Double Talk Sales Pitch

[DeeDibble]

We experienced the most annoying “owner Update” a few days ago at Palm Aire. We are Founders so we are NOT needing to purchase more points we just like to know what’s going on and what the latest “pitch “ is. Been in this game since 1997 (Fairfield) we utilize our points to the max and try the best we can to get discounts and upgrades with some success. What was annoying was the Wyndham Reps would never answer direct questions, they would circle talk and try to convince us that we needed to buy more ($75,000 out of pocket) to save $220,000 over the next 10 years. Do they think we are morons? I wanted to scream. I can see how easy it is to confuse people, especially as we age. they kept talking about “off setting” maintenance fees which is complete BS! I am 2 inches away from reaching out to corporate- anyone know who I can complain to or is it even worth it.

 

[HedonisticEpicurean]

I think the term "Rude Owner Fleecing" is a better name to give to these misleading "owner updates" that I keep hearing about on TUG. While I have never attended one of these meetings or a timeshare sales presentation, it seems like there is no beneficial update. In reality, The "Rude Owner Fleecing" is an opportunity for sales people to try and take more money out of a gullible owner. There are enough gullible owners to help these people make a good living - or a great living. If the owner doesn't buy it appears that the sales people become belligerent, disrespectful and fear mongering.

Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus. Yes, DeeDibble the timeshare team do think that anyone who enters their lions den is a moron and they survive on that premise. It becomes a numbers game of encounters. Meet enough people and the moron will show his face and unload his wallet happily.

IMO contacting corporate will only result in your sales person getting a letter of kudos from the VP of Sales and Marketing. With all these stories I keep reading on TUG there is a high probability that corporate not only sanctions that behavior but instills it into their team. Just my opinion, but it seems to be the case based on what I keep reading here.

Fact: You are angry.
Fact: Someone will buy.
Fact: The timeshare company gets richer.

 

[bnoble]

I have never, not once, attended a sales meeting/owner update/"survey" or whatever they are calling it these days. When asked at the body-snatcher/parking pass desk, I usually just politely decline. If they press, I eventually say something like this:

"I've never attended even one sales meeting. I want to keep my streak alive."

 

[weems637]

Mark it down as a lesson learned. Stay away, far away from the sales vultures......

 

[theo]

IMO contacting corporate will only result in your sales person getting a letter of kudos from the VP of Sales and Marketing. With all these stories I keep reading on TUG there is a high probability that corporate not only sanctions that behavior but instills it into their team. Just my opinion, but it seems to be the case based on what I keep reading here.

Agreed. Wyndham (...and Westgate too) seems to accept (...maybe even encourage) any and all imaginable and unacceptable behavior from their hungry sales hyenas.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

I am 2 inches away from reaching out to corporate- anyone know who I can complain to or is it even worth it.

This sort of sales-practice is implicitly, if not explicitly, encouraged by corporate, so you're wasting your time. You'll probably get the guy a promotion. My advice? Stop going to sales pitches.

 

[paxsarah]

What was annoying was the Wyndham Reps would never answer direct questions

This is your first mistake - expecting them to, or even wanting them to. The only thing they're qualified to do is answer questions about selling you points, and you're not in the market for points. If you're going to go to the meetings at all (and I won't judge you if you're into the gifts), you need to expect zero from them. Don't pay attention to what they say, don't ask them any questions, and walk out of there retaining nothing. If they leave you with a question in your mind after the meeting, then you paid too much attention. There's nothing to be learned, no value to the owner aside from the gift.

 

[mzupko]

We experienced the most annoying “owner Update” a few days ago at Palm Aire. We are Founders so we are NOT needing to purchase more points we just like to know what’s going on and what the latest “pitch “ is. Been in this game since 1997 (Fairfield) we utilize our points to the max and try the best we can to get discounts and upgrades with some success. What was annoying was the Wyndham Reps would never answer direct questions, they would circle talk and try to convince us that we needed to buy more ($75,000 out of pocket) to save $220,000 over the next 10 years. Do they think we are morons? I wanted to scream. I can see how easy it is to confuse people, especially as we age. they kept talking about “off setting” maintenance fees which is complete BS! I am 2 inches away from reaching out to corporate- anyone know who I can complain to or is it even worth it.

Every Marriott Vacation Club “owner update” we have attended end up being high pressure sales pitch and multiple double talk meant to confuse you. I can’t tell you how many lies we have been told!

 

[90_Min_Sales_Pitch]

Agreed. Wyndham (...and Westgate too) seems to accept (...maybe even encourage) any and all imaginable and unacceptable behavior from their hungry sales hyenas.

Allegedly HGVC is getting bad too. Recent complaints include the threat of resale MF going up 30% every year, or being locked into your home week and resort, unless you buy a small retail portion.

Wyndham tried the same tactic as the original post last summer, "buy retail points to rent back to Wyndham/Vacasa, offset your MF." Grand Desert even tried to pretend that they had nothing to sell, that everyone was currently on a two year waiting list, but if I got really lucky, something would get released during the presentation.

 

[BillyBob444]

Mark it down as a lesson learned. Stay away, far away from the sales vultures......

So the word "NO" is not in your vocabulary? I take their $150 Visa card and just say NO. Not too hard