I live out in Tyler, TX where Silverleaf has a few resorts. I have a son who is currently 8 years old. I signed up for their sampler package because, honestly, it was cheaper for that length of time than getting a pool membership. So just for the advantages of being able to go nearby and use their pool, play mini-golf, get discounts to their waterpark, etc. - it actually ends up being a more reasonable monthly fee than paying out of pocket.
So I've gone back a couple of times to get my $40 VISA and a comp stay (because why stay at a resort so close by?). Every time I'm offered a better deal. This time I was offered a better deal as well, but the manager let me have 2 weeks to decide (as I always say I can't make a decision today). So let me break it down to you so you wonderful people can help me make a decision.
This is a pre-owned deed in Week 20 (which begins around mid-May). The sales pitch is it's $9880 - $500 certificate - $1000 already paid in (I didn't pay that much) - $1000 "employee discount" (allegedly the salesperson can give a discount to a person once a year). So the overall price would be $7299 plus an $81 documentation fee. It's an every other year deed, so maintenance fees are $38.22/mo.
Odd years, I would have use of VIP Bonus Time and my week (or exchange w/ RCI). Even years, I would be able to purchase a week from RCI for $199-$299 or 3-4 day vacations for $99-$120. The VIP Bonus Time is 3 days Sun-Thurs free (Fri/Sat $49.95) depending on availability.
Is this even remotely a good deal? What things am I not considering that aren't so straight forward? Does RCI exchange work differently than just paying $220 and getting to go anywhere? Should I just ride out the sampler then buy something dirt cheap to keep using the resort facilities or should I just avoid this completely once the sampler expires?
So I've gone back a couple of times to get my $40 VISA and a comp stay (because why stay at a resort so close by?). Every time I'm offered a better deal. This time I was offered a better deal as well, but the manager let me have 2 weeks to decide (as I always say I can't make a decision today). So let me break it down to you so you wonderful people can help me make a decision.
This is a pre-owned deed in Week 20 (which begins around mid-May). The sales pitch is it's $9880 - $500 certificate - $1000 already paid in (I didn't pay that much) - $1000 "employee discount" (allegedly the salesperson can give a discount to a person once a year). So the overall price would be $7299 plus an $81 documentation fee. It's an every other year deed, so maintenance fees are $38.22/mo.
Odd years, I would have use of VIP Bonus Time and my week (or exchange w/ RCI). Even years, I would be able to purchase a week from RCI for $199-$299 or 3-4 day vacations for $99-$120. The VIP Bonus Time is 3 days Sun-Thurs free (Fri/Sat $49.95) depending on availability.
Is this even remotely a good deal? What things am I not considering that aren't so straight forward? Does RCI exchange work differently than just paying $220 and getting to go anywhere? Should I just ride out the sampler then buy something dirt cheap to keep using the resort facilities or should I just avoid this completely once the sampler expires?
Last edited:
- I'm sorry, but it's not a good deal AT ALL. 