Client: Mike and Dawn
Below is a word for word account of the timeshare nightmare that Mike and Dawn H. experienced. We hope their written account will shed some light on the tactics that the timeshare industry often uses on good, unsuspecting people. *Names of people have been changed and/or redacted for privacy reasons.
Mike and Dawn’s Client Story
“We were offered a 3 day stay at a hotel in Orlando to attend a 90 minute presentation. Ultimately, we were there for over four hours between delay tactics, actual presentation and back and forth when we were deciding not to pursue. We were promised additional bonus points from the sales rep for another dream vacation, but that was left off when we went to close. When we started to question where those were, they stopped recording and left to discuss. The pressure was relentless as we politely declined and tried to leave several times, but they refused to sign our paperwork for the hotel stay, or I'd have to pay for the stay.
The big seller for us was the promise to be able to sell/rent our points or reservations if we couldn't use them as well as using points for airfare to travel to our destination. When we inquired about selling/renting for unused points, we were told it's illegal and had to know someone to do it on the side. Additionally, when we tried to use points to buy airfare, it wasn't as described and it was cheaper for me to buy on my own for the exact same flight and carrier.
We had to attend our new member orientation within 30 days when we got back, and that was the same situation pressure-wise, convincing us we had to upgrade to keep our Gold status and the benefits that came with that level. We were also told at this presentation by the sales rep that we could rent/sell our points if we didn't use them to recoup that loss and help pay maintenance fees. This presentation was only supposed to be a new member orientation showing us the ropes of how to use the site, but instead turned into another sales pitch to upgrade and make us feel like we would lose out if we didn't do it that day. We were supposed to be on our short vacation and thought an hour out of our day was no problem, but this turned into 2+ hours.
Since purchasing this timeshare, I haven't been able to use any points I've earned on my timeshare credit card to help offset maintenance fees. That was another feature of applying for and using that card, but nobody could ever tell me how to make it happen. When I inquired, I was told I missed the deadline, but of course was never notified of any deadline. Also, maintenance fees increased by more than double in 2019 compared to what was initially stated on the contract. I couldn't afford to pay in a lump sum, so I had to pay them monthly. In the previous year, I didn't have that option as I was never notified of a monthly payment option and had to pay the lump sum, which accrued late fees and interest. I had to put the balance on a credit card.
We can never enjoy our stay as each time we are required to attend a meeting or presentation, which always turns into another pitch to upgrade. We haven't even had time to enjoy what we did buy and figure out how to use it. The destinations we looked at during our initial presentation cost a significant amount more now, and our points wouldn't go as far. Additionally, both stays we took have been in basic accommodations and/or dated properties. Really, what am I paying for!?! Everything sounds great until you get in it and realize it's not what was presented and now you're stuck.
I contacted the timeshare to initiate a hardship cancellation and was pointed in circles and ultimately told they could do nothing for me. The increased financial strain from the maintenance fees causes another bill for an already thin budget. This stress has caused my wife and I to separate for a period of time and consider divorce. I'm oversimplifying the situation with that statement, but this is not an investment we would have agreed to now that we see how it really works. Also, how am I paying so much money for something that has an expiration and cutoff dates...if I don't use it I lose it, but they still get their money! This was not explained in depth either!
Getting out of this timeshare would be an immediate financial and emotional relief! I want to forget I ever was a part of this sham! The money spent to date (approx. 29K) in two years could have better been served making our own accommodations for travel and lodging. We will never give anyone the time of day to hear about timeshares.”
We Are Here To Help Alleviate Your Timeshare Burden
We have taken Mike and Dawn on as client’s to help them cancel their timeshare. We hate to hear stories of timeshares breaking families apart and causing them more stress. Unfortunately, we do hear these stories often, but we want our clients to know we will do everything in our power, the right way, to ensure we alleviate the timeshare burden from you and your family.
If you have any questions about timeshare cancellation, reach out to us today.
(800) 425-4081
*Wesley Financial Group, LLC (“WFG”) develops individualized programs for each client, terminates over 98% of their client’s timeshare relationships, and in certain circumstances, obtains a refund of some or all of the timeshare purchase price. Actual results depend on each client’s distinct case and no specific outcome is guaranteed (although WFG does offer a 100% money back guarantee if the timeshare is not cancelled within the time specified in the WFG Enrollment Agreement).
