As we come up to summer and holiday season begins it is the peak time for companies to advertise, which are based psychological and pressured sales tactics to make you feel the fear of missing out on the offer. It is common for phrases such as “limited time offer” or “act now” to pressure people into buying something there and then on the spot as they feel like this is a one-time offer that won’t come up again!
It is not uncommon for people to get back from their holiday after buying a Timeshare and getting the dreaded “what did I just do?” thought, especially when you had no intentions of buying into anything – this is due to being a victim of highly-trained and deeply psychological sales tactics. Below will explain to you how this works and why no matter your age or income we can all be vulnerable to this.
During the “sales pitch” the sales representative can’t stress enough to you how this is only a one-day opportunity and if you walk out the door without purchasing it is not something you will be able to get at that price again, some even go as far as to say “they have never seen an offer so good” and before you know it your feeling like you have an advantage over other consumers.
This presentation is already taking place during your holiday, which of course makes you think of future holidays, and without realising the added stress and pressure this may cause for the future along with the financial burden you find yourself signing up to something you swore you never would.
Sales men and women in any industry are all trained to “close” consumers there and then on the day to try and avoid any doubt being put into their mind if they go away and think about things and therefore create the sense of urgency on the product and price. As these presentations take place in a pressured sales environment they do not want to allow you to have time to think about the product or weigh up your options and although signing the agreement which is as legally binding as a mortgage (which nobody commits to without thinking it through thoroughly) you find yourself within a few hours signing the documents.
Although buying something like a Timeshare is a high-involvement product, sales representatives treat it the same as somebody buying something small. For any high-involvement purchase people usually need to consider their finances for both at the time of purchase and future for upkeep, discuss with family and friends and review all contracts and terms and conditions.
For many they soon find themselves regretting their purchase immediately after returning home after having a chance to think about what they have signed up for and realising the financial commitment that have been pressured into by these highly trained professionals.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk