May 26, 2020
A Successful Timeshare Cancellation Negotiation
By Maddy, a Bahamas timeshare buyer
I am 69 years old. I live in North Carolina. I would like to add my story to the long list of others who purchased a timeshare under adverse conditions. Because of what happened to me, I firmly support offering the timeshare buyer 24 hours to think about their purchase. The decision to purchase a timeshare can have long-lasting effects.
I am one of the lucky ones for two reasons. First, my Bahamas timeshare was not affected by hurricane Dorian. Second, I was able to negotiate a loan cancellation, despite not really having a strong complaint. The company I purchased from worked with me to resolve my dispute. It took some back and forth, but I knew that I could not afford the timeshare. If the company denied my request, I was would have been forced to default. It’s almost impossible to sell a timeshare.
I first reached out to the resort for help early November of 2019. I purchased a timeshare week April of 2019 for $8,000. I financed $7,174.23 at 11.9%. I immediately regretted my decision and sent a text to cancel. Unfortunately, I did not keep a copy of the text. We were on a cruise.
Below is my request for release. I obtained the name of a person who could address my complaint. It’s important to do this research. Since I had a loan, I contacted the resort’s Member Services loan division.
November 9, 2019
Dear Ms. Loan Cancellation,
I am asking for my contract to be cancelled. I have stopped making payments. I had a medical condition when I purchased your timeshare. I was suffering from sinus problems and had an excruciating headache, my nose was running. The sales agents even tried to get me a sinus inhaler. It did not work. It cleared up when I went back to my cruise ship. The presentation was three to four hours instead of 60 minutes. I was miserable.
I wrote a letter within the rescission period and took a picture of the letter. I thought I had texted the letter to you but, unfortunately, I don’t have a record that I sent it. I do have a copy of the letter I wrote and the date sent, which was within the rescission period. I have included a copy of the letter. They said they did not receive it.
I went ahead and tried to use the week. Because of our schedules, we had problems with availability.
When I purchased the week, they said that if I did not want it my family could use it. My family has no interest in this timeshare.
Sincerely,
Maddy
January 28, 2020 update: I received correspondence asking me to contact them to talk about an amicable resolution.
April 14, 2020 update: I received notification that my request to deed back is still under dispute. I was offered a $2,500 settlement. I told them I could pay $1,500. I do have a financial hardship as well as a medical condition. At age 70, I am not able to get a job, especially during coronavirus. I was working for an NBA stadium part time job but I lost that job.
Thank you for your consideration.
Maddy
Why was I successful?
I think having a copy of the rescission letter helped, even though I could not prove I sent it. The other reason is because I was willing to compromise. I did sign a contract. I don’t think people on vacation are in the best frame of mind to make a decision about a product they can have a hard time getting out of, even without a loan.
I am grateful to this resort for working with me to put a bad decision in my rearview mirror. There are people who really like this resort and others that don’t. Do your homework. Don’t make snap decisions, especially ones financed at 11.9%.
A 5 vs 1 Star review of this resort:
5 Stars: Great place to stay! Michelle the cook is amazing, the staff is all very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend a stay here. The marina is fun, to see all the boats & meet all the people traveling. Bike rental & taxi & shuttle service is the best. The shuttle bus took us to Manta Ray beach, Banana Bay beach, Coral Beach, and the State Park to see Gold Rock beach & the sea caves. THANK YOU! (February 2020)
1 Star: Arrived March 2020. Since the Hurricane, they have no clean water, but they will not tell you. Have a look at their website. Nobody takes care of the problems with the Coronavirus. Bad service, from the bartender, waiter, concierge, they're not polite or helpful at all. Will not offer you suggestions or services available at all, not customer service friendly or informative in any way shape or form. Do not recommend this place at all, please go somewhere else. If I could rate a negative score I would. Will not say a simple hi when they greet u at all Bad manners and the management is nonexistent or customer service oriented at all. We were happy to leave this Zero Star place.
The Importance of Hug your Haters, a book by Jay Baer
https://booksummaryclub.com/hug-your-haters-summary/
In this book on loving those customers who, let's be honest, kinda annoy you, Jay Baer shows how you can turn your grumpy customers into raging fans. The three biggest lessons from Hug Your Haters are: If someone actually cares enough to complain, odds are they could stick around. Use your criticism to grow.