Anyone who has attended a timeshare sales presentation will know that it can be quite an uncomfortable experience. Apart from the incessant barrage of information, most of which is debatable, then there is the supposed 90 minutes that often turn into a full day. The longer the stay, the harder the sales pitches become. One developer, Marriott has come up with a plan and has trialled it at least twice to our knowledge.
Earn 50,000 Points Sitting In Front Of Your Computer For 90 Minutes
On the surface this headline seems to be just another “giveaway” to get prospective buyers to sit through a timeshare presentation, it is, but with a difference. Marriott have joined the tech age for this promotion, these so called 90 minute presentations will take place in the comfort of your own home. Using tech such as Zoom, Marriott can connect with you in your home, present their wares and hope at the end you sign up as a new timeshare points owner.
TCA are unaware of qualification status, but no doubt there will be, checks on credit status, income etc. Below we show what’s on offer:
- 50,000 points for a married or cohabitating couple
- 40,000 points for a married or cohabitating couple (in California, not sure why that is))
- 20,000 points for a single person
50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points are probably worth around $300 so in reality, not much of an incentive.
TCA comment
We suppose that the upside is that if during the presentation the prospect is feeling undue pressure then it’s much easier to flick the switch and terminate the meeting rather than the very arduous task of escaping a face to face meeting at a resort.
Although as we stated earlier the offer had a time limit and as we write is not available now, there is still a page on the Marriott website that may be visited to obtain information. It has to be remembered that these types of offers are not just Marriott being charitable, there will be similar pressure from the presenter to sell timeshare, this may be borne out by this excerpt from the Marriott site:
Note: ANY NAMES AND ADDRESSES ACQUIRED WILL BE USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING THE SALE OF TIMESHARE PERIODS:
Remember, the giveaway of 50,000 points, sorry Californians, 40,000 points, is just the beginning. When you choose to use the points, on the assumption you didn’t sign up during, or at the end of the video call, then expect face to face pressure at the supposed “update meeting” which is normally obligatory.
Free giveaways have always been a trait of selling timeshare in the USA so this offer is no different except you don’t have to get up from your couch to benefit, if that’s the right word. As we have said in previous articles, if you have the tenacity to say no at every occasion then this could be for you, however that tenacity may be tested to the hilt because developers will always be hunting the “yes” and after some serious pressure and long hours, it may become increasingly more difficult to say no.
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