Posters Dissing Free Timeshare Giveaway Forum Ads

[CalGalTraveler]

All of those things could be true for the week. If the buyer knows it and is buying with that knowledge and want, then no sideways comment is going to change their mind to acquire it.

I respectfully disagree. It is an opinion based on someone else's value lens - which is held by expert TUGGERs but few others who own timeshares. It may deter a buyer because they may feel shamed for considering it, they may be new and skittish and this could put them over the edge even if the free timeshare would be a good fit for their situation.

Why would anyone list on TUG if the peanut gallery gives 100 objections why it is not a unicorn. With that logic why should any Tugger ever recommend that someone give away their timeshare when people come here seeking help to exit if they have health issues or financial reasons but it is not a perfect unicorn?

 

[bizaro86]

Maybe. Everyone has different values and just because it may not have the best MF ratio for someone expecting best value - for free it might be perfect for someone.

It was an HGVC silver season EOY. Sometimes there are events. Consider Vegas silver season computer shows, F1 during gold season or events in the winter, Or family in the area where you want cheap accommodations, or maybe they visit clients in the area for work, perhaps they like winter by the beach, or maybe they only need to add 2500 HGVC points to add to their portfolio to reserve the room their growing family wants to reserve and they do not want to pay upfront for a higher value deed.

There are also HGVC deeds where people desire free EOY low season units because they want free reservations benefits for their other ownerships. I believe this unit gets free access to mini-golf and other attractions - who knows? Not everything is dollars and cents.

The other reason someone might want a free EOY HGVC is to take advantage of open season booking rates with a low total commitment.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

@bizaro86 good point. Or access to RCI cash rates or last minute bookings with low initial investment.

Some people take a free timeshare with plans to get benefits and then re-home it after a few years by giving it away for free again. I believe @Panina has used this strategy. I just adopted a free Vistana voluntary and will try exchanging in II. Eventually I will rehome it for free when I am done. Does that make it a bad timeshare even though it is not a perfect "mandatory" unicorn without SO points?

 

[davidvel]

I respectfully disagree. It is an opinion based on someone else's value lens - which is held by expert TUGGERs but few others who own timeshares. It may deter a buyer because they may feel shamed for considering it, they may be new and skittish and this could put them over the edge even if the free timeshare would be a good fit for their situation.

Why would anyone list on TUG if the peanut gallery gives 100 objections why it is not a unicorn. With that logic why should any Tugger ever recommend that someone give away their timeshare when people come here seeking help to exit if they have health issues or financial reasons but it is not a perfect unicorn?

My point was that if a potential taker wants that particular TS in the scenarios you posed ("events...Vegas silver season computer shows, F1 ... family in the area where you want cheap accommodations... visit clients in the area for work," etc.), they clearly have a lot of info about the TS and their needs, and are not new and skittish. A one-off comment is not going to make that person pull back. They probably have more knowledge than the commenter.

 

[jp10558]

I act as CalGal's OP recommends, but I agree with david. Obviously, unsophisticated sellers don't even understand what is "material" and what is "material" even depends on how the buyer intends to use it. If someone wants to trade it 80-90% of the time, the priorities for materiality are different than for someone who wants to go to that resort 80-90% of the time.
There was a thread ranking TSs and some people prioritized the cushions on the lounge chairs by the pool. Should recent upgrades to lounge chairs be listed? lounge availability? Some people prioritize balcony view. Include a photo? and the beat goes on
But yes, the people who say "MFs/Pt are too high. Buy what I buy" are trying to dominate the conversation

I really feel like this is still potentially relevant info. While I didn't get it from a free giveaway, I still sort of wish I'd listened on the HGVC forum to just buy Craig - I'd be paying ~$500 less a year for the exact same thing - and actually more TBH.

I also think that like that recent TUG Lounge thread on 2 star reviews - it's kind of helpful to know if you're likely looking at a 10% chance of giving this away vs 90% chance, especially if there are also deedback options and presumably you want to stop paying MFs. Like, give the giver feedback to potentially moderate if they're looking at 1 month to someone taking them up on it, or years with no real expectation except the unicorn Westgate owner that want's more with all the restrictions.

It's also worth it to help people know who might be considering taking it on how good or bad it is. The free one I just picked up I was quite reassured about the trading options in II for it, and that's useful. Though I guess we could send those discussions to their independent forums.

I also think, like you said, that it's pretty useful to know if the MF/pt are high or low or average. I think a lot of people may be very well served with average MF/pt if they get the TS for free, but high MF/pt seems to only make sense to me if they really want to stay at that specific resort and so kind of have to own there to get availability.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I really feel like this is still potentially relevant info. While I didn't get it from a free giveaway, I still sort of wish I'd listened on the HGVC forum to just buy Craig - I'd be paying ~$500 less a year for the exact same thing - and actually more TBH.

I also think that like that recent TUG Lounge thread on 2 star reviews - it's kind of helpful to know if you're likely looking at a 10% chance of giving this away vs 90% chance, especially if there are also deedback options and presumably you want to stop paying MFs. Like, give the giver feedback to potentially moderate if they're looking at 1 month to someone taking them up on it, or years with no real expectation except the unicorn Westgate owner that want's more with all the restrictions.

It's also worth it to help people know who might be considering taking it on how good or bad it is. The free one I just picked up I was quite reassured about the trading options in II for it, and that's useful. Though I guess we could send those discussions to their independent forums.

I also think, like you said, that it's pretty useful to know if the MF/pt are high or low or average. I think a lot of people may be very well served with average MF/pt if they get the TS for free, but high MF/pt seems to only make sense to me if they really want to stay at that specific resort and so kind of have to own there to get availability.

All good points but isn't that what the other forums on TUG are for?

And if there are questions on value, it is not uncommon for potential buyers to post a thread on TUG forums, "Is this a good deal?" Do we need to duplicate TUG on the Free Giveaways forum?

 

[GT75]

I agree with @CalGalTraveler. The thread is for "Free Timeshares". I agree with posters requesting/stating clarification of the post for missing/incorrect information such as MFs, season, points, etc. But I don't think that it is appropriate to give opinions. Opinions are for the forums. After all @TUGBrian is advising posters all of the time to post their unwanted/paid off TS in the "Free Timeshares".

 

[jp10558]

All good points but isn't that what the other forums on TUG are for?

And if there are questions on value, it is not uncommon for potential buyers to post a thread on TUG forums, "Is this a good deal?" Do we need to duplicate TUG on the Free Giveaways forum?

So, in practice, how do you expect that to work? I already sometimes am unclear if I should use the location or system for a resort in the forums, but lets say I have an opinion:
I pick the system forum and make a new post linking to the Free Giveaway? I always also sort of wonder how people usually read the forums? For a while I would avoid the Marriott forum or the Worldmark Forum as I don't own either, and then click through each other forum of vague interest. But I started missing things sometimes and discovered the "New Posts" view. This lets me miss less, but I still miss stuff that "scrolls by" between my checks of the forum sometimes.

In my "old way" I would have been kind of lost as to where this post about a free timeshare that was "in the wrong forum" even came from, but I'd also be wondering why it was separated from the original post. After reading this thread, I'll now understand, but if I'm someone who isn't a TUG diehard, and just checks free timeshares occasionally... I won't know any of this context. As others pointed out, it's often first time posters in those forums, certainly more than in the system forums IMO. These people have *none* of the context.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Don't overcomplicate this. Everyone should conduct research before they take on a timeshare. If there are outstanding questions, simply post "Is this a good deal?" in the HGVC or other forum with the deed details. You will get all the opinions that you need - not just one or two who happen the read the giveaway thread and may have bias. For example, if I had been burned in the past, I could place the opinion that timeshares are a bad deal (like they say in the advertisements) and no one should buy a timeshare on every free timeshare posted. How is that helpful?

If as you state that new people are only looking at free timeshare giveaways and not conducting their research on TUG or elsewhere - that's on them. You cannot fix stupid.

 

[Cornell]

I'm just here to say that I would love someone to take my FREE Westin Kierland which I have listed. Gold Plus Season

 

[dioxide45]

I'm just here to say that I would love someone to take my FREE Westin Kierland which I have listed. Gold Plus Season

That can be a hard one to unload given the MFs and SO ratio, but I didn't go in and diss the freebie giveaway when I saw it

You may be better to just contact Marriott Vacations and ask about a deedback.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

I'm just here to say that I would love someone to take my FREE Westin Kierland which I have listed. Gold Plus Season

Try Facebook Vistana or MVC groups

 

[amycurl]

I also think that letting people know when what they are offering for free might have value is also part of the community's overall goal of buyer education. It's one thing if @Panina, who is well-known as a savvy Tugger, decides to offer her HGVC affiliate away for free, but another if someone offers a giveaway and seems clueless about its actual value. I'm thinking about those who might be reading the forums as part of their timeshare education, not just about the best interests of the posters/potential takers.

The SC HGVC silver giveaway offer thread was a complete mess, but I think there was contributory negligence on most sides, there, starting with the OP.

 

[amycurl]

Note that @CalGalTraveler just posted a comment in reference to an offered giveaway, LOL, giving advice. It's the nature of TUG to try and be helpful and inform. I do think tone, which is hard to read and police online, makes a difference. @dioxide45's comment to the giveaway reminder was respectful, but also educational--managing expectations about the ease/length of time/effort it might take to give away that particular week, and why. Those three posts in a row are a great model for how the giveaway thread should work, imho. If something crosses the line into disrespect, then it looks like the reporting fuction works as it is supposed to.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Note that @CalGalTraveler just posted a comment in reference to an offered giveaway, LOL, giving advice. It's the nature of TUG to try and be helpful and inform. I do think tone, which is hard to read and police online, makes a difference. @dioxide45's comment to the giveaway reminder was respectful, but also educational--managing expectations about the ease/length of time/effort it might take to give away that particular week, and why. Those three posts in a row are a great model for how the giveaway thread should work, imho. If something crosses the line into disrespect, then it looks like the reporting fuction works as it is supposed to.

This thread is about dissing but in the spirit of avoiding opinion I tried to remove the positive, supportive comment I made about the resort to support the OP but keep the factual information about the resort that was included. However it is too late to remove it.

Mea Culpa. I will only provide factual information going forward.

 

[davidvel]

It cannot be disputed that there are lots of very green people that come to TUG. Reading comments and questions in the Free Timeshare threads proves this point. Many of these people have nearly or zero understanding of timeshare. Some would say "Too bad, they should have researched." While that is true to some degree, accurate comments (even opinions backed by facts), speed up that research/knowledge process.

It seems some want to not give people accurate information for fear of an owner not being able to dump their unit on an unsuspecting taker with less knowledge. Alas, Brian makes the rules and I think accurate comments, even if they may potentially dissuade a taker, should continue to be allowed.

 

[dioxide45]

There are also plenty of threads where people with no knowledge of the resort or system come along with what is usually bad advice. Those usually get correct quickly, but if you don't have any experience with the resort or system, just don't try answering. Even the people saying just deed it back aren't providing the best advice in this situation and some of them are even knowledgeable about the product. This thread is an example.

 

[TUGBrian]

unfortunately no rule is going to be able to cover any possible scenario, or even different opinions.

even the "be courteous" rule means something different to different folks. admins and moderators do their best to address situations when it is brought to our/their attention. Thankfully these situations are few and far between! should that change and it become more common, we can address that.

 

[BingoBangoBongo]

I guess I don't understand how the Free Giveaway forum is any different from the numerous, "I just bought during a retail presentation" threads. People should be able to post factual information about the offer, whether the comment is system, resort or financially related. Let those possibly interested weigh the information offered and pursue a deal if they choose to. I'd hate to have someone simply drawn by the price tag only to find out later that the offer has some "hidden" downside. Most posts get a variety of responses pretty quickly around here, so anything out of line can be addressed by the community or mods. Some of these systems are pretty complex and some don't transfer all benefits that the current owner utilizes. I believe I saw one of those this week where the seller was offering a deal for a Floating Week that would only revert to the Fixed Week for any new buyer. We shouldn't put a leash on comments that are helpful in situations like that, and many of the people I see responding to those ads are new users and it might even be their first post.

 

[davidvel]

I guess I don't understand how the Free Giveaway forum is any different from the numerous, "I just bought during a retail presentation" threads. People should be able to post factual information about the offer, whether the comment is system, resort or financially related. Let those possibly interested weigh the information offered and pursue a deal if they choose to. I'd hate to have someone simply drawn by the price tag only to find out later that the offer has some "hidden" downside. Most posts get a variety of responses pretty quickly around here, so anything out of line can be addressed by the community or mods. Some of these systems are pretty complex and some don't transfer all benefits that the current owner utilizes. I believe I saw one of those this week where the seller was offering a deal for a Floating Week that would only revert to the Fixed Week for any new buyer. We shouldn't put a leash on comments that are helpful in situations like that, and many of the people I see responding to those ads are new users and it might even be their first post.

Since this thread started I went back and read a lot of the threads on that board. Mods must be doing a great job, as I did not see any "objectionable" comments.

I actually had a hoot reading the Myrtle Beach silver "summer" thread referenced above, which I think may be some inspiration for this thread. OP was offended by anything anyone wrote, and felt attacked despite no one doing so. (I do think there was a language comprehension barrier there.) OP even claimed her silver season week could be booked for early summer, when "Silver season in Myrtle Beach is weeks 1-7 and 48-50."

If anything, that thread, coupled with all the newbie clueless comments by potential takers on other giveaway threads, is a prime example of why commenting needs to be on these giveaway posts. I understand that desperate people just want to pawn their misery (err, unicorn gem) on someone else, without anyone pointing to any flaws or pitfalls. But I also think that is antithetical to TUG's philosophy.

Best part was OP's final comment after describing how bad the company and product is: "I honestly had thought someone could turn it to their advantage by taking it, cause you know hilton is going to want them to upgrade it..."

OP couldn't do this but the taker surely would.

 

[klpca]

Just don't dunk on someone trying to *giveaway* a white/mud/oversold-location timeshare. If it was a peach, it wouldn't be in the giveaway section. Call out any inaccuracies for sure, but the timeshares here are not the best of the bunch. But for the right person, for the right reasons, it may be just right.

 

[Larry M]

After I pay the special assessment I am required to pay before deeding Blue Ridge Village back to Bluegreen on 7/1, I have considered advertising it here on TUG as a giveaway with LT Transfer's closing costs paid by the buyer. I would love to keep the week out of Bluegreen's greedy hands. After paying two special assessments with total out-of-pocket at about $2,000, I am pretty fed up with Bluegreen.

But then again, the maintenance fees are also high, so it's not just the special assessment that makes me dislike Bluegreen and BRV.

Sadly, you're not doing any "buyer" a favor by gifting him that unit.

 

[dandjane1]

After I pay the special assessment I am required to pay before deeding Blue Ridge Village back to Bluegreen on 7/1, I have considered advertising it here on TUG as a giveaway with LT Transfer's closing costs paid by the buyer. I would love to keep the week out of Bluegreen's greedy hands. After paying two special assessments with total out-of-pocket at about $2,000, I am pretty fed up with Bluegreen.

But then again, the maintenance fees are also high, so it's not just the special assessment that makes me dislike Bluegreen and BRV.

Rickandcindy: Hasn't the Hilton takeover of BG solved all problems? (Being snarky there)

 

[rickandcindy23]

Sadly, you're not doing any "buyer" a favor by gifting him that unit.

It's a better-than-average trader. I have to say that about the week. But I have Marriott and Sheraton, so I don't need an expensive trader. The fees for 2024 for a 2 bedroom were $1,379.68 and going up every year.
$1,257 last year, the year before (2022) it was $1,127, and 2021 it was $978.

Meanwhile, even as much as I dislike Capital Vacations, the company that took over Foxrun and a lot of other resorts that were VRI, at least Foxrun fees are only $931. Same general area, same size of units. Still getting rid of Foxrun, when I can do it.

 

[Volkyro]

People cannot comment on classified advertisements so why is it allowed in the Free Timeshare Giveaway forum?

While I believe it is appropriate for people to provide their opinion on all other forums about the pros and cons of a timeshare resort or deed specifics, there have been a number of commenters, not involved in the transaction, providing unhelpful and speculative comments about free timeshare giveaway advertisements in that forum.

I'm genuinely curious about your thought process here. This site is basically built on the idea that timeshare companies regularly lie and/or mislead individuals into making poor buying decisions. It provides both insight and transparency. So why would this site, and particularly its members, support the transfer of negative value timeshares to new owners who are making poor buying decisions? By requesting this site and its members be less transparent, I fail to see how you're any different than a dishonest timeshare salesperson.

Being rude and disrespectful is clearly against the rules, and as others have mentioned in this thread, that is both minimal and already well moderated in the Free Forum. If someone chimes in to say, "this timeshare only has value to potential owners who want this resort and this week as it has weak whatever (TPU, points value, exchange value, MF, name anything),' then that seems completely reasonable to me. If someone wants that specific week at that specific resort, all bets are off, and that's a perfect match in the Free Forum. I have never seen an instance where that happened and a member still tried to dissuade someone.

Others have indicated that info is available on this site for those who want to find it. That's completely true, but it's also true for nearly every single person here who bought anything at retail. We don't gloat about that any time someone talks about a past retail purchase, so why should we gatekeep relevant info just because someone possibly could dig it up after 5-10 hours of research in the forums? If a guest hops into the Free Forum to try to ditch a burden of a timeshare (which is wildly common, like 50% of the OPs there are first time posters), I fail to see how it benefits this site and its members to allow that burden to be passed along to someone who is ignorant. Maybe Brian feels differently, but I don't believe that is one of the goals of this community.