, in this case switching the offer to 5,000 Hilton points and a $200 Hilton gift certificate.

There are two different Hilton packages available for Hawaii — you can pick either Honolulu or the Big Island. Considering room rates here often hover around $500 per night, you can save a bundle by sitting through a timeshare presentation. For example, five nights in September 2021 at the Ocean Tower at the Hilton Waikoloa Village cost about $1,891.

That’s a big discount, not counting that $200 gift certificate and the value of those points, at a sprawling oceanfront resort featuring a saltwater lagoon.

Marriott Vacation Club has a number of specials for travelers willing to attend a timeshare presentation. In Dubai, for example, you can score two free nights at a number of hotels throughout the Middle East.

You can also participate in timeshare presentation in exchange for a dinner or spa voucher at select Marriott hotels in Dubai.

IHG’s vacation club is extending offers for properties in Gatlinburg, Tennessee; New Orleans; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Lake Tahoe, Nevada; among others.

At the Lake Tahoe resort, you can pay $249 plus tax and get three nights in a one-bedroom villa at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations: Tahoe Ridge Resort, as well as 10,000 IHG points .

Considering three nights at that resort can cost upward of $1,000, the timeshare presentation offer may be well worth it.

Some IHG hotels cost as little as 8,000 points per night, which means you can turn those 10,000 points into another free night.

Who qualifies for timeshare presentation offers?

Not everyone will qualify for these offers. Requirements vary by chain, so check the details of your offer before committing to one of these packages.

In the case of Hilton, you must not have attended a timeshare presentation within the past year at the property where you’ll be staying or within the last six months at any other properties. You’ll also need to meet certain other criteria, though they don’t publish details about what these are.

For Marriott’s Vacation Club offer in Dubai, you must be a married couple 30 to 65 years old with a joint income of over $130,000 who has traveled to Europe at least once in the past three years.

IHG’s Holiday Inn Club, meanwhile, requires that you be older than 25 with a minimum income of $50,000.

If you’re tempted by a timeshare presentation offer

Are all timeshare presentation offers a good deal? No, especially if you’re staying somewhere cheap or they’re just handing out free parking. But if you do some research, you can score serious discounts in truly exciting locations.

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Timeshare Presentations: How to Get Cheap & Free Vacations

If you’re planning to visit some of the world’s most popular destinations, you can run into some hurdles if award availability is scarce and cash prices are high.

Sure, points can help offset the cost, but that means it will cost you a lot of points. What if I told you there’s a way to save those points and snag an awesome deal on your accommodation?

Well, there is – welcome to the world of timeshare presentation packages.  

What Is a Timeshare?

In a nutshell, a timeshare is a shared ownership program in which you may use a vacation property for a set time period every year.

Timeshare properties can range from resorts to condominiums to campsites. They can be a good option for travellers who have a favourite destination they like to vacation at every year.

With timeshares, these travellers will  have familiar accommodations to return to each time without the hassle of having to manage a fully-owned property while they are away. 

Most of the big hotel brands that we’re familiar with have their own affiliated timeshare division. A few well-known examples include the Marriott Vacation Club, Hilton Grand Vacations, Holiday Inn Vacation Club, Hyatt Residence Club, and even Disney has their own Disney Vacation Club.

Generally speaking, there are two types of timeshares: those that are points-based and those that give you deeded weeks.

• In a points-based program, you have a certain number of points each year that can be redeemed against nights at your timeshare.
• In a deeded-week program, every year, you have a “week” of the year that you can use your timeshare.

You do not necessarily need to stick with your timeshare property either. Usually, there is a system or program for owners to swap their property for another destination or property for any given year, building some flexibility into the program.

Despite the perks of timeshares, many people choose not invest in one, as they can be a money drain if you don’t make good use of them.

There are annual maintenance fees for the upkeep of the property that have to be paid, the process of swapping properties can be quite complicated, and it can be a pain to get rid of them or resell them as they don’t hold much value in the reseller’s market.  

What Is a Timeshare Presentation?

Whether you feel like timeshares may be a good fit for your travel patterns or not, you should consider attending a timeshare preview presentation.

The timeshare market is a competitive one, and most timeshare vacation clubs will offer some form of incentive for an opportunity to introduce you to their program in the hopes of enticing you to purchase one. 

What is offered as part of the package varies by the club and even the property, and it can be anywhere from tickets to a theme park or a show, to accommodations at one of their properties for several days at a huge discount, plus maybe even some bonus points for their respective hotel award programs.

If it’s the accommodation you’re after, keep in mind that usually the package will cover a “standard” room; however, there is a possibility for upgrading, as we’ll discuss later.

What’s the Catch with Timeshare Presentations? 

To take advantage of these fantastic offers, you (and your spouse, if you’re married) need to attend a 1.5- to two-hour sales pitch about the timeshare program while you’re vacationing on your timeshare package.

During that time, they’ll introduce you to their program, how easy it is to use the timeshare, the flexibility it provides, the years of enjoyment you will get out of it, and even give you a tour of a potential timeshare unit. 

Easy enough, right? Most of the time, yes.

Some sales representatives can be pushy and will pull out all the stops to get you to sign on, because that’s how they earn their commission. You may feel pressured to buy, and they may spend a lot of time negotiating a better offer for you.

Most sales reps, however, are quite reasonable. If you’ve put in your time and made it clear you’re not ready to buy, they’ll send you along your merry way. And if you do happen to cave under the pressure and buy the timeshare, it’s not the end of the world (more on this later).

During the pandemic, some timeshares like the Marriott Vacation Club opted to do virtual sales presentations, and in lieu of a vacation deal, you’d earn Bonvoy points instead.

There have been recent offers of up to 20,000–25,000 Bonvoy points; however, you have to be a US resident to take advantage. For the in-person presentation packages, there are no US residency requirements. 

How to Book a Timeshare Presentation

Now that you might be considering taking advantage of a timeshare presentation, let’s go over how you find these offers and sign up for them.

The easiest way is through each respective club’s website. Usually, there is a phone number or online form to complete for additional information. 

Hyatt even allows you to book the package online if you reside in the USA.

Once you purchase the package, there is quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to booking. Although the terms specifically say that the timeshare has to be booked within 12 months of purchase, it is not uncommon for them to extend this deadline. I have done this on a couple of occasions myself, even prior to the pandemic.

Once you book your package, you can still change the dates, although some programs will charge a change fee. During the pandemic, there was even more leniency (I rescheduled a Marriott preview package no less than four times), although this may tighten up a bit as travel opens up.

Unfortunately, once you purchase a preview package, they are generally considered non-refundable. There have been scattered reports of people receiving refunds if they no longer fulfill the eligibility for the package, but as always, your mileage may vary and this should not be the expectation.

My Experiences with Hilton Grand Vacations

Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) has over 50 properties spread across the United States. Their properties differ from the regular Hilton-branded hotels in that they generally offer accommodations with more space, larger and a greater number of bedrooms, and ensuite kitchen and laundry amenities.

Note that not all HGV properties are bookable through timeshare presentations, and some properties are only made available at certain times. 

Thus far, I’ve done a couple of packages with Hilton Grand Vacations in Orlando , and another in Honolulu . Here’s a recap of my experiences so far with HGV. 

Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations

View on the Hilton Grand Vacations website.

2017 Package Deal: Three nights / four days for US$199 and a US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher; upgraded to a two-bedroom suite for an additional US$50

A few years back, I had to call Hilton reservations to change an existing hotel booking I had. At the end of the call, they thanked me for being a loyal Hilton Honors member and asked if I would be interested in hearing about a “great offer” they currently had. I accepted, and so began my journey down the rabbit hole of timeshare packages. 

I was forwarded to another agent, who offered me the above timeshare package. I was considering a trip to Disney for my son’s fifth birthday anyway, and this would definitely help bring down the trip’s cost, so I bought the package.

When we decided on our dates, I called back, and they confirmed availability and booked our accommodation and the timeshare presentation to be done during our stay – and that was it! 

At the time of booking, my youngest was only a few months old and wasn’t the greatest sleeper, and so extra space to accommodate her sleeping situation was desirable. When I inquired whether our one-bedroom suite could be upgraded to a two-bedroom suite, the agent advised that we could do that for an additional US$50, which seemed more than reasonable to me, bringing our grand total to US$249 plus tax. 

We stayed at the HGV Parc Soleil, which is a 15-minute drive into Disney. Other than being a bit further out from Disney, it was a fantastic accommodation option for families.

It had two beautiful outdoor pools, one that was zero-entry with a water slide and another for adults only. They had a kids activity centre and some organized activities throughout the day. There was also a basketball court, tennis court, and outdoor playground for the kids.

The suite itself was spacious, modern and clean with a full kitchen and an in-suite washer and dryer. There was also a paid shuttle service ($10 round trip per person) to the surrounding amusement parks, but times were rather limited. 

We attended the timeshare presentation on the second day. It was located at the Parc Soleil, which made it convenient.

At check-in, they ask for your ID and credit card, then invite you to enjoy snacks and non-alcoholic drinks while you wait for your sales representative. You can also drop off your kids at a small, supervised children’s room (with toys, colouring, and a TV) while you attend the presentation. 

Since it was our first timeshare presentation experience, we did not know what to expect. We were also genuinely interested in learning more about timeshares, which didn’t work in our favour.

They started off with some general questions about our travel habits and destinations we wanted to visit, and then went onto discuss how HGV could make it all happen at a fraction of the cost. 

Once the sales representative realized we actually had some interest, he turned the pressure on. He would show us how he had booked various destinations at fantastic rates and began negotiating on the amount of initial investment required to purchase, while offering additional Hilton Honors points to sweeten the deal.

Each time we declined, he would go back to his manager and come back with a better deal.

This went on for a bit until he finally came back with what seemed to be a decent offer at the time, and we actually signed the papers and walked out with a timeshare after the two and half hours.

The agent offered to refund our US$199 package cost, probably as a kind gesture given that we had just bought a timeshare with him, and then sent us to the front desk to obtain our US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher.

Suffice to say, purchasing a time share was not our initial game plan. Luckily for us, there is a cooling-off period built into the contracts, whereby you have 10 days to rescind a timeshare purchase agreement.

With some time and space to actually think about our impulsive decision, we decided it really wasn’t for us and the next day, we rescinded.

The staff were very kind about it and it was an easy enough process, but lesson learned: do not show any interest in a timeshare if you are in it only for the cheap accommodations.

Hilton Grand Vacations at Tuscany Village

2019 Package Deal: Four nights / five days in a one bedroom suite for US$299, refunded after presentation, one $200 “Stay A Night On Us” rebate voucher OR 10,000 Hilton Honors points

A year later, my husband had a conference in Chicago at the Hilton. HGV had set up a booth in the lobby, where they offered everyone 1,000 Hilton Honors points just for listening to what they had to offer.

Jon took them up on the offer, and this time he was offered packages to either New York City, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, or Orlando. They were two- to four-night packages ranging from US$199 to US$399.

Now, you might be wondering: how often you can purchase a timeshare presentation package? As per HGV’s terms, as long as you have not attended another presentation in the last 12 months, you are eligible to purchase another. 

We were just over a year since our first package, so we bought another, back to Orlando. This time around, the offer was four nights for US$299 plus tax, so we were a little hesitant as our previous offer was better.

The sales agent, sensing the hesitancy, sweetened the package by offering either a US$200 “Stay a Night On Us” rebate voucher or 10,000 Hilton Honors points, and to refund the US$299 after the presentation. That sealed the deal for us. 

This time, we chose to stay at the Tuscany Village, located about 15 minutes from Disney once again. The décor was a bit more dated, but it still had an outdoor playground and a few pools that would satisfy most young kids.

There were also complimentary DVD rentals and a children’s activity centre, albeit a bit smaller than the one at Parc Soleil.

I enjoyed the fact that it was right beside the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, which meant some retail therapy for me between theme park days. They also had a paid shuttle going to the amusement parks, but once again, the times were limited. 

Our presentation was back at the Parc Soleil. This time, my husband and I had a different game plan: we would tell them that we weren’t ready to buy a timeshare and to let them know early on.

This was working well for us initially, and at the one-hour mark the agent was pretty much finishing up. As we were just about to leave, he advised us that his manager had one last offer for us, which got us our third package… 

The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations

The manager came out and offered us a trial membership to the HGV program. Now this was different.

There was no set destination for the package; instead, for $1,599 (USD), we would be given enough points to redeem for seven nights in up to a two-bedroom suite at any of the HGV properties in North America, including Hawaii.

We did the math and worked out that it would be less than $230 (USD) a night. If it were any other destination, we would have left it. After looking at the current rates for Hawaii for a Hilton property in Honolulu for March Break, we came to see that it was a great deal.

Keep in mind that these are rates for two adults and two children. If you have more than four in your family, like myself, either you’re paying more, or you’ll find that most hotels won’t even be able to accommodate. The fact that we could book a two-bedroom suite was a big selling point for us.

HGV has quite a few properties in Hawaii, with the Grand Islander by HGV being one of the newer ones. We booked at the Grand Islander for four nights in Honolulu over March Break . 

That leaves us with three nights remaining, which we could have used to extend reservation to seven nights… 

…or book three nights at their New York property, West 57th Street by Hilton Club at the south end of Central Park, another otherwise pricey accommodation option. 

Either way, you can see that our $230 (USD) per night beats the above rates by a long shot. 

An Even Better Offer…

Sticking with Hawaii as our theme destination, HGV currently has an offer on their website for five nights in Honolulu or Waikoloa for $799 (USD) in a standard room, which brings the nightly rate to $160 (USD) – an incredible deal for a night in Hawaii.

Granted, it’s for a standard room, but I’m pretty sure you can request an upgrade offer to a bigger suite at a decent cost when you call in. 

My Experience with Marriott Vacation Club

We originally purchased our Marriott Vacation Club Preview Package back in 2019. This package offered a five nights at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club for $799 (USD).

After numerous delays and postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we finally enjoyed our stay in March 2022 . 

We rescheduled our timeshare presentation after our arrival, and there were no issues with moving it to a different day. When it came time for the actual presentation, it took place in a cubicle in their outdoor Sales Centre.

We wound up going over the 90-minute allotment, and spent closer to two hours there. I was genuinely interested in the program, so it was more my fault than theirs.

Marriott Vacation Club uses a points-based system. Our sales agent offered us the base-level 1,500 points at $15.84 (USD) per point, totalling $23,760 (USD).

As a signup bonus, they were willing to throw in another 3,000 points for the first year.

To put things into perspective, a one-bedroom villa in Maui at peak season could cost up to 4,500 points per week.

We didn’t show much interest in this, and they tried to sweeten the deal with some more offers, but we kindly declined. As we had an exit interview, another sales agent came in to offer us yet another timeshare presentation package.

The first offer, which was good for the next two years, was five nights at the same property for $1,295 (USD). We weren’t sure when we would be back to Maui again, so, again, we declined.  

They approached us with one last offer: $995 (USD) for four nights at any of their North American properties, including another property in Hawaii for a $300 (USD) add-on fee.

Our family wanted to visit Kauai in the near future, and after a quick check for a four-night stay in the winter revealed prices at around $2,600 (USD) for four nights, we accepted this last offer.

It goes to show that sticking around for more offers can result in some pretty great rates!

If you’re not familiar with timeshare presentation packages, now’s the time to take a look at them as a means to very cheap accommodations in many popular vacation spots.

Timeshare presentations are a great option in areas where points redemptions are either not worth it (e.g., Orlando, where hotels are generally quite cheap to begin with), or in places where redemptions are difficult to make (e.g., Hawaii where the cost of redemptions are high).

It does require a small time commitment and perhaps a bit of finesse in talking down a sales representative, but in my mind, the savings are definitely worth it. And better yet, they can be easily “churned”, too. 😉

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What is a timeshare presentation, and things you need to expect?

• December 21, 2022

There are various methods to have a presentation; the Timeshare Presentation is one of the unique, and also, it could be a challenging type of Presentation design service . Salesmen mostly use it to sell their product to you; they may spend hours or even days to convince you to buy it. In our article, we are exploring what is a timeshare presentation , how it works, and what you should know about it.

Table of Contents

Timeshare Presentation Meaning

A timeshare presentation is a type of presentation designed to sell Timeshare. Timeshare salespeople use this type of presentation for potential customers. Typically, a timeshare presentation will cover the benefits of owning a timeshare. One good example is the ability to vacation for different targets, to be flexible about the date you prefer to choose, and the possibility of saving money on vacation costs. Moreover, Timeshare can explain various types of available timeshares to you and guide you to choose the suitable one among them for you.

Timeshare tours always come with high-quality designs and mostly contain various content like video, photos, and other elements.

How does the timeshare presentation work?

First, the timeshare salesperson will introduce themselves and their timeshare company.

Next, a short introduction is given about timeshare resorts, describing what they are and the various types that exist.

Afterward, they will talk about the advantages of having a timeshare, including the option of visiting various resorts worldwide, choosing your own date, and sometimes it could be cheaper than any other vacation.

They will then detail the particular Timeshare for sale, giving the name and location to the hotel, the kind of unit sold, and its value. Lastly, they will respond to all the questions of the probable customer.

The benefits of using a timeshare power presentation

This can be a highly efficient strategy of selling and marketing timeshare.

This may also enlighten any prospective customers who are not aware of what a timeshare is all about.

This helps in overcoming objections by prospective buyers and assures them if they are interested in holiday homes or vacation property timeshares.

This can also be used for advertising, promoting interest and enthusiasm towards timeshares.

What happens in a timeshare presentation?

Many times, you will encounter some salespeople who represent those different sides that constitute any given pitch. Take for instance, a greeter that is supposed to take in your personal details and help you settle in by making you feel at ease while a tour guide who acts just like they have become friends with you strives to win your trust.

He will take you on a guided tour to the best areas for relaxation in the resort, and he will ask about the places that you love to visit or tell you about get out of timeshare presentation . This enables them to customize the pitch so as to fit into your requirements and also facilitate passing your information to other teammates.

Timeshare presentation tips

• Ensure that you do your research about it before heading out because it can help you to have a better understanding of all types of Timeshare presentations and their pros and cons.
• Make sure you set the right budget and stay within it. Do not get yourself to such an extent that you would be forced to acquire a timeshare that is outside your budget.
• Do not sign until you’re 100% sure about purchasing a timeshare.
• Be prepared to walk away. If the offer does not satisfy your demands, you should not hesitate to quit or leave.

A Timeshare presentation would serve as an effective way of selling the product by a timeshare salesperson. It should be highlighted, though, that there are always risks associated with timeshares. A buyer should always be willing to research any product to know how to go about it prior to purchasing the Timeshare. There are some other additional expenses attached to Timeshare, which include maintenance fees and closing costs.

Is it worth sitting through a timeshare presentation?

Can the following timeshare presentations offer a fair deal? Even still, there are moments when sitting via a timeshare presentation could be worth your while. You can find the right timeshare deals on offers for discounted stays, gratis nights, and more online or get suggestions through phone calls or emails.

Can you walk out of a timeshare presentation?

You can say ‘no’ through the whole timeshare presentation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you have complete agency. If you want to leave at any point during the presentation, no matter how pressured you feel to stay, you are free to do so.

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Why you should attend a timeshare presentation (hint: free stuff).

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Those who know me well already know I’m obsessed with earning points and miles. My wife and I have traveled far and wide — and gotten some pretty sweet rewards from the best travel rewards credit cards .

In addition to making the most of our  credit card points and miles, my wife and I like to seek out and attend timeshare presentations as a way to maximize our travel experiences (and get free stuff). The presentations are not as bad as they may seem to sit through — we’ve come away with some pretty sweet things.

In fact, a lot of major hotel chains have timeshare properties, and it’s pretty normal for these chains to offer incentives to people like you and me to attend presentations and listen to sales pitches.

Intrigued? Let’s take a look at what timeshares are and how they work, what you can earn by attending a timeshare presentation, how to get invited to a timeshare presentation, and how to make the experience worth it.

What is a timeshare, and how do they work?

What happens at a timeshare presentation, gifts you can earn from attending a timeshare presentation, how to get invited to a timeshare presentation, hotels that offer timeshares, how to decide if a timeshare is right for you, why a timeshare may not be right for you, bottom line.

A timeshare is shared ownership of vacation real estate. For example, multiple people might own 1-week increments of a vacation condo near Disney World in Orlando. Some timeshare programs allow you to lease the property for a period (usually several years) without actually owning it.

A timeshare can be located in a resort, condo, apartment building, or campground, just to name a few. Owning a timeshare guarantees you that amount of time each year in the property you own.

Many timeshare programs work on a point system, which allows you more flexibility to choose when and where you go, rather than being locked into one property for a specific week of the year. For example, instead of going to that condo in Orlando for a week, you could use the points for a week in an apartment in Las Vegas.

At a timeshare presentation, it will typically start with a check-in to confirm you attended. There will likely be refreshments, and the sales pitch will start with a video. 

After that, you'll sit down with a sales rep who will do a timeshare sales pitch that includes information about the property, location, and amenities. If you’re buying into a company that allows you to use your allotment for multiple properties, you’ll learn more about the types of properties the company owns.

And, of course, they'll sell you on the idea that timeshare ownership will save you money over booking hotels. Keep in mind that these are timeshare sales professionals who know sales tactics in and out. You might find the sales presentation more compelling than you expected. If you walked in not wanting to buy, it's likely best to walk away. 

The company will likely offer an incentive or discount if you sign up for the timeshare on the spot. That doesn’t mean you should. You could negotiate for a better offer or simply walk away, especially if they're doing a high-pressure sales pitch. If the main reason you’re attending is to get the incentive for attending, then you’ve fulfilled your obligations by attending.

If you find yourself interested, keep in mind that you don’t need to decide right then and there. If you don’t already have a spending plan in mind, walk away and take more time to crunch the numbers and make sure the timeshare fits into your budget and your vacation plans for years to come.

Even if you don’t sign up for a timeshare (I never have), the incentives offered can totally be worth your while. These can include cash, points for hotel loyalty programs, free passes (like Disney), and free or heavily discounted rates on hotel stays, which can essentially amount to a free vacation. What’s more, you may be able to combine incentives — think points plus a discount for a hotel stay to attend one presentation.

Here are a few examples of the perks you get:

• Stay in a villa studio in Hawaii, receive points for the hotel’s rewards program, and even get to do free activities on site. This could include dining credits, sightseeing tours (yes, it could be on a sailboat), a car rental voucher, and luau tickets.
• Head to Orlando and not only will you get discounts on resorts or special accommodation packages, you could get Disney FastPass+ and even free tickets to Disney World itself.
• Some timeshare presentations in Las Vegas offer discounted hotel stays, vacation certificates, resort credits, and even free concert or show tickets.

I don’t know about you, but all of these incentives sound pretty good to me — that is, if you’re willing to sit through a hard sales pitch. If you are, let’s move onto how you can get invited to one.

You may have already been invited to a timeshare presentation — maybe you received a phone call or a promotional offer in the mail. In some cases, you’ll get an offer in your email inbox just because you’re a member of a hotel’s loyalty program.

But if you’re impatient like me and hate waiting, here are a few ways to get yourself invited to a timeshare presentation.

Approach timeshare reps when you reach your destination

Also known as taking advantage of an on-site offer, approaching timeshare reps is a great way to get an invite. What salesperson wouldn’t want a potential customer walking up to them without any effort on their part?

Don’t worry. Once you arrive at your timeshare destination, there should be no shortage of reps, especially if it’s a touristy destination. All you need to do is approach a rep and express an interest in attending a timeshare offer.

This is important, though: Confirm what the incentive to attend will be before you agree to go to the presentation — some of the best points offers or other desirable perks are earned by going this route.

Reach out to the timeshare department ahead of time

If you want to make sure you’re guaranteed a timeshare presentation with incentives, you can call ahead — ask to be put through to the timeshare department. Again, this just makes getting you in as a potential customer easier for reps, so they’re going to take you up on it.

Of course, just because you commit to attending a presentation doesn’t mean you have to buy anything. It’s OK to earn your incentive and walk away.

Get referred by a timeshare owner

Do you happen to know anyone who owns a timeshare? If so, ask that person to refer you. It doesn’t have to be the timeshare they bought into — it could be somewhere else within the company’s timeshare portfolio. For example, if your friend is a timeshare owner at Club Wyndham’s Shawnee Village, they could refer you to a presentation at any Wyndham timeshare property.

Making timeshare presentations worth it

We polled members of the  FBZ Elite Travel and Points Facebook group on whether they would sit through a four-hour presentation to get 45,000 Wyndham points. Most people said no, that their time was more valuable.

One commenter, Elana S., said it best:

I need to work for 1.7 weeks in order to earn my PTO (paid time off) for 4 hrs that turn into 5-6. On the other hand, I need to work 0.2-0.4 week to cover the cost of the future nights this presentation gives me. Mathematically, it doesn't make much sense. My PTOs are hard earned and I have to jump through hoops to secure my vacation due to the nature of my job. My time is more valuable than money.

That’s totally fair. And, yes, time is more valuable than money. However, there are ways to make these presentations worth it — or else I wouldn’t have attended a few of these in the first place.

If you do attend one, do your research. Typically the big players — most major hotel chains — offer the best incentives and are the least likely to be scams. When getting an offer, don’t be afraid to negotiate your incentive or gift. Seriously.

Think about it: As Elana said, you’re trading your precious time to attend a sales pitch (that you may want to nap through). So don’t feel nervous about asking for a bigger incentive that will make it work for you, like asking for a Visa gift card instead of rewards points.

Whatever you’re negotiating for, make sure you’re getting the most value out of your commitment.

• Choice’s timeshare partner is Bluegreen Vacations , and it has 71 resorts in many destinations, including Orlando, Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 
• Hilton Grand Vacations is Hilton’s timeshare brand, and there are resorts in a variety destinations, including Hawaii, the Smoky Mountains, and on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Hyatt’s timeshare brand is called Hyatt Residence Club , and it has resorts in many different destinations, including Puerto Rico, Lake Tahoe, and Key West, Florida. 
• IHG’s timeshare brand is Holiday Inn Club Vacations , with resorts at domestic and international destinations, including Orlando; Cancun, Mexico; and Sheridan, Illinois. 
• Marriott Vacation Club is Marriott’s timeshare brand, and it offers more than 1,000 resort locations, including Maui, Hawaii; Bali, Indonesia; and Aruba. 
• Club Wyndham is Wyndham’s timeshare partner and has over 45 destinations in myriad resort locations, including Taos, New Mexico; Branson, Missouri; and San Antonio, Texas. 
• Disney Vacation Club offers stays at Disney-branded resorts around the world, including those near Disney theme parks. 

If you’re tempted by a timeshare company's presentation, here’s how to decide if it’s right for you:

• Consider your travel habits . If you tend to visit the same place every year, or if the timeshare offers flexibility that makes sense for you, a timeshare purchase might be a good investment.
• Look at the costs . Make sure you understand all of the fees associated with owning a timeshare, including annual maintenance fees and property taxes.
• Think about your long-term plans . If you’re not sure where you’ll be in 5 or 10 years, it might not make sense to invest in a timeshare.
• Research the company and the property . Make sure you’re comfortable with the company’s reputation and the location of the property.
• Talk to other owners . Ask other timeshare owners about their experiences to get an idea of what owning a timeshare is really like.
• Consider the resale market . If you're really interested, you might find a better price on the resale market rather than buying directly from the timeshare salesperson. 

A timeshare definitely isn’t a good fit for everyone, so it may be best to walk away from the presentation. Here are a few reasons why.

• High upfront costs . Timeshares can be expensive to purchase, and many require a large down payment.
• Ongoing fees . In addition to the initial purchase price, timeshare owners are typically responsible for ongoing maintenance fees and property taxes.
• Limited flexibility . Timeshares are often located in specific destinations and may only be available during certain weeks of the year.
• Difficulty reselling . It can be difficult to sell a timeshare if you decide you no longer want it.

Attending timeshare presentations isn’t for everyone. But if you’re interested in discounted (or even free) trips and incentives like free points and cash, showing up could be worth it.

Make sure you have a game plan before you attend — will you be open-minded to the sales pitch, or are you dead set on saying no? Whatever you do, don’t feel pressured to make a purchase you’re not ready for — it’s OK to take their incentives and walk away. If you decide the timeshare approach isn't for you, you can still get free perks and rewards by using one of the best travel credit cards to book your trips. 

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How to get a deal by attending a timeshare presentation

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Booking hotels with points earned from the best hotel credit cards is a great way to save your hard-earned cash.  But did you know there’s another way you could score a great deal?

Many of the major hotel chains offer timeshare properties under a different brand, and they often have huge incentives to get you in the door to listen to their sales pitch!  These incentives could include certificates for free hotel stays, gift cards, bonus points, and more!

Getting your hands on these incentives just for sitting through a timeshare presentation might sound too good to be true.  In many cases though, there’s not much more to it than just that.  Hotels build the “giveaway” of these incentives into the cost of doing business.  They know that these sales pitches are a numbers game, so they wouldn’t be doing it if wasn’t profitable for them in the long run!

In many ways, it’s a win-win for everyone. They spread the word on their timeshares, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about whether it might be a good fit for you. Check out team member Meghan’s experience with a Hyatt timeshare sales pitch in Arizona , and another timeshare presentation in Belize .

If you’re curious about whether timeshare ownership might be worth it, we’ll go through how you can get invited to one of these presentations, what to expect, and which major hotel brands offer timeshares. Worst-case scenario, you’ll find that timeshare ownership is not for you, and you’ll still walk away with a gift card, bonus points, or some other incentive.

How to save money by attending a timeshare presentation

Hotels often give folks lucrative incentives to get you in the door to their timeshare presentations.  You’ll know what the incentive is before you attend, of course, and they’ll usually offer things like certificates for free hotel stays, bonus points, and gift cards.

Sometimes, you might even be able to negotiate a better deal! I was able to find reports online that stated different people were given different incentives for attending the same timeshare presentation.  So the lesson here is that if you’re speaking with one of their representatives and the incentive isn’t enticing enough, ask if they can offer something better!

You usually won’t have to pay anything to attend one of these timeshare presentations, so your only “cost” will be the several hours it takes to sit through their presentation. And even if there is a fee for attending, the value of the incentive oftentimes outweighs the initial fee. 

For instance, I found a report from Stephen at Frequent Miler who stated he paid $150 to attend a timeshare presentation, and in return was awarded 45,000 Wyndham points (enough for 3 nights at any Wyndham hotel) and a 7-night stay at a timeshare resort. I’d say those incentives were well worth the $150 fee!

How to get invited to a timeshare presentation

Many of the major hotel chains, like Hyatt, Hilton, and IHG, offer some sort of timeshare brand.  If you’ve ever stayed at these hotels, you could be targeted either by phone or mail.  Being a member of the hotel’s loyalty program could also get you targeted at some point.

If you end up staying at one of their timeshare brands on a trip, you may also see some promotional materials around the hotel, so keep your eyes open!  For instance, team member Meghan took advantage of this on a trip to Arizona .  When she was checking in at the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Pointe, she saw a sign in the lobby that mentioned something about a $100 gift card in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation!

The most direct way of getting an invitation though is to simply call the general number of the hotel chain you’re interested in, and asking about timeshare ownership.  They’ll transfer you to the right department at which point you can ask if they have any presentations available in your area, or if there are any promotions you might be eligible for.

What to expect out of a timeshare presentation

Before you attend a timeshare presentation, be aware that they can be VERY aggressive in their tactics!  I’ve been on the receiving end of a very high-pressure sales pitch and realize how difficult it can be to say no, even when I know it’s not something I want to sign-up for!  The best thing to remember though is that you can always say no, very firmly, but politely.

Also, be aware that attending these timeshare presentations can take several hours out of your day, so you’ll have to decide if it’s worth it, especially if you’re on vacation!

Tips for getting out of timeshare presentations quickly

You’ve got an appointment.

This is probably the oldest trick in the book. But if you’re looking to get out of a timeshare pitch, set a deadline for yourself by telling the salesperson that you’re meeting someone for plans (drinks, dinner, etc.) at a certain time. 

Don’t show any interest — at any price

This trick is only good for those who aren’t easily swayed. But if you can, try not to engage in the pitch. Be firm in your decision and let the salesperson know that the deal doesn’t make sense for you and your family.

Just be aware that they’ll try to push you on the price. There are reports from some readers that salespeople can sometimes lower the price by as much as 75% less than the initial offer. Again, they’re trying to make the sale. And these are tactics used to make it appear as though you’re getting a good deal.

Mention that you prefer using travel rewards

This is another trick that’ll be pretty hard for the salesperson to argue with. Simply tell them that buying a timeshare doesn’t make sense for you because you prefer to use miles & points for your travel . Why would you pay for lodging when you could stay at a hotel for free? There’s really no counterargument to that point!

Bring your children along

We all know how well kids behave when it comes to sitting still for long periods of time (HA!). And there’s arguably no better excuse to getting out of something than when you have a cranky child to attend to. So bring your kid(s) along to the presentation and make your escape when their patience has run out.

Hotel Chains With Timeshares

Hilton .

Hilton’s timeshare operates under the name Hilton Grand Vacations.  To give you an idea of the size of their timeshare operations, if you decide to join as a Club Member, you’ll be joining over 300,000 other members worldwide, and have access to vacation exchange options across over 4,300 resorts globally.

Most of their timeshares are located in the US, although they do have 3 international locations as well:

• South Carolina

Hyatt’s timeshare goes by the name Hyatt Residence Club.  Although they don’t offer nearly as many locations as Hilton, they do advertise and market luxurious stays at 16 locations in the US.

One of the neat things Hyatt offers right on their website is a section for “ Featured Vacation Offers. ”  Some people online have reported getting even better deals by calling in and referencing these offers, stating that they’re interested in timeshare ownership but want to get more information.

• Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Pinon Pointe

California:

• Hyatt Residence Club Carmel, Highlands Inn
• Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, Northstar Lodge
• Hyatt Residence Club Grand Aspen
• Hyatt Residence Club Beaver Creek, Mountain Lodge
• Hyatt Residence Club at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
• Hyatt Residence Club Breckenridge, Main Street Station
• Hyatt Residence Club Bonita Springs, Coconut Plantation
• Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Beach House
• Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Sunset Harbor
• Hyatt Residence Club Key West, Windward Pointe
• Hyatt Residence Club Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach
• Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka’anapali Beach
• Hyatt Residence Club Lake Tahoe, High Sierra Lodge

Puerto Rico:

• Hyatt Residence Club Dorado, Hacienda Del Mar
• Hyatt Residence Club San Antonio, Wild Oak Ranch

IHG calls their timeshare brand Holiday Inn Club Vacations.   Similar to Hyatt, they also have a section on their website for “ Special Timeshare Offers, ” so if you call in asking about timeshare ownership or their special offers, you might be able to land an even sweeter deal and possibly an invite to a timeshare presentation with more incentives!

IHG has timeshare locations within the US in several different states.  They also have a number of locations designated as part of their “ Signature Collection ” for an even more luxurious stay.

You can find a full listing of their timeshare locations here , and you’ll see they’re located in quite a few different states:

• Massachusetts

Marriott’s timeshare brand goes by Marriott Vacation Club.   According to their website, they offer over 50 resorts, 4,000+ Marriott hotels, and 3,000+ affiliated resorts.

You receive an annual allotment of Vacation Club Points when you join this program, which you can then use to book a stay at one of their locations worldwide .

Choice Hotels

Back in 2013, Choice Hotels ventured into the timeshare ownership segment by partnering with Bluegreen Vacations as their preferred vacation ownership provider.

You’ll be able to book a stay at any of their 60+ resorts in over 40 unique destinations .  The vast majority of them are located in the US, although they do have 2 international locations as well.

• North Carolina
• New Hampshire

Wyndham’s timeshare brand operates under the name Club Wyndham.   You’ll have the flexibility of vacationing in different areas each year through their Club Wyndham Plus program, where your ownership is translated into points deposited annually into your account.  Depending on where you want to stay, accommodations are assigned different point values and you can redeem them throughout the year.

Wyndham has a number of timeshare resorts available both within the US and internationally :

• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island

International Locations:

• New Zealand

You have other (better) options for saving big on hotel stays!

If you’re nervous about sitting through a high-pressure sales pitch, keep in mind it’s not the only way you can save big on traveling!  There are still many amazing hotel credit cards that can get you free nights at your favorite hotels.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• Most valuable welcome bonus for hotel stays: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Best hotel credit card for value and comfort:  World of Hyatt Credit Card
• Best hotel credit card for big spenders: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Best hotel credit card for elite status:  Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Best hotel credit card for road warriors: IHG® Rewards Premier Credit Card

The information for the Hilton Aspire card , and the Hilton Surpass has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For instance, with the World of Hyatt Credit Card, you could earn enough points for as many as 10 nights in category 1 Hyatt hotels!  The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of up to 60,000 bonus points – earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more bonus points with 2 bonus points per $1 spent on purchases that normally earn 1 bonus point up to $15,000 in the first 6 months of account opening.

Or if you apply for a card that earns flexible points, like Chase Ultimate Rewards points , you can also transfer the points to a hotel partner for free nights as well.

Bottom line

Attending timeshare presentations can be a lucrative way to save a lot of money on your trips.  That’s because many hotels offer incentives like certificates for free hotel stays, bonus points, and gift cards, to motivate you to attend one of their timeshare presentations.

Many of the major hotel chains have some sort of timeshare brand.  If you haven’t been cold-called or targeted for a specific timeshare offer, you can always call the general number for the hotel and ask about timeshare ownership.

If you do attend a timeshare ownership presentation, be prepared for a very high-pressure sales pitch, and don’t be afraid to say no.

If you’re not sure if you can make it through their tactics, remember that you can always focus on earning miles and points from the best hotel credit cards to redeem for free hotel stays instead.

What are your thoughts on timeshare ownership, and have you sat through a timeshare presentation before?

Contributor

Andrew Wan is a contributor for Million Mile Secrets where he covers points, miles, credit cards, airlines and hotels. His work has also appeared in The Simple Dollar.

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8 timeshare sales tactics—and how to resist them during a pitch

If you’ve ever attended a high-pressure timeshare pitch, you’ll definitely agree with me: They are intense. They are persuasive. And they might even put big pressure on your marriage. But a timeshare presentation doesn’t have to threaten to send you to couples counseling; you can absolutely resist the most common timeshare sales tactics—if you know what to look for.

My husband and I have gone to two timeshare pitches: One in Hawaii on our belated honeymoon and one in Vancouver, Washington. I learned so much both times, and I’m happy to say my marriage is stronger than ever. That’s not by accident: We found ways to stay strong together in timeshare presentations and resist the wedges the salespeople are trained to drive between couples during their pitch. Now I’m sharing those timeshare sales tactics with you—so you can earn that free vacation, resist being manipulated into buying something you don’t actually want, and still have your partner to travel with!

Whether you’re a timeshare pitch veteran or are considering attending one for the first time (and for the promise of a free vacation, amirite?!), you need these tested hacks Hubs and I learned firsthand to survive a timeshare pitch.

Survive a timeshare pitch as a couple

Chances are, you or your partner has been approached by a timeshare company to attend a presentation selling points or owning a timeshare. Stats back this up: The timeshare industry has grown consistently over the last 8 years, and sales of timeshares has increased by more than a quarter since 2013, according to industry research .

That’s a lot of people buying timeshare properties and points.

In fact, industry insiders suggest that about 15% of people buy a timeshare after listening to a pitch—yet many feel pressured or intimidated into making the purchase.

All that confusion and hardball sales tactics can be hard on your relationship (and you’ll probably have to attend as a couple, as many timeshare companies require you to decide to buy together). Hard feelings are common especially if one person in your couple is more of a green light than the other.

But you don’t have to end a timeshare pitch with resentment, hurt feelings or a sense of #fomo. You and your partner can resist heavy-handed timeshare sales tricks and keep your bond as strong as ever. Here’s how.

8 timeshare sales tactics—and hacks to resist them

1. know your goals and resources.

The sales pitch: Playing to emotions. Salespeople use the timeshare sales trick of relying on your emotions to make a gut decision to purchase a timeshare. After all, you probably didn’t go into the timeshare presentation planning to buy (and they definitely know that); even still, timeshares are wildly successful—because they manage to sell them even to couples that didn’t intend to buy.

Beat the sales tactic: Take a hard look. Before you step into the sales presentation, know your resources: How much discretionary spending do you have in your budget? How much vacation time do you have? Knowing these facts ahead of time will help you resist the dream of staying in a timeshare property 6 weeks a year if you only get 2 weeks of PTO.

How it worked for us: We had recently bought a minivan (aka #swaggerwagon!) before we attended a timeshare presentation. So to survive a timeshare pitch, we just had to remind each other that any wiggle room in our budget was now caught up in the four wheels that would have to drive us to our more modest, budget-friendly vacations for at least a while longer.

2. Play as a team

The sales pitch: Playing couples off each other. When you have a tangled necklace, you start to tease the chain apart by starting with the looser end. The same goes for timeshare sales techniques: They approach the sale by targeting the more enthusiastic or susceptible half of the couple. Once they have one person convinced, he or she often persuades the hesitant person.

Beat the sales technique : Go in with an agreement. If you’re attending the timeshare presentation just for the free gift or vacation (no judgment!), be up front about that with each other—from the beginning.

How it worked for us: The promise of two free plane tickets and two nights’ stay in a hotel persuaded me to sign up for the timeshare presentation in the first place, and that’s how I convinced Hubs to come (though I also told him I’d cancel it in a heartbeat if he gave a hard no).

3. Have a kill switch

The sales pitch: Now or never. At some point, timeshare salespeople have to close—to make a hard sell. If a potential customer isn’t going to buy, they’ll have to cut their losses and move on, but they’ll use all their timeshare sales tactics to get you to say “yes.”

Beat the sales tactic: Establish veto power. To survive a timeshare pitch, agree that either person in your couple can say a hard no—and that will be the end of the story.

How it worked for us: I signed up for the most recent timeshare presentation while I was at a home show, and the way I got Eric to go to the pitch in the first place was to establish this rule. He knew he could say no and I would agree, regardless of how I felt about it. It cemented a sense of trust between us that neither of us would be pressured, and that we always had a way out if buying a timeshare wasn’t worth it.

4. Know your roles

The sales pitch: Appealing to the more enthusiastic partner. Timeshare salespeople know that one person in the couple is more likely to be open to buying a timeshare, so it makes sense that they appeal to the more gung-ho person. They’ll encourage that person’s enthusiasm or curiosity by encouraging them to imagine a family vacation in one of the wonderful spots they’ll show you.

Beat the sales tactic: It’s easy to get caught up in the possibilities of owning a timeshare property. Being aware that you may fall into this dream—in spite of your logic or any promises you made to absolutely not buy a timeshare —helps prevent some of the in-the-moment excitement.

How it worked for us: Based on our first timeshare pitch experience, we knew I’m more susceptible to the timeshare sales tactics; in Hawaii, I was ready to buy into the timeshare—even though we barely had enough money to pay our cell phone bill! So we knew that to survive a timeshare pitch this time, Hubs would have to stay strong and be the voice of reason during the “discussion time” salespeople leave you to have.

5. Don’t rush

The sales pitch: Claim the deal won’t last forever. Timeshare salespeople create a sense of urgency around buying a timeshare because they’re about a zillion times more likely to sell a timeshare while you’re there in the presentation room. They know they need to close the deal in that moment, and applying subtle pressure to buy immediately makes people more likely to buy a timeshare.

Beat the sales technique: Timeshares have been around for decades, and they’re not going anywhere. Salespeople will show you deals they have just for that day (which are way cheaper than the ones available on other days), but honestly, you’ll always be able to get a good deal if you want.

How it worked for us: Hubs, who was the more level-headed half of our couple and who definitely helped us survive the timeshare pitch, reminded me that we can always sign up for another timeshare presentation down the line if we do decide it’s a good fit for our family. There is no shortage of timeshare opportunities.

6. Evaluate your vacations

The sales pitch: Inspire huge vacation dreams. Timeshare salespeople will show you examples of the most beautiful, luxurious timeshare properties in the most desirable locations to make you imagine the best vacation ever. Bali! The Maldives! Tahiti! They’ll have you dreaming up vacations in places you’d never wanted to visit—until this timeshare pitch.

Beat the sales technique: Before even stepping into the timeshare pitch, you and your partner should talk through the kinds of vacations you take today and the kinds of vacations you want to take in the future. Those kinds of vacations might not match with buying a timeshare.

How it worked for us: During the timeshare presentation, Hubs and I used our family’s lifestyle as a touchstone to resist the sales technique. We do a lot of camping, we bring our dog on most vacations, and many of our trips center around visiting family in locations where the timeshare company didn’t have any properties. In this way, we were able to logically see that the timeshare didn’t actually make sense for our family.

7. Read body language

The sales pitch: Taking cues from body language. Salespeople of all stripes are expert at reading subtle cues from potential customers. Are they leaning forward? Are their hands on the table? Are they constantly looking at the clock? They use this body language to fine-tune their delivery.

Beat the sales tactic: Keep tabs on your partner’s body language, from how they are sitting to what they’re doing with their arms. This will clue you in to see if they’re digging the experience or getting defensive. That way you can mirror their attitude and present a united front to the salesperson.

How it worked for us: At one point in the most recent timeshare pitch we attended, Eric crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. This body language told me that he’d been triggered by something the salesperson said. Knowing him, I was able to figure out that the salesperson’s tactic—to suggest we were depriving our kids of family vacations if we didn’t buy—touched a nerve. Because I was paying attention, I could see that he was ready to be done.

8. Remember the free gift

The sales pitch: All or nothing. Timeshare salespeople design their presentations to make you feel as if you  must buy in the moment—or lose out big. They focus on what you can have with the not-so-subtle suggestion that you’ll have wicked #fomo if you say no.

Beat the sales technique: When you’re caught up in the sales pitch, it can feel as if you lost when you say “no”—even if that was your goal to begin with. You also might leave feeling manipulated or put down. So when you leave, remind yourself of whatever free gift you earn when you survive a timeshare pitch. Having a free vacation to look forward to will help put a positive spin on even a negative experience.

How it worked for us: Before we attended the timeshare presentation, we talked about where we wanted to go. We decided on Phoenix because I’ve never been there, we wanted a destination that was relatively close to our home in Oregon, and we wanted a warm and sunny vacation to take in the winter. So when we left the timeshare pitch, we already had a fun plan to look forward to.

Finally, I hinted that I would buy some new lingerie for our free vacation—and that didn’t hurt either! #hubbahubbah

Are timeshares worth it? That all depends.

This post isn’t meant to be a guide on saying no to timeshare pitches—unless that’s what you want to do. If timeshares genuinely fit with your lifestyle, budget and travel goals, hooray! Buy a timeshare! (or two, ha!)

That said, I don’t love a lot of the timeshare sales tactics, and many of them put uncomfortable pressure on couples. The presentations are crafted to manipulate you into buying, regardless of if buying a timeshare is a right fit for your family.

Either way—if timeshares are worth it for you or not—I know these tips to survive a timeshare pitch as a couple will help you emerge with your relationship intact.

I’m curious: Do you have any timeshare pitch horror stories, or any that went surprisingly well? Do you have tips to survive a timeshare pitch? Share in the comments below!

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Bet the timeshare people hate you! Awesome article and you’re absolutrly right. I’m also the one more likely to get excited…

Ha! Well they have to know 99% of people go into those meetings not intending to buy.

This is a very important article! Some salespeople are super aggressive, and I am not a fan of the ways in which they pressure people. Glad you shared this!

I hear you. It feels icky to be pressured, but if you know the tactics they’ll likely use, you can guard against them.

I’ve never been approached by someone pitching this kind of sale, but these are great tips to keep in mind. Pinning this so others can read!

Thank you for sharing, Lecy! It really does pay to know how you’ll be targeted. That way you don’t fall into a trap you didn’t see coming.

We have been on so many vacations where we are bugged to show up to an information time share session. I have never been to one but nice tips in case I find myself in one some day!

I swear the vacation industry relies so heavily on these kinds of pitches. I’m surprised you haven’t gotten roped into one!

What a great post to write Catherine! I always wondered what went on in those timeshare meetings. You give a great game plan!

That’s the thing: People don’t know what they’re getting into when they agree to a time share pitch! Glad this shed some light, Erin.

Love all these tips! Thanks for sharing!

Anytime, Amanda. Thanks for reading 🙂

Lol. My husband and I have sat through two of these pitches- the last one 10 years ago in Disney world for some upgrade perks. We still joke about it now- ten years later.

I’m so glad you can joke about it together! My husband still gets FURIOUS whenever the time share pitch in Hawaii comes up in conversation.

I’ve not been abroad since I was a kid but I remember my mum and dad getting approached about time shares ALL the time whenever we went!

Time share pitches can be a great way to save money on travel and activities – but only if you manage to not be persuaded into buying if you don’t actually want to buy.

So informative and practical Catherine. Any advice for those of us who already own a timeshare and want to get out?

Hm, I haven’t had to do this personally. I do know there are some companies that will help but I haven’t heard about how reputable they are. I think some facilitate selling your timeshare to other buyers. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

Thank you for this posting! I know a few people who have timeshares and they enjoy them. But my parents had 2 (they are in their 80’s now), and they ended up spending $5k to sell them. I’m sure they may not have known the best route for selling, but in this time in their life they just wanted out. Selling timeshares isn’t always easy. I didn’t want to “inherit” the timeshares, because I saw that my parents STILL had to pay timeshare fees and expenses, even though the timeshares were paid off. If you can’t go every year, then it’s a waste of money. And yes, you can trade or pay extra to go to resorts that are not in that specific location, but that limits where you can go each year. Like you said, I’m not against timeshares, but it is a bigger commitment than the salespeople tell you. All of that said, I’m considering visiting a timeshare promotion in Orlando with my kids this summer. Ready for the sales pitch at the end …. 😉

Absolutely, Susie — timeshares are not bad! My in-laws are members of two different ones, and they take full advantage of them. It’s just important to know what you’re in for during a timeshare pitch so you’re not persuaded into something that won’t work for you.

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Is Attending a Timeshare Presentation Worth It for Families?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

We've probably all received an invitation to a timeshare presentation where we'd spend a few hours but get a free or inexpensive vacation out of the deal. Most of the time we say "no" because of the horror stories we've heard from people who have attended a similar event with aggressive sales tactics or with people that didn't respect their time. Today's parents have limited time to spend with their children while balancing work and household duties. Is attending a two-hour timeshare presentation to save a few bucks worth sacrificing time with the family -- especially when you're on vacation?

But some of these timeshare properties, many of which can also be booked with points, are pretty appealing. We'll talk about the timeshare pitch and perks in a minute but let's first look at some timeshare properties families may want to visit.

Top Timeshare Properties for Families

Here are a few examples of popular family-friendly timeshares, many of which are bookable on traditional hotel points. Elite members might receive an upgrade to a larger room when making a hotel reservation. And, another bonus of booking a timeshare-stye property usually ensures that you'll get a one-, two- or even three-bedroom unit that will easily fit your family (and with washing machines!).

• Kidani Village, a Disney Vacation Club property at Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas (Orlando, Florida): There are four savannas with more than 200 hoofed animals and birds roaming the resort. Although not part of a hotel loyalty program, points from Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard (not currently available to new applicants) can pay for your room. I found nightly rates in the $300s before tax. You can even "rent" Disney timeshare points from owners. Personally, I want to book a room here for my family just for the unique experiences with the animals.

• The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas* (Lahaina, Hawaii): Beautiful weather year-round and tropical landscapes make Hawaii a favorite for family travel. Cash prices start in the $500s, but rooms are only 50,000 Marriott points per night.

• Marriott's Grande Vista* (Orlando, Florida): My family stayed here before and loved the pools and game rooms. My son really liked the towers and water cannons at the Plaza del Sol pool. Cash rates start at $183 per night or 35,000 Marriott points.

• Hilton Grand Vacations on the Las Vegas Strip* (Las Vegas, Nevada): While gambling is for adults, the shows and attractions are for visitors of all ages. Las Vegas is a popular family destination for food, fun, and shopping. Room rates are as low as 54,000 Hilton Honors points or $124 plus tax. The Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card is a great way to earn points with a 125,000 welcome bonus after spending $2,000 in three months, and 6x points at US Restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations.
• Hyatt Residence Club Maui, Ka'anapali Beach: This property is right next to the Hyatt Regency Maui. The stretch of beach here is fantastic and the pool complexes are exactly what your family dreams about when thinking "Hawaiian vacation." Use 30,000 World of Hyatt points. Cash prices for the one-, two- and three-bedroom units varies depending on the season but are clocking in just shy of $1,000 per night for a two bedroom and $1,089 for a three bedroom this summer. The World of Hyatt Credit Card can help boost your Hyatt points balance.

• Westin Princeville Ocean Villas: The North Shore of Kauai is light on points hotels, but the Westin Princeville is an option on hotel points or for timeshare owners. Standard rooms are 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night and paid rates start at about $300+ per night. Larger suites are bookable for higher prices. Guests here get to enjoy the nearby beach at the Princeville Resort that is the perfect place to watch Hawaiian sunsets.

*For both Marriott and Hilton, loyalty members can redeem points and receive the fifth night free to increase their savings.

The Timeshare Offer

Spending points, however, isn't the only way you can stay at these villa-style properties. Most of them canvas travelers to find some that will exchange their time to attend a presentation for a free or heavily discounted stay, cash or a combination of the two. In most cases, you'll need to set aside at least two hours for the presentation.

The offer will vary based on which company's presentation you attend. If you are actually interested in buying into a timeshare, do your research beforehand to understand the pros and cons of ownership and get a firm handle on pricing. The timeshare resell market can be a great way to save money if you do decide that ownership is right for you.

No matter what the offer is to attend a presentation may be, always negotiate when speaking with the representative. Remember that you'll be giving up valuable vacation time with your family to sit through the timeshare presentation. He or she may have something extra to offer to close the deal.

Here is a timeshare offer we've seen recently:

Holiday Inn Vacations Club

While checking on my IHG Rewards Club account, the telephone agent discussed a Holiday Inn Vacations Club timeshare offer. For $199, my family and I would receive a four-day, three-night vacation in our choice of one of 14 destinations. The options included Orlando, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, the Great Smoky Mountains and other destinations.

Once we attended the presentation, we would receive the $199 back in cash plus a $100 discount certificate for a future Holiday Inn stay. I love a great deal, so I signed up to attend.

Some offers are a bit pricier, such as the $798 offer some receive to spend 5-nights at the Westin Princeville in Kauai, though that offer does include an Avis car rental. Or, at the Disney Aulani in Hawaii attending the sales presentation scores you two luau tickets (normally $139 each).

Our Stay in Gatlinburg

We booked our stay for Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains. We came to find out that the city is a great family destination filled with fun tourist attractions, delicious food and amazing nature hikes. (And don't miss Dollywood , which is nearby.)

Cash Versus Points

If you'd like to stay at the timeshare resort, you can book rooms for less than $200 a night or 35,000 IHG Rewards Club points. The IHG Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great way to earn IHG Rewards points to pay for your stay.

The Holiday Inn Express Gatlinburg Downtown is located immediately next door and shares many of the benefits of the timeshare, including the indoor waterpark and pool. On many of the dates I checked, the rooms were very inexpensive when paying cash. You could book a room for 30,000 IHG points, but when the cash price is so low, I would opt for the cash rate or book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal .

Attending the Timeshare Presentation

When you attend a timeshare presentation, remember that you're sitting with trained sales professionals. Their job is to weave a story to create an emotional connection and get you to believe that timeshare ownership is better than staying in a hotel where you want, when you want and paying how you want (cash or points).

Most timeshare presentations say that you need to attend for 90 to 120 minutes. If you let them, they'll keep you there as long as they can. If they've done their job correctly, they'll try to find the emotional trigger that will get you to buy one of their packages before you leave.

Do Both Spouses Need to Attend the Presentation?

Timeshare purchases are a big commitment, so the salesperson wants to ensure that both spouses are there to sign off on the contract. If one spouse is not there, it is an easy excuse to say that "I need to speak with my spouse about this" to get out of the potentially high-pressure sales pitch.

Before I got married, many timeshare companies I spoke with would not book an appointment with me. Their sales presentation is designed around families and the memories you create while traveling.

Can Children Attend With You?

Timeshare companies know the children can be a distraction or an excuse to leave early during the sales presentation. Because of this, your children may not always be allowed to attend the timeshare presentation with you, though there are exceptions to this. For example, the Disney Vacation Club does a great job providing colors and such for kids to stay busy during the presentation. We have heard of children attending with other brands, too, such as Hyatt.

When we travel with our children, they usually go to the kids club while we speak with the sales representative. In most kids clubs there will be toys and video games for them to play with, drinks and snacks to enjoy, and television to watch.

With many vacations jam-packed with activities, the kids club can be a welcome breather for kids to relax and enjoy some free-style play.

The Presentation

After signing in at the front desk, you'll watch a video with the other guests while your sales rep waits in another room. The video is designed to make you think about how you can travel with your family using the timeshare and what fond memories you will create. Timeshare members will talk about the places they travel with their ownership and how they love that the timeshare can be passed down to their children.

Once the video is finished, you'll go to the sales rep's table where he will ask questions about how you like to travel, where you want to go and how much you spend on vacation.

It always amazes them when we talk about how much we travel and how little we spend. Most of the sales reps that we've talked to do not understand the value of miles and points.

The Sales Pitch

The answers you provide help the sales rep craft the presentation and approach to get you to buy. The simple math works like this: You say that you travel a certain number of days each year and spend so much each night. They multiply this number by 40 years and compare your expected spend against the purchase of a timeshare.

The sales rep will tell you that it is better to buy a timeshare than rent hotel rooms. But what they often neglect to mention is that the timeshare locations aren't always in the places you like to travel, popular resorts book up quickly, maintenance dues go up each year and you'll pay the dues even when you don't travel. Additionally, if you go through a phase where you need to tighten up on discretionary spending (such as travel), you can't do that as easily if you owe set dues each year.

After you've listened patiently and politely declined their offer, a manager will come to the table. The manager will ask if the sale rep treated you well and take some notes.

At that point, he or she will probably offer you a trial package or maybe a discounted offer to return. A trial will let you try out the timeshare membership for one to two years by paying $1,000 to $3,000 to have a select group of properties to stay at. This package may lock in today's prices in case you decide to buy in the future.

For many people, the trial or sampler package can be a good deal compared to cash prices for the same properties -- points are sometimes even thrown into the deal.

At our Holiday Inn Vacations Club presentation, they offered us a future eight-day, seven-night stay for $1,499. We would be in a two-bedroom, two-bath unit similar to the one we toured earlier in the day. Although the rooms were attractive and the offer was tempting, we couldn't see our family wanting to visit any of their locations for eight days.

Should You Say Yes?

Although my family owns a couple of timeshares that I bought in my 20s, I generally recommend against buying one today. With so many vacation options using hotel points, discount travel sites like Groupon and timeshare rental websites, it usually doesn't make sense to lock yourself into a timeshare.

Related: Why Timeshares Aren't Always a Scam

If you do decide that buying a timeshare is right for your family, understand that you can buy them significantly cheaper on the secondary market. Websites like eBay, Redweek and Tug2.net offer thousands of listings of people trying to sell timeshare memberships that they no longer use or cannot afford.

Alternatives to Buying a Timeshare

Of course, we're all familiar with using hotel points when we travel. But did you know that you can rent timeshare units as well?

Many timeshare properties are available using hotel points. Others are available for rent on eBay and Endless Vacation Rentals .

Mommy Points recently rented Disney Vacation Club points from David's Vacation Club Rentals for an awesome Walt Disney World getaway. Going this route allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of a timeshare vacation for a given trip without the upfront cost or responsibility of annual maintenance dues.

Booking a Cheap Spring Break Vacation

For example, if you wanted to travel to Orlando for 2020 Spring Break and stay at a timeshare property, you have many options. A one-bedroom villa at the Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando is available from Endless Vacation Rentals for $161 per night (total of $1,125 for the week).

The same room is available directly from Marriott for $170 per night (total $1,190).

Marriott Bonvoy members can book a week in this room for 300,000 points. The nightly rate is 50,000 points per night, but the fifth night is free as a member benefit.

In my experience, the closer you get to the travel dates, the lower the prices will be on Endless Vacation Rentals because they need to sell the package before the dates pass. Of course, specific dates can sell out.

Is It Worth Your Time?

For our family, giving up two hours of our vacation to earn a big discount on travel expenses is a good trade-off. My wife and I have the strength to decline their best offers to buy, no matter how appealing they may sound in the moment. In our experience, when you attend a timeshare presentation with a well-known name, once you say "no," they will (eventually) respect your decision.

Our family enjoyed a great four-day, three-night vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains for a net cost of $0 after attending the timeshare presentation. Plus, we now have a $100 certificate toward a future Holiday Inn hotel stay. Yes, we spent two hours of our time listening to a timeshare presentation, but it was worth it to have a free family vacation.

Have you attended a timeshare presentation to save money on a vacation? Was it worth it for the perks or will you never do it again?

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How to Defend Yourself in a Timeshare Sales Pitch

Introduction

What is a timeshare , the timeshare sales pitch , do your research, know your budget , understand your rights , ask questions, don't disclose personal information , be wary of free gifts , don't be pressured into a decision , read the fine print , never sign on the spot, just say no, seek professional advice , speak to other timeshare owners , consider the alternatives , understand the cancellation policy , risks of owning a timeshare .

• Conclusion 

Conclusion  

The timeshare industry is a booming business, but it can be intimidating for those who have yet to become familiar with its sales process. While timeshare vendors are supposed to be honest and upfront about the details of their offerings, they sometimes take advantage of potential buyers. Timeshare sales pitches are designed to be persuasive, so consumers should know how to protect themselves. 

Knowing your rights and how to prepare for a timeshare sales pitch is critical. This guide will provide tips on how to defend yourself during a timeshare sales pitch. It will discuss tactics for researching the resort, understanding your rights, and being aware of the potential pitfalls of timeshare ownership.

A timeshare is an agreement that allows a group to share ownership of a vacation property. Timeshare owners often have the right to use the property for a particular time each year, in many cases in intervals of weeks. Timeshares are offered by resort companies and can carry additional benefits, such as access to amenities, discounts on local attractions, and the ability to exchange your timeshare week with a different property. 

The timeshare sales pitch is the process by which a resort attempts to convince potential buyers to purchase a timeshare. Salespeople often use high-pressure tactics to get a signed purchase agreement on the spot. They may also exaggerate claims about the benefits of owning a timeshare and downplay the potential risks. 

Tips for Defending Yourself in a Timeshare Sales Pitch 

Prior to attending a timeshare presentation , it is good to note that leaving without buying something can be challenging. It is essential to have a general idea of what to expect and how to counter rebuttals. Below are several suggestions on how to defend oneself against timeshare vendors.

When considering a timeshare purchase, do some research. Essential details of the resort include the cost, location, and amenities. In addition, read reviews from other timeshare owners to get a sense of what the experience will be like. 

It is also essential to consider the long-term costs associated with timeshare ownership. In addition to the initial price, annual maintenance fees, taxes, and other charges must be considered. Factor these expenses before making a purchase. Thorough research before attending a sales pitch will avoid potential risks.

Before engaging in a timeshare presentation, confirm your budget. Understand how much you can afford to spend. It is also critical to recognize the long-term costs that owning a timeshare entails, such as annual maintenance fees. Confirming your budget will help you make an informed decision and prevent being swindled. 

When entertaining a timeshare sales pitch, a basic understanding of your rights as a consumer is crucial. Federal and state laws protect consumers from unfair and deceptive sales practices. Become familiar with the available protections, such as the right to cancel the purchase within a specific time, known as the timeshare rescission period . 

Understanding the terms of the agreement is also vital to ensure the salesperson follows all applicable laws and regulations. 

Taking notes during a timeshare sales pitch is an excellent way to stay organized and ensure you comprehend the information. Write down all the significant details, such as pricing, surroundings, conveniences, names of sales agents, and the agreement’s terms and conditions. 

Taking notes will make it easier to recall precise details of the sales pitch, compare with different timeshares, and to file disputes, if necessary.

Asking questions is critical during a timeshare sales pitch. Ask as many questions as possible, such as: How much does it cost? How much are the annual maintenance fees? What amenities are included? What destinations are available? 

Also, ask about the purchase agreement, such as the cancellation policy and maintenance fees. The answers to these types of questions will help you make an informed decision.

Not sharing personal information during a timeshare sales pitch is crucial. Only provide the information that is necessary for the transaction. If the salesperson asks for more information than is necessary, walk away and reassess the situation. 

Many timeshare companies offer premiums, such as free vacations or discounted rates, as incentives. Be skeptical of these offers. These short-term rewards are seldom worth the long-term burdens of timeshare ownership.  

Timeshare vendors are trained to be persuasive and may try to pressure you. However, you are not obligated to make a purchase. Take your time and think about the decision. If you feel hurried, simply walk away.

Do not always believe the hype when engaging with timeshare vendors. These salespeople might make fabricated claims. Ask questions and do your research to support their statements. 

Always read the small print during a timeshare sales pitch. Many agreements contain hidden fees and other legal jargon that can be difficult to understand. Review the paperwork and inquire if there is something you do not apprehend.

You are not obligated to sign anything until you are ready. If the salesperson pressures you to sign a contract, reconsider the situation. Inform the salesperson you need time to ensure you understand the terms.

Alas, get everything in writing. That includes costs, associated fees, location, amenities, agreement terms, and cancellation policies. Ensure that the details of the timeshare are outlined in the contract. In addition, it is critical to keep a copy for your records.

If you are uncomfortable with the timeshare or the salesperson, you are not obligated to make a purchase. Do not shy away from saying no if the deal is not the best fit. In addition, if the salesperson attempts to force you into making a purchase, it is best to refrain from engaging with them.

A financial advisor or real estate attorney can help you understand the terms of the contract and confirm it is in your best interests. Professional advice can also protect you from being exploited.

Along with consulting with professionals, talking to existing timeshare owners can help you make an informed decision. It is an excellent way to get an honest assessment. 

To read stories from past timeshare owners detailing their experiences, click here .

There are many alternatives to timeshare ownership, such as vacation rental homes and vacation clubs. Research the options and ensure that a timeshare purchase is suitable before agreeing to it.

Many timeshare companies have strict cancellation policies, so get familiar with all of the intricate details. Every resort developer has different exit conditions for their clients, and the time they have to cancel varies by location as well. It is also vital to understand the potential penalties for withdrawing from the agreement early. 

While owning a timeshare can be a great way to enjoy vacations, there are some potential risks consumers should be aware of. 

For one, timeshares can be tough to resell. Although some resorts offer a resale program, you may still have difficulty finding a buyer. Furthermore, timeshare fees can be expensive and can increase. Last, if you miss a payment, the resort may be able to foreclose on the unit. All in all, timeshare ownership can become a financial burden. Alas, this information is not always privy to consumers during a sales pitch.

Buying a timeshare can be a significant investment, so be sure you make an informed decision. Knowing how to defend yourself during a timeshare sales pitch is a challenge due to the overwhelming pressure of sales staff. However, following the tips mentioned above will protect you from being victimized.

Those who succumb to the pressure of timeshare vendors but regret doing so can annul the agreement with the assistance of a cancellation company. Timeshare cancellation is a financial service that, instead of reselling the vacation properties, outright terminates the agreements. Such companies were established because many folks have been deceived into timeshare purchases. Timeshare exit companies can help.

Since 2011, Wesley Financial Group, LLC (WFG),* has been a timeshare cancellation company and has since terminated more than 30,000 agreements and eliminated $300,000,000 of timeshare mortgage debt. Schedule a free consultation to learn more about WFG or to speak with one of their representatives.

Recommended Reading

About the Author

Chuck mcdowell.

Chuck McDowell is the founder and CEO of Wesley Financial Group, LLC, an Inc. 500 company, which specializes in complete timeshare termination and timeshare debt elimination for individuals and families that have experienced fraud, misrepresentation, and/or lies during their timeshare sales presentations.

Although Chuck is one of the pioneers of the timeshare cancellation industry, Chuck McDowell was a timeshare salesman before realizing the timeshare industry is not what he thought it was. After discovering the many deceitful tactics the timeshare industry uses on unsuspecting people, Chuck left the industry to work on the other side, fighting for consumer rights. He served as the CEO for a timeshare advocacy group before deciding to take timeshare cancellation into his own hands. Wanting to help good people get out of bad situations, Chuck founded Wesley Financial Group, LLC in 2011. Wesley Financial Group, LLC is dedicated to providing legitimate aid to those who feel helpless and Chuck’s unique background acts as a special motivator to be honest and fair to those that so often feel cheated.

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Hilton Grand Vacations Timeshare Presentation Review [What To Expect]

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

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About Hilton Grand Vacations

Booking the hgv presentation, what we got from our hgv meeting, checking in, group presentation, sales presentation, meeting the closer, taking notes, dodging manipulation, save money, spend points, consumer freedom, checking out, how many people actually sign up for hgv, should you attend an hgv timeshare meeting, final thoughts.

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I attended a Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) “ownership” presentation in Las Vegas in May 2023. As a travel and finance nerd, it was honestly pretty fun, and I found it more fascinating than the awkward, high-pressure sales meeting I was expecting.

Spoiler alert: I did not walk away from the HGV experience as a “vacation owner,” but did leave with some pretty nice perks.

You might not consider a timeshare meeting fun entertainment, but I ate it up and will do it again as soon as Hilton extends another invitation. That is, if they allow me back after I irritated their sales manager.

Let’s review my HGV presentation experience and what I learned from the meeting.

HGV is a “vacation ownership program” that uses a points system. “Owners” purchase a set number of available points to use each year. You can book stays at qualifying HGV properties worldwide for varying point values . If you don’t use all of your points in a particular year, you can float them to the following year for a fee.

HGV probably won’t correct you if you call it a “timeshare,” but it’s technically “vacation ownership” because, unlike a traditional timeshare, you’re not stuck with a pre-determined week at the same property year after year. I was impressed by HGV’s flexibility, and I felt we could quickly learn how to manage the HGV points system as we’ve done with other points programs.

But I had major issues with financial transparency at the meeting. Bottom line: I value my flexibility as a consumer too much to commit my family’s travel dollars to Hilton forever.

I got on the phone with Hilton in April 2022 to book a stay at Casa Marina Key West using a Hilton free night reward and points I earned with my Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card . Before the agent let me go, they asked if I’d stay on the line to earn 5,000 Hilton Honors points after I listened to a 10-minute sales pitch for Hilton Grand Vacations. 

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I figured another 10 minutes after I was already on the phone was worth the points, so I listened to the pitch. I agreed to book a $169 package for a 4-day, 3-night stay at an HGV resort in Las Vegas with a $200 Spend A Night On Us certificate after we attended the meeting. Some of the other options I had were Orlando and New York City, but my on-the-spot choice was Las Vegas since it was on my husband’s wish list, and I thought it might be a nice getaway for us without the kids.

I could book the stay immediately, but we didn’t have the opportunity to make the trip until well into this year. I booked dates outside the allowed year from my package purchase, but they said it was okay since I made the booking before it expired.

HGV initially placed us at the Tropicana Las Vegas , which I wasn’t pleased about. I think we would have enjoyed the Tropicana, but value-wise, I was insulted and about ready to call the whole thing off. A weekday stay like ours costs $49 to $69 per night plus taxes and fees. For 3 nights at roughly $60 per night, I’d only save about $10 before taxes and fees — and still give up about 2 hours of my vacation to listen to a sales pitch.

According to the Details of Participation , our accommodations should have been valued at $175 to $500 per night, and the Tropicana was nowhere near that .

When I called about my options, I was offered the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip . Still, I had my sights on the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Elara , which has nightly weekday rates closer to $200 per night and seemed like a much better fit than other options. 

It took a few calls before I got a room at Elara — only after I paid a $19.99 booking change fee and a $75 per night upgrade . Not ideal for what was supposed to be a super-cheap stay, but Elara was fantastic and absolutely worth the upgrade.

HGV booked us for a meeting at 12:30 p.m. the day after we arrived at the HGVC on the Strip. It was far enough from Elara that we needed to catch an Uber to get to the meeting, though it would have been even further from the Tropicana.

There are some stipulations to booking and attending an HGV presentation :

• You have to attend the presentation, or you’ll have to pay the full nightly rate plus taxes and fees.
• You must meet (unspecified) income requirements.
• You can’t have more than 1 sales presentation package open at a time, meaning you can’t book 2 vacations.
• You can’t attend if you’ve participated in an HGV sales presentation within the last 12 months.
• If you’re married, your spouse must attend the presentation.
• You have to pay a change fee of $19.95 for any reservation changes up to 15 days before arrival, and fees go up if you make any changes closer than that.

You can read the full Details of Participation to see more about what’s required of you if you book an HGV presentation meeting.

Although it’s not on the website’s fine print, I was told over the phone not to arrive at the meeting intoxicated, or we’d be turned away and have to pay the full rate for our hotel stay — I’m guessing this reminder is particular to Las Vegas presentations.

HGV calls the timeshare packages a “vacation package,” but you’ll need to cover transportation, food, and other costs.

The perks of attending an HGV meeting are pretty nice. In return for our time and attention, we got: 

• 5,000 Hilton Honors points
• 3-night stay at an HGV property
• $200 Spend A Night On Us certificate good for 6 months
• Snacks and drinks

Although I locked in my package when I paid, these packages change constantly, so you might do better or worse than I did. The offer you can book for Las Vegas today is $249 for 3 nights plus 15,000 Hilton Honors points, so you’d get far less for your effort than I did — I recommend waiting until the deals are better or negotiating for more over the phone if you’re interested.

The hotel stay is the most valuable perk of attending an HGV meeting. All in, I paid about $400 for 3 nights at Elara , which would have cost me easily in the neighborhood of $800 to $1,000, including taxes and fees. I’ll take advantage of the $200 Spend A Night On Us certificate soon, so that exact value remains to be seen.

The rough math on our perks value is about $600 for 2 hours of our time , which was worth it for me.

You don’t have to pay a resort fee while on a timeshare presentation stay. We had a $0 bill at checkout!

Attending the HGV Sales Presentation

Before we walked into the presentation, I reminded myself that no one could force me to sign up for anything I didn’t want. I didn’t want to make the mistake of assuming I was immune to expert sales tactics. It was my first timeshare meeting, but the salespeople do this all day, every day. There’s a reason you get a lot of perks for attending the presentation — the sales tactics work often enough to make it worth it.

We arrived via Uber, and the valet station directed us to the sales door once he confirmed we were there for a sales presentation. We walked into a busy room with a reception desk.

The reception desk gave me a key card on a lanyard and directed us to a kiosk to check-in. The kiosk took my photo and asked us about our travel, including our dream destinations and future plans.

After we finished up at the kiosk, we were told to head into the cafe and wait for an attendant to call our names. 

The cafe was full of other attendees, and we had our pick of free snacks and drinks. The food was mostly packaged snacks, including cookies and chips, and the drinks were coffee, tea, juice, and water. I’d promised my husband snacks at the meeting, so he loaded up!

It wasn’t long before we were directed to a group presentation room with about a dozen other couples and families. 

In the group presentation, we had a group survey of dream travel destinations, then watched a video presentation mainly featuring Hilton properties, including Hilton Waikoloa Village and locations in the Maldives. The salesperson showed us personal vacation photos from his family’s numerous stays worldwide with HGV. 

It was mainly hype to get us excited about the possibilities of travel with HGV, and there was some light math about how much we could get for our points if we bought in — but I don’t think we saw any prices then. They also joked that many of us came into the meeting vowing never to sign up but asked us to keep an open mind as we were invited as loyal Hilton customers.

The group presentation lasted about 20 minutes. At the end, our personal salesperson came to collect us and brought us back to her desk.

Children can come to HGV sales presentations. Some locations have supervised kids’ activities so they can play separately, but other locations encourage guests to bring their kids to the meeting.

At the desk, the sales presentation started with no pressure as our salesperson built a rapport, and we genuinely enjoyed talking to her. She explained more about the travel possibilities we’d have as HGV “owners,” reviewed the concept of HGV points, and talked with us about our travel habits and goals.

This was all inoffensive, though I got the impression we didn’t fit well into the sales box because we travel impulsively and often use points to book hotel stays. HGV wants to predict how much cash (not points) you spend on travel each year so the salesperson can present an appropriate HGV points package. 

Because we rarely spend real dollars on hotel stays, it was tough to do the math. And our travel habits have changed a lot lately, so we honestly couldn’t tell her what we expect over the next several years regarding cash spent on average nights in a hotel room.

Points travelers, don’t think you’ll get out of the meeting once you tell them you don’t often spend cash on hotels . The closer who came to support our salesperson suggested how we could earn Hilton Honors points and still benefit from them as HGV “owners.” Spoiler: my response to this ill-advised solution helped get us ushered quickly out of the meeting. More on that later.

We saw more photos and videos of HGV and Hilton properties, and our salesperson went over our options for floating points to the next year (for a fee). We also got an introduction to booking with RCI — another timeshare program — using HGV points and paying a transfer fee.

It was at the RCI transfer point of the presentation that my skepticism kicked into high gear. We were shown the possibility of booking the Maldives for “only $295.” That sounds fantastic — until you realize that $295 is not the cost of your HGV points, but the transaction fee you will pay on top of the HGV points to book that particular property with RCI.

I was baffled that I was presented a booking fee as a benefit and the salesperson failed to mention that you’ll pay thousands to get the HGV points to book it before you have the privilege to pay that fee.

According to the fine print on the HGV website , points package prices range from $7,800 to $758,990. There’s a minimum points buy-in of 4,000 points , and those points range in value from $3.80 to $6.50 per point. HGV says the average new member pays about $22,000 .

The lowest points package we were presented was about that average number, though we were told the minimum points buy-in is slightly higher and the per-point value is much higher. I don’t know why what we saw was different, but it could be that we misunderstood, were misled, or the package details just depended on what the salesperson wanted to offer at the meeting.

In addition to the points cost, HGV members pay closing costs and annual maintenance fees . There are also transaction fees if you want to exchange your points — like that Maldives booking. And if you choose to finance your HGV points package, you’ll pay interest fees, too.

How does Hilton Grand Vacation ownership compare to Disney Vacation Club? Check out our article: Is My Disney Vacation Club Membership Worth It? [1 Year In] .

About 30 to 45 minutes into the individual presentation, we left the desk to visit a suite at the property. It was lovely and even more spacious than our room at Elara. It felt like an apartment tour, and my family would love staying in a suite like that anywhere — although they’re easy to please as long as there’s unlimited yogurt at the breakfast buffet.

I wish I’d asked how many HGV points it takes to book a room like this, but a quick look at the Hilton website tells me this room runs about $500 on weeknights and $600 on weekends.

Note that up to this point, there were no pointed questions about signing up and no opportunities to say no. It was all information and getting a feel for what might work for us. It was no pressure at all. And then the closer came in.

Check out a firsthand review of a 2-bedroom HGV suite at the Lagoon Tower, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort in Honolulu.

Before the sales manager came in to close the deal, our salesperson gathered enough information to suggest a package that might work for us. The manager came in ready to talk numbers and answer any questions we might have that the salesperson hadn’t already covered. 

I had some questions. 

For one, nothing we were shown told us how much each point is worth . I got the impression most people don’t ask about that, because when I asked, the manager had to send our salesperson to another room to find the right brochure and look up the information. 

Another big question I had was about the interest rate, which was completely obscured. I could probably reverse-engineer the math, but I never got an answer from HGV on how much we’d pay in interest to finance a points package. Just that it “depends on your credit.” 

It’s fair to say that your interest rate depends on your credit, but I didn’t like that I couldn’t even get a range of possible interest rates. Our purchase proposal had a monthly payment range. Those monthly payments were calculated with the interest rate, so there is a known interest rate range — the salespeople are just not going to tell you until you’re much farther into the sales process. I was unwilling to go down that rabbit hole and have them run my credit to find out.

The first package we were shown was mortgage-sized, and I cannot fathom going even a step further without knowing how much I’d be paying in interest for 5, 7, or 10 years.

At this point, the manager asked me why I was taking photos of the paperwork, which I’d done the entire meeting. I suspected we wouldn’t be allowed to take the paperwork with us — we weren’t — and I explained I wanted photos for my notes. 

I was allowed to continue photographing with the understanding that the paperwork is Hilton property and not to be shared. I can’t find anything to confirm that, but to be respectful, I haven’t shared paperwork photos or any particular details of our offers in this review. 

Even for a person not intending to review a timeshare meeting, it’s wise to take notes to make an informed decision . It bothered me that I got heat for studying the details of this financial commitment. HGV wants you to sign up on the spot, not check notes at home, but that’s not how I make decisions.

The entire meeting was set up to manipulate our emotions and encourage us to accept the math that was presented , but it was very subtle. This is Hilton, so it was professional but still very opaque. Think about a finance deal at a nice car dealership or touring a luxury apartment, and it’s about the same vibe.

HGV wants you to be excited about staying in an overwater villa in the Maldives “for just $295” (in fees on top of the cost of “ownership”) so you don’t look too hard at closing costs and interest rates or the overall massive cost of becoming an HGV “owner.”

It doesn’t look that expensive when you’re presented with the monthly payment, so the salesperson wants you to focus on that — not the annual maintenance fee that will increase over time. Not once were we presented with the option to buy a package outright without financing — they obviously want you to look more at the monthly cost than the actual bottom line. And they’d be happy to explain how the deal could save you money on travel.

The sales team has an answer for every objection or excuse you might have, so you don’t need to explain yourself. Just be comfortable saying no if you’re not interested.

If you tell the sales team you can’t afford it, they will find a way for you to stretch out payments and afford it. If you tell them you don’t have time to travel right now, they’ll explain how you can bank points for another year — with a “small” fee. Not ready to sign yet? They’ll tell you why today’s deal is better than what you can get later.

Being Excused From the Meeting

My husband told me I was very well-behaved the entire meeting until the manager advised us to buy HGV “owner” points so we could save our Hilton Honors points for retirement . This is clearly the HGV answer for people who turn down the offer because they travel on points.

Something about ridiculous points advice flipped a switch, and apparently, I stopped being nice when I told the manager how much I disagreed with that idea.

Next time, I will probably need a pep talk to watch my mouth when the manager comes in for the close. 

The manager argued that HGV could be a vehicle to retiring with millions of Hilton Honors points. I bet it sounds great to many people who attend these presentations, and my husband thought it was a good point.

The idea is we could keep earning Hilton Honors points just like we do now but wouldn’t need to spend them since our HGV “owner” points would pay for hotel stays. We could use our stockpiled Hilton Honors points in retirement for food and beverages or spa treatments at Hilton properties or convert them to flights and activities with Hilton partners.

That’s not the move I’d make — and I told the manager so. If I stop actively redeeming Hilton Honors points , I will also stop earning them and instead move on to earning rewards I can use in the short term, like flexible travel points, airline miles, or cash-back that I could put in a real retirement account. Anything is better than points I won’t touch until I’m older.

Points are for spending, not saving, and can devalue at any time . The same Hilton rooms we were booking just a few years ago for 50,000 points are now more often 70,000 points. I’d hate to save for decades only to have the value erode when I could have earned more useful rewards.

This is just one of the logic tricks you might tackle to finish the meeting. Salespeople are ready with an answer whether you say you don’t have the money, always travel on points, or don’t have time to travel.

I could tell the manager had enough of me between the retirement points disagreement and the photos I kept taking. She asked a direct question intending to close the sale, so I figured it was time to leave and went in for the kill.

I explained that although we are loyal to Hilton, and it’s often our first choice for hotels because I get a lot of value from my Hilton Honors Surpass card and Diamond status, there’s an exceptional value in the flexibility of changing that relationship at any time .

If we ever decide we don’t like Hilton anymore or another brand offers us better value for our needs as they change, it’s effortless to do that when we aren’t HGV “owners.” All we have to do is use up our Hilton points, downgrade or close my Hilton Honors Surpass card, and move on to earning rewards with a different brand. 

As HGV “owners,” we’d lose that flexibility with a contract and financial interest in staying with Hilton, whether we like it or not. Yes, we could always sell our HGV “ownership” — at a considerable loss. We’d basically be marrying our travel to Hilton for life, and I won’t put a ring on it now, if ever.

Once I explained that, the manager cut her losses, and we were promptly on our way out the door. 

We were shown an additional package, which would allow us to buy a stay that would count toward future HGV points if we signed up as “owners” afterward. I only had to say no to that once before the manager asked us to wait for “corporate.” The corporate agent was extremely brief — again, with another offer that was easy and quick to turn down — and we were on our way to collect our perks at the checkout desk. 

HGV “ownership” didn’t add up for us — even though the rooms we saw were fantastic.

We were back out the front door just a hair under the promised limit of 2 hours.

On our way out the door, we stopped by the checkout desk to collect our remaining perks. What you get as a parting gift depends on your package. For my package, I got a $200 Stay A Night On Us certificate good at my choice of several Hilton brands, including Hampton Inn, Hilton, Embassy Suites, and Homewood Suites.

I selected Hampton Inn — probably not the highest potential value, but I’d researched ahead. Since we will need to pay cash upfront and get refunded, I wanted to avoid brands where we’d have to pay a resort fee, like Hilton Hotels, since that wouldn’t be waived on a cash stay like when we pay with points. We could probably use Homewood or Embassy Suites anywhere, but I have a couple of beachfront Hampton Inn properties in mind that generally run around $200 per night. We will get our money’s worth from the certificate if I redeem it on time — we just have 6 months to use it.

On the way out the door, I noticed how fast HGV moves people through the process and asked an agent how many people come through each day. They said it’s in the hundreds daily just at that location. And when I asked, they told me how many people out of that sign up — roughly 7% based on the numbers I got. That’s just an informal poll from an unsuspecting employee, but it gives you an idea of how often the salespeople hear “no.”

What happens if you sign up for HGV and want to back out? You have a right to rescind the contract , but how long you have depends on where you signed the contract. Most state laws provide between 3 to 15 days — you might still be on vacation when that time runs out. Usually, cancellation information is in your contract, so read up before you get home.

Our HGV timeshare meeting was entertaining, and we walked away with perks. I had a good experience, but it’s not for everyone. Is it right for you? 

• Yes, if you plan to sign up for HGV
• Yes, if you want free stuff
• No, if you are easily manipulated
• No, if you have a packed vacation schedule

The benefits of attending an HGV presentation can be worth it , as you can get a cheap hotel stay in popular vacation cities, some snacks, and most likely some points or a free night at a Hilton property. I considered it free entertainment. I don’t have any regrets about spending 2 hours on the meeting, and it was fun to see some of the amazing Hilton properties they highlighted in the presentation.

But before you walk into that meeting, know that people stronger than you have said yes on the spot. It is compelling, and you can end up signing up for a timeshare even if you walk in intending never to do it.

And I would argue that HGV is particularly dangerous because Hilton is a trusted brand and the presentation was very professional and respectful. It would be much easier to say no to unprofessional or sleazy salespeople — you aren’t likely to find one of those at HGV.

Would I do another Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare presentation? Absolutely yes, as soon as they will have me back. Although we left our Hilton timeshare presentation with a resounding no and an annoyed manager, the benefits were worth the 2 hours we spent.

For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you go to an hgv timeshare presentation.

Timeshare presentations aren’t for everyone, but they can offer a low-cost hotel stay with some added perks. It’s a good idea to attend an HGV timeshare presentation if you are genuinely interested in signing up as an HGV “owner,” or if you just want free stuff and feel confident you can resist the sales pitch. If you don’t want to spend 2 hours in a sales pitch or are worried you’ll crack under high-pressure sales, it’s probably best to not sign up for an HGV sales meeting.

How can you get out of a Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare presentation?

If you’ve signed up for an HGV timeshare presentation vacation package, you have to attend the meeting or you will have to pay full price for your hotel stay. Once you’re in the meeting, you’ll be there for up to 2 hours. You might be able to shave down the time you spend in the meeting if you express disinterest from the start. When HGV tries to close the sale, don’t bother with excuses like not having enough money or time to travel — they’re prepared with solutions to those problems. Don’t be embarrassed to tell them you’re not interested and you’re just there for the free gift because they’ve certainly heard it before.

Can a single person go to an HGV timeshare presentation?

Singles can attend an HGV timeshare presentation. If you’re married, you’ll have to attend with your spouse.

Is it worth it to attend an HGV sales presentation?

The perks of attending an HGV timeshare meeting are pretty compelling, but you have to give up 2 hours of your time on a fairly short vacation of 3 nights. If you don’t mind spending the time, it can be worth it.

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About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

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The Psychology Behind Timeshare Sales: How They Get You to Say "Yes"

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The allure of a timeshare often begins with the promise of idyllic vacations, luxurious resorts, and the dream of a home away from home. But behind the glossy brochures and enticing presentations lies a meticulously crafted sales strategy, deeply rooted in understanding human psychology. Timeshare salespeople are not just selling a property or a vacation plan; they're selling a dream, an emotion, a lifestyle.

Diving into the world of timeshare sales is akin to entering a masterclass in persuasion. Every element, from the ambiance of the salesroom to the carefully chosen words of the presenter, is designed to tap into the psyche of potential buyers. The tactics employed are not accidental; they are the result of years of research and understanding of what makes people tick, what drives them to commit, and, most importantly, what gets them to say "yes."

But what are these psychological triggers that timeshare salespeople so effectively leverage? And how can potential buyers navigate this high-pressure environment with awareness and confidence? This article delves deep into the psychological tactics of timeshare sales, shedding light on the intricate dance of emotions, biases, and decision-making processes that lead many to make one of the most significant financial commitments of their lives.

The Power of Persuasion

At the core of every timeshare presentation is the intricate art of persuasion. This technique, honed over many years, serves as the primary weapon in a salesperson's repertoire. But what elements make persuasion so compelling in the world of timeshares?

Persuasion operates on multiple levels, often targeting the subconscious mind. It's not merely about presenting data or statistics but about framing them in a manner that resonates with an individual's dreams, apprehensions, and goals. The overarching aim is to position the timeshare not as a mere luxury but as an essential part of one's lifestyle.

Timeshare salespeople undergo rigorous training to master the intricacies of human behavior. Their skill set includes reading body language, interpreting reactions, and tailoring their pitch to align with the prospect's mindset. This adaptive approach ensures that the message strikes a chord, making the potential buyer more amenable to the idea presented.

Storytelling is another pivotal aspect of persuasion. By crafting a narrative around the timeshare experience, salespeople immerse prospects in a world filled with endless vacations, opulent accommodations, and treasured moments. This combination of vivid imagery and emotional connection forms a compelling proposition that many find hard to decline.

The setting of the presentation also plays a significant role in the persuasion process. Timeshare pitches often take place in luxurious venues, with every detail meticulously curated. The ambiance, the background music, even the choice of refreshments, all converge to create a relaxed environment. This atmosphere, in turn, makes the potential buyer more receptive to the persuasive techniques at play.

Furthermore, the power of persuasion extends beyond the immediate presentation. Post-presentation follow-ups, personalized offers, and exclusive previews are all tools employed to keep the prospect engaged and inch them closer to a positive decision.

Emotional Appeal

Emotion is a potent driver of human behavior, and timeshare presentations are adept at harnessing this power. By targeting the heartstrings, salespeople can often bypass logical reservations, leading potential buyers to make decisions based on feelings rather than facts.

One of the primary emotions targeted is aspiration. Presentations paint a picture of idyllic vacations, family bonding moments, and escapes from the daily grind. These images tap into a deep-seated desire for relaxation, adventure, and quality time with loved ones.

However, it's not just positive emotions that are leveraged. Fear, especially the fear of missing out (FOMO), is a recurrent theme. The idea that a fantastic deal is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, or that others are seizing similar opportunities, can create a sense of urgency and push individuals towards a purchase.

Empathy is another tool in the emotional arsenal. Salespeople often share personal anecdotes or stories of other clients who've benefited from timeshares. These tales, whether genuine or fabricated, are designed to create a bond between the salesperson and the potential buyer, making the latter more susceptible to the pitch.

Moreover, the emotional appeal isn't limited to the presentation's content. The very structure of the pitch, from the visuals used to the pacing of the information, is calibrated to take attendees on an emotional rollercoaster. Peaks of excitement are followed by moments of reflection, ensuring that the audience remains engaged and emotionally invested throughout.

It's also worth noting that the emotional strategies employed aren't static. They evolve based on feedback, market research, and a deep understanding of societal trends. This adaptability ensures that timeshare presentations remain effective, even as societal norms and values shift over time.

In essence, the emotional appeal is a cornerstone of timeshare presentations. By understanding and manipulating the complex tapestry of human emotions, the industry has crafted a sales technique that is both powerful and, at times, controversial in its efficacy.

Creating a Sense of Urgency

Urgency is a potent psychological trigger, especially in sales environments. When people believe they might miss out on a valuable opportunity, they're more likely to make impulsive decisions. Timeshare presentations masterfully employ this tactic to encourage immediate action.

One common method is the use of limited-time offers. Attendees might be told that a particular deal is only available if they sign up by the end of the presentation. This tactic pressures potential buyers to commit on the spot, leaving little time for reflection or research.

Another strategy involves presenting the timeshare as a scarce commodity. Salespeople might suggest that only a few units are left or that the property is in high demand. This perceived scarcity can create a fear of missing out, driving attendees to act quickly.

Visual cues also play a role in creating urgency. Countdown timers, dwindling stock numbers, or visuals of other customers seizing deals can all amplify the sense of urgency. These cues serve as constant reminders that delay could result in lost opportunities.

It's also common for salespeople to share anecdotes of individuals who hesitated and later regretted missing out on a deal. These stories, whether true or not, serve as cautionary tales, reinforcing the idea that immediate action is in the attendee's best interest.

However, while these tactics can be effective, they can also backfire. Some attendees might feel overwhelmed or manipulated by the high-pressure environment, leading to distrust or a negative perception of the brand. It's a delicate balance that the industry constantly grapples with, as they seek to encourage sales without alienating potential customers.

The sense of urgency is a double-edged sword in timeshare presentations. While it can drive immediate sales, it's essential for the industry to wield this tool responsibly, ensuring that potential buyers feel informed and empowered, rather than pressured.

The Reciprocity Principle

The principle of reciprocity is deeply ingrained in human psychology. It's the idea that when someone does something for us, we naturally want to return the favor. Timeshare presentations often leverage this principle by offering gifts, incentives, or other perks to attendees.

These gifts can range from free meals, tickets to local attractions, or even stays at luxury resorts. While they might seem like generous offers, they serve a strategic purpose: to create a sense of indebtedness in the potential buyer.

Once attendees accept these gifts, they might feel an unspoken obligation to listen more attentively, stay for the entire presentation, or even make a purchase. This subtle psychological pressure can significantly influence their decision-making process.

Moreover, the act of accepting a gift can also create a sense of commitment. Attendees might think, "I've already accepted their hospitality; I should at least hear them out." This mindset can make them more receptive to the sales pitch that follows.

However, it's essential to note that not all attendees will respond to these incentives in the same way. While some might feel obligated, others might see through the tactic and feel manipulated. The effectiveness of the reciprocity principle largely depends on the individual's awareness and their personal values.

Furthermore, the quality and relevance of the gift also play a role. A high-value, relevant incentive is more likely to create a genuine sense of gratitude, while a low-value or irrelevant gift might come off as a transparent sales tactic.

It's also worth noting that over-reliance on this principle can be detrimental. If attendees feel that the primary focus is on the gift rather than the timeshare's value, it can undermine the sales pitch's credibility.

In the world of timeshares, the reciprocity principle is a powerful tool. But like all tools, it requires careful and ethical use. By understanding and respecting the potential buyer's psychology, the industry can use this principle to build genuine relationships and trust.

Social Proof

Humans are inherently social creatures, often looking to others for cues on how to think, feel, and act. This phenomenon, known as social proof, is a powerful psychological trigger that timeshare salespeople utilize to their advantage.

At its core, social proof is the idea that if others are doing something, it must be the right or beneficial thing to do. In the context of timeshares, testimonials, reviews, and stories of other happy owners can serve as compelling evidence of the value and benefits of a timeshare purchase.

During presentations, salespeople might share anecdotes of families who've had memorable vacations thanks to their timeshares. They might display testimonials or even bring in satisfied owners to share their positive experiences. These tactics aim to convey a message: "Look at all these happy timeshare owners; you could be one of them."

Moreover, the rise of online platforms and social media has amplified the impact of social proof. Potential buyers can easily find reviews, ratings, and feedback from other timeshare owners. Positive reviews can bolster a sales pitch, while negative ones can raise red flags.

However, it's crucial to approach social proof with a discerning eye. Not all testimonials or reviews are genuine. Some might be cherry-picked to showcase only the positive aspects, while others might be entirely fabricated. As such, potential buyers should seek a balanced view by researching independently and asking critical questions.

Another aspect to consider is the bandwagon effect, a subset of social proof. This is the idea that if many people are doing something, others will follow suit, even if it's not in their best interest. Timeshare salespeople might emphasize how many units have already been sold or how many people have already signed up, creating a fear of missing out.

While social proof can be a persuasive tool, it's essential for potential buyers to remember that purchasing a timeshare is a significant commitment. It's crucial to base such decisions on personal needs and research rather than solely on the experiences of others.

While social proof can sway decisions, it's vital for consumers to be informed, critical, and make choices that align with their unique needs and circumstances.

Commitment and Consistency

One of the foundational principles of persuasion is the human desire to be consistent with what we have previously done or said. This drive for consistency is deeply rooted in our psyche, and timeshare salespeople are well-aware of its power.

When individuals commit, orally or in writing, to an idea or goal, they are more likely to honor that commitment due to the inherent desire to look consistent. This is especially true if that commitment is made public. For timeshare sales, this principle is often leveraged in subtle ways to nudge potential buyers towards making a purchase.

For instance, during a presentation, a salesperson might ask attendees about their dream vacations or what they value in a holiday experience. Once individuals share these aspirations, the salesperson can align the timeshare's benefits with these expressed desires. By doing so, they're nudging attendees to see the timeshare as a consistent solution to their stated wishes.

Another tactic might involve getting potential buyers to agree to smaller commitments, like attending a presentation, enjoying a free meal, or taking a property tour. These small commitments can pave the way for larger ones. After all, having said 'yes' to smaller requests, the psychological pressure to continue saying 'yes' and remain consistent can be compelling.

Furthermore, written commitments can have an even more substantial impact. If potential buyers fill out a form indicating interest or preferences, they might feel a stronger pull to remain consistent with what they've penned down, even if it was non-binding.

However, it's essential to recognize this tactic for what it is: a sales strategy. Potential buyers should always feel free to change their minds, especially when faced with new information or when given time to reflect. Just because one expressed interest or made a minor commitment doesn't mean they're bound to a significant decision like purchasing a timeshare.

It's also worth noting that while consistency is a valuable trait in many life areas, it shouldn't come at the expense of making informed, rational decisions. Timeshare purchases are long-term commitments with financial implications, so they should be approached with careful consideration, irrespective of prior minor commitments.

In the realm of timeshare sales, understanding the commitment and consistency principle can empower potential buyers. By being aware of this tactic, they can navigate sales pitches more confidently, ensuring their decisions align with their best interests.

The Scarcity Principle

The scarcity principle is a powerful psychological trigger that capitalizes on our inherent fear of missing out (FOMO). When something is perceived as scarce or in limited supply, its perceived value increases, and people are more inclined to take action to secure it.

Timeshare sales presentations often employ this principle to create a sense of urgency. Salespeople might emphasize that a particular deal is available only for a limited time or that there are only a few units left at a specific resort. By presenting the opportunity as fleeting, potential buyers may feel pressured to make a decision on the spot, fearing they might miss out on a valuable offer.

Another common tactic is to mention how other clients are eager to snap up the same deal, further heightening the sense of competition and scarcity. When attendees hear that others are interested, it not only validates the offer's value but also intensifies the fear of missing out.

However, it's crucial to approach such claims with a healthy dose of skepticism. In many cases, these "limited-time offers" are merely sales tactics designed to rush attendees into making a decision. It's always advisable to take a step back, assess the offer's genuine value, and consider whether it aligns with one's long-term goals and financial situation.

Moreover, while the idea of securing a vacation spot in a sought-after destination can be enticing, it's essential to remember that timeshares are long-term commitments. Making a hasty decision based on perceived scarcity can lead to future regrets.

Attendees should also be wary of high-pressure sales tactics that play on the scarcity principle. If a deal genuinely offers good value, it should stand up to scrutiny and not require rushed decisions. It's always a good idea to request time to think things over, consult with trusted individuals, and conduct independent research before committing.

While the scarcity principle is a potent tool in the timeshare sales arsenal, potential buyers can navigate it by staying informed, seeking clarity, and prioritizing their long-term interests over short-term pressures.

Authority and Influence

Authority plays a pivotal role in shaping our decisions. When someone is perceived as an expert or holds a position of authority, their opinions and recommendations often carry more weight. This principle is frequently leveraged in timeshare presentations to enhance the persuasiveness of the sales pitch.

Sales representatives may present themselves as experts in the vacation and timeshare industry. By doing so, they aim to gain the trust of potential buyers, making them more receptive to the information being shared. This perceived expertise can make attendees feel that they are receiving insider knowledge or exclusive deals.

Furthermore, the use of authoritative figures or endorsements can also be a tactic. For instance, a presentation might highlight endorsements from celebrities or well-known figures in the travel industry. Such endorsements can create a sense of legitimacy and prestige around the timeshare offer.

Another strategy involves showcasing impressive company credentials, awards, or affiliations with reputable organizations. By aligning the timeshare company with recognized industry standards or accolades, the sales team aims to foster trust and credibility.

However, it's essential for potential buyers to critically evaluate these claims of authority. Just because a sales representative presents themselves as an expert doesn't mean they have the attendee's best interests at heart. Similarly, endorsements and affiliations can be manipulated or taken out of context to paint a rosier picture than reality.

It's always advisable for attendees to conduct their research and seek independent reviews or testimonials. While the authority principle can be compelling, making an informed decision requires a balanced view that considers multiple perspectives and sources of information.

Moreover, potential buyers should remember that timeshare commitments are long-term. Relying solely on the authority presented in a sales pitch without thorough due diligence can lead to unforeseen challenges and regrets down the line.

Ultimately, while authority and influence are powerful tools in the sales process, they should be one of many factors considered when evaluating a timeshare purchase. A holistic approach that combines respect for authority with independent research and personal reflection will yield the best outcomes.

The Likability Factor

The principle of likability is straightforward: we are more inclined to say "yes" to requests made by people we like. Timeshare sales representatives are often trained to build rapport quickly, capitalizing on this psychological tendency to enhance the effectiveness of their pitch.

Building likability can start with finding common ground. Sales representatives might engage in small talk, discovering shared interests, experiences, or aspirations with potential buyers. This commonality fosters a sense of connection and trust.

Compliments are another tool in the arsenal. Genuine or not, compliments can make attendees feel valued and appreciated, increasing their receptivity to the sales message. However, it's crucial for potential buyers to recognize when flattery is being used as a tactic rather than a sincere gesture.

Physical appearance and demeanor also play roles in likability. Representatives often dress professionally and maintain a friendly, enthusiastic attitude, further establishing a positive impression.

Another strategy involves mirroring or matching the body language, tone, and speaking pace of the potential buyer. This subconscious mimicry can create a feeling of familiarity and alignment between the salesperson and the attendee.

However, while likability can enhance communication and foster a positive atmosphere, it's essential not to let it cloud judgment. A friendly demeanor and shared interests do not necessarily equate to a good deal or a wise investment.

Attendees should strive to separate their personal feelings about the sales representative from the actual terms and conditions of the timeshare offer. It's crucial to evaluate the proposal on its merits, independent of the likability of the person presenting it.

Remember, making a timeshare commitment is a significant decision with long-term implications. While it's natural to be swayed by likable individuals, it's imperative to prioritize objective evaluation and due diligence over personal rapport.

While the likability factor is undeniably influential in the sales process, potential buyers should approach it with awareness and critical thinking, ensuring that their decisions are well-informed and aligned with their best interests.

The Anchoring Effect

The anchoring effect is a cognitive bias where individuals rely heavily on the first piece of information they encounter (the "anchor") when making decisions. In the realm of timeshare sales, this psychological principle is often exploited to influence potential buyers' perceptions of value and cost.

For instance, a sales representative might initially present a high-priced timeshare package. This sets a price anchor in the potential buyer's mind. Subsequent offers, even if they're still expensive, seem more reasonable in comparison to the initial high anchor.

By establishing this reference point, salespeople can make subsequent offers or discounts appear more attractive. The contrast between the anchored price and the new offer creates a perceived value, making the deal seem too good to pass up.

Another manifestation of the anchoring effect is when representatives highlight the rising costs of traditional vacations, emphasizing hotel prices, flight costs, and other expenses. By setting this high expenditure anchor, the timeshare's cost, spread over many years, might seem like a more economical choice.

It's essential to recognize that while the anchoring effect is a natural cognitive tendency, it can lead to skewed perceptions. Potential buyers might feel they're getting a bargain based on the anchored reference point, even if the deal isn't financially sound in the broader context.

Attendees should be wary of initial price points and be prepared to evaluate offers independently of these anchors. Conducting independent research, comparing prices with other timeshare companies, and considering the total cost of ownership can provide a more holistic view of the offer's value.

Furthermore, it's beneficial to take a step back and assess whether the timeshare aligns with one's vacation habits, financial situation, and long-term goals. Removing the influence of the anchor and focusing on practical considerations can lead to more informed decisions.

Ultimately, while the anchoring effect is a powerful tool in the salesperson's toolkit, awareness of its influence can empower potential buyers to navigate timeshare presentations with confidence and clarity.

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Timeshare: What It Is, How It Works, Types of Ownership

Investopedia / Laura Porter

A timeshare is a collective model of vacation real estate in which multiple buyers own or lease allotments of usage, typically in one-week increments, for the same property. The timeshare model is used for many different properties, with units offered in vacation resorts, condominiums, apartments, and campgrounds.

Key Takeaways

• A timeshare represents distributed ownership or leasing of vacation property where multiple buyers have exclusive use of a property for a period of time.
• Timeshares are available for many kinds of vacation properties, such as resorts, condominiums, and apartments.
• Timeshares are for periods that are fixed (the buyer has specific dates each year) or floating (use of the property is limited to a season during which it can be reserved, typically on a first-come, first-served basis).
• Benefits include vacationing in a professionally managed resort in a predictable setting.
• Drawbacks include a lack of flexibility in making changes, annual maintenance fees, and difficulty reselling one.
• Scams abound in parts of the industry, especially in the secondary market where owners are attempting to sell or rent their timeshares.

Shared-deeded timeshares are a form of  fractional ownership , where buyers purchase the right to occupy a unit of real estate over specified periods. For example, purchasing one week of a timeshare means the buyer owns one-fifty-second of the unit. Buying one month equates to one-twelfth ownership. Shared-lease timeshares offer much the same availability but expire after a certain time, cannot be resold, and do not represent an ownership interest.

Timeshares are popular in vacation locales where owners may want repeated use of a property without the cost of full ownership. Timeshare properties include homes, condominiums, and resorts. The timeshare model has also been used for recreational vehicles and private jets. 

In 2023, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the main trade group for the timeshare sector, said there were 1,541 timeshare resorts in the U.S., with 201,600 units. The average timeshare transaction had a price of $23,940.

Timeshares confer upon its buyer the right to annual exclusive use of a vacation property for a defined period, generally measured in one-week increments. Timeshares typically follow one of these models:

Fixed Terms

A fixed-period timeshare gives a timeshare buyer the right to exclusively use the property for a specific week or weeks each year. The main advantage is that the buyer can plan an annual vacation at the same time every year. The flip side of the coin is that it may be very difficult to change the dates for the fixed period if work or school schedules change.

Floating Timeshares

A floating-period timeshare gives exclusive use of the property for a week or weeks during preset dates or throughout the year. While it is more flexible than the fixed-period system, the floating date model could mean the specific dates you need are already booked, e.g., during the busiest times of the year, and may need to be reserved well in advance.

This system adopts points to represent timeshare use. Just as the cost of booking a hotel is going to depend on the resort location, size of the vacation unit, and dates, the points vary similarly, though they are usable for one or more resort properties. Those who own points can use them on exchanges either within one company's own resorts (internal exchange) or with other resorts as well (external exchange). While the points system provides buyers with increased vacation choices, there can be vast differences in the properties and across times of the year for how far your points can go.

Timeshares are typically structured as shared deed or shared lease.

Shared-Deeded Ownership

Shared-deeded ownership gives you a percentage of the physical property corresponding to the period bought. For example, one resort condo sold in timeshare increments of one week can technically have 52 total deeds. Buying one week would confer a one-fifty-second ownership interest in the unit, while two weeks would give you a one-twenty-sixth interest, and so forth. Shared-deeded ownership interest is ordinarily held in perpetuity and can be resold or willed to other parties.

Shared-Lease

Shared-lease timeshares give you the use of a specific property for a fixed or floating period each year for a certain number of years. In this structure, the timeshare developer retains the deed to the property, unlike the shared-deeded model, where the buyer gets the deed for a fraction of the property. Property transfers or resales are also more restrictive than with a deeded timeshare. As a result, leased timeshares typically have a lower value than a deeded timeshare.

Holding a leased timeshare does not afford fractional ownership of the underlying property. According to the ARDA, fractional ownership is more typical in the luxury segment of vacation properties, offering more services and amenities.

According to the ARDA, over 205,000 timeshare units were sold in the United States in 2020. The industry generated $4.9 billion of sales from its 1,570 U.S. resorts with 7 million total nights rented during the year.

Are timeshares even relevant in a sharing economy where Airbnb is such a prominent company? However much Airbnb has changed how people rent vacation spaces, it has not stopped the growth in the timeshare sector. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, annual timeshare revenue growth increased 10 consecutive years, picking right back up again in 2022.

Timeshares and Airbnb have specific attributes that appeal to two divergent demographics. The main appeal of Airbnb and other home-sharing sites is in their flexibility and ability to offer unique experiences—attributes said to be more cherished by millennials.

The downside, as regular Airbnb renters attest, is that the quality of accommodation is not always guaranteed, and there's a possibility that the haven you thought you were booking is actually a hotel. In addition, because most Airbnb rentals are residential, the amenities and services found in timeshares may be unavailable.

Timeshares typically offer predictability, comfort, and many amenities and activities—all at a price.

Many timeshare companies allow owners to “exchange” their timeshare location with another one to provide more flexibility for owners among several destinations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Timeshares

Familiar location every year without any unpleasant surprises

Resort-like amenities and services

Avoids the hassle of booking a new vacation each year

Ongoing costs can be significant

Little flexibility when changing weeks or the contract

Timeshares are difficult to resell

Aggressive marketing practices

Although timeshares are not for everyone, they have some advantages for those looking for a vacation spot that's convenient and reliable. However, there are some distinct disadvantages that investors should consider before entering into a timeshare agreement.

Most timeshares are owned by large corporations in desirable vacation locations. Timeshare buyers have the peace of mind of knowing that they can vacation in a familiar location every year without any unpleasant surprises.

Timeshare properties usually have resort-like amenities and services and are professionally managed. Compared with a typical hotel room, a timeshare property is likely to be significantly larger and have more features, enabling a more comfortable stay.

Timeshares may thus be suitable for people who prefer vacationing in a predictable setting every year, without the hassle of venturing into the unknown regarding their next vacation.

Disadvantages

The drawbacks of a timeshare are that the ongoing costs can be significant, after factoring in the substantial upfront payment and annual maintenance fees, with the latter generally trending higher on a percentage basis year after year. For a deeded timeshare, the owner also has to pay a proportionate share of the monthly mortgage. As a result, the all-in costs of owning a timeshare may be pretty high compared with staying for a week in a comparable resort or hotel in the same location without owning a timeshare.

There is also little flexibility to change a fixed week timeshare; a floating week has to be reserved well in advance as confirmation is generally on a first-come-first-served basis, and even so, might be unavailable during the busiest times of the year. In addition, a timeshare contract is binding; the owner cannot simply walk away from a timeshare contract because there is a change in their financial or personal circumstances.

It is notoriously difficult to resell a timeshare—assuming the contract allows for resale in the first place—and this lack of liquidity may deter a prospective investor. A timeshare resale may fetch a much lower price than the initial cost for two reasons: timeshares tend to depreciate quickly, and there is a mismatch in supply and demand due to the number of timeshare owners looking to exit their contracts.

The timeshare industry is infamous for its aggressive marketing practices. Many timeshare purchases are impulsive, made by consumers swayed by slick marketing and tall promises.

For example, Las Vegas has many timeshare marketers tempting the city's visitors to listen to an off-site timeshare presentation. In exchange for listening to their pitch, they offer incentives, such as free event tickets and complimentary hotel accommodations. The salespeople work for property developers and frequently employ high-pressure sales approaches designed to turn “nays” into “yeas.”

The prices developers charge are significantly more than what a buyer could realize in the secondary market , with the developer surplus paying commissions and marketing costs. Timeshare marketers may also frequently conceal the actual cost of timeshare ownership and exaggerate its potential benefits. Because the timeshare market is rife with gray areas and questionable business practices, it is vital that prospective timeshare buyers conduct due diligence before executing any contract.

Timeshares typically become available for rent when the owner does not need the unit during a specific period of time. Owners list their timeshares for rent on sites like Trip Advisor, Timeshare Users Group, and Redweek. On these sites, you can search for your rental by location, size, dates, and price. There are also specialized timeshare rental sites for Disney, Hilton, and Hyatt. Renting a timeshare is a good way to try one out before you make a longer-term purchase.

Another downside of timeshares, beyond the experience of marketers' intense sales pitches, is that scams have been found across the U.S., and indeed internationally, as state attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and several American consulates abroad have issued warnings about the particular timeshare scams endemic to their areas. As part of their cons, scammers have even represented themselves as from the industry's main trade group, the ARDA.

Timeshare frauds typically revolve around the sale, resale, or exit strategies for timeshare agreements—the difficulty of selling timeshares you own is the opening scammers need. Here are some of the methods con artists have employed (“owner” is used loosely below for both those involved in leases and in shared-deed timeshares to avoid confusion with fraudulent "buyers"):

• High-pressure sales tactics : It's typical during an initial timeshare presentation for potential owners to face high-pressure sales tactics, but overblown and misleading promises and misrepresentation of the contract terms are another matter and are illegal forms of fraud.
• Resale scams : This is the most commonly cited fraud by attorneys generals: scammers target timeshare owners wanting to sell. The scammers promise to find buyers quickly, often asking for upfront fees, but never sell anything.
• Rental scams : As in the resale scams, fraudsters claim they can rent out the owner's timeshare for a lucrative price, requiring an upfront fee for this service, but renters for the timeshare never appear.
• Exit or cancellation Scams: Another fraud targeting owners who want out of their timeshares involves offering legal services to cancel the timeshare contract for an upfront fee. The fee is collected, but the contract remains.
• Phony buyers : The owner is contacted by someone claiming to want to buy the timeshare for themselves or another very interested buyer. They mention an attractive price, but the owner will have to pay some fees upfront, after which the supposed “buyer” disappears.
• Maintenance fee or assessment scams : Owners are again contacted and told that a special assessment or an increased maintenance fee is due and requires immediate payment. The fraudster, however, does not represent the timeshare firm involved in the original sale.
• Upgrade or trade-in scams : Timeshare owners are offered an opportunity to get out of their current timeshare for a better unit or location. These, of course, require upfront fees and other unnecessary expenses.

A criminal case prosecuted in Georgia shows how these scams usually take shape. In October 2023, partners in a decade-old timeshare scam were sentenced in a scheme that went back more than a decade. From 2012 to 2016, Jess Kinmont and John P. Wenz, Jr. ran Pro Timeshare Resales, where they employed telemarketers using scripted dialogues to defraud timeshare owners. The scripts falsely claimed the company had immediate buyers or renters for the timeshare owner's property. Despite their promises of quick sales while giving specific dates for closing deals, Kinmont and Wenz never sold or rented any timeshare interests during the five years the business ran.

The duo charged owners up to $2,500 upfront and then persuaded many to pay extra for supposed closing costs or other fees related to these nonexistent transactions. Requests for refunds from consumers were denied or ignored. Ultimately, Kinmont and Wenz swindled over 8,000 people across the U.S.

How Do You Get Out of a Timeshare Contract?

Depending on your contract, there are usually three ways to get rid of your timeshare. The first is to sell your timeshare to somebody else, although this is almost guaranteed to be a financial loss if you bought your timeshare new. The second is to negotiate with the timeshare company to break the contract. But this will likely incur additional fees. Finally, if your contract has a “cooling-off” or rescission period and you are still within it, you may be able to return your contract without penalty. It would be prudent to seek advice from a lawyer specializing in timeshares to review your contract terms. If all else fails, you can try to gift your timeshare to a friend or family member willing to pick up the ongoing maintenance costs.

How Do You Sell a Timeshare?

If you own a timeshare and want to sell it, there are several websites that you can use to list yours. You can also seek out a timeshare broker to help find a new buyer. The resale price of a timeshare is almost always a great deal lower than the initial purchase price.

How Do I Find Out What My Timeshare Is Worth?

Timeshares have values that depend on size and amenities, location, and how easy it is to swap or exchange your location for others. Your timeshare's value is determined by comparing the offered prices of similar timeshares advertised for sale or rented on several online platforms.

How Can I Buy a Timeshare Cheaply?

Buying a “secondhand” timeshare will typically be the most cost-effective route. Be sure to pay attention to ongoing fees and costs such as maintenance and change fees in addition to the purchase price. Also, be sure to avoid the scam artists too easy to find in the secondary market.

How Do I Get Rid of My Timeshare Without Ruining My Credit?

If you simply stop paying your timeshare fees, the timeshare firm can report this delinquency to credit agencies, and you'll have a major ding on your credit score. If you can no longer afford the timeshare, you should sell it or renegotiate your contract with the timeshare company to preserve your credit.

Timeshares allow individuals and families to buy the right to use a property for a specific time each year. While they appeal to many regular vacationers, timeshares also have notable downsides, including ongoing maintenance fees, inflexibility with dates and locations, and potential difficulties in resale or cancellation. The timeshare market is rife with scam artists, particularly in the resale and exit sectors, which require caution and thorough research from owners and potential buyers.

Federal Trade Commission. " Timeshares, Vacation Rentals, and Related Scams ."

American Resort Development Association. " US Timeshare Industry: By the Numbers ."

American Resort Development Association. " Timeshare Terminology ."

American Resort Development Association. " State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study 2021 ."

American Association of Retired People. " How Timeshare Exit Scams Work – and How to Avoid Them ."

U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Mexico. " Real Estate and Timeshares: Fraud Typology ."

American Resort Development Association. " Warning Signs of Timeshare Scams: Protect Yourself and Your Investment ."

U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Georgia. " Owners of Timeshare Resale Company Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Over 8,000 Victims Out of $18 Million ."

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• Understanding Timeshare
• Choose Your Product
• Book Your Best Vacation
• Understand How Your Product Works
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Timeshare is the ownership of a vacation product as a unit of time to access different resorts or as an interest of shared ownership of a vacation property at a specific resort. The first timeshares began as sharing ownership of a fixed week and has evolved into flexible products using points. Many owners compare their timeshare to having a vacation home without the burden of maintenance.

Nearly every timeshare company is affiliated with an exchange program which allows owners to exchange their time for another comparable resort within their company’s portfolio of resorts.  Today, timeshare owners have access to more than 5,500 resorts in more than 100 countries, making timeshare a great way to explore new places.

One of the unique qualities of timeshare is the spacious accommodations. Most of today’s modern suites include a full kitchen, dining room, living room, balcony, and private bedrooms. Many even come equipped with washer and dryers. Think about how you vacation at a hotel. Your family may need more than one room and you’ll have to plan where you’ll eat your meals — adding extra stress and costs. Timeshare families value having the space for everyone, which makes for a more enjoyable vacation.

Buying directly from a timeshare company is the safest way to purchase a timeshare. You may be tempted to use marketing firms or resellers, but many conduct false advertisements and timeshare exit scams. A timeshare company representative can walk you through all aspects of ownership — from membership benefits, to using points and the exchange system. Every timeshare company has an owner service center to help answer questions, including when you’re ready to exit your timeshare.

The average cost of a first-time timeshare purchase is approximately $20,000 but varies based on type of timeshare (fixed, termed, vacation clubs, or points-based). When considering a timeshare, it is important to weigh the cost of how you typically vacation each year and the added expense of meals, amenities, resort types, room size and more. Also consider how prices tend to rise year over year, while your timeshare purchase price would be locked for life.

The value of timeshare comes from using it every year. Everyone will value their timeshare differently based on how often they can vacation. To many people, the family memories are invaluable. Owning a timeshare is comparable to belonging to a golf or tennis club – over time your investment value grows through your vacation experiences. No matter how much you invest to buy your timeshare, the value increases each time you use it and the investment cost is amortized over a lifetime of vacations.

There are a variety of timeshare companies who develop, sell, and manage timeshare properties. Some developers include:

• Club Wyndham
• Diamond Resorts
• Holiday Inn Club Vacations
• Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham
• Shell Vacations Club
• Westgate Resorts Vacation Ownership
• WorldMark by Wyndham

For a complete list of timeshare resort companies, visit the website for the American Resort Development Association (ARDA.)

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The Awkward Traveller

5 Ways to Scam a Timeshare Presentation for Travel Deals and Freebies

I am a participant in the Amazon Affiliates Program, so basically I earn a small commission if you use any of the affiliate links on this post - at no extra cost to you! Dope right?

Who doesn’t love a travel deal? EVERYONE. Well, unless you’re one of those people who like paying EXTRA to prove a point or something (couldn’t be me). Regardless, I’m sure you’ve heard about attending a timeshare presentation or promotion in exchange for a literal FREE VACATION.

Like. What?

How can a hotel offer 3 nights accommodation plus water park tickets and a $100 restaurant gift card for $129?

How can watching a short video reward you with a free flight and lodging for a weekend across the country?

Well. That’s because these promotions are from timeshare companies looking to introduce their resort, and timeshare ownership, to new people. Remember what Andrew Lewis said, if you’re not paying for a product, YOU are the product.

Little do these timeshare presentations and companies know – I’m a very fickle product.

And by fickle, I mean I want all of the reward without any of input. But maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. First, we should probably break down timeshare presentations.

Table of Contents

So What ARE Timeshares?

Timeshare sales are big business! Like, REALLY big. In 2019, there was $10.2 billion (yes billions!) in timeshare purchases in America. That’s almost twice as much as Sephora’s sales. The global timeshare market is expected to reach $40 billion in 2023. And yah, that accounts for the whole COVID pandemic. I mean, it might have even increased it.

But, as with any industry, in order to grow their business, timeshare companies need to pivot and begin selling timeshares to younger generations – aka Millennials (specifically young/cusp Millennials) and Gen Z. Yanno. ME.

And maybe you too. I don’t know your age. But I’m assuming you might not have had a timeshare property before, so I’ll just lump you into the target audience as well.

So what IS a timeshare? Timeshares are partial vacation ownerships of condo-like units in resort developments. They are owned, operated, and maintained by independent resorts, small chains, and large timeshare companies like Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Club Wyndham, Marriott Vacation Club, and Disney.

I mean, you might have stayed in a timeshare rental before without realizing it. I know I did in Napa, California, and it turned out to be one of the most affordable options in the area! And it was REAL NICE TOO.

Okay…So What are Timeshare Presentations?

Just like car sales, timeshare selling is most effective IN PERSON. But companies can’t just stand outside of grocery stores like Girl Scouts selling cookies and try to guilt trip you into buying something.

So timeshare companies hold timeshare presentations, or pitches. Basically they invite you (or a group of people) to the presentation, give you ALL the pros, explain through any of the cons, and really try to sell you on the idea of having a timeshare property.

And to really sweeten the deal, they throw in some awesome perks for just ATTENDING the timeshare presentation! Usually a free weekend stay at a hotel or resort, flights, food and drink credit, activities, the works. So I mean…if you really want to get flewed out for the absolute minimum amount of work, attending a timeshare presentation can be a pretty sweet deal!

What’s the Catch?

I mean….

What’s your time worth to you?

Two hours of your time can “fund” vacations to resorts across the country. You can score unbelievable travel deals by attending these timeshare presentations, but it’s important to educate yourself so you don’t get pressured into buying an unwanted or overpriced timeshare.

Is it possible to still reap the benefits of attending a timeshare presentation without…yanno, ACTUALLY buying a timeshare property? How do you talk you way out of a sales pitch?

I’ve personally only been to one timeshare presentation (and snagged a free trip out of it!), so honestly I’m not the BEST to help guide you to making these companies spend their coin on you. That’s why I’ve enlisted the help of my buddy Monica, who has actually been a timeshare owner for fifteen years. Trust me, know one knows more than her about squeezing all that you can out of those promotional presentations. She will be dropping her five best tips for making out like a bandit without spending a dime! Monica, take it away.

Double Check that You Meet Their Qualifications

These deals can be an amazing way to travel on the cheap, but you have to meet the qualifications outlined in the Terms and Conditions. 

There’s always a barrier. But no worries, they’re not TOO out of left field. Remember, by making this type of promotional reservation, you are confirming that you meet their requirements and promise to attend a timeshare presentation. Here’s a variety of conditions found in the fine print to give you a sense:

Example of Timeshare Presentation Requirements

• Couples living in the same household with combined income of $50,000; Must have the same address on their ID; Must attend the presentation together
• Single people 30 years of age and older with annual income of 45K or more may qualify
• Must be currently employed
• Must be creditworthy (no bankruptcies, foreclosures or liens in the past two years)
• Cannot be in the process of home loan modifications/refinance
• Must pay 13% room tax and $20.00 daily resort fee due at check-in
• Must have a credit card that is not connected to a debit account
• Only for the U.S. Residents that reside in AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KT, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OK, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY.

That said, when I attended my first timeshare presentation, the only thing they checked was my ID and which state I lived in. They didn’t even check if my partner and I had the same address (we didn’t), so. Just putting that out there. They might though, but if you’re already in the door, they usually want to at least try to keep you there.

The Sales Presentation is Required. Seriously

By booking your reservation, if you get an offer where you travel to the resort FIRST, then attend a presentation there, you agree to go to the sales meeting and cannot skip it.

Point. Blank.

The reason they are offering room accommodations for free, or close to it, is to get people to attend their sales pitches. A majority of timeshare purchases are made during these presentations, so timeshare companies know the more people who attend, the more sales they can make.

Listen, they are not playing around with this requirement. If you do not go, your credit card will be charged the full retail price of the accommodations, or a flat fee around $300, depending on the resort. Usually, it’s whatever is more expensive. You have to hold up your side of this travel deal and can’t get out of it. 

On the flip side, if you get an offer where you have to attend a timeshare presentation first, THEN they’ll fly you out, you don’t have too much to lose if you don’t show up. Well, except your potential getaway.

Set Your Phone Timer

You agreed to attend their meeting to get this offer, but only for the amount of time listed in the promo fine print – and not one second longer .

You’re on a vacation after all, don’t waste half a day in a hotel conference room.  If the promo you booked says “a 90 minute sales presentation,” start your phone timer the minute the presentation starts. Once you’ve given your time, your obligation is fulfilled. Period. 

Do not let them tell you otherwise, make you feel bad, or talk you into spending any more time with them. It’s unnecessary. Something as simple as, “Thanks for sharing this information with me. The required 90 minutes is up. Take care :)”

Get out of your seat and go back to enjoying your vacation. Badda bing badda boom.

However, if you attend a timeshare presentation that does not state a time limit (usually the ones that give you the trip AFTER), you really just have to muscle through their multiple sales tactics. If you are uninterested in buying, be stern and make that clear. Any sort of wishy-washy “mayyybeeee”s will just make them keep you longer.

Keep Your ID and Credit Card in Your Own Hand

Yes, you are required to “present” an ID and/or Credit card, but present it in your own hand. Do not let them keep it or take it anywhere .

If I was at a car dealership shopping for a car I’d do the exact same thing.  If they give you a hard time, play their fine print language back to them, and stay friendly. “I’m presenting you my ID. I only give my ID to customs at the airport. Or when a police officer pulls me over for speeding.” Laugh, and smile! A little light heartedness goes a long way!   

This piece is critical because if they have your ID or credit card, it will be very hard to get it back once your phone timer goes off. If you have all of your items in your wallet, you can leave once your part of the deal is done.  If they have your stuff, you’re kinda a hostage. Stay ready and you won’t have to get ready.

Arm Yourself with a Resale Listing

Are there some bad apples in a barrel? Yes.

Are there some timeshare sales people who are aggressive? Yes.

If you find yourself in a very uncomfortable position, especially if you are usually a more quiet or shy person (or just a people pleaser), getting out of a strong sales pitch can be difficult. I am one of those people.

To have some backing power, show them a print out of a resale listing for their exact resort and ask them if they can match the price. 

Spoiler: They can’t. You’ll be at the pool before you know it. 

Hold up hold up hold upppp. Wait a minute….but what exactly is that?

What Is a Timeshare Resale Listing?

Did you know there is a resale market for timeshares where existing owners sell their unwanted timeshare to other people?

Yup, just like a car or house, people resell their timeshares too! It’s not like you’d have a “new” timeshare anyway since you’re just buying a specific time to use the property.

You can save 75%-99% of resort sales price by buying a timeshare in the resale market. Timeshare Users Group (TUG), the oldest and largest timeshare owners group and advocacy organization, hits it right on the head when they say, “Why would anyone buy from a resort if they could get the exact same “used condo” week, at the exact same resort property, for pennies on the dollar from an existing owner?”

Where Can You Find Timeshare Resale Listings?

If you ARE interested in buying a timeshare property rental, there are a few places you can go that will be hands down cheaper than getting it at a timeshare presentation.

One of the best places to find timeshare resale listings is TUG’s owner-to-owner marketplace .  It is one of the largest and most visited timeshare classified ad sites on the internet with $30 million in timeshare sales, $18 million in owner-direct timeshare rentals, and one-week vacation exchanges between timeshare owners. If you can’t find the resort you are visiting there, check out Redweek.com , the largest online marketplace for timeshare sales and rentals.

Plus, both sites are fantastic reliable resources to arm yourself with information during a timeshare presentation.

If you’re curious about buying a timeshare for up to 99% off and want to read about “Best Buys” check out Monica’s article: Timeshare Purchases 2021: How to Get The Most Bang for Your Buck. 

Getting the Most out of a Timeshare Presentation: Conclusion

If you love to travel and are trying to find ways to afford it, timeshare presentation promotion deals are certainly an opportunity. Also, if a company is going to treat you like a product, at least make them pay you for it!! I’m not saying go out and ROB them –

-but definitely take advantage of the opportunity! Follow these five tips and you’ll feel confident, and empowered, to attend a timeshare presentation, say NO to buying, AND walk out with a free getaway. Now go on and get yo goodies!!

Have you ever attended a timeshare presentation? How did it go? Let me know in the comments below! And, if you want to know more tricks about working perks in your favor, check out my post about soft-core scamming your loved ones into payin g for your travels . I promise no family memebers or friends will be hurt in the process 🙂

I want to give a special shoutout to Monica for writing up and providing all of her expert knowledge on timeshare rentals. Basically, she’s the Timeshare Fairy Godmother you never knew you needed. Seriously, if you ever want to know about timeshare vacation tricks and tips (or even what to do around the NYC Metro Area) SHE’S YOUR GAL. Check out more of her stuff over at PlannerAtHeart.com !

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There are a lot of great tips here, and to be honest I had heard of timeshares but didn’t know the details about them, so thanks for sharing all of the helpful information!

Yayyy!! I’m so glad you found it helpful!

Really useful post lady!

I do value my time, so I am not desperate to spend 90 mins listening to a presentation for a timeshare I don’t want to buy…but it is a pretty amazing deal! I guess I could daydream my way through it.

We were actually approached by some timeshare sellers in Whistler last year. They offered us 4 nights for $200 (normally it is closer to $200 per night, so we were VERY tempted.) The problem was they wanted the money up front before we could choose our dates, so we didn’t want to commit. I do regret it a bit as it would be nice to stay up there for multiple nights!

Awww man, I get that!! If I wasn’t sure about my availability, I’d be super hesitant to commit as well! But now that my entire calendar year is free….hahah

Ok I was SO excited about this free travel hack until I saw that it’s only available to American citizens, haha. I always wondered why I didn’t hear about timeshares here in Canada, I guess it’s just an American thing!

Maybe!! I wonder…why….

I have always heard of the timeshare rewards, but never thought of making it a way to get free trips and more! So thank you, thank you, thank you! I am going to have to try this sometime and didn’t even know I could look up “events” for it.

Let me know how it goes!! Thanks for reading!

Great article!! This past weekend, I went on a vacation to Las Vegas and was approached to attend a presentation and would receive a free mini vacation, $50 visa gift card, and $100 slot play. Their presentation was not about timeshares, but was trying to sell you their website that allows you to have access to cheap deals for hotels, flights, etc. I came with the mindset that I am NOT buying any of it, but my boyfriend was falling into their trap. However, I got him together and we took the free things and left. I’ve been obsessed with trying to find more presentations like this!!!! I went to the websites that you posted in this article, but having trouble seeing what deals are offered with their timeshare.

AHHH!!!! Thank you so much Kylie!! That literally means the WORLD to me haha. ALSO YAAAAAS getting those deals!!! So the websites I posted are not directories for timeshare presentations – they’re just a directory for timeshares resells (by the owner). Kinda like a timeshare zillow/redfin. But that’s a great idea, I should put together a post of where to find the presentations themselves – thanks for the idea!

Kylie! I would love to see what you have assembled for places like this!

How do I sign up to receive promotions to stay at hotels for timeshar presentations?

The most direct way would be to call the timeshare company and ask if they have any promotions/presentations going on. The website VacationPeople dot com is another resource to browse!

do you happen to have a list of these timeshare companies?

I’m headed to St.Petes beach on a timeshare presentation that i bought 3 nights for $160. I’m prepared to go to the presentation and set my timer for 2hrs. The more pressure people put on me the more i back away. I’m ready, but your article gave some great pointers.. thanks!!

My pleasure!! Thank you so much for reading 🙂

Your information about the secondary market is not COMPLETE. You can buy points but you receive non of the benefits of ownership. And the timeshare company has right to recession meaning they have the right to buy it first. Also all you are buying is the maintenance fees that go up 4% per year. And additionally. Just say no it’s classless to bring up the secondary market in a presentation.

So the point of this article isn’t actually to buy anything at all, secondary market or not. It is a leveraging tactic to get out of buying anything. The bottom line (regardless of pros/cons of the secondary market) is that the price cannot be matched, and is an easier way to pivot out of an aggressive sales tactics for those who may find it harder to “just say no.” In my humble opinion, judging others on their social confidence and navigating aggressive sales pitches is more “classless,” but maybe that’s just me.

It’s also classless to correct someone so publicly.

I’ve been on about a dozen time share presentations in my lifetime. I currently have 3 vacations in my coffers to cash in on during the next year. I enjoy making the salesmen work and work and work to try to force me to take their offer. Just remember that you have all the power, until you sign the contract to purchase….so I never purchase and I retain my power over them.

Have you taken advantage of their free vacation and is it legitimate? I attended a presentation and got a voucher for Orlando trip but I need to send a money order for $100 that’s refundable and then 60 per person for taxes. Is that correct?

I personallyyy wouldn’t pay out of pocket for any offer that’s supposed to be free.

I’ve used this opportunity many times! Once I had a sales man yell at me because he thought I was truly interested in buying. I guess I have a good poker face! Haha!

cant believe people like you think they’re actually getting somewhere in life. absolute loser. I’ve owned 3 programs for 15 years and NEVER have spent my valuable vaca time with my wife and kids on another presentation. if you already own one and are doing presentation you are an imbecile wasting your most valuable resource, your TIME

Ahhh interesting, but you DO use your valuable time to comment on something irrelevant to you? Lol Okayyyy Nick

I signed uip for a 3 day 3 nite timeshare “promotion” in Las Vegas – there were many things offered for attending the sales presentation – and they wanted $399 down for the ‘package deal’. However, when I got there, I wasn’t allowed to attend the sales presentation (they said I was 15 min. late). When I tried to reschedule and told them I was willing to pay for an extra nite at the hotel in order to attend a rescheduled time/date – they offered me a second chance 2 days later. But when I tried to go to that, they cancelled on me. I felt “scammed” as I got the hotel – but had to pay for the last nite there in addition to the $399 plus all the resort fees plus hotel taxes. This was a real “Bait and Switch” on the travel company’s end. Who do I complain to? Undoubtedly they are doing this to a lot of people coming to Las Vegas.

Mmmmmm yeah, this was a good example of the timeshares turning the scam on the guest – and unfortunately they usually write it into their fine print that they are allowed to do it since you were late (I would not be surprised if you were even a minute or two late and they just exaggerated your lateness). You could try complaining to the timeshare company, but in truth since you decided to stay and didn’t get it in writing that you would get reimbursed for the extra hotel nights then…they probably won’t do anything for you. In this situation, the best thing to do would to NOT pay out of pocket for extra nights at the hotel and just head home and consider it a $399 vacation deal.

Hey There! Leaving Sunday for a 4 night vacation. I was promised a bunch of gift cards but when I see reviews it says that if you say NO than they refuse to give you your promotional items! How do you get yours? Suggestions?? Thanks so much!

Mm so you can think of this in two ways. The first and potentially the “best/easiest” is that either way, you’re getting a 4 night vacation, which is pretty sweet in itself. So even if they don’t give you the promotional items, hey at least you got something. The second way to approach this would be to get everything in writing. And specifically ask if it is still valid with no purchase required. Then you have more ground to stand on if they do not give you your promised promotional items…which they still might not.

I am going to a vacation presentation that is 120 minutes. When does the 120 start? Is it the time of the appointment or when you first meet with the salesperson. I would like to know so I can set my alarm. Thanks.

That is correct!

Hi ! I recently came to a Orlando trip and was approach with a timeshare sales rep unknowing after already agreed to attend presentation due to promotion. I was very hesitant about the deal as she only inform I have to show up to a grand hotel tour and they will discuss about “vacation packaging they offer” and a view of the hotel. Also they said and I quote “marketing strategies “ because in return I will attend the presentation and just share word to mouth about my experience. She stated if anytime I would want to cancel it would be fine and no fee will be charged. I was pursued to attend an appointment during my stay but a few minutes later as they gave me my flyer with information of the hotel . It stated information about timeshare which I was never informed until they actually gave me the form. After I notice and was very upset. I asked to cancel and they didn’t want to give me a confirmation of cancellation. I put a deposit of 100$ just “confirm my seat” they also put my income information incorrect. They didn’t fly me out or stated they will give me the promotion after I attend and obtain my certification. I’m really concerned about them not being honest with the cancellation and returning my deposit. If by any chance they keep the deposit and charge me for not attending can I dispute with my credit card?. I have prove of the paper of appointment and them writing canceled but they didn’t want to put there signature it was a very frustrating situation. Please give me some advice or tip would help thanks !

Yeah I would dispute that with your credit card if they do keep the deposit. You have the agreement in writing AND you reached out to them, so its more than likely your card won’t even question further and wipe the charge (if needed)

We did this with Marriott in Cabo. We attended the presentation and they kept telling us it is NOT a timeshare. So we signed up. When we got home we did research and realized it IS a timeshare! The cool thing is, we live in Colorado, and they have a law that says if you cancel within 3 days you can get out of (any) contract for real estate. So we canceled. We have had no issues whatsoever AND we enjoyed a lovely vacation for four days in Cabo for $300. Plus we probably made the sales guy feel awesome because he got us to sign up for everything. Hehe.

EYYYYY!!! Now that’s a GREAT trick!!! 🙂

I’ve done several of these. Vegas, Orlando, Myrtle Beach. Usually when I book at a property like Hilton, once they know you have a credit card they ask would you like to hear about special offers, say YES. That’s when they switch you to the department that SELLs you a Great Deal for a special price. Most of these are NOT FREE. But, more like $199. For three or four nights at a luxury property. You MUST attend the Timeshare Tour and You MUST be on Time with The Spouse, if you told them that you have one. They will have snacks. Take a tote bag. The tour gives you a chance to see their top of the line suites. Act nice, go back to the “boiler room “ and say NO to everything. They might get a little nasty, or they might be glad to get rid of you and get on to the next customer. Don’t take it personal. It’s their job to make you feel like crap because you didn’t buy their product There will always be ONE LAST Person when you think you are getting away. The vouchers for future stays are worthless because you have to pay first at someplace that costs three times the voucher. In Vegas we got dinners and show tickets that were worth it. Count the wasted time as part of your trip. In places like the Caribbean you are more likely to get breakfast or lunch. Your not in the states so be careful. They might pick you up, but not take you back to your resort and you end up with an expensive Uber or taxi bill. Finally: if you get a random call: make sure the trip is to somewhere you want to stay. There are people offering some real dumps.

Great tips!

Thank you for the resale sites And all the other helpful info especially the timer.. You’re brilliant!.

Thank you so much for reading!!

our friends think we are nuts but who can beat 6 days 5 nights at an all inclusive resort on the beach in Puerto vallarta for $549.00 For 2 adults and 4 kids! Plus we got a free vegas trip and a free excursion while there. I’m really good at saying no to the sales ppl and think it’s kinda fun to get all these good deals!

I have done a few timeshare presentations in my life and found it was worth my time to save $$, however, I have just hit a new stumbling block. I booked a 5 night vacation in Cancun for 399 with presentation, I then paid another 280 for taxes, fees, and “white glove service “, still not bad for all inclusive. I then purchased our non-refundable flights. I was the contacted by the resort and told they have a max age restriction of 68 for the presentation, my wife turns 69 2 days before we get there. Waiting to hear back from booksi now to see if they can bypass this. I don’t have a good feeling.

Good luck!!

How can I get my payment back for a vacation that didn’t happen yet, from a time share Market place? I just found out about the 90 min presentation after the fact. I tried to cancel, but I was told it’s no -refundable. Our reservation is on Aug this year. I really wanted to cancel that vacation. I paid $2500 for 7 nights and 6 days Cancun vacation for 5 persons. I bet there will be additional surprise charges I am dreading about. Do I have a case getting my money back?

You could try going through your credit card to cancel.

I was scammed into buying a so-called hotel package that I later found out had a timeshare presentation requirement. By the time someone pointed it out to me it was past the timeframe to cancel and get my money back. So I’m now stuck with this package. On top of that when I called Booksi/Monster Reservations they revealed that it’s also a requirement to make at least $60k. They never asked me that question when I bought the package! They gladly took my money to get this hotel package, but didn’t bother asking me about my income or tell me about the requirements. Is there a recourse for this?? What if I only make say $20k? It’s their fault that they let me purchase the package anyway, without asking me what I make beforehand. Wouldn’t that be reason for them to have to cancel and give me my money back?? Also every time I call in and speak with someone I get told something different. A few people told me that if I didn’t want to deal with the presentation that I could just choose a variety of other hotels other than than the one I purchased the package on, that don’t require you to attend a presentation. But then today a couple reps said it doesn’t matter which hotel I choose I will have to attend a presentation no matter what. Plus it’s only May 1st and they conveniently have nothing available until July. I’m so frustrated and angry that they are in for quite a “treat” for when I arrive for this presentation. Definitely not getting one more cent from me and I’m not going to feel one bit sorry for any of them. I don’t even care if they start crying. In fact them crying just might make me feel a little bit better about all this. I want them to feel how I feel and how I have been crying over this huge headache of a situation. That’s how upset I am! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Kay.

It seems like you’re on the right track. Sometimes you get roped into a presentation that is so ridiculous that the only thing to do is attend…but you don’t have to be excited about it! I’d recommend leaving immediately after whatever the required time is up, then go enjoy the rest of your vacation.

Hi there, This webpage is terrific! Really great information! My question is how can I find these Promotions? I searched all over the internet and I couldnt find any places offering a Promotion to sit through a Timeshare Presentation.

Ideally we would like to go to an “all inclusive” resort for 5 nights to the Carribean or Costa Rica. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can find some options? Also, do any of these promotions ever include credit for airfare?

Thank you for your help!

Been in two presentations. I keep my shades on and don’t say nothing. I don’t engage in any small talk. A no from the start and I shut down. No information about me or my family. I make it uncomfortable. They might as well be talking to themselves.

There ya go!!!!

our tips on staying firm, setting time limits, and staying focused on your travel goals are invaluable for travelers who might encounter these presentations. The personal anecdotes and real-life examples you’ve shared add a relatable touch, making the reader feel well-prepared and empowered to handle such scenarios. Thanks for shedding light on a topic that many travelers may find awkward, and providing them with the tools they need to make the most of their travel experiences. Your thoughtful guidance will undoubtedly help fellow travelers navigate timeshare presentations with confidence.

We are going to Myrtle beach next week and we were called by the crown reef we booked our hotel through for a presentation. For a free 5 night stay at any crown reef resort at various cities they have. I was skeptical and asked the proper questions. The only thing I had to do was answer questions and go to this presentation for a fee for reserving my seats for fifty dollars. They said I get it back in a visa gift card and a free 5 day stay. He ended up upping the stay to 8 days. So what signed up. They said I was only obligated for two hours of my time. They also said if I don’t show up I would be out the fifty because it would give others the opportunity that I passed on if I didn’t show. So further reading after i agreed, that is a form of saving money on resorts and such and it’s basically a time share. We are nervous to attend because we have kids but there’s a specific area for them to play and you can see them while the presentation is going . Okay fine. I agreed. Even though this presentation hasn’t happened yet, I agreed to the most two hours which they stated. I agreed to the fifty charge on my cc on a recorded line. We figure get a free stay at a resort is worth the two hours but we aren’t buying anything. The question I have is, they stated if I don’t show they keep the fifty. That’s fair. But I also read some other time shares they can charge you credit card for more if you don’t stay the whole time or meet the requirements. I also met the pre requirements on the phone but I’m not staying anywhere free for this presentation. I bought my hotel for the week stay and they called me so I’m asking is if I bail I should only be out the fifty?

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