- 1). Get it in writing. When you make a deal with a timeshare for hotel accommodations or other incentives, get an agreement up front on just how long the sales presentation will last. Don't just take the representative's word. Get an agreement in writing that specifies what you will receive and the length of time required in order to get the incentives.
- 2). Research timeshare prices. If possible, research the prices for resale units in the timeshare resort you will be visiting. You may not be able to do this if you agree to attend a presentation when you are already on vacation. If you arrange your trip beforehand, visit online sales sites such as Timeshare Users Group (TUG) and eBay, and print out resale ads.
- 3). Be aware that if you take advantage of a breakfast or luncheon offered by the timeshare company, the time you spend eating will not count as part of your agreed-upon presentation time. This is true even if a sales representative chats with you during the meal. Don't get drawn into a long conversation while eating or you'll end up staying longer than you intended.
- 4). Set your wristwatch alarm and tell the salesperson that you will only stay for the agreed-upon length of time at the beginning of the presentation. If you don't have an alarm, make a note of the start time and periodically check the time to make sure the presentation is not running over.
- 5). Drive yourself. If you have your own transportation, tell the timeshare representative that you want to drive if he takes you off-site to view a resort as part of the presentation. If the representative drives, you will be at his mercy if you want to leave. If you have your own car, you can drive back to the office yourself if he refuses to honor the agreed-upon time.
- 6). Show your printout of resale prices. If your presentation time is over and the salesperson is trying to drag it out, or if she brings out a manager to make a last-ditch high-pressure sales attempt, take out your printouts of resale prices. There is no way she will be able to match those costs.
If you were not able to make printouts, simply say, "Your resort is nice, but if I decide to buy, I will do it on the resale market because it's so much cheaper." If you say this loudly enough to be overheard by other prospects, the salesperson and manager will probably be eager to release you.
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