What are the most asked questions related to timeshare promotions?

What is a timeshare promotion?

A timeshare promotion refers to a marketing strategy employed by timeshare companies to attract potential buyers or renters to their vacation ownership properties. Timeshares are a type of property ownership or vacation arrangement where multiple individuals share ownership or usage rights to a property, typically a resort or vacation condominium.

Timeshare promotions often involve offering discounted or incentivized deals to entice individuals to attend a sales presentation or tour of the timeshare property. These promotions may include free or discounted stays at the resort, complimentary gifts or vouchers, discounted travel packages, or other enticing offers.

The purpose of a timeshare promotion is to showcase the benefits and features of the timeshare property in hopes of convincing individuals to purchase timeshare ownership or rental. These promotions aim to create a sense of urgency or exclusivity, emphasizing the value, amenities, and potential savings associated with owning or renting a timeshare.

It’s important to approach timeshare promotions with caution and conduct thorough research before committing to any purchase. While timeshares can offer advantages such as guaranteed vacation accommodations and potential cost savings in the long run, they also come with financial responsibilities and limitations that may not suit everyone’s needs or preferences. Understanding the terms and conditions, associated costs, maintenance fees, and resale options is crucial before making any decision related to a timeshare promotion.

What is an all-inclusive timeshare promotion?

An all-inclusive timeshare promotion refers to a specific type of timeshare offer where the package includes not only the ownership or rental of a timeshare unit but also additional amenities and services that are typically associated with all-inclusive resorts.

In the context of a timeshare promotion, an all-inclusive offer may include benefits such as:

1. Accommodations: The promotion usually includes a stay in a timeshare unit, which is a fully furnished and equipped vacation property.

2. Meals: All-inclusive timeshare promotions often cover meals and dining options. This may include access to on-site restaurants, buffets, or meal vouchers.

3. Drinks: Many all-inclusive promotions provide unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages within the resort premises. This can include access to bars, lounges, and poolside drink service.

4. Activities and Entertainment: All-inclusive timeshare packages often feature a range of recreational activities and entertainment options. This may include access to pools, beaches, fitness facilities, sports courts, evening shows, live music, and organized activities for both adults and children.

5. Resort Facilities: Guests participating in an all-inclusive timeshare promotion usually have access to various resort facilities such as spas, fitness centers, water sports equipment, and recreational areas.

It’s important to note that the specific inclusions and terms of an all-inclusive timeshare promotion can vary from one resort or timeshare company to another. It’s advisable to carefully review the details of the promotion, including any restrictions or limitations, to fully understand what is included in the all-inclusive package. Additionally, it’s recommended to research the reputation and reviews of the resort or timeshare company before committing to any purchase or signing a contract.

How long is a timeshare presentation?

The duration of a timeshare presentation can vary depending on several factors, including the timeshare company, the specific promotion, and the level of interest or engagement from the attendees. Generally, timeshare presentations are designed to be informative and persuasive, aiming to showcase the benefits of purchasing or renting a timeshare.

On average, a timeshare presentation can last anywhere from 60 minutes to 120 minutes. However, it’s important to note that some presentations may run longer, especially if there are additional activities or incentives involved. It’s not uncommon for attendees to be offered refreshments or meals as part of the presentation, which can extend the overall time.

It’s worth mentioning that during the presentation, you may have the opportunity to ask questions, take a tour of the property, and learn about the various ownership or rental options available. Additionally, timeshare companies often employ sales representatives who may engage in one-on-one discussions to address individual inquiries or negotiate deals.

It’s advisable to inquire about the estimated duration of the presentation when scheduling your attendance, as it can help you plan your time accordingly. If you have any time constraints or limitations, make sure to communicate them in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Can a timeshare promotion be used over a holiday like New Year’s or Easter?

Yes, several high-end resort offers do allow you to travel over peak holiday times.  Holiday travel (Christmas, New Year, Spring Break, and Easter) can be very expensive.  Many families are forced to choose these dates simply because that’s when the kids have a break from school.  Remember to book early (6+ months) if you are interested in a holiday timeshare offer!  They do go quickly, so if you find these dates available, book them.  The saving will be worth it!

Will there be hotel taxes or fees when using a timeshare promotion?

Yes, some offers do have taxes and fees beyond what you pay the vacation promotion vendor.  Each offer should have terms and conditions and you should read these completely!  In almost every case, you will have to sign physically or tick something.  In those terms, the travel offer should define any resort/hotel fees due at check-in or out. 

Do any timeshare promotions include transportation from the airport to the resort?

Yes, many of the high-end resort timeshare promotions do include some form of at least one-way transportation.  Resorts, in many cases, have in-house transportation and they will come to pick you up.  There are several things here to note from experience!  First, you need to actually get your reservation confirmed, not just ordered.  Don’t think that booking a promotion is anything like booking retail.  You have to order and get the vendor to process through to the resort.  If that does not happen and happen quickly, you are held up from buying your plane tickets.  If you buy plane tickets and your reservation is not confirmed, you could lose out big!  Second, you need to buy those flights and supply that info to the vendor or in some cases directly to the resort’s promotional intake team.  This rarely happens quickly.  Worse is making changes to pick up last minute.  Make sure you get this setup or you may have to find a paid way to the hotel.  Many programs have a cut-off on when you can book this. 

Is it worth using a timeshare promotion?

That depends on you!  Some people attend presentations for cheap gifts or a $100 gift card.  Timeshare promotions can be found just about anywhere you travel.  Next time you are in a popular travel destination look for information booths or people with id cards around their necks.  Those are most likely timeshare people looking for victims’ potential new clients.  Those offers are low-end offers but you can get free stuff!  The real money though is in the all-inclusive timeshare deals.

Who has the best (highest-rated) timeshare promotion?

To my knowledge, no one really rates timeshare promotions.  The resort or hotel destination is rated and rated by sites like TripAdvisor, Hotel.com, and Expedia.  In some cases, resorts are rated by AAA and have what is called a diamond rating.  So to be clear…  A resort/hotel can have a star rating or a diamond rating.  If they have a diamond rating they have to reapply every year and pass a quality inspection.  The diamond rating is by Triple A (AAA) and solely by them.  The star ratings you see everywhere are not controlled and vary drastically by opinion!  So if you are looking for the best timeshare promotion deal, consider a diamond-rated hotel that offers a full access all-inclusive stay!

Are there timeshare promotions with free airfare?

I have never seen a real offer for a timeshare promotion with free airfare.  If you are looking for an all-inclusive vacation and you want free flights, what’s the cost?  Timeshare vacation packages range between $99 and $999 depending on how many nights and their overall quality.  Flights are expensive.  The resort just can’t give you free food, drink, alcohol, and a room plus free flights.  So if you see a timeshare offer like this I would be very skeptical!

Are there free timeshare promotions?

Yes, free timeshare promotions would be ones that don’t include a stay but rather give you a free gift.  At just about any major travel destination there are information booths.  These booths are there to generate leads for a local hotel.  We were on a cruise last year, when we stopped in Nassau they had an info booth and they were offering gifts for people to listen to a resort sales pitch.  Can you find free stays via timeshare promotions?  I have been offered them by resorts but always have to sell them in order to make any money.  Marketing companies don’t get paid by the resort, they get a trip to sell to a specific demographic that meets a certain set of criteria.  Remember the resort isn’t trying to give you a free stay, they are trying to sell room nights.  

Can couples or groups of families travel together, each using a separate timeshare promotion?

It’s called quinellas (couples traveling together).  There are several resorts that allow this and this applies mainly to all-inclusive resort timeshare offers.  The walk-in timeshare deals that offer a gift won’t mind if you bring Aunt Sally, they don’t have to feed or house her. 

Do they require a credit card for all timeshare promotions?

No!  There are non-inclusive offers that will accept a debit card and packages are offered through several vendors in the USA.  These offers are normally 2 or 3-night stays in a furnished condo that includes a kitchen.  For travel with just a debit card, you will be limited to off-peak travel times and two programs.  If you are planning to use a timeshare promotion consider getting at least a prepaid credit card.  Just having a basic credit card will allow you to get much better travel dates and access many more programs.  To access the bigger all-inclusive promotions it is best to have at least a $1000 line of credit since you will be traveling abroad and the better resorts require a deposit at check-in.  In major travel destinations like Orlando or Las Vegas, there are 3 to 5 players that offer stuff in trade for your time and consideration.  There are no all-inclusive offers in the USA that I know of.  You can find basic accommodations, condos, or day tours.  A day tour is a walk-in for a gift of $100 or free tickets to an event.  The value as a reward to the consumer for a day tour is about $100.  Most will want to see a credit card.

The offer says “personal major credit card and not a corporate credit card”?

For a normal retail check-in to a hotel, a corporate card does work.  For a timeshare promotion, they require a personal major credit card except for the worst times of the year when they will accept a debit card traveler.  The timeshare or vacation club (tour provider) wants to sell you something and you having zero credit means that they are most likely buying!  A corporate card doesn’t show you having credit.  The resort isn’t just trying to give free stays and stuff away.  They are trying to sell room nights and their hotel’s program to you and your family.  The more qualified you are the better gift they will offer to get you to consider buying into their program.  So resorts and hotels are using credit cards as a way to determine basic credit without a credit check.  

Can I use two timeshare promotions during the same trip?

Depends on the type of offer.  If it is non-inclusive, some of the state’s programs will allow it.  For the all-inclusive resorts abroad, no.  People do it, but if you get caught you’ll have to pay.  Remember, you have to sign an agreement or contract for the all-inclusive deals.  Programs will check your arrival ticket and even state that you must check in on the day of your arrival.  Also don’t think you can just hide in the crowd of timeshare vacationers.  There are most likely at any given resort on any date only 10 families doing a deal.  So if you turn down the free airport to hotel transportation and rent a car they will most likely look twice at you!  Get caught and both resorts will charge you and may even detain you since you signed that agreement.

Can I upgrade my room when I use a timeshare promotion?

In many cases yes you can.  Many of the USA offers will allow for a basic, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom condo.  Offers abroad especially the all-inclusive resorts block upgrades through the vendor.  When you check in to the resort they will offer you what they have as a way to offset what they are giving you for free.  Know that the money you pay for the promo less any extras (extra nights, guests) and a small fee, go to the marketer (call center).  The resort is out of pocket for your entire trip unless there are extras like an upgrade, extra nights, or a sale through the program.

What else do they call timeshare promotions?

Timeshare promotions can be referred to as timeshare tours, timeshare deals, timeshare offers, timeshare presentations, timeshare holidays, day tours, minivacs, fly-n-buys, travel club offers, vacation club offers, travel/vacation certificates, or travel/vacation vouchers.  

How long are timeshare promotions good for?

It depends on who sells it to you.  Buy through me and you can travel forever.  In many cases, an expiration date on a timeshare promotion happens when a marketer is selling open-dated vacation packages via a call center.  These types of packages have huge amounts of breakage or fulfillment issues!  Consumers should always book travel at the time of purchase to avoid this.  Almost 3/4ths of the complaints about timeshare promotions are really about the marketing company and not the fulfillment by the resort.  Marketing companies sell thousands of promotions when there is limited availability.  Make sure you’re not one of the suckers and book travel when you purchase.

Where can I travel using a timeshare promotion?

You can travel as far as Thailand or Europe!  There are offers across the world if you can find them.  Some resort chains actually have dozens of locations and a perfect example is AM Resorts.  They have resorts that are all-inclusive all over the Caribbean and Mexico.  There are offers in Hawaii but I have no idea how to get them or I would definitely sell that to you.  lol

Can you take kids on a timeshare promotion?

Yes, but in most cases they will not go with you to the presentation.  The resort, hotel, or program will have some form of daycare or the timeshare offer will exclude families with children in the terms.  Many of the all-inclusive resorts are family driven and even have water parks!  In the all-inclusive resort timeshare market, it is 75% family and 25% couples only.

What do they mean by the European plan?

A European plan has nothing to do with Europe!  A European plan is noninclusive and offers just a room for a few nights.  No food or drink is included in the offer.  These European or hotel-only timeshare offers sometimes include free tickets to a show or amusement park as an extra incentive.

Can I get thrown out of a hotel while using a timeshare promotion?

Yes!  You can get thrown out of a hotel or resort for a lot of reasons.  One reason you can’t is if you say no.  If you do something bad like break the law or act like an ass, you could get thrown out.  If you lied about meeting the resort’s terms and conditions, you can get thrown out.  Do people flip out, of course?  Do they still get thrown out, yep?  Now let me say that good, honest people don’t have this kind of issue.  These resorts and hotels want people to invest in them.  They have those terms and conditions because that’s their prime target market.  I get it, I’m 25 and rich!  Heard it all and still, you need to meet the terms and conditions of the offer you are going to use. 

What islands can I visit using a timeshare promotion?

Cozumel, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Nassau, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, and the US Virgin Islands.  This is not a complete list by far.  There are islands all over the world where there are timeshares.  However, finding promotions that include your demographic super far away may not happen.  I do have access to a resort in Thailand but it is non-inclusive and takes an 18-hour flight!  You can get two weeks at a nice resort for under $400 with a timeshare presentation.

What countries can I visit using a timeshare promotion?

You can visit many countries through a timeshare promotion.  A few would be the USA, Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Thailand, Indonesia, Turks and Caicos, and many other islands in the Caribbean.  There are timeshare promotions all across the world.  The issue is finding them and actually qualifying for them.  The farther you are from a travel destination the fewer promos you will find.  That is because the chances of you traveling really far away more than once every few years probably won’t happen.  If the resort feels American or Canadian are good prospects, there will be a program to pitch them.

What timeshare promotions are available in Mexico?

You can find all-inclusive and European (hotel-only) timeshare offers all across Mexico.  The hotel only offers normally include golf discounts or some kind of resort dining credit.  I have seen a 7-night timeshare offer by Mayan Resorts that had golf and/or dining credits.  The package was also really cheap, like $150.  Mexico is one of the top all-inclusive resort promotion countries for United States Citizens and Canadians Citizens because it’s close.  Many of the all-inclusive offers vary and offer different levels of dining.  Since the offer is all-inclusive it would also give the couple/family free meals, drinks, and even alcohol.  It is common to offer a 4-night stay and in some cases a 5-night stay for qualified couples.  

Vacation club or timeshare, what is the difference?

People call them timeshare promotions because that’s where these offers started.  Today resorts sell an assortment of vacation options.  Old school timeshare still exists but a bigger seller for resorts is points or an inhouse club.  Resorts not only have nights available but different levels of service/amenities.  There are private or members-only areas for most bars and restaurants.  There are also top-shelf liquors that are not available under regular retail.  Resorts want to sell these services to you for your future travels.  So timeshare would be the ownership of a specific week or time frame block (high, medium, low).  Vacation club would be some other spin-off of a limited amount of room nights.  Keep in mind that a resort all-inclusive may not be included in the vacation club membership.