how to say no at timeshare presentation

How to say NO to a timeshare presentation sales pitch

What is a timeshare.

A timeshare is essentially a shared rental of a vacation property. You “buy” a share of room that you can visit a set number of days at set locations every year. Vacation clubs are not exactly the same but they may be similar. In these situations you get multiple location options based on their property locations at a “discount”. But there are membership fees associated with the properties. Needless to say there are people sitting through these presentations for an amazing deal but are worried about how to say no to timeshare presentation sales pitches.

Believe it or not, I know people that won’t book a resort through a timeshare site because they are afraid of the presentation. This fear keeps them from saving up to two-thirds the value of the trip, which can be used for a number of things such as ANOTHER trip! Lucky for you I am here to help. We have been on 3 trips through BookVIP who offer AMAZING deals on resort stays all over the world. For example, we got deals for $99 vacations in the US and all inclusive deals under $1000 for two in Mexico . The catch is that to get these deals you have to site through a 90-120 minute sales pitch. I will show you ways to survive the timeshare sales pitch and minimize your time in the presentation.

What is a Timeshare Presentation?

A timeshare presentation is a 90-120 minute sales pitch designed to sell timeshare property or vacation club memberships to vacationers. While the presentations call for 90-120 minutes, that is the minimum time commitment. They can go longer if you do not shut them down. However, if you are truly interested this might not be a problem.

On the other hand, the rest of us probably are sitting through them to take advantage of an impossible deal. That’s exactly how we were introduced to these promotions.

Don’t get me wrong, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves on these trips. But our first one caused us some anxiety because we had no idea what to expect. I am going to explain it all so you can also enjoy these super cheap vacation deals and not stress out over the presentation.

What Happens During a Timeshare Presentation?

The first step is to know what is about to happen. Once you have that down and you see everything unfold, the rest is easy.

After you arrive at your resort you will be scheduled a morning presentation. The presentation usually happens within the first day or two of your arrival. I like it this way for a few reasons. First, with it being in the morning we can get the sales pitch over with and then we can enjoy the rest of our day. Second, getting it done early in your stay means by the time the end of your stay arrives the presentation is a distant memory.

The Breakfast Meeting

So now the presentation is booked and you show up. What happens now is you will be served breakfast and a representative will be assigned to you, if one wasn’t already. In our case we met our representative the day we arrived and they are the ones who gave us the basic rundown of the resort and was very welcoming.

This is by design! They want to establish a bit of trust the moment you arrive and there is nothing better than sending that helpful rep to meet you are breakfast the next day.

Anyway, during breakfast the rep will continue being sweet and establishing a bond. They may ask personal questions and also reveal personal information about themselves. This is not different than going to a Gentleman’s club or to Hooters and seeing the girls sitting with their customers. All they are really doing here is creating a connection of some sort while asking probing questions that may be used against you later.

I am not saying you should be rude. After all, these people are just doing their jobs. But do not be too free with your information if you want to make it easy t say no to the timeshare sales pitch later.

How to handle breakfast to make it easier to say NO to the timeshare presentation

First of all you should keep it in your head that this is al going to result in the sales pitch. It doesn’t matter how rude you are or how sweet you are, the result is the same. With that being the case undersell yourself. What I mean by that is even if you travel every month, do not tell them that.

They probably already know your income, so no sense in lying about that.

What they are trying to find out is how much you spend on travel, how often you travel and your upcoming travel plans. Give them nothing to work with.

If they ask me how often I travel I reply “Once a year if I am lucky.” This shows them you don’t travel that often. They may also ask how many travel days you typically use. Same idea, “sometimes 5 days a year sometimes 2. “

If they ask how much I spend on travel I reply “Not much, that is why I came here. Because it was so cheap.” They may get more specific and ask about your travel budget but you do not need to give them a solid figure. Something like “it varies by year”, should be fine.

When breakfast is over you will be given a tour.

The same helpful person you met the day before and that sat with you at breakfast is likely your guide. That was our experience at one resort. At another, they actually took us to their sister resort right next door. In that case our breakfast and tour was under the supervision of a new person. Other than that, everything was the same.

The tour guide will take you to see some very nice parts of the property. They will also show you upgraded rooms available only to “members”, or so they say. They point out all the amenities and talk about how wonderful and luxurious everything is. To be honest, we did see some very nice rooms and of course, the property was well groomed and lush.

How to handle the tour to make it easier to say NO during timeshare presentation sales pitch

Your breakfast companion and tour guide is not going to be the closer. They are just warming you up for later. But make no mistake, they get a feel for the customer and you better believe they communicate with the sales staff.

This will include any Intel they gathered during breakfast, your general excitement, travel habits and future plans.

So, if you did a good job at breakfast it will make it easier for you to say no to the timeshare sales pitch.

The tour is where I not so subtlety start looking at my watch. Yes, that’s passive aggressive but I want them to know that I am tracking time. On the other hand, if you are more forward, set an alarm to go off at the appropriate time.

The Timeshare Presentation Sales Area: Part 1

Some timeshare properties have you sit down and watch a short video after the tour. Others take you directly to the closer. Either way, the closer is briefed about everything I mentioned already.

Part 1 just refers to the video presentation. It is very general and may show you other properties in the chain. You will see beautiful visuals, probably set to some island music or vacation stye tunes to get you worked up.

How to handle the video presentation to make it easier to say NO during timeshare presentation sales pitch

There is not much to do here besides keep your emotions in check. Don’t start getting curious now because any question later can lead to extra time during your sales pitch. Remember, 90 minutes is the minimum!

Timeshare Presentation Sales Area: Part 2

This is where you meet the closer. The guy trained to use all of the information you gave them or did not give them in order to get you interested. It is my experience that these people are assertive but I did not find them aggressive. The difference really boils down to how disciplined you are and how you accept pressure.

You already know that you have a minimum time there, may as well not fight it and just get through the spiel.

How to handle the Closer to make it easier to say NO during timeshare presentation sales pitch

Show NO interest at all. They will ask question, lots of them. The answers give them ammunition to use as a counter argument. It’s a lot like those courtroom TV dramas, the more information the person on the stand gave away, the more rope they gave to the prosecutor to use against them.

Do you like the property so far? What did you think of the membership rooms? How much do you spend when you travel? Does your family like to travel? And on, and on.

You will inevitably answer a few questions but if you keep the somewhat vague there is less ammo for them to use. There will be a time to be firm and decisive though, that comes when your minimum time limit has been reached.

Before that happens though, if the closer is making no progress he might pass you off to the “Manager”.

The Manager

If you are on social media at all you have probably heard of the term “Karen”. A Karen is a stereotype for a woman who always wants to talk to the manager. Karen’s do this for the most trivial reasons and even when they are in the wrong. Many times they do this simply to belittle the employee that served them in front of their coworkers and boss. “I’d like to speak to your manager” is Karen’s battle-cry.

Well, I have news for Karen. This is ONE manager she does not want to speak to. The manager is going to knock down pricing, he is going to offer different plans, he may offer perks. He will seemingly have an answer for every objection you have. So now what?

How to handle the manager to make it easier to say NO during timeshare presentation sales pitch

The answer is still no. I am not interested. They will want to know why or they may want to now how to sweeten the deal.

Anything you say should be firm and plausible and can end in with minimum resistance.

I will give you an example.

Me: “I have only been here a day (or two)”Them: “This special deal is only available now.”

Them: “This special deal is only available now.”

Me: “I have to pass.”

That is really my go to. Basically to sum it up is “I do not make decisions like this on the spot.” That is pretty much it, there are not too many comebacks from that. All they have left is to try to pressure you by cutting the cost or adding perks and convincing you the deal is only good on the spot.

Any wavering from that opens the door for more rebuttals.

Lets assume you had a drink or two at breakfast or you slipped up a bit during the other parts of the sales pitch. What now?

Other Ways to Say No to the Timeshare Presentation Sales Pitch

It all boils down to your mindset. Remember You just paid $700 and got 8 days for two in Cancun with all th3 food you can eat and all the booze you can drink. Just reflecting on that that will help. But I have more!

It’s a game

The timeshare presentation is just a game. The reps all are trained to gain confidence, overcome objection and sell product. They do it everyday. They here no everyday. The game is for them to get a sale or at least get you interested.

For you the game is to see how many times you can say no in 90-120 minutes and how little wiggle room you give the rep. You win if you say no to the timeshare presentation sales pitch and get out very close to the minimum time requirement. That mindset keeps it somewhat fun, especially if your partner is in on the fun.

Put them on the defensive

So, you had trouble saying no and you forgot to make it a game. What now? You can always put them on the defensive.

For example, all timeshares have maintenance fees for the property. Those fees are passed on to the members. The thing is the fees actually vary by year so they have no way to tell you what the fees are from one year to the next. And if they can’t give you an actual figure, how can they expect you to sign a contract?

Blame it on the plastic

So, in this scenario they are asking you for the sale and you forgot everything else. What do you do now?

Blame it on your credit card! Let them know that when you travel you only carry cards with low limits in case they get lost. They may offer financing but tell them no, you don’t want to pay those rates and you don’t want anything new on your credit.

It’s not you, it’s me

A very polite and effective counter to all of this is your travel habits. This is why I advised you to be careful during the early stages of the selling process.

Why would you invest in an International timeshare package when half of your vacations are in the USA? Or why would you invest in a domestic timeshare if half of your trips are to Mexico? See? Very hard for them to justify the expense if you would not use the service.

If it comes down to it, you can tell them you rarely can travel due to work schedule, kids, sick parents etc.. No sense in buying a timeshare if you only travel a week every two years.

Privacy Please

Another tip is to create a sense that you prefer to make these decisions in private. Yes, your partner will be there and yes they will use that against you, but be firm and let them know you do not discuss money issues in public.

You like to discuss these matter alone to come to a decision, no matter how much negotiating they try to do with the package.

Another excuse you can use is that you have to consult with your accountant or money manager. If all else fails, tell the you have to pray or meditate before making a decision. All of these require privacy and it gets you away from the situation.

How to Avoid the Timeshare Sales Pitch

Of course, there is an easier but more expensive way to end the presentation. Do not show up or cut it off before your minimum time requirement.

If you are feeling stressed you do not have to stay. By the same token, they don’t have to give you the vacation for next to nothing either. You are getting an all inclusive vacation for two for under $1,000 based on your honoring the presentation agreement.

However, that is all you agreed to. You are under no obligation to buy or to stay longer than their minimum required time.

Saying NO to Timeshare Presentation Bottom Line

A vacation should not be stressful or a hassle. It should be relaxing, pleasant and create lifelong memories. Sadly, most people do not get enough of them for various reasons.

One of the reasons boils down to money which can be solved by taking advantage of these tremendous deals. But if you are not prepared for the situation it can leave you anxious about what is to come.

Remember, these people are trained for this job and they are used to rejection. So be polite but remain disciplined and firm throughout the process.

Follow the tips in this article and you too can take advantage of these deals without the stress of worrying about saying no to the timeshare presentation!

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Table of contents.

How to Survive a Timeshare Presentation: Tips you Need to Know

• Post author: Scott Fix
• Post published: February 11, 2021
• Post category: Couple Travel / Travel Tips

You are here because you want to know how to survive a timeshare presentation. How do I end the sales pitch? How do I resist timeshare sales tricks and just say “no”? After going through the process ourselves and chatting with a sales insider, we are here to share what we have learned. Read on for all you need to know to escape the formidable high-pressure timeshare pitch.

What’s the Deal with Timeshare Presentations? 

Everybody knows the classic “high-pressure timeshare sales pitch”.  You get offered 3 days and 2 nights at a fabulous resort for free, no obligations – you just have to attend a sales presentation.  They promise the pitch will be pretty short and that there’s no obligation to buy.  Sounds great, right?  But we all know the catch – it’s infamous.  The timeshare presentation is excruciatingly long.  Every time you think you’ve said “no” for the last time, they bring in a new salesperson or take you to a new room to start pitching you all over again.  It’s a high-pressure sales marathon.  To top it all off, if you don’t meet your obligated time at the presentation, you’re on the hook to pay for your accommodations.  So why do people still go to these things?  Well, because a free “3 days and 2 nights” at a resort is just too good of a deal to pass up sometimes! In fact, many travelers are trying to find out “How can I attend a timeshare presentation just for the free vacation?”   Well, we wanted to see what all the hype was about. When we got a call saying we’d “won” a vacation package, we shrugged and signed up.  Worst case scenario, we walk out and have to pay for the hotel stay.  

When we started asking around, so many of our close friends had either fallen for the timeshare pitch themselves, or knew a family member that had. We heard story, after story, of high-pressure pitches, salesmen that were insulting or rude, being led between rooms for hours upon hours, etc.  Hearing stories of people so close to us motivated us to write up everything we learned from our experience. 

The Initial Screening 

Cecilia signed up for a “contest” on Facebook that would enter you into a “drawing” for a free stay of 3 days and 2 nights at a resort and a $150 gift card.  We got a phone call saying we’d “won” while we were driving.  

We were asked some basic “info” questions (i.e., name, phone, address), followed by some “survey” questions.  The survey questions were things like:

When was the last vacation you took?

How much did you spend on accommodations?

How often do you travel?   

They also asked us if we only needed a reservation for 2, or if we’d like to bring anyone else up to 4 total.  Of course, we opted to take the 4-person reservation because the more the merrier, right?  

After all the identity information, survey questions, accommodation arrangements, and a spiel about our vacation/gift-card winnings, then came the hook – we’ll have to attend a timeshare presentation.  We were assured that we were only obligated for 90 minutes to 2 hours of the presentation; and with that, my wife and I looked at each other with a “do we believe that?” stare.  

But sure – in for a penny, in for a pound.  

Two things caught both of us off-guard towards the end of the phone call: 

One, we had to book the dates for our stay immediately.  We had to pull over from driving to frantically look at our calendars and figure out a weekend that worked in both of our schedules. The caller would just suggest a block of days from their availability, and we had to tell him if the range worked out for us.  

Two, we had to pay a $99 “refundable deposit” using a credit card.  When he asked for our credit card information, a giant alarm started going off in my head, yelling at me “this sounds like a scam!!”  I almost put the phone on hold to have a conversation with my wife about backing out of the whole thing.  I took a deep breath and reminded myself that our credit cards have fraud protection on them; and we’d just have to keep a closer eye on our credit card statements for awhile.  

Although we haven’t completely confirmed this, our strong-suspicions are that the initial phone call is really a screening. They want to see how susceptible you’re going to be to the timeshare sales pitch. It felt like a test to see if we were people that would make a fast decision, without much information, and commit money instantly for a “too good to be true” deal.  

Well, whatever we did “worked,” because as we later learned, they put us in the “prime candidate” group for the presentation.  More on that later.  

Arriving at Our Destination 

Because of the Covid-19 policy, only one person from our party was allowed into the lobby to check in to our room; our timeshare presentation was scheduled for the second day of our stay at 8 am. Only the person who checked-in signed any paperwork at all; and the other 3 members of our party didn’t sign anything or give any names. 

8am, bright and early, we drove over to the location for the timeshare talk and waited in a small line for a teller.  The person in front of us was having an unfriendly banter with the teller.  The only thing I picked up from my eavesdropping was that all the members of his party weren’t there so he wasn’t able to get signed in. We got called next and checking in only took a few seconds.  She asked if all members of our party were there, we said yes, and she said to wait in a corner for our “agent” to come and get us.

After a few minutes, our salesperson came out of a room, introduced himself, and walked us outside.  He said because of covid restrictions, he wouldn’t give us a tour of the entire facilities and grounds. Instead, we would drive separately over to a condo where he would give us a talk.  

We loaded up into our vehicle and were on our way without ever signing any official paperwork.  Also, we had been told over the phone, and on our “terms and conditions”, that we needed IDs and a credit card, but we didn’t need anything. I’m not sure if that is normal, or just because we showed up during covid restrictions.  

The TimeShare Pitch

We followed our salesperson’s car to a condo. On the ground floor, they had free continental breakfast and drinks set out on a table behind a rope, and someone with gloves handed us whatever we asked for.  We took an elevator up a few floors and our salesperson took the stairs to meet us at the top, then he showed us to a room and left so we could eat our breakfasts without our masks. We thought the room was stuffy, because we were all in our winter jackets, so we opened all the windows.  It was ~30 degrees outside.  When he came back, he sat in a chair across from our sofa.  I imagine he thought we were trying to freeze him out, but we were just hot.  

For the first 20 minutes, there was some minor small talk about nothing. It might have been to put us at ease?  Either way, we were pretty guarded with personal info.  He probably expected us to talk more about ourselves, and we were expecting him to ask us more direct, pointed questions.  

When he started to transition, I asked for an outline of what to expect for the meeting. How was our time going to be broken down?  What is our obligation?  How many people will we talk to?  Are we going on a tour? What is our time frame?  

He said we were there for a timeshare presentation – “yes, it’s a sales pitch.”  We had to be there for “an hour and a half, or 2 hours – whatever they told you.” Then when it was over, he’d take us back to the main building where we’d get our $150 gift certificate and a voucher that waived the cost of our stay.  

And then our “presentation” began.

He flew through a lot of “numbers” and acronyms. He talked so fast, to the point where none of us absorbed anything. To this day, I have no idea what he was even saying. Either way, as fast as he spat out numbers, the topic would always change.  I’m not sure if it was him, or us, or both; but we talked about movies, Pokemon, shoes, horses … just about everything except timeshares. 

After 40 minutes of struggling to sell us, he took us to a luxury apartment in the same complex. I think the intention was to give us a tour and really sell us, but other families walked in on us. Because of covid, only one group was allowed in at a time, so we left and let them see the rooms; but then we just kind of wandered off, back towards the door of the building.  I feel kind of bad for the salesperson, because trying to keep track of the four of us was like trying to wrangle cats.  He’d try to show us to a room, or tell us to wait for another family to get done, and we’d just wander back towards the exit.  He’d run to cut us off, and we’d just all meander around him, chatting about something else.  

We weren’t intending to be rude or purposefully being space-cadets or anything. There was just random downtime, so we’d do what any group of friends would do – we’d chat amongst ourselves. We also were never given any real clear instructions on what to do, so we’d just assume we were done and start walking back.  It wasn’t until we looked back on our experience that we realized we were probably sabotaging his sales pitch without meaning to.  

We went back to the “pitch room” and by now it’s about 1 hour and 10 minutes in.  Cecilia leaves the room to go to the restroom. (She was 3 months pregnant at the time, so bathroom breaks happened ALOT.) The salesperson looks at the 3 of us and says, “Okay, just be honest with me here. Why in the world are you guys at a timeshare talk?” There’s a pause while we all just stare at him, wondering what we should say and he fills the void with, “if you’re all so scared of covid that you’re even opening the window when it’s 30 degrees outside to get fresh air, why did you come here in the first place?”  I reply,

“… well, you want honesty?  My wife clicked a link on a Facebook contest that said we could win 3 days and 2 nights at a resort.  They called us while we were driving to say we’d won.  My wife was excited, and I wanted her to be happy, so I said sure, I’d go along with it.  The guy on the phone asked if we had 2 friends that would want to go, too, and we said we weren’t sure; so he said he’d put us down for 4, just in case. We asked our friends, they said they wanted to come, and here we all are.”  

He nodded along; looked at the 3 of us; pulled out his phone; and started playing Pokemon Go.  

Once Cecilia got out of the bathroom, he ran through his pitch at lightning speed.  He showed us a piece of paper with numbers on it that had a large down-payment. He rambled on and said, “but you don’t have that much in the bank, do you?”  After a pause, Scott said “no comment” – because the entire morning, none of us gave away any information about our financial situations.  He instantly flipped the paper over and showed us another price, the “only for today” offer with a lower price with financing; and asked if we wanted to buy at that price.  I said “no.” He said “alright then,” and texted his boss, then went back to playing Pokemon Go.  

Related Content: Traveling Alone or With a Companion: Which is Better?

Leisure Suit Larry 

After a few minutes of the party chatting about nothing again, in walks the boss – we’ll call him Larry.  Larry looks the part.  He’s wearing an olive-green suit that has the kind of texture that looks expensive; and a very high-maintenance hairstyle with a lot of gray speckles.  Larry’s entire presence is summed up by the uncertainty of whether his hair was naturally gray, or if it was purposefully dyed to look older.  

Larry has a calm, methodical delivery any time he speaks, like someone reciting a script that’s been rehearsed to perfection but then delivered so many times until it’s lost its meaning. He speaks without pauses, taking a big breath before each section of his ramble. He would emphasize words by deliberately stretching out the word, not by raising his voice.  Every point he made was framed as if the decision has already been made for you – you will lose money if you don’t make this choice because you are already spending money on vacations. 

Larry is what a used car salesman would be if used cars sold for more money.  

Larry ended his spiel with a piece of paper, which had a unit available for “today only.”  They’re always “only today.” 

He passed the piece of paper over to us, and the age of the paper suggested it wasn’t the first time he’s handed it to someone.  

The number on the paper was drastically less than any of the previous offers – it was less than half of the previous lowest offer.  I looked at the paper, folded it back in half, handed it back, and said no.  Larry was reluctant to take the paper, and asked “why?” 

We knew this moment was coming and prepared for it.  We reminded ourselves that we don’t have to justify any of our answers.  Socially, it’s polite to justify yourself; but you’re never under any obligation to justify yourself.  

We answered, “we don’t make large financial decisions that quickly. We talk through financial decisions together.”  Larry gave another ramble – this one I honestly didn’t listen to.  I just zoned out for a moment.  Then Cecilia answered him, “and we have a kid on the way, which makes it more important to spend time on big financial decisions, so the answer is still no.”  

Larry asked, “so … is there anything I can do or say that’s going to change that decision for you today?”  I said “no,” expecting to have to say that a lot at this point.  But then Larry abruptly said, “Okay, thank you for your time,” stood up, and walked out without a second look at us.  It was just an immediate withdrawal.  

The first salesperson, who had been sitting there quietly during Larry’s entire spiel, slapped his thighs, said “okay, I’ll take you back to the main center to claim your prizes” and visibly ripped up the piece of paper he’d shown us earlier.  He started to make some comments about wasting his time, but we were already walking out the door and didn’t really catch them.  

The Final Boss

We drove back to the main center and through a conference room that, in non-covid times, would have been the first room.  He took us close to a receptionist’s desk and asked us to stay put while he went to talk to someone.  We wandered up closer to them, trying to look out of a window to see a pool, which was just close enough to eavesdrop on the salesperson’s conversation.  He was giving her details about the conversation we’d had with him and Larry – that we “don’t make large financial decisions that quickly.”  He was giving her everything she needed so she would know the right angle to close the deal!  

It turns out, the woman he handed us off to was the Final Boss.  She asked us to go into another room, and Cecilia wandered off to the bathroom.   The three of us walked into the room, realized Cecilia wasn’t there, and wandered back out.  When she got out of the restroom, the four of us went in together to see the Final Boss.  She was sitting behind a small table with two chairs set up in front of it.  She said we could sit down, but we remained standing.  There were four of us and only two chairs.  You could tell that having 4 people there instead of 2 really threw their usual gameplans off.  

She asked us what the final price Larry quoted us was, and I told her; then she said “What if I could offer you that same unit at this price?”  She wrote a number on a piece of paper that was, again, exactly half of what Larry had offered.  

We repeated our line, “We don’t make large financial dec–” She interrupted, “Okay, take this slip into the next room and we’ll settle you up.”  

We hadn’t noticed, but there was a slip of paper already sitting on the desk in front of her.  With the paper in hand, we headed into the next room and handed it to an old man who was polite, friendly, jovial and looked like he was having the time of his life at work.  He slapped a stamp down on the paper, handed us a voucher, and we were out in no time.  We managed to survive the timeshare presentation.

Total time: 1 hour and 39 minutes.  

The Aftermath

After we left, we spent a lot of time talking with one another, trying to understand why we’d been let off so easily.  All of us had heard the nightmare stories about high-pressure timeshares – that people spent an entire day being shuffled from room-to-room, the aggressive salespeople, the insults, the good-cop bad-cop routines, etc.  We got none of that.  We were practically shoved out the door at one point.  

One theory we had was that we were a group of 4 that weren’t related to one another.  We were 2 couples, so they couldn’t pin one of us against the other.  They also couldn’t sell to all 4 of us, because we would never buy something together.  

Another theory was that we were just too chaotic for them.  We constantly changed the conversation – but not really on purpose.  We just filled the silent pauses with jokes or comments that became side-conversations.  

Timeshare Presentation Basics: Insight From an Industry Insider

We had to know why our experience was so different from the ones we’d heard about, so we called up a friend that used to be in the industry as a timeshare salesperson.  

Here’s what we found out:  

The reason some salespeople are pushier than others is because if they don’t sell for awhile, they’re suddenly given “one last chance” to sell, and if they don’t sell on that day, they’re fired.   If someone wants to keep their job, they have to sell; and that can lead to a very high-pressure sale.  

Sometimes they’ll get mad if you’re rude or just blatantly not interested from the start of the talk. They’ll toy with you and keep you longer on purpose out of spite. This can happen when you tell the salesperson from the start: “look, we’re just not interested in buying, we’re only here for the free stay.” 

Often, the salesperson lies about their background to identify with the “prospect”, like saying they have kids too; or they will lie about how long they have been selling; or that they have a dog, are also divorced, etc.  When our insider told us that, we all blinked. Had our salesperson lied about everything he told us the entire time?  At one point, he gave us his kids’ names – and now I’m not sure he even had kids.  

If a salesperson makes a sale on the previous day, then they get “first pick” in the morning; and the 8am timeslot is reserved for people they think are absolutely going to buy.  We were the 8am timeslot.  I have no idea why they put us in that group.  

If enough people are lined up that day for talks and they don’t have enough salespeople, they go on rotation.  As soon as a salesperson finishes their talk, they can go back and get another prospect.  The earlier they can pick a prospect, the higher the chances of getting a sell.  That’s why there’s more incentive for them to end a tour earlier if they know you aren’t going to buy and your tour is in the morning.  Tours in the afternoon aren’t so lucky.  

What if someone owns a timeshare and gets someone else to sign up for the timeshare talk? The timeshare owner gets a kickback – usually waived fees. 

But ultimately, why did our salesperson let go of us so fast?  Because Cecilia was pregnant.  At one point, our salesperson asked why Cecilia was going to the bathroom so much.  We told him she was pregnant, and when she came back in the room, he commented, “I didn’t even notice you were pregnant until you said that.”  That’s when he started flying through his presentation.  That was the change.  Apparently, people who are expecting a child don’t make sudden or “big” financial decisions. They’re too focused on what’s good for the baby.  

Tips on How to Survive a Timeshare Presentation

So here we are, everything we’ve learned boiled down to our top tips for surviving a timeshare talk.  

1. Go in prepared .

There is no reason to be mean or rude.  Just know your stance, be assertive, and remember that you don’t owe anyone anything.  It’s not impolite to say “no” without an excuse.  “No” is a complete answer that doesn’t need to be justified.  

2. Remember that you’re in a sales pitch .

For salespeople, ‘being nice’ is part of the sale. Similarly, ‘being relatable to you’ is more important than them telling you the truth. They butter you up in order to get information out of you, and they rely on the information you’ve volunteered for their pitch.  Things like your job, hobbies, or even your last vacation are used to determine your personal wealth and spending habits.  

3. Silence is your strength.

It’s really, really tempting to argue, or to call the salespeople out when you catch them in a ‘blunder’ or ‘ah-HA’ moment.  But just remember: if you argue, you just feed into their pitch and you’ll end up staying even longer.  They want you to argue so they can sell you harder.  Don’t get into a back-and-forth. 

4. Be on guard for the angle.

The salesperson is always fishing for an angle. If they don’t know what is important to you they cant sell you. They’ll try to get you emotionally invested.  They might try to insult you, or dig at your ego, with things like “you can’t afford this, right? This is too much for you.” Don’t defend yourself. Don’t justify yourself. Just say “no” and leave it at that.  

5. Decide on a secret reason against buying and never disclose it .

If they don’t know why you won’t buy, then they can’t give you a pitch or argue against it.  For us, we knew that a timeshare is just a bad financial decision.  The financing is really expensive, and you don’t “save money” in the end.  That was our secret reason; and when the numbers were explained to us, and we saw the paper showing that it was a bad decision, we didn’t go “ah-HA!”  We just nodded along and kept it inside.  They can’t sweet-talk their way around your roadblock if they don’t know it’s there.  

6. If you really want a timeshare, don’t buy at the pitch.

7. and, of course, if all else fails – be pregnant..

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This post has 15 comments.

I like the idea of timeshares—in fact, my inlaws own several—but I hate the high-pressure sales tactics they employ. It’s such a turn off.

That is such a good point. The concept of a timeshare isn’t all that bad, but the high-pressure talk and the difficulty of selling a timeshare should you ever change your mind are huge turn offs.

I love that the title includes SURVIVE, because that’s totally how it feels! We had to say “no” to like 10 different people before they would let us go!

We have heard so many horror stories like this. So glad we survived our first timeshare experience and came out on the other end with some bits of wisdom. Hoping this article can help out a few others so they do not have to endure a situation like yours!

I always wondered about timeshares. I like the concept but the sales tactic is highly annoying . It makes me wonder if it’s worth it .

You definitely have a point. High-pressure timeshare presentations are exactly that, high-pressure. They aren’t necessarily meant to be enjoyable, but I do think the experience depends on the salesperson. If you are assigned to a pleasant and respectful salesperson, then the experience really isn’t all that bad! It’s just playing roulette to see what kind of salesperson you wind up with.

Loved this. Your title caught me and made me laugh. Your last line made me laugh. My in-laws have had a time share for years and have dumped so much into the “maintenance fees”. It is a nightmare now for them to try to get out of it! Moral of the story: Whatever you might spend on the time share, you could simply put toward a nice hotel for your vacations and probably still come out ahead. Don’t fall for the pitch!

That’s such a good point. We haven’t heard of too many people who have been happy with their choice to purchase a time share. I think personally we will stick to the hotels and Airbnb’s as you mentioned!

Ive stayed at friend’s time shares a few times, and they can be really nice, but those pitches are such a turn off! Now I know, mention that I’m pregnant and if we do want to buy, don’t buy it at the pitch!

It’s a pretty good deal for a free holiday for you. 🙂

Great article with good suggestions. I do these as a travel hack to get free stays and freebies in Vegas. The key is to have an ironclad will and not be afraid to keep saying “no.” No matter what the reps try yo say or do, YOU are in control. They are obligated to give you the gifts and you are under no obligation to be polite or give reasons. The worst thing that can happen is you’ll get berated or insulted. There are worse things to endure and you basically get a free hotel stay. Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favor.

I like the Hunger Games reference. Thanks for sharing your personal experience with surviving timeshare presentations. It takes a strong will to make it through without buying anything, but like you said YOU are in control and have the right to say no.

Well they get you drunk in Mexico I bought a timeshare in Cabo and they kept serving me and my friend drinks to loosen me up. I fell in love with my salesman and finally gave in he was so nice and now I am one of the happiest timeshare owners on the planet. Going to Cancun booked a 1700 square foot 2 bedroom 2 bath bringing 3 friends with me. Hotels are soo soo expensive and with a timeshare I am saving a ton of money and it is making me travel more which I love. Life is short live it to the fullest and don’t look back. I was all ways jealous of friends that owned Timshares but now I get to enjoy all the benefits and I am saving a ton of money.

I LOVED your article and learned a great deal! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowledge. We definitely will do the things you have suggested. I might even buy a pregnancy belly to wear. Lol

Hahaha good luck, let us know how it goes!

Love your angle and how you shared your experience along with your post realization analysis. We’ve done a few many many years ago and found the perks of going to a high-stress 2 hour meeting somewhat worth it, but then again agonizing.

We are about to go to another in the next month and this was helpful to get us mentally prepared.

Thank you for taking the time to share.

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How to Say No to a Timeshare Presentation

• Timeshare Investement

Timeshare companies and other vacation rental organizations dangle attractive prizes in people’s faces. In return, people who sign up have to sit for hours in front of a presentation about the benefits of timeshare properties and deal with salespeople eager to make sales.

These enticements often include things like deeply discounted stays at luxury resorts, gift cards, and other nice items.

Why are these companies so willing to spend so much money to get leads and convince people to sit and listen? Because they know how hard it is for many people to say no. 

Timeshare presentations have been going on for decades. The timeshare industry is bigger than ever, and that’s in large part due to aggressive salespeople and years of research into what it takes to get people to say “yes”.

They capitalize on manipulating your emotions and obfuscating financial implications of any deal, making signing up for timeshare ownership seem like the sensible thing to do.

You may be carrying some sense of obligation into the room to begin with, and they know how to stretch that feeling of obligation to get you to sign the dotted line. 

Even if you’re open to learning about timeshare ownership or even buying a timeshare, that’s fine. However, everyone who goes to a timeshare presentation should realize just how far the deck is stacked against them.

You’re not going into an objective, fact-based presentation where the salespeople will help you weigh the costs and benefits of ownership.

Instead, these people make money by saying what it takes to close the deal. This is not the time to have an open mind.

You can do research on whether timeshare ownership makes sense and is a good financial decision on your own time.

Too many people experience stress and financial hardship as a result of pressure and other sales tactics common in timeshare presentations. 

Learn how to say no to a timeshare presentation to limit the potential you’ll make rash decisions you’ll regret. There are things you can do before the presentation to help you make it out unscathed. 

Do Some Research on Your Own Time

Sitting in a comfortable chair at a luxury resort isn’t the first time you should be researching whether a timeshare is for you.

Think about it, the resort has probably spent the last couple of days buttering you up with palm trees and cocktails by the pool. You’re a bit tanner, a bit heavier, and more relaxed.

Your guard is likely down. When you’re relaxed and in a good mood, you’re more likely to agree to things you wouldn’t otherwise.

This isn’t the time to make decisions that will cost you a lot of money over the years. 

Instead, do some prep-work beforehand so you go into the presentation knowing the numbers.

You don’t even need to know all the options, but there is plenty of information online about specific companies and resorts that will come in handy when your salesperson is looking you in the face telling you this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Look up what sort of legacy costs you can expect, understand the cancellation process and if that is even an option.

Read owner reviews and get an idea about what it would be like working with the company.

The first time you hear about the timeshare shouldn’t be when you sit down in a plush hotel conference room chair. Do some research in your own time first. 

Learn About the Tactics Salespeople Will Use

This is not a game of wits and forget about any sort of transparency in the presentation.

The people there are there to close you. They will say things and put things in a certain light to move you closer and closer to the deal as the presentation progresses.

One of the first things salespeople do is get your guard down, they’ll spend some time getting to know you by asking you questions and engaging in pleasantries.

Those danishes and coffee? Those are meant to imply that they are here to serve, helping you lower your guard. “What a nice gesture!”, you may be telling yourself as you take your first bite. 

Once the wall is a bit down, the salespeople will start to build common ground by creating a foundation built on your “yes” answers. “How do you like the resort?” “It’s great, isn’t it?” “You should bring your kids next time, right?” “Don’t you love the beach?” You’ll subconsciously get used to the idea of agreeing with your presenter. 

Once he or she has you saying yes, they’ll slowly move up the scale, building a dream situation in your head.

Creating problems that only owning this timeshare can solve. They’ll have you thinking that your life will be deprived if you don’t sign the dotted line.

Some salespeople even play on the fact that you got a discounted vacation, implying that you owe it to them to sign the deal. 

You can watch videos online about common sales tactics used in timeshare presentations, so nothing comes as a shock or a surprise when it’s you sitting in on one. 

Create a “Safe” Phrase with Your Partner

Most commonly, couples go into timeshare sales presentations together. Salespeople want to eliminate the, “I need to talk to my spouse” excuse.

When they’ve got you both there, they’ll figure out which one of you is more agreeable and use it as leverage on the other person. 

You and your partner should discuss what you’ll do before you go in and set expectations ahead of time.

Don’t go in saying you’ll just see what happens. That’s a surefire way to walk out owning a new timeshare.

Owning a timeshare property works for some people, but you shouldn’t make that sort of decision in a pressure-filled situation that you aren’t prepared for. This isn’t something that should be an impulse buy. 

Tell your partner that you both are absolutely not going to say yes on the spot no matter what.

Make an agreement you can both live with. Realize, though, that at some point the salespeople will get to you.

These people are good at their jobs, and they are typically paid very well for their ability to convince people to make expensive decisions after listening to a presentation for an hour.

That’s not easy. When you or your partner start to sway, have a safe word or phrase ready to help snap out of it.

It doesn’t have to be anything cheesy. It could be something like, “we said we would discuss this after the presentation”, or “before we came in we decided we weren’t going to be making a decision on the spot.”

You and your partner need to hold each other accountable. Remember you are not accountable to the stranger salespeople you’ve just met. 

Remember You Owe Them Nothing

Before you attend the presentation, and while you’re in it, remember that you owe the resort, the timeshare company, and these salespeople nothing.

They will try to make it seem like they’ve done something amazing for you by giving you discount rates on a room or whatever else they used to lure you into the presentation.

Remember that they did this in exchange for the opportunity to pitch you on timeshare ownership.

You don’t owe them a deal. By sitting in the presentation, you’ve fulfilled your part of the bargain, and you owe them nothing more. 

Don’t let any implication of guilt or that you’ve somehow shortchanged them by saying no get to you.

That is emotional manipulation at its finest and is often one of the last things salespeople will do to try and get you back on the “yes” track.

Don’t let a guilty conscience or your good nature trick you into signing a contract that will last for years. 

Just Say “No”

You don’t owe your sales representative any reasons. When you say know, they’ll try to figure out exactly what’s driving your reasoning.

They’ll have a million different rebuttals to get around any financial, travel, or logistical concerns.

You don’t owe them an explanation. Keeping your “no” short and simple will truncate the amount of time you’re in the presentation and avoid having to say no over and over again.

A simple, “no thanks” is enough. If you feel bored repeating yourself, you can mix it up by saying you’re not interested, maybe next time, or a number of other simple but firm rebuttals. 

Every year, thousands of people go into timeshare presentations resolute that they are not going to sign up for a timeshare, only to walk out a new owner with a multi-year contract that will cost them a lot of money.

Many people regret that decision for years because getting out of a timeshare contract is complex and can take some time.

Instead of dealing with the negative emotions of buying something you shouldn’t have, go into the presentation armed with the information and emotional intelligence you need to say no. 

If you already signed the contract and want out, read our guide on  how to get out of a timeshare here .

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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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This family travel blog is written for you—a mom who wants quality time and memorable vacations with her kids. I’m one of those moms, so I get that you want to leave your stress at home. I crafted (and tested!) these travel hacks and destination ideas to help the whole crew make the most of your time together. xo, Catherine

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• Presentation

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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Best lines for saying no for timeshare presentation - Timeshares / Vacation Rentals Forum

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For years I've had the problem that a polite, "no thank you" when people asked me if I'd like to do the resort tour with free breakfast (which is really a timeshare presentation) or get the welcome packet with coupons (go to an area where to be signed up for a timeshare presentation). I rent condos from timeshare owners a bit, so are at these timeshare resorts. Staff would ask me a second or a third time (try to convince me to say yes) vs. letting me go on my way.

I've also gotten phone calls too -- wanting me to do a stay somewhere and attend a presentation. And again a polite no thank you never seemed to cut things off soon enough for my taste.

Also on the street in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico people would approach me time and time again and not stop talking after a polite no thank you. They would often even follow me when I'd keep walking vs. engaging in conversation and block my path.

My new line that I've been using for the past two years seems to get the point across much better than "a no thank you" these days is a friendly tone comment "I'd rather have a root canal. Please don't ask me again". It seems that many people can relate to the root canal dental experience and take a no with this comment seriously and stop bothering me. It's something I can say in a friendly tone without being rude that gets the point across.

What's your experience?

"I'm going through a divorce, and my spouse (that's not her, by the way, that's my next door neighbor) has frozen all my assets. I'm going to court for writing fraudulent checks... but I'd love to see the presentation if you can do it before the manager here finds out my payment to the resort was just declined since I used a co-worker's credit card to pay for this trip. Does the tour include any of those pink umbrella drinks?"

LoonMountain hahaha very good!

This post has been removed at the author's request.

I'm rarely approached by people wanting to sell me things and if I am I only have to say 'No' once. Must be something about the way I look (assertive? Aggressive? Irritated?)

A firm no as many times as it takes, you don't owe them an explanation and if you give one it will just prolong the discussion.

Its easy to walk past or just say no to the solicitor on the street who wants to know if you are interested in time share presentations. If you stop and want to chat it up, expect that they are trying to "wheel" you in and often people decide to do so.

If staying at a time share (which we do), we just say we have a full schedule. They are most welcome to call us the next morning to see if we can figure out best time to do so. They sometimes call; sometimes not. but since we usually do our personal calls by cell phone, we let them leave a message. That is the last time they usually bother us.

I try to be as polite as possible, thank them for their time, and wish them well.

The amount of time this takes is usually a few minutes compared to others who want to hear more about their gifts, how long the presentation, takes, etc.

Yes, I am a time share owner (got it for a steal many years ago) and am very happy with it and Interval as I knew up front about the good and the bad. But they do try to get you to sign up for the presentations even if you own one.

Just say no (politely and with a smile.)

Saying No is not difficult.

Continue on with your business.

If a phone call, hang up.

We've said we aren't married or that we're in bankruptcy, which both work well.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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How to say no to ‘The Timeshare Sales Pitch’

5 steps for telling a timeshare rep "no".

The most frustrating part of owning a timeshare for most timeshare owners is the constant high-pressure sales tactics used to lure existing owners into purchasing thousands of dollars more of timeshare points or weeks. In this short article, you will learn how to tell a timeshare salesperson "no" without creating more pressure for yourself or getting emotionally involved.

In addition to learning how to avoid a timeshare presentation and how to say no to a timeshare sales pitch, we will give you all the information the timeshare companies don't want you to know. The dirty secret of the timeshare industry is that timeshare companies want prospective buyers to feel the pressure. Timeshare companies know that their business model relies on these sales tactics.

The other component of the timeshare industry is that many of its salespeople are coerced into a high-stress commission sales job. These people are just like everyone else and rely on their job to pay their bills. Many timeshare companies offer young people a dream of a six-figure job to lure them in, and then when it's too late, the sales reps learn the truth.

Pressuring people to do things they usually wouldn't do is the very nature of the timeshare industry. Many of these companies know that their salespeople violate the law to sell their products but turn a blind eye to reap the profits.

Inside this short article, we will cover 5 steps for how to avoid the pressure, say no, and get your gift without feeling stressed or drained.

Remember that the timeshare presentation is a game.

The first part of winning in a timeshare presentation is to have the mindset that you are playing a game. It starts with the free meals and promise of gifts but can end up with adding thousands of dollars of debt to a new credit card. Timeshare salespeople are trained to think of the sales pitch this way. They will attempt to win at all costs, even if that means lying, cheating, or applying enormously high pressure to get you to buy. Before agreeing to attend a presentation, you must think about the entire experience as a game where the only way you win is to leave in the allotted amount of time without getting emotional and receiving the promised gifts.

The best way to remain in the right mindset is to set mini-goals throughout the pitch. Use small acts of denial to remain in control. Trust us - the timeshare reps will attempt to dominate your every move from the time you are greeted. They will tell you where to sit, what to write, how to act and use any method to put you into a compliant state. If you can identify these control methods, you can counteract them by polite indifference. Give yourself points for each time you circumvent their attempts to control you, but do so in a non-obvious manner.

For example - When the timeshare sales rep tells you where to sit, ask where the restroom is and take a 10-minute break. Be polite and courteous, but make it difficult for the timeshare sales rep to make the pitch go according to plan. When you come back they will be out of their element. When they go into asking you a million questions about your timeshare purchase history, bring up a story about your family and ramble on for another few minutes with a great vacation story.

The intent is to be agreeable, polite, but not compliant. When the timeshare sales process doesn't go according to plan, the sales rep will lose the willpower to pressure you. Remember, these are people too and they can get worn out and tired just like you. Think of the game as one of willpower and you will win.

Stay unemotional during the pitch.

Emotions are the primary triggers that create any transaction. Although we would all like to think of ourselves as rational, this is not the case. Think back to any significant purchase, and you will remember that there was likely an emotional component that made you say "yes." Buying a timeshare is no different. Timeshare companies train their salespeople to get the buyer emotional. This includes using third-party stories that drive our emotions. Other times, the sales rep may make attempt to make you feel dumb or that you made a mistake. All of these tactics are a ruse to get you to buy more points.

The fact is the timeshare industry is a business. The only way to profit is to sell more timeshares. They know how to push your buttons. The entire presentation will attempt to create problems with your existing vacation commitment, timeshare ownership, and financials surrounding the timeshare (read this article about timeshare maintenance fees to learn more). Oftentimes, timeshare salespeople will attempt to create a rift between couples. They will try to find disagreements or differences in views between a husband and wife to exploit and undermine the most resistive person. Ergo - remain unified and do not give them any signs of discontent or areas of disagreement.

Staying calm is easier said than done. If you remember that timeshare pitch rests on your emotional state, it will be easy to remain uninvolved emotionally. Ensuring you tune out somewhat or play on your phone may make it easier to focus on staying calm. Actively remind yourself that this is a game, and you cannot get engaged on an emotional level.

Saying yes to get out

The easiest way out of the presentation is to agree. Agreeing with the timeshare rep and saying yes to every component will allow them to continue their pitch. Interruptions to the pitch mean that you are allowing them insights into your objections or concerns, allowing them to pressure you in an attempt to overcome your objections. Instead of showing the objections little-by-little, save them for when they try to close you. If you give them a pile of reasons all at once, they won't be able to get around them.

The idea is simple - say yes to them on every part of the sales pitch, and then at the end, say you need to think about it. When they give reasons why you must decide today or that the option is expired, then say -"well, I know you'll be able to get it back for us after we think it over."

The best objections you can throw at them are:

• I need to ask my financial advisor, that's okay with you, right?
• I need to consult my children, give me a little time to talk it over?
• I like what you're saying, but need to think over the financial pieces.
• Can I have a few hours outside here to think it over?
• We have always bought the day after our presentation, can we let you know tomorrow what we decide?

Almost all timeshare sales pitches rely on a false sense of urgency to lure customers into making rash decisions. Please do not fall for the lie that you must make a split decision on thousands of dollars for a timeshare without taking adequate time to think it over. During every presentation, somebody is getting sold - either you or them.

Confront the lie

The easiest way to call out the lie is to confront the lie. When something is amiss in a timeshare sales presentation - face it and call out the lie. The friendliest and most non-confrontational way to do this is to rebuff a lie with a statement like: "Well, that's interesting. I will call the corporate office to get to the bottom of this."

This needs to happen when you feel like what you're hearing is inaccurate, inflated, or a downright lie. Timeshare salespeople are notorious for bending the truth, and although the major timeshare companies know their employees do it, they also have strict policies to cover their own interests. Anything that sounds amiss, clarify it with the corporate office right then and there. Do not take their word for it. As they say - trust but verify.

If you are upset or feel a statement is false, confront the rep indirectly and direct your emotions towards the company (not the rep). If the information is a lie, then the representative will quickly back down and retract any falsehoods. This method will also let the sales rep know that you are not an easy target and will be glad to get you out of their office.

Play hurt and humble

The last piece of advice we have for leaving the timeshare presentation without facing pressure or feeling stressed is to make the timeshare sales rep feel bad for you. These salespeople are still human beings and have emotions. While this may sound a little deceptive, then you're right!

However, sometimes it's better to fight fire with fire. If you expect to win at the game of timeshare sales presentations with honesty and ethics, then you will likely buy more points or be stuck at a desk for hours while wasting precious vacation time. Do not feel bad for protecting your family from thousands of dollars of debt.

We do not recommend telling all the facts about your life to make someone else feel sorry for you. Yet, you must divulge enough detail to elicit sympathy from the timeshare salesperson. Anything that has happened to you that someone would say "I am sorry to hear that" is worth sharing with your timeshare salesperson. No one (unless they're a sadist or sociopath) wants to hurt someone else. Most people are good people and will take sympathy when it is deserved.

The best advice for timeshare sales presentations

The easiest way to say no to a timeshare sales rep is to avoid the entire ordeal. Although, they make it really hard when checking in. If you do get pressured when checking in and feel forced to attend, take the steps here to leave at the hour mark and without more timeshare debt.

Remember that you are in control of what you do and do not do. No one has the right to ruin your vacation or make you feel awkward for wanting to spend time with your family without being pitched.

If you or a loved one is tired of the timeshare trap, connect with our team to learn how to cancel your timeshare legally and permanently.

Ready to cancel your timeshare?

Start with your free copy of The Cancel Timeshare Handbook .

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How to Avoid a Timeshare Presentation

Ever since developers realized that they could get fast money out of a hotel or real estate project by selling units as timeshares, their sales reps have been let loose on unsuspecting travelers. And that is why you need to know how to avoid a high-pressure, arm-twisting sales pitch that lassos you into a timeshare presentation that will waste your time and put you at potential financial risk.

The last thing you may want to think about on vacation is buying real estate; these sharks intend to change your mind. They offer inducements such as free flights, free nights, free tours, and other "free" gifts.

Timeshare salespeople are trained to be persistent and wear down resistance. The worst ones are downright deceitful. But you aren't defenseless. If you can learn how to avoid a timeshare presentation and are willing to temporarily suspend your good manners, those sales types will be no more annoying than gnats.

Difficulty: Average

Time required: 5 minutes if you succeed, hours if you don't, here's how:.

• Avoid something-for-nothing offers.  Ever pick up the phone and hear a robo-voice announce, "Congratulations! You've won a free vacation... a romantic vacation ... a trip to Disneyland ?" Hang up immediately! These are all come-ons and you won't get something for nothing if these people hook you. So if you are not interested in dubious investments, do not accept any such offers by phone, in the mail, through social media. or on location to sit through a timeshare presentation. 
• Find out who you're dealing with. Sellers can be sneaky, and some use terminology different from "timeshare presentation" (such as discovery tour, gift opportunity, special value promotion). If someone offers you something, ask if he or she is a sales person and if real estate ownership is involved. Be suspicious!
• Get in and get out. Okay; you couldn't resist. They promised it would be short and the reward worthwhile. Hold them to the time frame promised, and set your watch or smartphone alarm. Fifteen minutes before the timeshare presentation is scheduled to end, give them warning that you will leave.
• Give out as little personal information as possible. Do not give timeshare sellers your cellphone, home, or work phone numbers, nor your main email address. If they insist, provide fake numbers.
• Under no circumstance, give anyone associated with the presentation your credit card information.
• Don't sign any anything. Once you put your signature to an agreement, you will be legally bound to carry out the terms of the contract. If you do become interested in the property, ask to take an unsigned copy of the agreement and say you will have it reviewed by your attorney.
• Just say no . Not maybe, not "we'll think about it," just no. The worst thing you can do is lead a salesperson on. He or she will become your personal barnacle.
• Be willing to be rude. It's not in some peoples' nature to flat-out say, "No... I don't want this... get out of my face." You're not dealing with grandma or a member of a church congregation. You're dealing with a salesperson. If they push you, push back. They're trained to be persistent and deal with rejection.
• Leave. You cannot legally be held against your will. By leaving, you will forfeit any "gift" that you were promised, and you may be responsible for your own transportation back to your hotel. But then you will be free.
• Call the police. If anyone tries to block your exit, immediately call the police from your cellphone and record the exchange. (Asking to speak to a manager or supervisor may not be the solution, as this individual is typically a senior salesperson aka con man who is even more adept in the deceptive "art of the deal.")

What You Need:

• Ability to withstand sales pressure
• Willingness to be rude if necessary
• Determination not to sign anything
• Wisdom to resist "too good to be true" offers
• Understanding that ones who profit from timeshares are sellers not owners

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How to Say No After a Timeshare Presentation: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “no” after attending a timeshare presentation. Timeshare presentations can be persuasive and overwhelming, leaving you feeling pressured to make a decision. It’s essential to approach the situation with confidence and assertiveness, while also being respectful. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to decline a timeshare offer, along with various tips and examples to navigate the conversation effectively.

The Importance of Saying No

Before diving into the strategies, it’s crucial to acknowledge the significance of saying “no” after a timeshare presentation. Timeshares often come with long-term financial commitments and restrictions that may not align with your lifestyle or financial goals. By saying “no,” you are choosing to protect your financial well-being and prioritize your values and preferences. Saying “no” allows you to make an informed decision that is best for you and your family.

Tips for Saying No Politely

When declining a timeshare offer, it’s essential to adopt a warm and polite tone. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Be confident: Approach the conversation with confidence and assertiveness. Remember, it’s your decision, and you have the right to decline.
• Stay positive: Maintain a positive tone throughout the conversation, even if the salesperson becomes pushy or persistent.
• Be clear and concise: Express your decision clearly and concisely to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings.
• Use “I” statements: Frame your response using “I” statements to assert your personal preferences without sounding accusatory.
• Thank them for their time: Acknowledge the time and effort the salesperson has put into the presentation by expressing your gratitude.

Formal Ways to Say No

If you prefer a formal approach to decline the timeshare offer, here are a few examples:

Thank you for the detailed presentation. After careful consideration, I have decided that a timeshare is not the right fit for me at this time. I appreciate your time and effort.

I have thoroughly reviewed the information you provided, and while I understand the benefits of a timeshare, it does not align with my current financial goals. Thank you for your understanding.

Remember to adapt these responses according to your specific situation and personal preferences. The key is to remain polite but firm in your decision.

Informal Ways to Say No

If a more informal approach suits your style, you can consider these examples:

Hey, I really enjoyed your presentation, but I don’t think a timeshare is the right fit for me right now. Thanks for your understanding!

Thanks for the offer, but after giving it some thought, I’ve decided against buying a timeshare. I appreciate your time and effort in explaining everything to me!

Tips for Handling Persuasive Tactics

During a timeshare presentation, it’s common for salespeople to utilize persuasive tactics to convince you to buy. Here are a few tips on how to handle such situations:

• Stay focused on your original decision: Remind yourself of your reasons for saying “no” and stick to your initial plan.
• Politely decline additional offers: If the salesperson tries to sweeten the deal with additional perks, kindly decline and reiterate your decision.
• Avoid impulsive decisions: Take your time to think things over. Avoid making rushed decisions under pressure.
• Ask for contact information: If you’re open to future offers or have questions, ask for their contact information to follow up later. However, be cautious and ensure you’re genuinely interested before providing your details.

Learning how to say “no” after attending a timeshare presentation is crucial to protect your financial well-being and make an informed decision. Remember to approach the conversation with confidence, politeness, and clarity. Whether you choose a formal or informal approach, ensure your decision reflects your values and preferences. Be grateful for the time and effort the salesperson invested, but remain firm in your response. By following the tips and examples provided in this guide, you can gracefully decline a timeshare offer and move forward with what’s best for you and your family.

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Tips and Examples on How to Say No at a Timeshare Presentation

Timeshare presentations can be persuasive and high-pressure environments where you might find it challenging to decline their offers gracefully. However, learning how to say no effectively can help you navigate these situations with confidence. In this guide, we'll provide you with formal and informal ways to say no at a timeshare presentation, while also offering useful tips and examples to help you express your refusal politely.

How to Say No at a Timeshare Presentation: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say no at a timeshare presentation. When attending a timeshare meeting or presentation, it is common to feel pressured into making a purchase. However, it's important to remember that you are not obligated to buy anything. This guide will provide you with both formal and informal ways to say no, as well as some useful tips and examples to help you navigate this situation with ease.

Guide: How to Say No During a Timeshare Presentation

Turning down a timeshare offer can sometimes be a challenge. Whether you are attending a formal presentation or a more casual sales pitch, it's essential to communicate your refusal clearly and politely. By using the right words and maintaining a warm tone, you can effectively decline the offer without damaging any relationships. This guide will provide you with strategies, tips, and examples on how to say no during a timeshare presentation in both formal and informal settings. Let's explore the art of politely declining a timeshare offer.

How to Say No in a Timeshare Presentation

Attending a timeshare presentation can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with the challenge of gracefully declining their offers. Saying "no" in a timeshare presentation requires tact and assertiveness, as sales representatives are known for their persuasive techniques. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say "no" in both formal and informal situations. So whether you're about to attend a presentation or simply want to be prepared for future encounters, read on for valuable tips and examples.

Guide on How to Say No in a Timeshare Presentation

Attending a timeshare presentation can be an exciting experience, but it's crucial to remember that you have the right to say no if it doesn't align with your interests or financial situation. Politely declining a timeshare offer can sometimes be challenging, so we've put together this guide to help you navigate the process with grace and confidence. From formal to informal ways, we'll provide you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations to consider.

Guide: How to Say No to a Timeshare Presentation

Timeshare presentations can be a tempting offer, but sometimes you may find yourself needing to decline. Whether you are not interested, unable to make the commitment, or simply don't want to attend, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to say no to a timeshare presentation. Read on for tips, examples, and regional variations.

How to Say No to Timeshare Presentations: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say no to timeshare presentations. We understand that saying no can sometimes be difficult, especially when faced with persuasive sales tactics. Whether you are looking for formal or informal ways, we have compiled a variety of tips and examples to help you navigate these situations. While regional variations can exist, our focus will primarily be on general strategies that apply to most situations. So, let's dive in and equip you with the tools to confidently decline timeshare presentations!

How to Say Present a Presentation: Formal and Informal Ways

Presenting a presentation effectively requires not only clear communication skills but also an understanding of the appropriate language and tone to use. Whether you're presenting in a formal setting or engaging in a more casual situation, having the right vocabulary and expressions can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll explore both formal and informal ways to say "present a presentation," offering you useful tips and examples along the way.

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• October 11, 2023
• Mark Ostermann

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Hilton Timeshare Presentation Experience

Last week I finally had my 150,000 point Hilton timeshare presentation offer meeting in New York City. This is the second time we have done one of these offers with Hilton, but this one was very unique. I doubt many will be able to recreate my Hilton timeshare presentation experience fully, but I think there are things that can be learned from it. Because of that I figured it was worth sharing with all of you.

Table of Contents

Booking The Hilton Timeshare Offer

This amazing offer was available earlier this year. Believe it or not it was actually one of my first articles at ToP. We wanted to take the kids somewhere for their birthday so I let them pick from the destination list. They decided on New York City and I booked it for October (right around both of their birthdays).

The deal was we would need to go to a 2 hour, or less, sales presentation put on by Hilton Grand Vacations . For doing that we would receive a great reduced rate on a three night stay and 150,000 Hilton Honors points upon completion.

We did a similar offer in Orlando back or 2019 and it took about the full two hours to complete. This time around was completely different though.

Sharing My Hilton Timeshare Presentation Experience

There were several things that were a bit different with this Hilton timeshare presentation experience compared to last time around. I'll go through each of them with you.

The Presentation Center Was In The Hotel

The first thing that was different was that the Hilton Grand Vacations offices were in the Hilton Midtown hotel . They had several timeshare presentation offices within the same building. I believe there were three in all where you could be sent. Our meeting area was the one located on the top floor. It was wasn't the easiest to find, it required riding an elevator to the top floor of the hotel and then walking down a hallway to another small elevator up the last level. This was one of those small one floor elevator types.

From what I could tell there was a Hilton Grand Vacations property on the top few floors of the Hilton Midtown hotel. I have to imagine those rooms were better than what we had below, since the hotel was not great.

There Was No Big Rah Rah Room

This could be a change since covid, or it could just be the limited space of New York City, but there was no rah rah room. In Orlando we were grouped together with like 30 other attendees and the head salesperson went through some things with us and got us in the habit of saying yes. Then we broke off with our individual reps for the one on one sales pitches portion at the same time.

This time around our rep promptly met us upon arrival and took us straight back to her desk. I prefer this set up so that there isn't a needless 30 minute pep rally. I think this set up works to our favor as well, but more on that in a bit.

We Were Done In Under 15 Minutes

This is where things got interesting. We sat down with our representative for some small talk, and the normal chit chat. She seemed super nice and from what I could tell we got one of the more straightforward, honest people in the business. I think she really believed in the program for the right person and that showed.

While chatting, how we found out about the presentation offer came up. I informed our rep that I wrote about it for work and then decided to take advantage of it. That is when we got into miles and points and the fact that I would write about my experience during the meeting as well. I also told her were mainly there for the points bonus.

You could tell this threw her for a curve. She immediately understood that I was not a person that this program would mesh with. I told her I pay next to nothing for my trips, thanks to miles and points, and that is when she said hold on for a few minutes. I assume she left to speak to a supervisor and came back to the table about 5 minutes later. That is when she told me we could leave if we wanted to or we could ask any questions we had. She said there was no point in going through the presentation with us etc. I appreciated this bluntness and we were free to leave after around 15 minutes of entering the sales room.

She was very open about the fact that selling these were her job, and time spent pitching me was wasted and wouldn't benefit her much. I totally agreed with this.

Asking Some Timeshare Questions That Had Been Bothering Me

I didn't leave right away because I actually enjoyed her company and I had a few questions I was interested in hearing the response to for timeshare offers / companies. We also talked about miles and points for 5 – 10 minutes. During that time I encouraged her to get into it a bit more for the airfare side of her travel even if she owned some timeshares. I can not stress enough how open she was and willing to discuss anything, which I found super refreshing. Here are some of the things we discussed:

They Offer A No Fee Credit Card – The Hilton Amex

While we were talking about my work, and using credit cards for discounted travel, she brought up that they have one they offer people. She wasn't sure if it was unique to them, but it was mainly for people that want to buy a timeshare but weren't prepared to do so. She said everyone comes in here expecting to say no, and that all they ask is they have an open mind. The reason for the card offer is the 0% APR it has. The card ended up being the no fee Amex Hilton card. I forgot to ask if they get any bonus etc. for card sign ups, but I assume they do.

What Is Her Response To Someone Buying Timeshares On The Secondary Market

I was really intrigued by this question, since I know it is something people say to bring up in your sales pitch meeting. Grizzled timeshare presentation vets say this is a way to give a firm no! Hilton Grand Vacations, and maybe others, figured out a work around for this. They have the right of first refusal if you ever try to sell your timeshare. If the price is too low they will buy it back themselves to keep it off the secondary market. This ensures the public prices stay where they want them to be. If the price is high enough they will pass on buying it back. Pretty smart.

What Happens When You Die And Your Kids Don't Want It?

I was also curious about the stories of people's heirs getting stuck with the maintenance fees after their parents pass away. From what I had heard they need to inform the company they want to forfeit their right to the timeshare, or they get stuck with the monthly dues. She was not 100% sure on this but she said she didn't think they did anything when someone passed away, assuming the no one in the succession line wanted it.

Points Transfer Rates Depend On Where You Buy

One thing I liked about the Hilton Vacations Timeshare program in particular, and maybe others offer it too, is that you can turn your timeshare points into Hilton Honors points if you are unable to use them that year. The rate at which you can transfer (I believe the two options are 16 to 1 or 32 to 1) depends on where you buy. It has something to do with the deeds etc. for those areas. She informed me that where you have your meeting doesn't matter though. She can sell you to any of these. So if you are in Myrtle Beach, but the NYC package works better for you (one of the 32 to 1 options), then they can make that happen. It should be noted that the higher transfer rate is a more expensive package.

She said if you want to just go to the same destination every year then the lower package makes more sense etc. They will tailor your individual package to whatever your travel desires are.

Who Are Timeshares For?

The last thing we discussed is who she thought timeshares were for. She admitted that they are not for everyone. The ideal person is a middle class couple or family that struggles to use their vacation time. Owning a timeshare forces them to make time for a trip. If you paid for it already then you are more likely to use it.

Being able to pass it down to kids is something many people like as well. Once the upfront cost is paid they look at the monthly dues as a reduced cost vacation. That may be more space than they would have gotten for the same price or a discounted rate in an expensive destination like Hawaii.

She admitted that miles and points people did not fit into this box. Really wealthy people didn't either, because they can pay for wherever they want to go. In her view, this program makes more places accessible to the middle class. I can see where she is coming from.

Hilton Timeshare Presentation Experience Main Takeaways

While my experience was unique I still think there are lessons to be learned.

Individual Pitches Are Our Friend

I think getting straight to the sit down with a sales rep portion is helpful to us. That makes me think they keep pulling from the constant flow of people and they don't want to waste time with a lemon such as us. With the old set up they likely didn't have a new pool to pull from until the next pep rally happened. They were stuck with who they got for the duration. I am not so sure that is the case with this set up.

Be Upfront About Your Travels

I think explaining that you travel A LOT, and most of it is for pennies on the dollar, helps you to a quick exit. I tried to do this in Orlando as well, but in a more roundabout way. They didn't really pick up on that though and when I asked questions for work purposes they mistook that for interest. This time I was as upfront and blunt as I could be. If you do the same maybe they will see you are a lost cause and quickly discard you. Tell them you did it for the discounted room and bonus points.

The Points Posted Really Quickly

They said it could take a few days, but the points were in my account within a few hours. This was a huge improvement compared to my last Hilton timeshare presentation experience years ago. Previously, it ended up taking a few weeks and some follow up to get.

It wasn't special blogger treatment either, since multiple people in the ToP Facebook Group said theirs posted within minutes of their meeting. I was really happy to hear that.

ToP Thoughts

Overall, our Hilton timeshare presentation experience was surprisingly pleasant and refreshing. They were okay dropping a losing hand and our rep was very open and up front about everything. I enjoyed speaking with her and it was interesting to get some more color on the program. It was cool to hear about her experience as a salesperson too.

I don't know if this is unique to her, the New York office or if it is a testament to the entire Hilton Vacation Club company, but I was pleasantly surprised. It almost made me feel bad about not buying something, almost.

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Basic Guide to Timeshare Presentations

• February 17, 2021
• No Comments

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We have all seen the old Timeshare pitch. Typically it goes something like “earn a discounted stay by learning more about our program over 90 to 120 minutes”. Often there are additional freebies thrown into the mix. This can be complimentary food such as breakfast or lunch, excursion vouchers, or even a visa gift card. As a result, the timeshare promotions seem too good to be true which can lead to skepticism. Is it a Scam or travel strategy? Learn more about this lesser-known topic in the Basic Guide to Timeshare Presentations & using them for travel .

In this Basic Guide

Timeshare properties.

• Checking in
• Say No (or Yes)
• Collecting Compensation

Examples of Timeshare Presentation Promotions

My experience participating in the promotions, where to find a timeshare presentation, timeshare restrictions and pitfalls, list of timeshare companies (and website links), what is a timeshare.

A timeshare is a form of travel that incorporates a shared approach to real estate. The vacation property is purchased and owned by multiple individuals who agree to split the time allocation. Traditionally, timeshares were sold in week increments. However, most companies have transitioned to point systems. Because of this, you can enjoy shorter trips throughout the year instead of using all the points at once. Similar to credit card points, the timeshare points can be used towards nights at a variety of properties within a portfolio.

A timeshare property often comes in the form of a studio equipped with a kitchen. Sometimes timeshares are located within condominiums or apartment complexes. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that some timeshare properties are actually shared by larger-scale hotel chains like Marriott or Hilton.

How does a Timeshare Presentation Work

Step one – signing up.

The first step to participating in a timeshare is signing a contract. Basically, the contract states that you agree to learn more about the property. This “presentation” will be set for a predetermined time. Typically they last for 90-120 minutes. Lastly, will be compensated with “x” for your time.

Step Two – Checking In (Sometimes Required)

The second step of checking-in is typically required when an overnight stay is involved. Usually, the terms will indicate that the guests’ must check-in at a predetermined location the day before the actual presentation. Often this will be at the hotel you are staying at. However, sometimes it can be at a location in close proximity to the hotel. There have been a handful of times that this step wasn’t required with the timeshare promotions I’ve participated in. Typically the staff would confirm the details of the sales pitch such as the date, time, and location. Afterward, I would be on my way for the duration of my stay.

Step Three – Attending the Presentation

One great aspect of actually attending the presentation is the free breakfast or lunch. In my book, this is an additional factor that leads to even greater savings while traveling. At this point, typically the timeshare salesperson assigned to you will introduce themselves and the shmoozing will begin. One rare occasion in Mexico, the salesperson actually joined us for breakfast which made for a long day of being pitched.

Note the Time –

Legally, since you signed a contract to attend the timeshare promotion. Because of this, the time commitment cannot be extended without your consent. I’ve met some other travelers who actually will set an alarm on their phones. Personally, I haven’t taken it to that extreme but noting the time has saved me a few times from unnecessary tours of hotels or additional sales pitches, etc.

The Presentation typically includes a sales pitch on travel in general. I recall one pitch actually selling the point that not traveling was harmful to one’s health due to the epidemic of increased stress levels. Eventually, the presentation will cover how the program works and the general cost of participating. Finally, the agent assigned to you will conclude with a hard pitch based on the income you provide and what he or she thinks you can afford.

Is a Hard Credit Pull Required?

It’s hit or miss if the timeshare presentation requires a credit check. Sometimes it is written in the contract that they need to perform the hard pull in order to provide the correct financing numbers based on your credit score. A hard inquiry won’t destroy a credit score nor will it be a primary determining factor in being eligible for future lines of credit. Ideally, it is not wise to add unnecessary pulls if you don’t have to.

Step Four – Saying No (or Yes?)

Remember your only commitment was to participate in the presentation. Nothing more, nothing less. However, if you are reading this blog, you are most likely already a savvy points and miles traveler . Most likely, you won’t find a benefit from being contractually obligated to a specific timeshare. Now of course, if you find value from what is being offered and it makes sense financially then by all means. In my experience, the financial commitment has never made sense for me. Personally, I don’t like the idea of contractually being obligated to pay into the program long-term for the rest of m life.

Step Five – Collecting what was promised

Finally, sometimes the 90-120 minutes drag on. You literally are counting down the seconds to get back to vacationing. Don’t get so caught up with leaving that you forget about what is promised to you. This can range from vouchers to cash, gift cards, or other random items. Typically the ‘gifts’ are provided upon completion of the presentation. Be sure to collect these before leaving or at least inquiring about how to go about receiving them!

Timeshare Presentation promotions come in all shapes and sizes. Usually, the company starts with a base-level deal. However, they could have a handful of additional perks which can be added by directly asking or being apprehensive. It is also important to note that many of these perks can be added together for a single timeshare promotional experience. For instance, here are examples of promotions I have participated in.

• 2, 3, 4, or 5 night stays for a heavily discounted rate
• Visa, Amex, and Mastercard pre-loaded debit gift cards
• Free shows and buffet vouchers in Vegas
• Excursions and massages in Mexico
• Pre-loaded Debit Cards and lunch vouchers in Hawaii
• Certificate for a future complimentary night stay
• $100 towards dinner at a handful of restaurants in San Francisco and New York City
• Hotel Rewards Points. I’ve seen Wyndham and Hilton offer bonus points for participating in a timeshare presentation. This is a great negotiating point when booking a timeshare presentation.

Overall I’ve had some very good experiences with the timeshare presentation travel strategies. My only regret is not documentation the experiences better. However, we do have a few reviews here on the website. For instance, we took advantage of the Hilton Presentation when I ran the NYC Marathon . In the future, I will continue to add more articles.

• New York City Hilton Timeshare Review
• Small Wyndham Timeshare writeup mixed into this Las Vegas Rewards Trip Review
• Grand Caribbean Vacations Mexico Timeshare Trip Review

Finding timeshare presentations can be completely random. I’ve been solicited for Timeshares in Airports, Casinos, Hotels, and even at the New York Times Travel Show. Periodically I’ll receive targeted emails from Wyndham, Hilton, and Marriott with a new Timeshare Promotion they are running. Additionally, once or twice each year I’ll receive a cold call. Typically, I am most skeptical about these as they often require up-front purchases.

There are a few strategies you can take to be targeted for these sorts of promotions.

• First, make sure you are signed up for the loyalty awards accounts with each hotel chain. Wyndham , Marriott , and Hilton are the ones that seem to send out the majority of the timeshare promotional trips.
• Next, keep your eyes peeled while traveling. Usually, you can find representatives pitching timeshares in high-traffic areas like entrances or exits. Sometimes hotels will have separate desks set up with signage about stopping by for a free gift.
• Lastly, call the general number of a hotel chain. Then inquire about owning a timeshare in the future. The customer service representative will transfer you to the right person.

How do you get the best Timeshare Presentation Promotion

One word: Haggle . I know that the thought of haggling is very polarizing. Some people love to haggle while others avoid it. Just know that the first offer that is presented is most likely not the best one you can get by saying no or being apprehensive.

In Mexico once, the sales representative initially started the hard in-person pitch with one five-night vacation per year for purchasing into the program. An hour later and a whole lot of “No Thank Yous”, he had steadily moved up in one-week increments. Lastly, he offered unlimited. visits. Clearly, there had to be a large catch with the promotion and I was not purchasing to find out.

Ultimately when negotiating the terms of the Timeshare Presentation it doesn’t hurt to ask for more. If they say no and you are still interested in the trip take the current offer. If they say yes, you earned more by taking a minute to ask. It’s a win-win situation.

There are a few restrictions and pitfalls to be aware of when considering a timeshare presentation.

Certain jobs are restricted from participating. I remember reading in one contract that travel-related jobs like working in aviation could disqualify you.

Relationship

Oftentimes, timeshare promotions are only open to couples who are married or at the very least living together. The timeshare representatives will verify that the addresses match your driver’s license.

Most timeshare presentations require the participants to have a certain household income in order to participate.

Room Occupants

If there is a discounted stay at a hotel, there is typically a restriction on who can actually stay in the room. It is usually limited to just the couple who is participating in the presentation. If you are planning on traveling with friends, they may be required to book their own room or participate in their own presentation. Sometimes there are even restrictions on traveling with others in a group and participating in a presentation.

Lying about income (or anything else)

If you are caught fabricating a higher income in order to be “eligible” to participate in a timeshare promotion it is likely that the company will charge you the standard room rate and deny and perks that were included in the contract. Don’t do this!

Be careful about what and how much you choose to drink during the hard-pitch of the timeshare presentation. There are some shady companies that will intentionally feed guests stronger drinks in order to make them more likely to sign a contract.

• Extra Holidays (Wyndham) and Wyndham Trips (Wyndham)
• Hilton Grand Vacation (Hilton)
• Hyatt Residence Club (Hyatt)
• Holiday Inn Vacation Club (IHG)
• Marriott Vacation Club (Marriott)
• Bluegreen Vacations (Choice Hotels)
• Westgate Resorts

Basic Breakdown

In conclusion, I’m a big fan of timeshare presentations and certainly will be looking to book more presentations in the future. The best experience of ALL TIME took place in Oahu Hawaii. At check-in, we received a card that said to bring it down to the concierge for a free gift. This led to an invitation for a $200 Amex Debit Card and two lunch vouchers (valued at $80) for attending the presentation.

There was a short presentation, maybe ten minutes long followed by a sitdown with the sales rep. She asked us why we were there today and I said for the free $200 and lunch vouchers. Then she asked if we had any interest in purchasing a timeshare, Lisa and I both shook our heads no. Five minutes later we had our $200 debit cards and were eating a delicious comped lunch at the hotel restaurant. I’m sure that was a huge fluke but this is what I love about these promotions!

Let us know!

Have you participated in a Timeshare Presentation? How did it go?  

I’d love to hear in the comments below or over in our 8,200+ Member Basic Travel Facebook Group !

More basic reading.

• How to Earn Bonus Points and Miles in Q1 of 2021
• Elevated Hilton Honors Offers
• Basic Guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
• Top Travel Credit Card Offers of the Month
• How to book a $4,386 two night stay at Miraval Arizona for $50
• Earn Free Money with these Sofi Bank Promotions!

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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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How to avoid/navigate a Timeshare Presentation in Mexico

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: August 4, 2022  - Last updated: January 30, 2024

When we first went to Mexico years ago, we landed and breezed through customs and out the door to head to our hotel in Cabo San Lucas. That night we heard about a free breakfast with an open bar and were totally excited. The next morning we spent 2+ hours in a timeshare presentation. So this article is all about how to avoid a timeshare presentation in Mexico .

Yes, this is actually something I’m going to teach you about right now. When you land in Cabo, in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, anywhere, there are timeshare sales people everywhere. You might not even realize it, but you’re going to come in contact with somebody in your first hour in Mexico trying to sell you a timeshare. You may be thinking that it won’t be a problem or won’t happen to you, but think again.

Note :  we own and love our timeshare . We bought it in 2006 and still use it happily every year. Check out our article on timeshare ownership here.

What is a timeshare presentation

I can’t assume that everyone knows what a timeshare is, let alone a timeshare presentation. Fractional ownership of a property has been around for decades. It’s where a hotel or resort sells either specific units of inventory or blocks a set number of room nights for those who’ve bought into their property. A timeshare is owning a slice of dedicated space somewhere that you can use over time and within limits.

A timeshare presentation is the process of learning about a specific fractional ownership scenario and being sold into it. We feel it’s important to know how to avoid timeshare presentations because this process can be anywhere from an hour to even three or four hours of your vacation.

Know that you don’t want to stay at a timeshare centric hotel? Shop around!

If you’re going to say yes to a timeshare pitch…

Even the strongest of wills may succumb to a timeshare pitch when it’s put before them. If you’re going to say yes to attending/participating, here are the things to make sure of during your very first initial conversation:

• Do NOT pay cash for more than the actual cost of planned transportation to your hotel
• Do NOT agree to participate if you’re pressed for time
• Do NOT say yes to visiting a remote location that will eat up your time just to get there
• DO negotiate that in exchange for your time you’re being compensated with fun (more on that below)
• DO get a very clear understanding of the time commitment and what YOU get for attending
• DO push the person signing you up to do things quickly

What to expect of a timeshare presentation

You’ll start your timeshare presentation by meeting a charismatic individual, most likely tan and wearing some top of the line resortwear. You’ll just “enjoy breakfast and hear about the property.” Yes, there may be some free drinks, but that’s not a guarantee and it’s definitely not a reason to make your family sit through a sales pitch.

After breakfast, you’ll stroll around the property… or worse, you’ll get into a luxury van to take you off-property to someplace on the other side of town. Once actually touring you’ll be shown a variety of suites that you don’t need or have any interest in “but you can bring your family and friends back to each year…” And then you say no because it’s too much space or whatever, then they show you a smaller option still with all the amenities, and you still say no.

When you think you’re done and ready to get your goodies for being a good participant the closer comes out to give you a quick survey about the property and presentation. This closer also has some other questions about costs and if that’s what turned you off… because they just had some inventory open up for one third the cost of what you were just told.

You say no, you’re still not interested, but they ask what you could afford if you wanted to buy. You say no, but they have one last unit or time-slot available that’s now one tenth the cost of the initial presentation…

Tip :  there are ways to experience a timeshare style vacation without buying. A test drive is always a good idea.

That’s what you should expect from a timeshare presentation. We’ve done them at several properties, including where we actually do own a timeshare, and it’s always the same process and approach. “No thank you, I don’t want to buy a private beachfront hacienda that will actually cost me $12K per year plus extras.”

How to Avoid a Timeshare Presentation

As I said, even the strongest will may succumb to a timeshare presentation. They come to you with different names: free breakfast, owner’s tour, vacation club, resort tour… What may seem like a harmless half hour is more than meets the eye, and the salespeople are everywhere.

So, how to you actually avoid the timeshare wave that will inevitably wash over you? Stay focused and stick to what you’ve already planned.

• Before leaving on your trip, we recommend booking your transportation to your resort/hotel. Having this conquered you’ve already made the whole experience much easier if you can hold your ground.
• When you exit customs, just walk straight through to the exit or car rental desk. Nobody knows you or your needs. Just move on.
• At your hotel, you DO NOT have to attend any special events or meals. This is YOUR vacation, not theirs. Do not accept any reservation for anything you don’t want to do.
• If a random stranger in a collared shirt greets you somewhere and asks where you’re staying, reply with “At a great place. Have a nice day!” and politely move on.

Will power. That’s the key to avoiding getting roped into a timeshare presentation.

Where to avoid timeshare salespeople

I mentioned that there is a swamp of timeshare salespeople at the airport, and it’s true. Once you’re clear of the initial wave of polo-shirt-wearing friends, you’ll be at a rental car counter, in the airport or off-site. WARNING : there are timeshare reps here too. As you’re choosing your rental car, somebody may offer an upgrade for you or to cover X number of days of your rental if you can attend a resort tour. And there are more people still before you even get into your hotel room. While it may not be this blatant on Oahu or at a Florida resort , Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are both very intense with timeshare pushing.

Places to be aware of timeshare salespeople include (from landing to departure):

• Airport, post-security
• Rental car counter, in airport and off-site
• Grocery store entrance, they may offer to direct you within the store
• Your own hotel lobby, including the nice ladies with welcome drinks
• By your own resort pool
• On the beach or in a beachfront bar
• At the mall or air conditioned public space
• Waiting just outside of your hotel’s entrance gate

Seriously, you can avoid timeshare sales people every ten minutes if you’re in the main areas of nearly any resort town in Mexico. Just be aware and ready to keep your vacation your own.

Wading through airport timeshare swamps

As you go through customs and exit, you’ll see people with clipboards and behind desks. They’ll ask if you have transportation arranged already and then offer to help you. You’ll say where you’re going and then they’ll ask if you want a shuttle or private transportation.

Tip :  prearrange your transportation and somebody will actually helpfully get you to them, even if it means you bypass the timeshare sales pitch. People do still want to be helpful.

If you haven’t booked your transportation, allow somebody to assist you, but be strong about whether or not you mind adding a timeshare presentation to your vacation. If you don’t want to do it, just politely decline and reiterate that you just need transportation. They’ll connect you with taxi or private shuttle and you’ll be on your way.

Tips to quickly negotiate timeshare sales pitches

If you do choose to engage in a conversation around attending a timeshare sales pitch, don’t let that delay the start of your vacation. When you talk to somebody at the airport about this, they’ll try to get you to do a presentation at your first possible chance, most likely meeting a representative just outside of your resort. If you’re setting one up at your resort, they’ll be more flexible for scheduling.

Choose a time that’s actually good for you and clarify if JUST ONE adult can go or if the whole family needs to be there.

Once you’ve established that you’ll be doing something with them, you need to be sure that your time is compensated. Usually a first-round timeshare pitch will include offering something like a bottle of tequila and maybe a discounted sunset cruise. No. You are giving your time, not at a discount. What is changing your plans and having an awkward meeting on your vacation worth?

Here’s what we typically negotiate for if we actually say yes to a timeshare presentation:

• Reimbursement for cost of transportation to resort
• A GOOD excursion for our family of four (comped, not at a discount) – we recommend Ecotours in Cabo or Playa del Carmen
• Dining credit to be able to enjoy the hosting resort

Something we’ve also been able to take advantage of with timeshare presentations in the past has been kids club features. Many resorts have some form of protected child area, either to entertain kids while parents do the resort tour or for kids to enjoy later while parents are relaxing at the resort. It’s not available everywhere, but it’s worth checking if you’re going to the trouble.

The second round of timeshare pitch: at your resort

I know, you just went through this at the airport or rental agency, why are you having to deal with this again? When you arrive at your resort in Mexico, chances are that it is a part of a larger network or brand with either other properties you might stay at in the future or the property you’re at specifically has its own fractional ownership. If that’s the case, the resort will tactfully (or sometimes not) feel out if you’ve already been approached by another timeshare company.

Should this happen or should you discover that the property does do presentations, you have a receipt or collateral plan for a rival company that you can use as leverage to have a more simple experience. You’re already at a resort; you’re now ON vacation. If you can make your life and travel experience better by trading in your timeshare presentation voucher for an equal one at your own hotel, you should do it. They most likely have the same options for tours, dining credit and bottles of tequila, so you should be able to convert your presentation to your property.

Note : in Los Cabos you may have been offered a presentation in San Jose, the Corridor, Cabo itself or far to the north. Stick close to your home base if possible.

If you have to broach the situation yourself and directly ask to do a presentation at your own Mexican resort, I’d be very surprised, but if you do but polite about it. I recommend stating your case:  “We said that we’d do a timeshare presentation with X but really like it here. Can we just convert this to do one here?” They’ll probably say yes, but if they don’t go do the other one if you want to. Remember that NOBODY is making you do it, but there are perks if you do.

Surviving a timeshare presentation

It’s time to actually attend your timeshare presentation. Whenever we attend a timeshare presentation we go into it with zero intent of purchasing anything, but always with an open mind to hear what’s available and new in the world of timeshares. We actually love the timeshares that we own and take full advantage of them.

Tip : for the actual breakfast/lunch and tour, we always bring our kids with us for two reasons – 1) they always love it and express that, so we can continually say aloud to the timeshare salesperson that we’re not buying it and 2) antsy kids are an easy out when you need to end the presentation. If you want the kids to go to the childcare, that’s up to you, but they’re good to have around.

As you proceed in the presentation, you’ll hear all about the benefits of ownership, for both the enjoyment/luxury factor and the long term availability. Timeshare salespeople leverage people’s need for vacation and assume that you don’t get to travel enough, so investing in a timeshare guarantees the potential of future vacations. They’ll also talk to you about previous trips you’ve done in hopes of getting conversation about exchanging or trading your timeshare purchase. Ultimately, the goal is to show you all of the ways that a timeshare is good for you .

Note :  most timeshare presentations are said to be 90 minutes. If yours is looking like it’ll go be longer, HOLD THEM TO THE EXPECTATION. Ask to speak to the manager if you try to wrap it and it’s not happening.

The sales pitch is strong and really tantalizing, but if it’s not for you, you need to feel empowered to say no thank you and walk away. If you want to continue on and see if it’s within your budget, go for it.

Heads up : as you finish, there will probably be one more push to get you to buy (I mentioned this before). If you give it a listen, you may actually hear a deal or arrangement that’s doable and you’ll find great value it, but still, WALK AWAY if it’s not right for you.

Before you leave your presentation, be sure that you do collect your compensation for your time. It’s easy to just be done, particularly if the experience was frustrating or if they’ve wasted a ton of your time, but be sure to get your goods.

I hope this has been helpful. We really want to be sure that nobody gets sucked into a timeshare disaster, but also that if there is a good deal that is right for you and your family, that you’re able to take advantage of it.  Please let us know what questions you have, or if you want to share your story of timeshare success (or failure). Sharing experiences is how everybody has better travel down the road!

Want to pin this post or share it with somebody who’s considering a timeshare? Go for it!

Monday 10th of April 2023

I wish I had read this article before leaving for Mexico. We ended up in one yesterday. The deal was quite appealing, but what turned my husband off is they wanted to see our ID. They said it was to abide by Mexican law to make these sales pitches safer for consumers. Wondering what your thoughts are on that?

Tuesday 11th of April 2023

I'm so sorry. Yes, you do have to show ID and usually flash a CC to show that you are eligible to both purchase and receive what's offered. They should never be writing down your ID number or CC number, but they do validate that you're over 18 or 21 and that a bank has entrusted you with buying power.

Did you end up staying through the whole presentation? Did you purchase something? We do own two timeshares and see their value, but I know that they aren't right for everyone.

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

I wish I read this earlier. My husband and I was trapped in a presentation today for over 3 hours. The exact same thing you mentioned happened to us! Several rounds of pitches and different salesmen keep asking same questions to us and never answers ours. Waste of time.

I'm so sorry. I totally know the feeling and frustration. Was it a company presentation or an independent property? I hope you are able to enjoy the rest of your trip.

Tuesday 30th of August 2022

What happened to the rest of this advice? Curious...

"Note: most timeshare presentations are said to be 90 minutes. If yours is looking like it’ll go be"

Wednesday 14th of September 2022

So sorry! I don't know what happened there. Here's the rest of my thoughts: most timeshare presentations are said to be 90 minutes. If yours is looking like it’ll go be longer, HOLD THEM TO THE EXPECTATION. Ask to speak to the manager if you try to wrap it and it's not happening.

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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Polite way to say “no thanks” at timeshare presentation

• Thread starter thetimeshareguy
• Start date Aug 17, 2018

thetimeshareguy

• Aug 17, 2018

Hi everyone! My (new) wife and I are in Las Vegas and scheduled to attend a timeshare presentation as part of obtaining a reduced cost of staying at a resort here. (Her idea...) I’m a polite and considerate person and would appreciate advice on a way to gently but firmly say “thanks, but no thanks” to our host tomorrow after the two-hour presentation that’s part of our deal. There’s no way we’re buying — just looking for a nice way to let the man or woman down. Thanks in advance for all your thoughts! Guy  

Honestly - it doesn't matter how you say it. They will not take no for an answer, and will have a response for every excuse for not buying. Be sure you spouse understands this before you go, and make sure she understands that buying is not a option.  

TUG Review Crew: Expert

A polite way to say "no thanks" is just to say "no thanks". Keep saying it, with a smile, as often as needed.  

Tug Review Crew: Rookie

Start your timeshare with the price of their unit on the secondary market followed by We are interested in buying if you can provide a lower cost. We have had a couple 20 minute timeshare meetings. Why waste their time. Be upfront and honest.  

thetimeshareguy said: Hi everyone! My (new) wife and I are in Las Vegas and scheduled to attend a timeshare presentation as part of obtaining a reduced cost of staying at a resort here. (Her idea...) I’m a polite and considerate person and would appreciate advice on a way to gently but firmly say “thanks, but no thanks” to our host tomorrow after the two-hour presentation that’s part of our deal. There’s no way we’re buying — just looking for a nice way to let the man or woman down. Thanks in advance for all your thoughts! Guy Click to expand...

Passepartout

Tug review crew: veteran.

It may be easier for me than you. We are seniors, and I tell them that "we are in the liquidation phase rather than the acquisition phase of our lives. Would you like one if our timeshares?" But when they don't catch on, I have no qualms about resorting to simple insults about their hearing or comprehension. The easy ones accept a firm, NO for an answer. It usually has to be repeated Jim  

TUG Review Crew: Elite

thetimeshareguy said: My (new) wife and I are in Las Vegas and scheduled to attend a timeshare presentation as part of obtaining a reduced cost of staying at a resort here. (Her idea...) Click to expand...

• Aug 18, 2018

I tell them what I know... I know where I can get resales. Then they tell me it's not the same... I'll miss out on _____ system or deals etc. Then I explain to them how the resales totally meet my desires for vacation. Then they give me grief for attending when I knew I wouldn't buy. And I tell them the gift enticed it to "listen to a sales update."  

Just don't show up. There is no polite way to deal with these sharks.  

TUG Review Crew

https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php...-rescind-cancel-my-timeshare-purchase.189301/  

billymach4 said: Timeshare guy with a name like that you want to know how to deal with these situations. Sorry I don't mean to be harsh but best best is not to agree to these timeshare presentations. Click to expand...

thetimeshareguy said: I agree. I know quite a bit about timeshare and even wrote a book entitled Timeshare Secrets a few years ago. My new wife booked this holiday hoping to save a little money by going to this presentation and I am just fishing for tips on letting these people down gently — that’s all. Thanks. Click to expand...

SmithOp said: Who is giving the presentation, which system? Some of them can be really nasty. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro Click to expand...

just keep saying NO, until they walk you out the door.  

I know quite a bit about timeshare and even wrote a book entitled Timeshare Secrets a few years ago. Click to expand...

Ask no questions about the property, listen only. If they try to play on your sense of pity by saying they or family member has some type of medical issue, reply that you have a close friend in the same situation. We are seniors so we tell them at this point in our life there is no way we are purchasing another ts, and if we were it would be on resale market. And if they play the card that business has been slow with few sales, suggest to them because timeshares sold by developers are so overpriced. Just check TUG or other websites. Good luck and enjoy your vacation.  

magmue said: Maybe gift the salesperson with an autographed copy of your book when you arrive? Click to expand...

I am exactly like you. Being much older I have learned over the years that in some rare instances being polite just does not work. Time share presentations are more often than not one of these times. Be firm and polite and realize that the salesman is not doing you a favor. At some point rude may be the only option. I have a toggle. It takes an extreme amount of pressure to move that toggle but once it is flipped you do not want to be on the other side.  

bluehende said: I am exactly like you. Being much older I have learned over the years that in some rare instances being polite just does not work. Time share presentations are more often than not one of these times. Be firm and polite and realize that the salesman is not doing you a favor. At some point rude may be the only option. I have a toggle. It takes an extreme amount of pressure to move that toggle but once it is flipped you do not want to be on the other side. Click to expand...

clifffaith said: "Go with God, but just go" flipped my toggle when the third salesman/closer pulled that gem on me last year at a Diamond resort in Scottsdale. I guarantee that everyone in the room heard me say FUAH to him. Click to expand...

• Aug 19, 2018

thetimeshareguy said: Blue Green Click to expand...

DaveNW said: Faith, you made me laugh right out loud with that perfect response. You need to take this coffee cup to your next presentation, and turn it around when you've had enough. https://dls-store.com/shuh-duh1?s=ceramic-11&c=White&p=FRONT Dave Click to expand...

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