My experience with Destination Paradise
My family was in Waikiki over X-mas and my wife and I attended the DP presentation because we were given 50% off tickets to the Polynesian Cultural Center.
What I will write is my experience with DP and my impression about the company. Remember, your mileage may vary. You have to make your own decision with regards to the legitimacy of the program and whether it is right for you.
The presentation : DP tried hard to differentiate itself from a timeshare. The presentation itself was in reverse order of a typical timeshare. They presented the price first and then they get you excited about the program. To wrap it up, they lowered the price if you sign NOW and they threw in 2 free airline tickets and a free week condo if you're the first 2 to sign up.
The decision : We liked the information presented. Before we signed on the doted line, we insisted on looking at their reservation website first (a highly recommended move). DP obliged but they drove the very short website test.
The awakening : The evening after we signed the deal, when the kids were quietly in bed, I read all the paperwork. I did not like what I read as some of the information presented was inconsistent with the agreement. As I replayed the events at the DP office, I became more unhappy with the program.
The straws that broke the camel's back : Why was I displeased with the program?
1. We asked the salesperson and the closer if reservations made through their system can be canceled. This is very important when traveling with children. The salesperson said "Yes" and the closer said "You can also buy travel insurance." The agreement stated that all reservations are final and cannot be canceled for any reason.
2. We had to sign and initial many places in the office, including one on financing. I was very very very unhappy when the closer said that he applied for a BOA credit card on my behalf and the entire amount of the purchase was charged to it. Although, one of the forms we signed must have authorized them to do so, I felt that they should have been more explicit about their financing plan. I happen to be a person who have enough credit cards and do not want any more no matter how attractive the reward may be (free miles, etc.) I told the closer to void the charge there and then and used my own credit card instead. I had to cancel the cc myself later on.
3. Unlike timeshares where you get a deed, for your money DP essentially entitles you a software license. I admit I do not know what inventory system their software uses, but is their software license worth thousands of dollars plus yearly fees? I wonder if their inventory is any better than those used by priceline, hotwire, skyauction, hotel.com, and the numerous timeshare rental websites.
4. Remember I asked for a website test drive. The closer who demoed, chose my state. There were a few pages of availability but I only saw the first page; I asked to see other pages but he changed the subject. All the pages shown on the first page were of condos in a vacation destination over 100 miles from a big city.
The remedy - Since we were still in Waikiki, I decided to walk to their office the next morning and void the purchase. The first reason alone is sufficient for me to back off of the deal, so that is what I told them. I also mentioned reason 2 and that I really do not believe what else I can trust from the presentation. They attributed the incorrect cancellation info to the new salesperson and they made several attempts to sweeten the offer DRASTICALLY. Our minds were made up and the answer were instant "no" at each of the offer.
The end - They finally agreed to cancel the membership but said that the $250 is nonrefundable. If I had changed my mind through no fault of DP, forgoing the doc fees was fine with me. But since there was misinformation involved, I told DP that if the $250 was withheld, I would dispute my cc charge. BTW, I had mentioned "presentation information inconsistent with the agreement" in my cancellation letter. I am happy to report that when we returned from Oahu, there was a DP letter waiting for me stating that the full amount will be refunded to me. I checked my cc account yesterday and the full amount was indeed refunded. Happy conclusion.
The lessons -
1. Read your docs immediately and very soon.
2. Insist on a test drive of the system and insist on driving yourself and take as much time as you need. Make sure it is a live system and do not skim on the details like location and dates. Best of all, try a scenario like your next dream vacation and make sure the locations available is where you really want to be visiting.
3. If you want to cancel, cancel in person while you're on location.
4. If something is too good to be true, quaff 3 cups of triple latte and read the agreement word by word to make sure that that something is still indeed true.
Throughout the entire ordeal, I felt that DP was polite.