Resorts Condominium International better known as RCI has its European headquarters in Kettering, Northants. As timeshare owners will know, RCI is one of the leading exchange companies that offer a necessary service for timeshare owners who wish to exchange their timeshare for other resorts and/or destinations outside of the timeshare group they belong to. RCI together with Interval International and 7 Across are the main players in the exchange world and of course, as you would expect, with the exception of 7 Across, they charge annual membership fees. Given the service they provide, the membership fees are not at all penal, however, non payment of these fees can be penal.
Heavy handed?
Recently we had sight of what can only be described as a very heavy handed approach from RCI for the collection of a late fee. When we tell you that the fee outstanding was an astronomical £89, yes £89, not £890 or worse £8,900 we have to wonder why RCI approached the problem with such threatened aggression. Below we show an extract from the letter received by an RCI member:
So after two reminders a threat of legal action within 7 days of the date of the letter ensued but as if to really rub salt in the wound, the mention of the dreaded County Court Judgement was thrown in for good measure.
Further in the same letter, the writer adds what can only be described as a platitude:
So all this says basically is contact us about points problems. The writer starts by acknowledging that times now are difficult, one is to assume that this refers to current financial matters but offers no possible solutions from a financial aspect.
TCA comment
In order of fairness, TCA agrees that if you look after the pennies the pounds look after themselves. This letter confirms a single debt of £89, however, if there are 100 or 1,000 members that have not paid then this starts to mount up. Even taking that into account we still maintain that the letter we had sight of is oppressive and way over the top, given the minuscule amount owing.
Many timeshare owners are currently experiencing financial difficulties so maybe a slightly more subtle approach might not only get results but endear members, our suggestion may be something like this:
If you are experiencing financial difficulties please contact us as we may be able to offer a payment plan to spread the cost.
The state of the timeshare industry in Europe is not looking too healthy so would it not be logical to say that both developers and exchange companies need to bend over backwards to help and satisfy their clientele?
Letters such as the one we discuss today do the absolute opposite. RCI need to remember that even though they may be the largest of the exchange companies, there are alternatives. We mentioned 7 Across earlier, join them and kiss goodbye to annual membership fees, you won’t receive threatening letters from them over a mere £89.
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