People who own timeshares are well aware that timeshare companies often use high-pressure tactics to lure new buyers and encourage them to upgrade their memberships. If you’re not familiar with this territory, upgrading your timeshare membership can be compared to paying for unnecessary services at an auto shop. For instance, you may visit the mechanic for a simple oil change, but end up agreeing to replace your air filters and tires, which you may not necessarily need. The salesperson can be quite insistent and you may feel pressured to agree to their offer.
If you’re tired of your timeshare developer pressuring you to upgrade your membership, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will uncover the methods that timeshare companies use to persuade you to upgrade and explain why you should be cautious before making any decisions. Once you know the strategies they use, you’ll be able to recognize if you’ve fallen victim to a timeshare upgrade scam and start planning how to get out of it.
Is a Timeshare Upgrade Really Necessary?
Recall the moment when you first decided to buy a timeshare. Most likely, the glossy photos of happy people vacationing on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, or Miami, Florida, influenced your decision. Additionally, the sales presentation must have made the concept of vacation ownership appear convenient and luxurious.
But why is your original purchase not enough anymore? Why is your timeshare company insisting on a timeshare upgrade?
Although your timeshare may lose value over time as the resort ages and requires updates, maintenance fees and special assessments are designed to cover these costs. It is not necessary to upgrade your timeshare. Your timeshare company should not be pressuring you to purchase a new membership that you do not desire.
Unfortunately, many timeshare owners are coerced into upgrading. They are informed that the new membership will provide a better experience and will replace their old membership. Alternatively, they are persuaded that upgrading will reduce their maintenance fees, when in fact, the opposite is true.
Be wary of these upgrade tactics:
The Membership Upgrade That Becomes Two Timeshares
The merging of timeshare companies has had a significant impact on persuading or even coercing timeshare owners into upgrading their membership. An instance of this is the merger between Diamond Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations, a lucrative timeshare company with numerous properties worldwide. Following the merger, a new membership called HGV Max was introduced, aiming to provide a superior vacation experience to members of both companies. While Hilton Grand Vacations offers several membership options such as Hilton Grand Vacation Club and Hilton Grand Vacations Elite, HGV Max is distinct because it permits members to stay at Diamond and Hilton Grand Vacation timeshare properties.
Equity Discounts and Lower Maintenance Fees
The merging of timeshare companies has had a significant impact on persuading or even coercing timeshare owners into upgrading their membership. An instance of this is the merger between Diamond Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations, a lucrative timeshare company with numerous properties worldwide. Following the merger, a new membership called HGV Max was introduced, aiming to provide a superior vacation experience to members of both companies. While Hilton Grand Vacations offers several membership options such as Hilton Grand Vacation Club and Hilton Grand Vacations Elite, HGV Max is distinct because it permits members to stay at Diamond and Hilton Grand Vacation timeshare properties.
However, the merging of timeshare companies can also imply additional charges. It is crucial to know the terms and the amount of fees before enrolling in any form of upgrade. Developers perceive timeshare upgrades as an opportunity to encourage customers to sign up for a second timeshare, a decision that several timeshare owners regret. Often, sales representatives claim that upgrading will replace the previous membership, but in reality, it results in two rounds of maintenance fees.
However, the merging of timeshare companies can also imply additional charges. It is crucial to know the terms and the amount of fees before enrolling in any form of upgrade. Developers perceive timeshare upgrades as an opportunity to encourage customers to sign up for a second timeshare, a decision that several timeshare owners regret. Often, sales representatives claim that upgrading will replace the previous membership, but in reality, it results in two rounds of maintenance fees.
Confusing Contract Jargon
Developers use deceptive language in timeshare contracts to trick people into timeshare ownership, making it difficult to pursue timeshare cancellation once the rescission period is over. Unfortunately, this tactic is also used in timeshare upgrades. It’s important to pay close attention to any new contracts that come along with upgraded memberships, as they could be full of red flags.
The contract should clearly state that the original form of membership or deeded week you were assigned is being taken back by the developer. If the contract fails to do so, you are likely being enrolled in an additional timeshare property or membership, resulting in double the membership and maintenance fees. This is not an upgrade but rather another financial burden that the developer is imposing on you.
Don’t Fall for a Timeshare Upgrade
The information presented here suggests that timeshare upgrades are often just a ploy for developers to sell you additional timeshares or more expensive memberships that do little to enhance your vacation experience. This is just one of the many reasons why purchasing a timeshare is not advisable.
However, if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been pressured or deceived into owning an unwanted timeshare, Centerstone Group can help. As a comprehensive advocacy organization, we are well-versed in protecting timeshare owners from scammers who use high-pressure tactics, unauthorized transfers, and other deceitful means to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Our team of timeshare exit experts is highly rated, with an A+ rating and 4.78 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
If you’ve been the victim of a timeshare upgrade that is not what you were led to believe, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer free consultations and will work with you to resolve any issues with your timeshare contract. Our team is available by phone and ready to assist you today.
