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Fantastic article about Timeshare ownership - Is it worth it?

yes this is the same article in the previous discussion (ill merge them here shortly)...just the one published by nerdwallet (who Liz actually wrote it for)...and it actually includes the link to TUG unlike the other ones!

it is a really great article!
 
Great to see this article. Timeshares were recently discussed on TripAdvisor forum on Key West as a poster was thinking of purchasing one. Great advice from those that owned timeshares and of course, one naysayer, stating they were the worst investment in the world and tie you down. I respectfully pointed out it is not an investment and is a vacation lifestyle that can really expand your vacation options and dollars.
 
Steve Fatula said:
See, more fake news! ;) Well, the negative stories are probably true, but, by never presenting (or rarely) the positive side, it leaves an impression that there is no happy timeshare owner. We know this is not true, so, finally some balance!
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There are more negative stories because there are likely more negative events. These are sales-driven operations. Sales people depend on sales for commissions and don't cultivate long-lasting relationships. They will never see you again. Long lasting relationships and repeat business can mean better treatment and fairer presentations.
 
Nice article. Thanks, Brian, for putting the writer in touch with Tuggers who contributed.

I think ignorance about the industry contributes to the negative attitude generally expressed about timeshares. At my work, I get two types of responses to my vacations: "I am so jealous - I wish I could travel like you do! Where are you going THIS year?" and "Timeshares are too expensive, and you can't get out of them. I'd never buy one of those!" Educating people is worthwhile, but most people just want things to be done for them. They live in a fast-food, microwave oven world, and expect their vacations to just "happen." I always tell them great vacations aren't accidental - they require careful planning.

Tug continues to help me to help myself. I like that a lot. :)

Dave
 
DaveNW said:
I think ignorance about the industry contributes to the negative attitude generally expressed about timeshares. At my work, I get two types of responses to my vacations: "I am so jealous - I wish I could travel like you do! Where are you going THIS year?" and "Timeshares are too expensive, and you can't get out of them. I'd never buy one of those!" Educating people is worthwhile, but most people just want things to be done for them. They live in a fast-food, microwave oven world, and expect their vacations to just "happen." I always tell them great vacations aren't accidental - they require careful planning.
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Dave puts it succinctly, however I do have a comment about one of the quotes: “I’d never buy one of those!” Famous last words of the guy accepting free tickets to Sea World.
 
topcop400 said:
Dave puts it succinctly, however I do have a comment about one of the quotes: “I’d never buy one of those!” Famous last words of the guy accepting free tickets to Sea World.
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I know that guy: My brother, (who got me started in all this after he got suckered, er, "convinced" to buy a timeshare from the Developer in Mexico), didn't even hold out for Sea World tickets. He and his then-wife got snagged at the Cabo San Lucas airport, and bought full freight at the sales pitch. They did zero research, and knew nothing. The only freebie they got was a bottle of cheap tequila. I think he was finally able to get out of it, after more than ten years. He swears he'll never buy another one, but he loves traveling with us when we invite him and his now-wife along to share our resorts. Live and learn. :)

Dave
 
rpoyourow said:
There are more negative stories because there are likely more negative events. These are sales-driven operations. Sales people depend on sales for commissions and don't cultivate long-lasting relationships. They will never see you again. Long lasting relationships and repeat business can mean better treatment and fairer presentations.
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there are certainly more negative REPORTS no doubt...

however its fairly rare that people raise their voice or tell their story about being happy owners...and with what...9million or so timeshare owners in the US...despite its negative reputation...sheer numbers alone would indicate many are very happy with their ownership!
 
TUGBrian said:
there are certainly more negative REPORTS no doubt...

however its fairly rare that people raise their voice or tell their story about being happy owners...and with what...9million or so timeshare owners in the US...despite its negative reputation...sheer numbers alone would indicate many are very happy with their ownership!
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Good point. People don't seek out a place to rave. They usually just seek out a place to rant.

Dave
 
Perhaps the negative publicity has created a stigma around telling others you own one and like it. When I have brought it up among several close TS non-owner friends, they are horrified and think I am nuts. Yet some of the same people have been happy to rent units from DVC owners on Dave's site at a premium. I look at the prices on that site to rent and realize that I can do better with resale Hilton etc close-by or trading into Disney via RCI. I think they are nuts to spend that much for a vacation!
 
CalGalTraveler said:
Perhaps the negative publicity has created a stigma around telling others you own one and like it. When I have brought it up among several close TS non-owner friends, they are horrified and think I am nuts. Yet some of the same people have been happy to rent units from DVC owners on Dave's site at a premium. I look at the prices on that site to rent and realize that I can do better with resale Hilton etc close-by or trading into Disney via RCI. I think they are nuts to spend that much for a vacation!
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But if they don't understand that, they're happy. We've taken a certain friend along on a few trips with us, and she ALWAYS balks at prices before we go, and insists she'll be fine on the sofa bed. But after we arrive, and she discovers she can rent an adjacent unit from the resort, so does it. Anything to get out of being out in the open. She's done it three times now, in three different locations. Money isn't important then. People who rent hotel rooms are in the same frame of mind, I think.

Dave
 
Jan M. said:
Our grown son thinks it is very funny that his in-laws, he and his wife's co-workers and friends all think we are quite well to do because of the the places we stay and how often we go with our timeshares. 17 years of owing timeshares and no regrets. Well one regret. I wish resale was as safe back when we first bought as it is now. Thanks to TUG, the internet, eBay, etc. buying resale now can be cheap, easy and worry free.
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My granddaughter asked my wife what I did for a living before I retired. We just came back from a 4 week trip out west staying in timeshares. She said PawPaw must have had a really good job. We have stayed in timeshares 8 weeks this year and also stayed a month in Orange Beach on a VRBO rental. Life is good!
 
Bernie8245 said:
My granddaughter asked my wife what I did for a living before I retired. We just came back from a 4 week trip out west staying in timeshares. She said PawPaw must have had a really good job. We have stayed in timeshares 8 weeks this year and also stayed a month in Orange Beach on a VRBO rental. Life is good!
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I'm reminded of the old Midas Muffler commercial on TV, where a very, very wealthy man in a Rolls Royce-type car shows up to have his Midas muffler replaced under the lifetime warranty. The young man doing the work can't understand it, and asks, "Why does a man like you need to get a free replacement muffler?" The wealthy guy replies, "How do you think a man like me got to BE a man like me?" :)

Dave
 
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