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At WSJ-should we go to owners update?

Carolyn

Carolyn

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Location
Carmel, Indiana
Resorts Owned
Westin St John
WJL St Lucia
St James Club Antigua
Charter Club Marco
Sheraton Desert Oasis
We don't really want the $75 or the starpoints so we're signed up for the "quickie" update on the day before we leave. What does this involve? They mentioned something about the renovations which we would be interested in but don't want to buy at Bay vista, although I wouldn't mind seeing them. So far beautiful weather this week! Thanks!
 
Carolyn - it will be an outright sales presentation. How high pressure it is depends on the salesman. If you don't want the points or $75, skip it and save yourself the hassle.
 
If you have the time to spare, I would go. The WSJ sales staff has more of a low pressure sales presentation. Just tell them upright that you are not buying nor do you have any plans to buy. Be firm, be direct and don't be wishy washy....if not, enjoy your new week at WSJ!
 
If this is the 1-hour "Owners' Update" - we did this because I wanted to hear about the refurbish plans (prior to the more recent one) - and see the BV units. It was painless and we actually went well over the 1-hour - but that was on us - not them. There was zero pressure to buy anything, but they will go over the BV price structure.

We got 5000 SPs - make sure you keep your receipt - we lost ours and it took until recently (plus lots of phone calls with SVO) to finally get the SPs into my SPG account.

If you do go - please quiz them on the recent notification for the Kitchen/Bathroom refurbish and associated special assessment. For example - why this assessment (over 3 years) is so much higher than the previously proposed assesment (that was voted on, but failed due to lack of response). It is ~3x the amount...!

I have wanted to follow-up on this, but too busy.
 
It's good to know that the WSJ Owner's Update is not just a hard-core sales presentation. The last Starwood "Owner's Update" we did was at WKORV and when we told the salesman that we were really only there for an update he said, "Why did you make an appointment if you don't want to buy another week?" and eventually told us we were "wasting his time." We won't ever do another Starwood update...or any other kind for that matter.
 
DavidnRobin said:
If you do go - please quiz them on the recent notification for the Kitchen/Bathroom refurbish and associated special assessment. For example - why this assessment (over 3 years) is so much higher than the previously proposed assesment (that was voted on, but failed due to lack of response). It is ~3x the amount...!

I have wanted to follow-up on this, but too busy.
Click to expand...

David,
As a new owner, I am not familiar with with the previous proposed assessment.
 
I did the quickie vs the full presentation.We got a voucher for lunch it only lasted about 30 min no pressure.I wanted to see the new units.
 
Transit said:
I did the quickie vs the full presentation.We got a voucher for lunch it only lasted about 30 min no pressure.I wanted to see the new units.
Click to expand...
We did the one hour and received $125 - I wanted to see the BV units.
 
My cell phone has a smilie that sticks its tongue out -- am I just missing it here? Oh ... here it is. :p :p :p
 
Carolyn said:
And I was only offered $75!!! Maybe because I'm an owner??
Should I hold out for more?
Click to expand...

They are probably feeling harder economic times - perhaps.

Pretend you know about the previous refurbish - which is about the same refurbish but 3x more {!!!???} w/ no vote this time - how do they pull this off?
 
It's really weird that you're only being offered $75. I attended an owner's update (own week 43 3BR pool villa) on 10/28/08 - yes just 2 weeks ago and was offered $125 upfront with no negotiation.

I agree that their sales techniques are not high pressure. Bay Vista is beautiful. I would go.

-tim
 
DavidnRobin said:
They are probably feeling harder economic times - perhaps.

Pretend you know about the previous refurbish - which is about the same refurbish but 3x more {!!!???} w/ no vote this time - how do they pull this off?
Click to expand...

I talked to them about refurbs in the VG phase when I was there. It was before we received our letters, and they didn't go into the details. What they did tell me, however, that addresses your question is that the rules (not sure which document) allow them to temporarily raise the MF's by a certain percentage to cover this. I'm at HRA now, but I bought WSJ developer so have the CD-ROM version of the documents and can send them to you when I get home if you don't have them. Just let me know.

-tim
 
You have a CD-ROm version of the WSJ Virgin Grand Owners Manual - I would like to get a copy. I will be at WKORV next week - so when I get back I am going to look into this. I am in favor of a overall refurbish, but... at what price and who is making these decisions????

This cost ,if I read correctly, is in far excess of what was planned (and lacked votes) a couple of years ago - for essentialy the same refurbish.

Enjoy your trip
 
DavidnRobin said:
You have a CD-ROm version of the WSJ Virgin Grand Owners Manual - I would like to get a copy. I will be at WKORV next week - so when I get back I am going to look into this. I am in favor of a overall refurbish, but... at what price and who is making these decisions????

This cost ,if I read correctly, is in far excess of what was planned (and lacked votes) a couple of years ago - for essentialy the same refurbish.

Enjoy your trip
Click to expand...

I didn't own there when the vote failed, but from reading the letter, and from my conversations with the folks there, I think the difference may be the new roofs. I'm guessing this wasn't part of the special assessment that owners voted on.

I don't know how big the PDF file(s) on the CD-ROM are, so PM me your email address and the maximum size file that you can receive, and I'll either send the file to you, or via email we can make other arrangements.

Enjoy YOUR trip!
-tim
 
Thanks.

Roofs were not mentioned in either - are they discussing roofs in the latest - if so, I missed it.

I will contact you when I get back - I should be able to get any PDF file at my work email. If not - it can be zipped.
 
It was mentioned in the letter regarding the temporary increase in maintenance fees to cover the cost of the renovations. The buildings are "being fitted with a standing seam metal roof which is stylish, highly durable, fire resistant and long lasting".

-tim
 
tlpnet said:
It's really weird that you're only being offered $75. I attended an owner's update (own week 43 3BR pool villa) on 10/28/08 - yes just 2 weeks ago and was offered $125 upfront with no negotiation.

I agree that their sales techniques are not high pressure. Bay Vista is beautiful. I would go.

-tim
Click to expand...
We attended the week before for $125....10/18 check-in.
 
tlpnet said:
It was mentioned in the letter regarding the temporary increase in maintenance fees to cover the cost of the renovations. The buildings are "being fitted with a standing seam metal roof which is stylish, highly durable, fire resistant and long lasting".

-tim
Click to expand...


Been too busy to pay attention - I don't mind paying, but do not want to get ripped off... and want accontability and established timelines.
 
At WSJ 11/22 - 11/29

We'll be there that week, and I plan on attending an owner's update (if they'll give me the $125). Let me know what questions you want answered, I'll make a list then post the answers I receive.

Lori
 
Loriannf said:
We'll be there that week, and I plan on attending an owner's update (if they'll give me the $125). Let me know what questions you want answered, I'll make a list then post the answers I receive.

Lori
Click to expand...
Good to know - see above.

Like - WHAT!? who determined the cost - why is it higher than the failed vote refurbish, what are the timelines, why so much, why wasn't this voted on, what knid of math was used to spin this as $625 per TS, etc.???

Have a great trip
 
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