Today: Have Some Time-share Companies Crossed The Line?

It seems like every major vacation destination has “time share” salesmen pitching deals of a lifetime. These sales reps lure people in with a free show or $50 or something of the sorts and make the potential customer sit through hours of boring presentations. Although annoying, the presentations are not illegal. However, recently a reader wrote in to me complaining that some time-share companies have crossed the line with their sales tactics and are “forcing people to buy”.

Now wait a minute!

I  don’t think that anyone is holding a gun to a time share buyer’s head or threatening to harm their family if they don’t buy a time share. In fact, if they did, it would be illegal and subject to prosecution.

Whenever someone submits to a timeshare deal — whether it’s for $50 or $250 — they’re agreeing to listen to a presentation in exchange for the loot. That’s all. And if someone’s agreeing to more, than they share responsibility for the agreement.

Sales are all about enticing a buyer and closing the deal. Some salesmen and women are more aggressive than others, and may seem more annoying to customers who don’t want an aggressive pitch.

The best way to not be annoyed by one of these pitches is to be clear before you agree to take part, on what the conditions are. Get the conditions in writing, and stick to them.

Remember — the worst thing that happens is that you leave the pitch and don’t get your loot.