Timeshare Relief, Inc.

[Mimi]

Just received my TimeSharing Today magazine for March/April and I was very disappointed to see a half page ad on Pg. 20 for this rip-off company. :annoyed:

 

[johnmfaeth]

I guess it's not as bad as last year's article which made these people sound like a legitimate company/option.

I like timesharing today less and less, it seems that if you advertise, they will give you editorial coverage. That conflict of interest invalidates their opinions in my book.

 

[Carolinian]

I don't fault them for accepting advertising necessarily, but the article they did really bothered me. That is now being handed out by these scumbags to make their scam company look legitimate. For 30 pieces of silver, TST is facilitating one of the worst scams being perpetrated on TS owners.

 

[johnmfaeth]

Advertising is advertising. People understand that. An editorial or article is supossed toi reflect the independent research and conclusions of the publication. Sort of how "Lou Grant" was on TV.

However the ability to hand out those reprints is a million dollars of credibility and revenue for TS. Makes it look very legitimate and a good option.

Of course Timssharing Today probably anticipated that when writing the article. I am sure that it is earning tens of thousands in printing fees because guess wherre one gets reprints? Only from the publisher who owns the copyright.

And with each timeshare "dumped" on Ebay, the value of ours decrease.

Thank you Timesharing Today for helping many thousands get &%$#$ !!!

John

PS. Full disclosure, I contacted Timesharing Today about a year and a half back when first starting up my tiny closing company. Asked how to get includied in any articles or listings of such companies going forward. They told me only advertisers were covered in articles. My advertiser's kit showed up in the mail two days later.

It's pay to play 100% with them...

 

[Dave M]

Asked how to get includied in any articles or listings of such companies going forward. They told me only advertisers were covered in articles.

I don't know who told you that, but it's baloney!

Subscribers to Timesharing Today contribute the overwhelming majority of articles in the magazine. The publisher writes very few of them. Authors have free reign to write as they choose.

The magazine regularly publishes articles that take potshots at advertisers and tout non-advertisers. As an example, after last year's major Timeshare Relief article, there was a follow-up article in the following issue slamming the company.

I have written approximately 15 articles that Timesharing Today has published over the past 12 years. I have mentioned a number of companies in some of those articles - some favorably and some unfavorably; some advertisers and some not advertisers. Never has Timesharing Today edited so much as a single word in any of my submitted articles. Nor has Timesharing Today ever rejected any of my submitted articles.

Not all of Timesharing Today's editorial content and articles are written in a manner with which we at TUG would approve (e.g., the Timeshare Relief article). That makes sense because timeshare people have diverse views. Look at the disagreements we have on this BBS for examples! However, the magazine is diligent about allowing alternative views to be published in following issues.

 

[johnmfaeth]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your reply. I value your opinions greatly. I'll give them another call and see what happens.

The two things I've listed are my only complaints against them. Maybe I'm just spoiled by TUG

Thanks!

John

 

[Dave M]

John -

Ask to speak to Ray Jacobs, the editor. Because TST is a very small operation, expect to get voicemail and, perhaps, wait a day or so before getting a callback. You can also write him (that's how I usually communicate with him) at staff@tstoday.com

 

[deepseadale]

Like oil and vinegar

Just received my TimeSharing Today magazine for March/April and I was very disappointed to see a half page ad on Pg. 20 for this rip-off company. :annoyed:

The odd thing is most of you who have negative issues with Timeshare Relief have overwhelmingly positive experiences with your timeshares. How can you possibly know they’re a rip-off, when you a) have multiple timeshares, b) can tell RCI to take a hike and c) have no problems with your contracts? When I wanted out of my timeshare, I got some advice to go with Timeshare Relief. I did research and found posts just like this one, all on very pro-timeshare sites. But the reality is they are very straight forward and helpful. People who trash this company must have a vested interest in smearing them, because then people, unlike them, who are stuck with bad timeshares, will have to continue forking over fees on something they can’t use. If you enjoy your timeshare(s), don’t go mucking up a company that helps people who do not.

 

[Dave M]

How can you possibly know they’re a rip-off...?

Because some of us have sat in on their presentations and have listened to their lies about such things as the non-existent value of timeshares and the deductibility of losses upon sale of a timeshare. And because we know that they entice innocent victims to fork over $$$ to get rid of timeshares that can be sold, auctioned or donated at little or no cost.

But the reality is they are very straight forward and helpful.

Straight forward is something that they definitely are not, unless you believe that being straight forward includes lying as they tell a timeshare owner that the only practical way to dispose of an unwanted timeshare is to pay TR to take it off the owner's hands.

People who trash this company must have a vested interest in smearing them....

None of the thousands of timeshare owners here have a vested interest in smearing anyone. However, we do believe in education so that an owner knows what choices exist to dispose of an unwanted timeshare. That's why TUG is here - education. Unlike Timeshare Relief's objectives, no one here is posting on these forums in an effort to make a profit at another's expense.

 

[rickandcindy23]

And so it starts again...........

Excuse me? You paid Timeshare Relief to take your timeshare off your hands, then you are on a timeshare site, advising us that this company is honest and straightforward? You can use timeshare to your advantage, no matter how bad it is. I have a blue week and have traded into a Gold Crown in Hawaii with it several times. I also can go to Orlando with that week and traded it for a Hilton Grand Vacation Club three bedroom.

We are here to help people use their timeshares and get their money's worth. Timeshare Relief is continuing the cycle of making timeshare look bad. The cycle starts with the timeshare developers. You don't have to go to the next group of conmen and pay them to take the week from you. We make nothing for giving advice.

Why seek out a timeshare site and tell us you love this company? If you are done with your timeshare, so be it. Move on. I hope you didn't sell them something you could have sold yourself. You have internet access, so why didn't you try to get rid of the week here on TUG or on other sites frequently mentioned here?

We will continue to let people know how bad Timeshare Relief and all of the other related companies are. WE are trying to help. I would be embarrassed to admit I paid $3,495 to this company on TUG.

 

[Arkansas Winger]

Can You smell Shill or Troll??????

The odd thing is most of you who have negative issues with Timeshare Relief have overwhelmingly positive experiences with your timeshares. . . . . . .

People who trash this company must have a vested interest in smearing them, because then people, unlike them, who are stuck with bad timeshares, will have to continue forking over fees on something they can’t use. If you enjoy your timeshare(s), don’t go mucking up a company that helps people who do not.

:zzz: :zzz: :zzz: :zzz:

 

[rickandcindy23]

I didn't want to edit my post after Dave. I meant to say that I hope you did not pay them to take your timeshare, when you could have sold it yourself. They did not take your timeshare for free or give you anything for it.

 

[Art4th]

People who trash this company must have a vested interest in smearing them, because then people, unlike them, who are stuck with bad timeshares, will have to continue forking over fees on something they can’t use. If you enjoy your timeshare(s), don’t go mucking up a company that helps people who do not.

Why would anyone here possibly want you to "fork over fees on something you can't use"? (Oh, that's right...we get a cut of those maintenance fees you're paying).

On the other hand...why also, would someone go out of their way to proudly promote a company that misleads people and charges them $3500 to do something that the "customer" could easily do themselves.

Vested interest indeed!

 

[johnmfaeth]

The truth shall set them free from wasting another $3,500 on Timeshare Relief...

 

[Dave M]

Warning to all who post here

You may politely disagree with content of another's post, but you may not attack another person who posts here. Please adhere to the "Be Courteous" posting rule. Those who choose to ignore the rule risk losing posting privileges.

 

[timeos2]

Timeshare Relief is not a friend to sellers or owners

Anyone who happens across this thread and is considering paying $3000+ to be rid of a timeshare please think things through. You could pay two or three years fees and sell for $1 and still be a couple thousand ahead. Or you could place an add here on TUG or on eBay or many other places asking for little or nothing and save $3000+ dollars. How does paying a third party over $3000 to take your timeshare ever seem like a wise choice? PLEASE think about it and use your common sense. When people are holding out their hand for $3900 to take property from you it is NOT a good deal. No amount of positive posts by guest users or self written articles in Wikkipedia or Timesharing Today will change that. You have found a site that has no reason to try to rip you off. Listen the wisdom here and do not pay to give away your timeshare. Do not pay hundreds in upfront money to try to sell it. There is plenty of help here if you need to be out from the obligation of fees and no one will charge you $3900 or even $300 to tell you how.

 

[Dave M]

Nice post, John.

Adding to that, those looking for the "where do I start" magic should read the "how to sell" article located at the top of the list of topics for this Buying, Selling, Renting forum.

The article has practical advice for generating a successful sale and advice on how to avoid getting scammed.

 

[AwayWeGo]

Fee For Disservice.

I don't know what company was the culprit -- if not Timeshare Relief then some other outfit like it -- but what made me pay attention was somebody's story reported (I think) on TUG of paying good green money to have this bunch take 2 unwanted timeshares off their hands, then following through on only 1 of them while leaving the other in the name of the folks who paid to get rid of it. The "clients" found out about it only when they got dunned for yet another year's fees & late charges on a timeshare they thought they shucked off by paying those big bux. Now that's a ripoff any way you shake it.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.​

 

[Spence]

Post Card Companies

Do I like their lies and half-truths in their presentations, no. I've been to three differents ones and they have different slants on the same lies. Do they provide a service, maybe.

What do you do with a timeshare that no one will take for $1?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200090115286
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260050038347
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260054406293
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260059366478
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260062792513
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260065455716
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260068566442
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260071624413
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260074565323
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260077454539
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260081912009

That's right 11 times with no takers even with all closing and transfer fees paid for! What's that like $500 in insertion fees?

So what do you do?

 

[rickandcindy23]

I know, Spence. I understand what you are saying. That is a lot of money to spend, advertising a week over and over again. What about other venues? The week doesn't look like a terrible one. Can it be used for last-minute trades? I have a purpose for asking this question.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

That's right 11 times with no takers even with all closing and transfer fees paid for! What's that like $500 in insertion fees?

So what do you do?

Spence - looking at the ad it appears to me that the seller is still charing $600 in closing costs + 2007 fees. The listing says those amounts are added to the bid price.

Even though it says those fees are paid by seller, it still looks as if they are added to the auction price.

 

[timeos2]

That's right 11 times with no takers even with all closing and transfer fees paid for! What's that like $500 in insertion fees?

So what do you do?

If it's THAT bad, and maybe a studio, motel conversion with a $550 annual fee is, then use the $3900 you would consider paying to TSR to make it attractive. Pay two years fees plus closing - someone will bite - and you saved $2000. Pay three years - Save $1450. It can be done and for far less than $3500 or more.

 

[Pit]

So what do you do?

Unlikely that TR would be interested in that one. They're not obligated to take it.

 

[Spence]

Spence - looking at the ad it appears to me that the seller is still charing $600 in closing costs + 2007 fees. The listing says those amounts are added to the bid price.

Even though it says those fees are paid by seller, it still looks as if they are added to the auction price.

That's not what the last listing says to me. Item number: 200090115286

 

[Spence]

Unlikely that TR would be interested in that one. They're not obligated to take it.

Here is a list of what a TR wannabe would not take or would only take with extra fees.

Forbidden Resorts
Club Vacances Magog, Mexico?
Neptune Hollywood Beach Club, Hollywood FL
Woodbourne Estates, Bahamas
Silver Lakes, Helendale CA
East Canyon Resort, Henefer UT
Celebrity Waikiki, Hawaii
Taino Beach Resort, Bahamas

Add'l Fees Resorts
American Resorts Int'l, Austria
Bluebeards Castle, St Thomas
Club Land'Or, Bahamas
Clube Praia da Oura, Portugal
Harbor Inn Resort, Canada
Krystal Int'l Vacation Club
Marina Del Rey Beach Club, Mexico
Rockley Plumtree Club, Barbados
Shanty Creek, Bellaire MI
Vista Mirage, Palm Springs CA
Lawrence Welk Desert Oasis, Cathedral City CA
ALL Campground Memberships
St Georges Club, Bermuda
Oceancliff I & II, Newport RI
Newport Bay Club, Newport RI
Celebrity Resorts Indian Shores, Indian Shores FL
Georgian Inn Beach Club, Ormond Beach FL
Atrium Resort, Virginia Beach VA
Catalina Beach Club, Daytona Beach FL

Everything else was fair game.