Encore package?

[glasszon]

I got an email from MVC via the Marriott programme about a 4 day/3 night stay at MVC Surfers Paradise for AUD$399 + 20k Marriott points.

Is that a good deal? I am not currently a MVC owner and in fact I never stayed at a timeshare before, so I am tempted to sign up as it is only a two hour flight away and I want to find out what it is like to stay at a timeshare vs a hotel.

It has the usual condition of me having to stay for a 90-120 minute sales presentation.

 

[dioxide45]

Not sure this is really an Encore Package. Encore packages is what they offer you on the way out of a sales presentation in order to get you back, thus the name. This would be the standard preview deal to try to get you in and entice you to buy. If you live in Australia, I would go for it, but you have to be strong and not buy, otherwise that preview package got very expensive.

 

[zentraveler]

The sales presentation could put a big dent in your time there although if you want to learn about the system and have a few nice days it could be worth it. Just know that you will get a REALLY, really hard sell, and they will make it exceedingly hard to say no. Everything they tell you might not be true (the one that it is a very limited time offer and expires as you leave the room is my personal favorite; they will just keep making better and better offers).

There are many threads on TUG about sales presentations and would recommend you read some of them so you can get an idea of what to expect and can take advantage of the offer but not buy anything. Many threads also about buying on the resale market. Have fun!

 

[jme]

We've done these, but here's my take on them:

First of all, these offers begin in a deceptive manner---it's not really 4 days & 3 nights.....they're shouting "4" up front,
which gives your mind a certain FALSE image. There's actually no 4 in this deal!!!!!

In reality, it's simply a 3-night stay...accompanied by TWO days in between. You can realistically only count TWO full days.
Here's the break-down: It's travel & check-in day for their "DAY 1"......
then, First night....then,1st Full day.....then,Second night.....then,2nd Full day.....then,Third night....then, check out day.
You cannot truly count check-in day and check-out day......I certainly can't !!!
So the only full days you can actually enjoy are the TWO full days in-between nights 1 & 3.
So forget the 4-day "come-on"---it really doesn't exist.

But that said (and Encore or not), it's not the name that matters anyway. It's simply a promotional package for 3 nights,
which in and of itself is a pretty good deal, imho. Do it!
We've done several of these over the years, and the cost is definitely worth it, even though it's offering only 2 days/3 nights.
These can be wonderful and relaxing getaways, so I encourage you to take advantage,
BUT when it comes time to attend the presentation, do it but end by saying "NO THANKS".
Decide that outcome NOW!!! That is, BEFORE you step into the presentation. Don't fall for a purchase..... Don't!
Wait and study and you'll clearly see the fallacy of it all. You take advantage, but don't let them.

There are better ways! Marriott has fabulous resorts, that's not the issue----it's HOW you get into the program that matters,
and this presentation and purchase is NOT the best way. The product is definitely worth pursuing, but not here and now.
The product is as good as it gets (fabulous resorts, that's WHY we are always so tempted),
but the way they offer (up-front price and ongoing monetary commitment) is not good.
Don't let the great product you see blind you impulsively. Know the difference.

Tip:
Don't give them a story about "never" wanting to buy, even though you say NO this time, because you DO WANT to stay
on the offer list. You do want to continue receiving the invitations because they do happen to be good deals. Enjoy!

 

[zentraveler]

Agree with jme and don't forget that check in is not until 4 pm and check out is 10 am. An especially good deal if you can tack on some other places to stay or don't need to travel very far.

My best tactic is to ask for everything in writing, and tell them I don't buy anything of this magnitude without spending time thinking about it and will get back to them (they will continue selling, but repeat). Spur of the moment buys of cars, boats, houses, whatever, are almost never a good idea unless you know exactly what you are doing and know as much, or more, as they do. This will not happen here.

Sales people are sales people because they are really good at selling. You need to be a good informed purchaser and that never happens on the spot with someone who is way better than you are.

 

[dioxide45]

In reality, it's simply a 3-night stay...accompanied by TWO days in between. You can realistically only count TWO full days.
Here's the break-down: It's travel & check-in day for their "DAY 1"......
then, First night....then,1st Full day.....then,Second night.....then,2nd Full day.....then,Third night....then, check out day.
You cannot truly count check-in day and check-out day......I certainly can't !!!
So the only full days you can actually enjoy are the TWO full days in-between nights 1 & 3.
So forget the "4 days" come-on---they really don't exist.

And one of those two full days is significantly impacted by going to the sales presentation.

 

[zentraveler]

And one of those two full days is significantly impacted by going to the sales presentation.

Yep, plan on half a day. There may be breakfast or such before, they will have endless steps just when you think you are finished etc. And the metabolizing of all of the info. Can be fine if you plan for it and go in to get information and sticking to it.

 

[davidvel]

Yep, plan on half a day. There may be breakfast or such before, they will have endless steps just when you think you are finished etc. And the metabolizing of all of the info. Can be fine if you plan for it and go in to get information and sticking to it.

Do Marriotts serve breakfast before a presentation? I've seen snacks in the waiting area, but not breakfast.

 

[gln60]

We've done these, but here's my take on them:

First of all, these offers begin in a deceptive manner---it's not really 4 days & 3 nights.....they're shouting "4" up front,
which gives your mind a certain FALSE image. There's actually no 4 in this deal!!!!!

In reality, it's simply a 3-night stay...accompanied by TWO days in between. You can realistically only count TWO full days.
Here's the break-down: It's travel & check-in day for their "DAY 1"......
then, First night....then,1st Full day.....then,Second night.....then,2nd Full day.....then,Third night....then, check out day.
You cannot truly count check-in day and check-out day......I certainly can't !!!
So the only full days you can actually enjoy are the TWO full days in-between nights 1 & 3.
So forget the "4 days" come-on---they really don't exist.

But then, that said (and Encore or not) it's not the name that matters anyway. It's simply a promotional package for 3 nights,
which in and of itself is a pretty good deal, imho. Do it!
We've done several of these over the years, and the cost is definitely worth it, even though it's offering only 2 days/3 nights.
These can be wonderful and relaxing getaways, so I encourage you to take advantage,
BUT when it comes time to attend the presentation, SAY NO.
Decide that outcome NOW!!! That is, BEFORE you step into the presentation. Don't fall for a purchase..... Don't!
Wait and study and you'll clearly see the fallacy of it all. You take advantage, but don't let them.

There are better ways! Marriott has fabulous resorts, that's not the issue----it's HOW you get into the program that matters,
and this presentation and purchase is NOT the best way. The product is definitely worth pursuing, but not here and now.
The product is good (fabulous resorts), but the way they offer (up-front price and ongoing monetary commitment) is not good.
Don't let the great product you see blind you impulsively. Know the difference.

Tip:
Don't give them a story about "never" wanting to buy, even though you say NO this time, because you DO WANT to stay
on the offer list. You do want to continue receiving the invitations because they do happen to be good deals. Enjoy!

Hi...we will be doing an Encore package at Oceana Palms in May...we added 2 nights using DC points....we have never been to that resort and wanted to go there..so we purchased an Encore package while vacationing at NCV..we will be taking the “gift”” of 650 DC points to cover the 2 extra nights.

 

[Dean]

I got an email from MVC via the Marriott programme about a 4 day/3 night stay at MVC Surfers Paradise for AUD$399 + 20k Marriott points.

Is that a good deal? I am not currently a MVC owner and in fact I never stayed at a timeshare before, so I am tempted to sign up as it is only a two hour flight away and I want to find out what it is like to stay at a timeshare vs a hotel.

It has the usual condition of me having to stay for a 90-120 minute sales presentation.

As others have said, consider the actual time you'll spend. Since you're interested in the program you'll likely spend more than the 2 hours so think about the timing to meals if you do it. Also, make sure you get your promo stay either the day of arrival or departure if you do go even though often they don't want to do it this way and sometimes they'll refuse. If so, just say no. Also you might try to arrange a late check out and possibly even early check in. One other thing to keep in mind with some of these is you may not actually stay at the resort itself but in a nearby hotel so be mindful of that. Personally I'd just do a private rental and spend time here on TUG to become educated, that way you get a better education that isn't going to rope you in to a purchase and you get a more relaxed stay at a timeshare. I do believe that staying in a timeshare is important, really more than one, as it's a different feel than a hotel stay. There are things you're giving up and things you're getting compared to a resort hotel even if it's a mixed use property with a hotel and timeshare sharing facilities. Some are not OK with things like loss of daily housekeeping for example.

 

[gln60]

As others have said, consider the actual time you'll spend. Since you're interested in the program you'll likely spend more than the 2 hours so think about the timing to meals if you do it. Also, make sure you get your promo stay either the day of arrival or departure if you do go even though often they don't want to do it this way and sometimes they'll refuse. If so, just say no. Also you might try to arrange a late check out and possibly even early check in. One other thing to keep in mind with some of these is you may not actually stay at the resort itself but in a nearby hotel so be mindful of that. Personally I'd just do a private rental and spend time here on TUG to become educated, that way you get a better education that isn't going to rope you in to a purchase and you get a more relaxed stay at a timeshare. I do believe that staying in a timeshare is important, really more than one, as it's a different feel than a hotel stay. There are things you're giving up and things you're getting compared to a resort hotel even if it's a mixed use property with a hotel and timeshare sharing facilities. Some are not OK with things like loss of daily housekeeping for example.

I give them 2 hours...TOPS..and make the presentation as early as I can

 

[jme]

I give them 2 hours...TOPS..and make the presentation as early as I can

We happen to like attending the presentations...they don't create angst at all because we aren't confrontational
and we can say "no thanks" quite easily, with a smile. We don't always do the presentations, but maybe two per year
when the incentives are attractive.
We enjoy meeting new people on staff, and we always learn something useful about the "system" or about Marriott's current endeavors globally.
In that sense, for us it can rightly be called an "update", as the rep says when he/she calls to set up the meeting.

My rule is to book the "first time slot of the day", which is usually 8:30am. That gets us up and going, and we really don't consider that
a huge loss of time as some people feel.
Then when we finish (we try to limit it to 90 min), we go straight for a wonderful breakfast out.
So our morning now has a happy ending as intended, and frankly, the memory is usually about breakfast and not the presentation.
And if the meeting happened to show us something cool, like a new destination, we talk about the exciting possibility of that during breakfast.

 

[gln60]

We happen to like attending the presentations...they don't create angst at all because we aren't confrontational
and we can say "no thanks" quite easily, with a smile. We don't always do the presentations, but maybe two per year
when the incentives are attractive.
We enjoy meeting new people on staff, and we always learn something useful about the "system" or about Marriott's current endeavors globally.
In that sense, for us it can rightly be called an "update", as the rep says when he/she calls to set up the meeting.

My rule is to book the "first time slot of the day", which is usually 8:30am. That gets us up and going, and we really don't consider that
a huge loss of time as some people feel.
Then when we finish (we try to limit it to 90 min), we go straight for a wonderful breakfast out.
So our morning now has a happy ending as intended, and frankly, the memory is usually about breakfast and not the presentation.
And if the meeting happened to show us something cool, like a new destination, we talk about the exciting possibility of that during breakfast.

We get asked every time we vacation at a MVC property..we were at BPT in Fort Lauderdale this past January and we attended a sales presentation..which was held at a hotel maybe 4 blocks from the resort....actually,I enjoy these presentations as I’m always looking for information on the ever changing marriot “system”....this time we opted for the 50,000 Bonvoy points...the presentation was low pressure and very cordial...we were out in a little less than 2 hours(10:30 am)...I believe Marriot always invites us to a presentation because we purchased points in 2019 while vacationing at Crystal Shores..our portfolio is relatively modest compared to others,but it serves our vacation needs perfectly using points and II EXCHANGES...We are very satisfied with our Marriot ownership.

 

[Dean]

I give them 2 hours...TOPS..and make the presentation as early as I can

I understand and personally agree, but the OP has stated interest in exploring timeshare options, I'd say that 2 hrs is optimistic with that intent. For me personally I'm not giving them 2 hrs. I've started getting the length in writing and holding them to it.

 

[zentraveler]

I understand and personally agree, but the OP has stated interest in exploring timeshare options, I'd say that 2 hrs is optimistic with that intent. For me personally I'm not giving them 2 hrs. I've started getting the length in writing and holding them to it.

I concur. I think when the sales team realizes they have someone who is relatively naive to timeshares (by his/her own admission) they are likely to to do a very strong sales pitch (the kind with layers of "managers", exit process (with yet another offer) etc.

 

[glasszon]

Thanks everyone, I will most likely sign up but going in knowing there's no way I am buying anything. Originally I was going to say a hard no but as @gme points out, I don't want to say I will never be interested in it, so I will say a story about not buying at the current time due to uncertainty about covid travel restrictions, as even state borders within Australia can close suddenly and Australians are banned from leaving Australia without special authorisation. So there's no way I am buying a timeshare until this covid stuff is shorted, even for resale.

As others have said, consider the actual time you'll spend. Since you're interested in the program you'll likely spend more than the 2 hours so think about the timing to meals if you do it. Also, make sure you get your promo stay either the day of arrival or departure if you do go even though often they don't want to do it this way and sometimes they'll refuse. If so, just say no. Also you might try to arrange a late check out and possibly even early check in.

What do you mean by getting the promo stay on day of arrival? You mean I should try to organise the presentation to be done either on the arrival date or departure date?

 

[zentraveler]

Thanks everyone, I will most likely sign up but going in knowing there's no way I am buying anything. Originally I was going to say a hard no but as @gme points out, I don't want to say I will never be interested in it, so I will say a story about not buying at the current time due to uncertainty about covid travel restrictions, as even state borders within Australia can close suddenly and Australians are banned from leaving Australia without special authorisation. So there's no way I am buying a timeshare until this covid stuff is shorted, even for resale.

Fine to talk about covid, but a warning that they are well trained with a response to any specific reason you give for declining. I have found that the one reason that they have a harder time combatting with yet more sales pitch (and is true!) is that we don't make any decision this large on the spot, and we will take the written materials to read over carefully and can be back in touch with them. That will get you a better offer that is "only good until you walk out the door", but it is never true and walk out anyway!

 

[Dean]

What do you mean by getting the promo stay on day of arrival? You mean I should try to organise the presentation to be done either on the arrival date or departure date?

Yes, the tour itself on day of arrival or departure, saves you essentially a whole day of vacation. They normally won't but you could insist.

 

[glasszon]

Yes, the tour itself on day of arrival or departure, saves you essentially a whole day of vacation. They normally won't but you could insist.

Thanks, when do I need to arrange the presentation? Is that arranged when I arrive at the resort?

 

[Dean]

Thanks, when do I need to arrange the presentation? Is that arranged when I arrive at the resort?

I'd make it part of your agreement to do the review trip.

 

[dioxide45]

Usually when you book the stay from the Encore package, they will want to book your slot for the presentation in the same phone call. They don't usually want to schedule for day of departure because "I have a plane to catch" is an easy out. If you buy, they want you to be able to be there to sign all the papers. Once you agree to buy, a 90 minute presentation turns into a much longer ordeal.

 

[mchct]

Do Marriotts serve breakfast before a presentation? I've seen snacks in the waiting area, but not breakfast.

I don't recall Marriott time share presentations with a breakfast. Over 10 years ago I remember the Hawaii Marriotts used to have snacks like cookies or pastries along with coffee/tea/soft drinks. Most don't serve anything now except beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, water. The Las Vegas Marriott timeshare did have donuts with the usual beverages in 2019 but not sure with Covid19 how they'd handle food stuff, probably prepackaged if they still offer snacks.

 

[gln60]

I don't recall Marriott time share presentations with a breakfast. Over 10 years ago I remember the Hawaii Marriotts used to have snacks like cookies or pastries along with coffee/tea/soft drinks. Most don't serve anything now except beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, water. The Las Vegas Marriott timeshare did have donuts with the usual beverages in 2019 but not sure with Covid19 how they'd handle food stuff, probably prepackaged if they still offer snacks.

We attended a sales presentation while vacationing at BPT in January..there were assorted pastries,muffins coffee,tea,assorted juices as well as soft drinks..we were pleasantly surprised.

 

[glasszon]

Just to report back, I ended up taking the offer and attended the presentation at the resort.

It turned out to be much better than expected, they say due to new legislations in Australia they are not allowed to offer commissions for the sales team and they highlighted it a few times during the presentation.

At the end they recommended me that Marriott timeshare isn't suitable for me at the moment because of the amount of hotel and airline points I have already and sent me on my way, the manager just dropped by and asks me to give a rating about the presentation and that's it, now I am worried that they might not invite me for another package in the future! It was all done in 60 minutes and there was zero pressure whatsoever.

 

[marriottdude]

Glasszon, I compliment you on finding TUG and asking good questions before you went, you are a resourceful consumer for sure. I didn't find TUG and invested in MVC before having all the information, but I'm glad we did, we like the product and will use it and enjoy it for years. Good on Ya!