It’s one of the most time-honored tactics in the timeshare marketers’ playbook: Luring naïve, unsuspecting, or overconfident vacationers into a sales presentation with the promise of free gifts or merchandise.
As WTMJ-TV Milwaulkee explained in this recent “Call 4 Action” segment, that tactic is alive and well – and it can lead to an unwanted financial obligation for many consumers.
As the network’s Karen Stiles explains:
“While although some of these gifts are nice, and some of the presentations are interesting, you need to be careful. The intent of the free gift and the free presentation are to get you to buy a timeshare on the spot, with little or no time to think things through.”
What advice does the news agency have for consumers? It’s the same you’ll see from many consumer protection advocates: “Do your homework.”
For the timeshare consumer, this means consulting with state and federal consumer agencies and with professional timeshare associations, and refusing to sign until, as Stiles puts it, “until all of your questions have been answered and have had time to read the contracts, as well as the terms and conditions.”
Another important point? Be even more cautious when the offer is for a timeshare located overseas or in another country, since “consumer laws in our country may not apply in another.”
Whether you’re considering dipping a toe into the vacation industry or you’re looking to find your way out, it’s important to stay informed and stay vigilant.
Led by Attorney Michael D. Finn with 50 years of experience, the Finn Law Group is a consumer protection firm specializing in timeshare law. Our lawyers understand vacation ownership as well as the many pitfalls of the secondary market of timeshare resales. If you feel you have been victimized by a timeshare company, contact our offices for a free consultation. Know your rights as a consumer and don’t hesitate to drop us a line with any questions or concerns.