A free vacation sounds nice. Since the early days of advertising, promises of free vacations has been used to lure prospects into all manners of sales calls. One of the most prolific uses, even today, is the drawing. Give us your information and you will be entered into our drawing for a dream vacation. Though typically legitimate, the chances of winning are slim. There is a form of free vacations that is open to most, but like the saying goes- “there is no free lunch.”
Timeshare resorts offer a nice opportunity to experience brand new vacation resorts. Usually the amenities are nice, as are the locations. After all they don’t build timeshares in places people don’t want to be. Timeshares are available in vacation hotspots like Hawaii, Cancun, and Las Vegas, also in more niche spaces like Sedona, AZ (for the spiritually minded) or Hilton Head, SC (for the history buff).
Just so everyone is on the same page, timeshares are akin to condos. Rather than buy the condo outright, one buys a period of time (usually a week) to visit the resort annually. Timeshares are a perfectly legitimate way of vacationing and have had most major hotel chains involved at one time, including Hilton, Embassy Suites, Wyndham, and Sheraton.
To get people to buy the timeshares, people have to experience the resort. This is where the free vacation comes in. When new, the timeshares offer prospects a free vacation rental to try out the resort. There is no better time to try the locations, less people and new.
Vacation For Free Downside
The resorts will not just let you try the resort and hope you buy. Timeshare locations are much more aggressive, you will have to attend a presentation sometime during your stay. This is the trade for the “free” stay. And the post-presentation sales pitch will be high pressure. A nice study in sales technique if you are in sales, otherwise you will have to just grin and bear it. But afterwards, you are done and can enjoy your stay.
Vacation For Free Qualifiers
Most timeshares will have some qualifications to stay at the resort. Because you probably will not have to prove the validity of your answers, just answer positively.
- Are you above a certain age (usually mid-20’s)?
- Do you make a certain amount (usually above $40K)?
- Are you married?
The answer to the married question is not that you have to be one or the other, but that they will want both decision makers at the presentation. If you plan on being at the resort without your spouse, then answer that you are single (remember to hide the wedding ring while at the resort). Read the fine print of the offer before calling or being called, then you will know how to answer. Simple enough to get approved.
Things To Know
Most timeshares are not hotels, but more like condos. So, prepare to not have all the staff available (24 hours) like you might in a hotel. Also, little amenities like soap and shampoo, or dry clean service, and other little things may not be available. Most times you will have to provide your own transportation there. Chances are good you will have the opportunity to bring your own food (ask if they have kitchens in the suites/rooms/cabins).
If You Decide To Buy
Say you really like the resort and decide to buy a timeshare. Don’t bite on the first offer. The timeshare package will be quite high. Hold out, feigning disinterest. Eventually a sales manager with “authority” to change the deal will appear. He will most likely offer another deal at a much better rate. I have sat in presentations where the package was thousands down and near $400 monthly. By the time I left, the package was $56 a month with nothing down. Keeping holding out, and the offer price will keep coming down.
Visit Amazing Sedona, AZ
Consider a vacation to Sedona, AZ for your next get away. There are plenty of Sedona resorts that you can find which will offer you a pleasant stay.
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