Is there such a thing as a good/fair retail purchase?

[fsli]

I took the bait from Hilton for a free stay at The Boulevard in Las Vegas this past Labor Day weekend. It was only $199 for three nights, and that got reimbursed upon sitting through the sales presentation, and it was a holiday weekend, so I thought I'd give it a go. I won't bore everyone with the details of the presentation, except to say that they did present what I thought was an interesting offer, so I agreed to a purchase. However, buyer's remorse quickly set in and I realized I agreed only because I could afford it, not because I necessarily thought it was a good deal. I did rescind within the window, and that seems to be going to plan.

Reading various discussions here, the question I have is stated in the title of this post: Is there such a thing as a good/fair retail purchase? Never mind the subjective, "if it's right for you" stuff. From an objective point of view -- and even given that resale will be less expensive than retail -- if you could go into a sales presentation with a target cost for dollars per point and a target for maintenance fees, what would those targets be, or how might one calculate fair retail values? And what other factors might be part of a good retail purchase?

 

[brp]

For other timeshare systems (DVC comes to mind), a retail purchase can definitely make sense. I can't think of a situation for HGVC where retain makes sense. The benefits that accrue from retail (entry into MAX) don't come close to justifying the cost. Others may have different views, but I can't think of a worthwhile retail scenario.

Cheers.

 

[dayooper]

In my opinion, no. Even very expensive resale deeds such as platinum 2 bedroom oceanfront deeds at Ocean Oak ($~$23,000) are a good deal compared to the $70,000-$90,000 you would pay retail. Max just doesn’t have the value. Even if you like the resorts, you only get 6 month access and the best weeks will be gone. The HVC (former Diamond) resorts are hit or miss with quality levels.

I will also say there are cheap and free resale deeds I wouldn’t touch with a 10 foot pole. The MF’s are too high for the points you get and, if you need to divest yourself of the deed, will be difficult. Unless you are wanting to book a very difficult week, stick to the great MF deeds like Boulevard, Paradise, Flamingo (2 bedroom only) and Craigendarroch Lodges. Elara can have great MF’s as long as you get the Grand version. 1 bedroom Grand and Grand Plus both gave great MF’s, but will cost you more upfront.

 

[GT75]

In general, I would also say no to a retail HGVC purchase. But it would help if you also said what the purchase was. Most are really bad (high MFs, not enough points and terrible season)

 

[GT75]

I did rescind within the window, and that seems to be going to plan.

OK, I just missed this on the first read. Congratulations.