Back in the olden days (of the 1970s and 1980s), you didn’t need timeshare reservations. Instead, you purchased your deeded fixed week timeshare and went there every year. Forever. But as the timeshare market expanded, the industry developed new products and types of vacation ownership. Enter points-based timeshares, timeshare exchanges and vacation clubs. These products give owners the flexibility to make timeshare reservations for various weeks at various locations. Unfortunately, this flexibility has some strings attached. Making timeshare reservations isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Timeshare companies began offering exchange programs as a way to appeal to owners looking for more flexibility. Exchange programs do provide that flexibility. With an exchange program, owners can trade in their interval at their home resort and stay at a different resort for a different interval. Sounds great, right? But then there’s the fine print. In many cases, the flexibility walks hand and hand with additional fees.
First, you have exchange fees. In order to make reservations, you usually must be part of the resort’s exchange program. And most resorts charge an exchange fee just for the right to be in the program. Some of these fees are as high as $300 and they can go up at any time.
After you pay your exchange fee and find a new unit, most resorts charge another fee to make the reservation. And if you go through a customer service representative rather than making the registration online, you may see an additional fee for that.
As we know, not all timeshare intervals or resorts are created equal. If you want to stay in a more sought-after interval at a more popular resort, you may find yourself buying more points, upgrading to a more expensive plan, or paying the difference. You might also pay an administrative fee for new paperwork.
Lack of availability is a common complaint from owners looking to make timeshare reservations. The flexibility to try new resorts is great. And so is the option to move your week around. But none of it means very much if all the weeks at all the resorts are full. And unfortunately, resorts often have more owners than they have availability. In addition, they may also rent out units to non-owners–sometimes for less than an owner would pay to stay in the same unit for the same interval. We hear this time and time again from our clients. They were drawn in by the allure of all the options, but in the end, they paid for something they could rarely use.
Why pay for a timeshare you can’t use? If you’re unable to make timeshare reservations, consider timeshare exit with a cancellation partner like us. We can help you get out of our contract and get on with your life. Contact us for a free, no-risk consultation today.
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We know how stressful timeshare contracts can be. What once sounded like a dream resort package turned into a nightmare. When you don't know where to turn, look to PMG to relieve you of your timeshare burden. We pride ourselves on open, honest, and frequent communication with our clients.
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Still not sure what's the next step? Our dedicated team can review your agreement and guide you through the process. The Primo difference is all about service. Our timeshare elimination consultants have one mission: To serve our clients and bring the peace of mind that comes from relieving their timeshare obligation.
Get StartedThe timeshare industry has spent a tremendous amount of time and money to delay, confuse and deter you from canceling your timeshare contract. Your team of timeshare elimination experts act as your consumer advocate and will work tirelessly to free you from your timeshare contract, mortgage, and maintenance fee bill.
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