Everything You NEED to Know About Timeshare Promotions

Buyer hotline

1-855-299-3829

Licensed Real Estate Agents Standing By
7 days a week (7am – 11pm EST)

Timeshare Promotion Tips

It seems you can't turn on the television these days without seeing another offer for a "free weekend." But because you think it's too good to be true, you probably didn't pick up the phone. Later you wonder are these offers for real? Will a timeshare resort company give you a weekend in a great destination just for the chance of selling you a suite?

The short answer is yes they will, with strings attached. The "strings" attached to these timeshare promotions usually come in the form of mandatory sales presentations that last anywhere from 90 minutes to several hours in some circumstances. These free weekends aren't all bad though. You will get a chance to tour the resort (or you should; if a salesperson meets you in a restaurant with a few rough drawings - beware).

Before embarking on a free weekend, however, be prepared. Their goal is to get you to buy a timeshare on the spot. You will probably be pressured to some degree. If the weekend stay isn't worth the high pressure sales, remember you can always leave - but it is possible to simply enjoy the weekend and leave without having purchased a timeshare at the end.

If you want to take advantage of the freebies without buying anything, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Don't get too comfortable

No matter how friendly the rep - his job is to get you to sign - today. Because most people expect the hard sell, the representative may try being your "friend." Common tactics include trying to make you feel guilty for "wasting" his or her time.

Don't leap before you look

If the rep states that he or she can only offer you this wonderful price today, be wary. This is a substantial purchase and a decision that shouldn't be made on the spot. Furthermore, discounted rates on vacation property are not hard to find if one were so inclined.

Don't bite off more than you can chew.

If you are considering a timeshare purchase on this trip know before you go how much you can afford to spend on a timeshare and don't be tempted by a much larger suite you can't afford. Financing for a resort-offered timeshare tends to come with extremely high interest rates. You want your vacation to be a pleasure, not an albatross around your neck.

Don't take that drink.

It's easy to slip into vacation mode while on one of these free weekends. There you are, watching the surf, feeling the sand between your toes, and here comes your rep offering you a free pina colada - one sip couldn't hurt could it? Would you sign a mortgage after you had a few drinks? Treat this purchase with equal seriousness and save the drinks for after the presentation.

Don't be intimidated

Even if your rep uses the hard sell, be prepared to say no. Walk away and be wary of anyone that implies you can't.

Resorts are NOT Bad

Not all sales presentations are high pressure. Some reputable resorts actually prescreen clients to make sure they meet minimum income requirements. They are more interested in presenting an authentic experience from which clients can decide whether to buy.

Another sales tactic is to be referred to a presentation by a current owner. This owner referral may garner your friend or acquaintance some perks or amenities. You can gain an inside edge as well, quizzing them on things you'd like to know about the resort before you go.

Finally, here's one last tip to remember:

Timeshare sales presentations are unnecessary. Timeshare Vacations for Dummies states that most people think you have to sit through a presentation in order to buy a vacation—that is simply not true. Purchase through the resale market. Not only will you skip the high-pressure sales presentation, you'll pay the depreciated sale amount—saving you thousands.

If you have an interest in timeshares, but do not want to be pressured into an over-priced property you can find what you are looking for on the resale market. Timeshares for sale on the resale market are sold by the existing owner for the fair market value. Legitimate timeshare resale companies don't offer timeshare promotions, but they won't pressure you into a decision either.

If you are new to timeshare ownership and aren't sure if it is for you, try a timeshare rental. These are not available through resorts. Timeshare rentals are available as resale timeshares only. This way you can enjoy a timeshare vacation without buying anything or signing a deed.

So whether you are looking for a timeshare resale a timeshare for rent or simply some information from a reliable source, you have come to the right spot.

Already Own a Timeshare?

Sell Your Timeshare Rent Your Timeshare