Why so much Mexico timeshare bashing?

[Passepartout]

Re: Body Snatchers,
If they have nothing to offer, there is no attraction. They rely on the greed of US, their marks. They offer cash, tickets, activities, discounts, and all we have to provide is a couple of hours of vacation time. If required to tell the truth, that you could be taken to a remote location without facilities, or an escape route, and held while a succession of ever more insistent sales weasels grinds you down until you sign ANYTHING, just to get away. Nobody would sign up. But we tend to think that normal business practices will be adhered to. Like buying a car or a wedding ring- or other big ticket item. But Mexican TSs aren't normal goods.

And THIS, my friends, is why Mexican TSs get bashed.

Jim

 

[DavidnRobin]

Mex>STJ (USVI)
LOL

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[myoakley]

Mex>STJ (USVI)
LOL

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[VacationForever]

Mex>STJ (USVI)
LOL

Thank you for reiterating my point. LOL

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[myoakley]

Not all Mexican timeshare presentations are the nightmare being described. We attended one in February at the Royal Sands in Cancun which was very professional and painless. When it was clear that we did not intend to buy, we were able to leave (after 90 min.), without any unpleasantness. I am willing to bet that this is true of all the Royal resorts. My advice would be to inquire about the reputation of the timeshare presentation you are about to sign up for before agreeing to attend.

 

[boyblue]

Generally,
Comparatively high maintenance fees
Easy/cheaper to trade into
Unrelenting sales pressure even on owners

But..

If you find a place that you like, the fees are reasonable and the price is right, by all means buy because as a veteran TUGger the sales pressure should not bother you.

 

[dioxide45]

Um, there is even a body snatcher at the Poconos at that discount store on the way to Shawnee village.

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Plenty of them around Orlando also. Though nothing like the gauntlet you must walk at the Cancun airport.

 

[VacationForever]

Plenty of them around Orlando also. Though nothing like the gauntlet you must walk at the Cancun airport.

I have never felt bothered by the folks at Cancun airport. It is all about setting the right expectation.

 

[dioxide45]

I have never felt bothered by the folks at Cancun airport. It is all about setting the right expectation.

Us either, we just walk past, but I also don't remember even being approached. I am basing my prior post on the "legend" rather than our reality.

 

[jwalk03]

Cabo San Lucas had LOTS and LOTS of them in the airport. I just kept walking and didn't make eye contact or answer anyone trying to talk to me. No issues.

 

[m4travels]

Cabo was a tough gauntlet but now that we fly national instead of international we come through Terminal A and we move past the few who are there so quickly you can see their heads swivel realizing they just missed a mark.

 

[maddog497]

I have never felt bothered by the folks at Cancun airport. It is all about setting the right expectation.

We got fooled at the Cancun airport, by them stating they were there to assist us with getting our transportation directions. (we had already prepaid our transportation so we didn't kiss of the was proper or not) 1 minute in we knew what it was and we gave them 5 minutes of our time but politely told them no way no how were we interested.

We weren't offended, actually we were humoured that they got us. No need to be rude, just firm and when we said our final no, we walked away.

Not sure how people get so offended so easily. As long as they are not grabbing our holding you, just walk away. I'd they are touching you, that's a different story with a much different response.

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[Talent312]

We had been told how to find our transport at he Cancun airport, and forewarned about the hawkers in the airport, so we had no issues. Even though we spent plenty of time on the streets, we were never approached.

I 'spose we were disappointed not to have the opportunity to turn 'em down... which I've done plenty of times in the U.S.

.

 

[Tacoma]

I don't bash Mexican timeshares because I love to stay in them. I do avoid the sales team which they make hard and have been reasonably rude to me (you will be blacklisted from ever staying here again) but I like the timeshares. What I do know is a friend bought Royal Haciendas (full freight) and within a couple of years made it mandatory all inclusive if they trade it thereby killing their trade power. I have never heard of that happening in the states.

Joan

 

[TUGBrian]

I guess one can look at it another way.

while the industry as a whole has done a good bit to clean up its horrendous reputation gained over the past 30 years...there are still of course plenty of people who experience those same tactics even today here in the US.

however from all outward appearances, it seems to happen more frequently (and with far more agressive examples) in mexico from a widespread number of resorts.

 

[BennyBoy00]

IMO, you answered your own question, with just a glimpse of the reasons why people "bash" Mexican TSs.

There are no "body snatchers" nor "shark tanks" in the U.S. The airports would not allow them, nor would the federal and state consumer protection entities. Yes, people have claimed to have been held hostage by Marriott in Vegas, but there are no widespread tales about losing an entire day of vacation at a presentation after being taken to a remote location with no real means of return. Calling the police in Mexico does not provide the same experience as calling 911 in the U.S. Simply stated, the laws, rules, protections, and redress in Mexico simply are not what they are in the U.S.

There are body snatchers in most Vegas casinos usually by the elevators or the entrances. They will lure people away with free shows or excursions and bus them to remote spots like grandview and hold them there for hours. Honestly, my last grandview presentation was worse than my last Vidanta presentation and I own at grandview.

 

[davidvel]

There are body snatchers in most Vegas casinos usually by the elevators or the entrances. They will lure people away with free shows or excursions and bus them to remote spots like grandview and hold them there for hours. Honestly, my last grandview presentation was worse than my last Vidanta presentation and I own at grandview.

I was referring to airports, but I see your point.

 

[b2bailey]

Okay, just returned from presentation here at Paradise Village, P V. Received room credit and took it to be posted to my account. Asked to receive a copy of room ledger and there it is -- ready to be used for spa services.

Would I do it again -- yes. Lunch was good. Next, a shuttle tour of property, including golf course. Return to presentation area where I was handed over to another woman who described program benefits and cost. I nearly fainted when she showed me a price for one week studio -- $55,000. I honestly said...is that American dollars?

She then got the guy who could give me 'same day incentives' -- and I told him I was insulted by that price.

Finally, the last guy, who happened to be from Newport Beach, CA. I explained to him I felt it was ridiculous they are asking for their studio 2x what I paid for my 2 BR Marriott Newport Coast. He said their program offers more amenities.

At last we were finished -- just over 2 hours including lunch and driving tour.

So this guy says he will take me to gifting. We leave the building and proceed to walk, and walk and walk. Finally we enter another building -- which happens to be my room location. So I'm okay until he hands me off to Roberto. This is the guy who does the survey about how I feel about the tour. At last, we are finished. And then Roberto takes me for another walk to another building -- where at last I see "the sign" -- gift center! Hallelulujah -- at last, we really are done. But...not before he hands me off one more time.

Now I understand why their program costs so much.
Lorna, Stephanie, Carla, mgr guy, Newport guy, Roberto and finally the gifting guy! All those folks in under 3 hours.

As a footnote, I came here on an Interval getaway and was prepared to receive an awful room assignment. Instead, I am oceanfront! Lovely room.

 

[pianoetudes]

I am an owner of timeshare in Mexico (Vidanta) and happy with it.

Body snatchers exist in Puerto Vallarta airport. Just ignore them and walk without eye contact. I heard a horror story that American older couples were drugged to purchase and sign a contract.

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[PamMo]

...I heard a horror story that American older couples were drugged to purchase and sign a contract...

You don't honestly believe that, though, right???? But, plenty of U.S. tourists take up the offer of a free alcoholic beverage or two, or three... during sales presentations.

 

[LannyPC]

LarryPC above stated he has never been in a Mexican TS and yet he decided to comment on this thread. That puts him under "reason #2" in my post above.

I was actually responding to the question that this post raised "Why so much Mexico Timeshare Bashing?" I was not personally bashing Mexican timeshares. I was just raising some points why many other people bash Mexican timeshares or timeshares in general for that matter. After all, this is Timeshare Users Group, not Timeshare Bashers Group.

I personally do not have a problem with Mexican TSs. If I were to vacation somewhere in Mexico, I would seriously consider staying in a TS if the rental price were right. It's just that there is a 99.99% chance that we would not attend a presentation and about a 100% chance we would not buy one (or accept one for free, for that matter) due to the many reasons listed in this thread and a host of other personal reasons.

Also in my previous post, I mentioned something along the lines of what negatives one says about Mexican TSs could be said about TSs just about anywhere.

And for those who do "own" a Mexican TS or are part of some vacation club there, and it's working for them, then hey, I am happy for them. I hope they enjoy and use their product. Unfortunately , many "owners" of Mexican TSs bought at those dreaded sales presentations and then realized after the fact that they got ripped off. And when that many people get ripped off, they start spouting loudly about it. Hence, so much Mexico Timeshare bashing.

 

[pianoetudes]

The horror story is real because the couple was interviewed by a local TV channel in California. I can't remember exactly where. There was a link to the TV channel somewhere in the tug Mexican timeshare forum

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[LZango]

My husband and I have been timeshare owners at Vidanta for 15 years. Originally, it was called the Mayan Palace, then Grand Mayan, then they added the Grand Bliss and Grand Luxxe and needed to re-brand everything under one moniker: Vidanta.

The properties are AMAZING, but owning there is complicated, expensive, and their practices are downright unethical. Every year, they try to upgrade us. We were manipulated into upgrades three times, cancelled twice and now in an epic battle over the most recent upgrade. They are ruthless and relentless.

If you want to visit a Vidanta property (which I would highly recommend because they are fabulous) rent a week from E-Bay or another timeshare rental group. Whatever you do, DON'T go for a presentation even if they offer a free breakfast, room credit, tours, golf, whatever. I promise you, it's not worth the stress and the time. Enjoy your vacation and avoid sale at all costs.

 

[LannyPC]

If you want to visit a Vidanta property (which I would highly recommend because they are fabulous) rent a week from E-Bay or another timeshare rental group. Whatever you do, DON'T go for a presentation even if they offer a free breakfast, room credit, tours, golf, whatever. I promise you, it's not worth the stress and the time. Enjoy your vacation and avoid sale at all costs.

Yes, that is the general consensus here on TUG. The resorts are usually great to stay at. The sales presentations and sales people should be avoided.

 

[remowidget]

Plenty of them around Orlando also. Though nothing like the gauntlet you must walk at the Cancun airport.

I just smile and hum the theme song to Indiana Jones. It was a little overwhelming the first time, but we just say no thank you and move on. Same at flea markets. We do the same at times in the USA, like the satellite tv people at Costco.

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