Hilarious sales presentation experience at Residences / Hilton Midtown New York

[Nowaker]

Staying at West 57th via RCI now. I got invited to attend a 1.5h sales presentation at Residences 4 blocks down at 8.45am and was offered 100,000 HH points for it. I agreed and received a written invite.

We got in at 8.40am and checked in. A salesperson asked me to clarify some of my portfolio. He also asked if I previously attended a presentation, to which I said, yes I did, asked where (Orlando), and when asked why I didn't upgrade, I told him that they didn't want to accept a trade-in on my terms. He then said some random things like "We're NYC, we can do more things with inventory than others, bla bla bla". And I told him I'd like to trade in two Gold Blvds and one Plat Trump for a Platinum deed with better MFpp. Told him my target new-money-in is around $10K. He would call corporate to see. He then came back with $20K minimum (cite, "a little more than $20K" to fly), confirming what I already shared after the presentation at Parc Soleil: "The era of $10K new money trade-ins is dead". https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/t...-going-all-the-way-to-corporate.353118/page-2

Once I rejected the $20K-ish upgrade saying ("that's too much, we can only do around $10K"), the salesman said "that's what I thought, in that case, let's get you out of here" and walked us to the elevator/checkin at 9.40am. After we reached the check-in/check-out desk, he ostentatiously ripped the sheet of paper with my deeds list into pieces (I laughed internally). Then, as we were about to enter the elevator, he said "I will call corporate and get you on a do-not-invite list". I said "okay, thank you". He then said the same thing once again with just slightly different words, to which I said "okay" again. My wife and I laughed when the elevator door closed. That was the funniest presentation to date. Now waiting for the sweet 100K HH to post.

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I always observe salesmen trying to decipher my deed list. HGVC-provided printout is so inconsistent (e.g. suggesting I have two annual Trumps, and not an even+odd Trump; has missing information on certain deeds that they don't even know what property it is), I'm finding it hard to believe I'll land on that "do not invite list". If it existed, I would have been on it for a long time by now.

 

[The Colorado Kid]

Staying at West 57th via RCI now. I got invited to attend a 1.5h sales presentation at Residences 4 blocks down at 8.45am and was offered 100,000 HH points for it. I agreed and received a written invite.

We got in at 8.40am and checked in. A salesperson asked me to clarify some of my portfolio. He also asked if I previously attended a presentation, to which I said, yes I did, asked where (Orlando), and when asked why I didn't upgrade, I told him that they didn't want to accept a trade-in on my terms. He then said some random things like "We're NYC, we can do more things with inventory than others, bla bla bla". And I told him I'd like to trade in two Gold Blvds and one Plat Trump for a Platinum deed with better MFpp. Told him my target new-money-in is around $10K. He would call corporate to see. He then came back with $20K minimum (cite, "a little more than $20K" to fly), confirming what I already shared after the presentation at Parc Soleil: "The era of $10K new money trade-ins is dead". https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/t...-going-all-the-way-to-corporate.353118/page-2

Once I rejected the $20K-ish upgrade saying ("that's too much, we can only do around $10K"), the salesman said "that's what I thought, in that case, let's get you out of here" and walked us to the elevator/checkin at 9.40am. After we reached the check-in/check-out desk, he ostentatiously ripped the sheet of paper with my deeds list into pieces (I laughed internally). Then, as we were about to enter the elevator, he said "I will call corporate and get you on a do-not-invite list". I said "okay, thank you". He then said the same thing once again with just slightly different words, to which I said "okay" again. My wife and I laughed when the elevator door closed. That was the funniest presentation to date. Now waiting for the sweet 100K HH to post.

---

I always observe salesmen trying to decipher my deed list. HGVC-provided printout is so inconsistent (e.g. suggesting I have two annual Trumps, and not an even+odd Trump; has missing information on certain deeds that they don't even know what property it is), I'm finding it hard to believe I'll land on that "do not invite list". If it existed, I would have been on it for a long time by now.

Wow what a rude dude he was...I cannot understand how any timeshare corporations allow paying owners or prospects to be treated like unwanted guests when that IS their strategy to get people to sales presentations.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Staying at West 57th via RCI now. I got invited to attend a 1.5h sales presentation at Residences 4 blocks down at 8.45am and was offered 100,000 HH points for it. I agreed and received a written invite.

We got in at 8.40am and checked in. A salesperson asked me to clarify some of my portfolio. He also asked if I previously attended a presentation, to which I said, yes I did, asked where (Orlando), and when asked why I didn't upgrade, I told him that they didn't want to accept a trade-in on my terms. He then said some random things like "We're NYC, we can do more things with inventory than others, bla bla bla". And I told him I'd like to trade in two Gold Blvds and one Plat Trump for a Platinum deed with better MFpp. Told him my target new-money-in is around $10K. He would call corporate to see. He then came back with $20K minimum (cite, "a little more than $20K" to fly), confirming what I already shared after the presentation at Parc Soleil: "The era of $10K new money trade-ins is dead". https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/t...-going-all-the-way-to-corporate.353118/page-2

Once I rejected the $20K-ish upgrade saying ("that's too much, we can only do around $10K"), the salesman said "that's what I thought, in that case, let's get you out of here" and walked us to the elevator/checkin at 9.40am. After we reached the check-in/check-out desk, he ostentatiously ripped the sheet of paper with my deeds list into pieces (I laughed internally). Then, as we were about to enter the elevator, he said "I will call corporate and get you on a do-not-invite list". I said "okay, thank you". He then said the same thing once again with just slightly different words, to which I said "okay" again. My wife and I laughed when the elevator door closed. That was the funniest presentation to date. Now waiting for the sweet 100K HH to post.

---

I always observe salesmen trying to decipher my deed list. HGVC-provided printout is so inconsistent (e.g. suggesting I have two annual Trumps, and not an even+odd Trump; has missing information on certain deeds that they don't even know what property it is), I'm finding it hard to believe I'll land on that "do not invite list". If it existed, I would have been on it for a long time by now.

I've been told that before in Hawaii. I was invited to several more since. All bark no bite.

Thanks for sharing the $20k minimum. In your case you were willing to buy and made your terms. That's much better than the peeps who attend and say "I am here for the gift."

I don't understand why he should be upset if you were polite. It's just business. IMHO You set reasonable terms at $10k plus your deeds. They couldn't do it so no harm no foul. "No" in business is a good thing so no one is wasting time.

 

[rickandcindy23]

We have never been to a Holiday Inn (Orange Lake, et al), or a Hilton presentation ever. Don't own in either system. I would love to get 100,000 Hilton points. If that was the offer, I would take it. When they ask if we own timeshare, I would say, "Yeah, Club Wyndham and Marriott, along with a few others."

So far, Hilton has not been a temptation for me at all, and of course Rick wants no more timeshares.

 

[HuskerATL]

That is ridiculous. What is the point of acting like that? They have to assume that maybe next time you might upgrade but you won't if you are treated like that. That is like a spoiled kid having a fit. I suspect that you will be invited again at your next stay.

BTW, I am still not convinced that you can't get a 10k or less offer. We have but it was a downgrade of less points for $7k but in Max. That was summer before last though. Our latest offer, at Liberty Place was less than 20k but I can't remember the amount since we had no intention of doing it so paid little attention.

 

[Sandy VDH]

I lasted 5 mins at the NYC sales center. The manager came out and said we are short staffed today, I looked at our buy in and we can't even come close, so was it ok if he gifted me and I left. Sure I said. Best 5 mins ever, they gave me a $200 visa card.

 

[HedonisticEpicurean]

My first reaction was what kind of successful business person ever starts a meeting before 9 or 10 in NYC? Then I remembered it was a timeshare salesman.

After spending the past few months reading posts on this board about timeshare sales presentations I wasn't surprised by his actions. It must be a boiler room pressure cooker behind closed doors in the sales office. The extreme pressure to close the sale on the spot causes the salesperson to loose sight of the corporate objectives, values and long term implications. Seems like a thankless job where the boss is never happy with your sales performance and the salesperson never ever develops a long term interaction or friendship with the client. A terrible sales career. Does anyone want their obituary to read, "He was a timeshare salesperson for 45 years"?

NY mentality + timeshare sales + Friday sales goals = frank and rude behavior toward customers

 

[brp]

We're here now as well. Leaving Monday evening. Maybe we'll see you in the lounge.

Cheers.

 

[dioxide45]

That is ridiculous. What is the point of acting like that?

It gives the sales person a little bit of internal satisfaction.

 

[muscae]

My first reaction was what kind of successful business person ever starts a meeting before 9 or 10 in NYC? Then I remembered it was a timeshare salesman.

After spending the past few months reading posts on this board about timeshare sales presentations I wasn't surprised by his actions. It must be a boiler room pressure cooker behind closed doors in the sales office. The extreme pressure to close the sale on the spot causes the salesperson to loose sight of the corporate objectives, values and long term implications. Seems like a thankless job where the boss is never happy with your sales performance and the salesperson never ever develops a long term interaction or friendship with the client. A terrible sales career. Does anyone want their obituary to read, "He was a timeshare salesperson for 45 years"?

NY mentality + timeshare sales + Friday sales goals = frank and rude behavior toward customers

Actually I think it is considerate of the salesperson to begin at 8 or 830 even in NYC. It helps the clients get on with their vacation earlier in the day.

Every salesperson who wanted to sell retail to me talks of the clients they have and the support they provide to them. There are some who see the same salesperson every trip because that salesperson is looking over their account.

 

[HuskerATL]

It gives the sales person a little bit of internal satisfaction.

well, if they need that, then they have other issues going on.

 

[brp]

This attitude is the reason that mrs. brp doesn't like the presentations, even for good deals like lunch at Tavern on the Green, or dinner and theatre tickets. I'm a New Yorker, so this just rolls off my back, like the cabbie who cursed me out when I commented (loudly) that he turned into a pedestrian crosswalk when I had a Walk light. Par for the course.

Cheers.

 

[dioxide45]

well, if they need that, then they have other issues going on.

I would agree. It also makes them think they have some kind of power over you. We've also been told we would be blocked from future presentations (not HGVC). So far, it hasn't happened...

 

[HuskerATL]

blocked from future presentations

That seems to be a common threat that I doubt really happens...we have never bought at a presentations, well, we did once and rescinded, and they keep inviting us.

 

[Reddart]

The threat of blocking future presentations…another salesman lie. If only it were true.

 

[Talent312]

Thanks to caller-ID, we've managed to duck enuff HGVC calls
that they gave up on us. IMHO, it makes for a better vacation.
.

 

[brp]

The threat of blocking future presentations…another salesman lie. If only it were true.

Well, it is always true, for everyone. Just decline. Same as being blocked.

Cheers.

 

[OMC]

Our very first HGVC trip was to Sea World many years ago. I went over to the concierge to ask about theme park tickets. He started to ask if I wanted to attend a presentation and then looking at my account said "Oh, you bought resale, probably not then?" I nodded and he then answered a bunch of questions about the Sea World park and how it would work with our kids which was very helpful. We have never been asked to attend a presentation again. I am not complaining.

 

[amirh]

We have a presentation scheduled in NYC next month. I hope we’ll get the same sales agent so I can laugh at his face. I do the presentations for the points and have no problems telling them exactly that. They offer me a presentation every time I call to use my free night cert from Aspire since you can’t redeem them online.

 

[dioxide45]

They offer me a presentation every time I call to use my free night cert from Aspire since you can’t redeem them online.

Aren't you still limited to only one promotional package in a 12 month period?

 

[amirh]

Aren't you still limited to only one promotional package in a 12 month period?

I’m not sure of the rules for a promotional package but I get 1 free night cert per year so it tracks. I was told you can attend a presentation every 3 months, but I heard it from a sales agent so don’t know if that’s true.

 

[HuskerATL]

I’m not sure of the rules for a promotional package but I get 1 free night cert per year so it tracks. I was told you can attend a presentation every 3 months, but I heard it from a sales agent so don’t know if that’s true.

Are you talking about the free night with the Aspire? If so, it comes with the card.

 

[amirh]

Are you talking about the free night with the Aspire? If so, it comes with the card.

No, we were talking about promotional package offering from Hilton for TS presentations.

 

[HuskerATL]

No, we were talking about promotional package offering from Hilton for TS presentations.

I thought that but I have never been offered a free room...just HH points that I can use for a room.

 

[amirh]

I thought that but I have never been offered a free room...just HH points that I can use for a room.

Oh, they are not free, just heavily subsidized. I think we paid around $400 for a 4 day/3 nights at the Quin in a studio In return for attending a presentation.