Travel Consolidators Taking Over Timeshares?

We recently went to a presentation by a travel consolidator. Similar to a timeshare, they offer to sell an upfront membership fee and annual dues, then offer discounts on timeshare and other properties (similar to an II or RCI hotweek). We got the impression that these companies are buying up timeshares on the cheap to resell to their members. Does anyone know anything about these companies, and whether or not they are a good deal?

keith457 wrote:

We recently went to a presentation by a travel consolidator. Similar to a timeshare, they offer to sell an upfront membership fee and annual dues, then offer discounts on timeshare and other properties (similar to an II or RCI hotweek). We got the impression that these companies are buying up timeshares on the cheap to resell to their members. Does anyone know anything about these companies, and whether or not they are a good deal?

Usually (but not always), companies with "deals" like this are up to no good. I don't know much about this company so I won't say for sure that it is a scam.

However, what is the membership fee and what are you hoping to get out of this deal?

The one alarm from this is that this company is implying that it buys up timeshares to resell. That is very doubtful. Not entirely impossible, but very doubtful.

keith457 wrote:

We recently went to a presentation by a travel consolidator. Similar to a timeshare, they offer to sell an upfront membership fee and annual dues, then offer discounts on timeshare and other properties (similar to an II or RCI hotweek). We got the impression that these companies are buying up timeshares on the cheap to resell to their members. Does anyone know anything about these companies, and whether or not they are a good deal?

Also, after reading about some travel memberships, it seems many people can't get the reservations they desire.

I would pass on the offer and rent from individuals (such as from Redweek members) and that way you are not committed to membership fees and yearly dues, etc.

The Timeshare Crusader, Lisa Ann Schreier, featured this question in the 'Ask The Timeshare Crusader' column in the April RedWeek.com e-newsletter. Please be sure to check-out The Timeshare Crusader page on RedWeek.com for the complete answer to keith457's question.

Recently, I received a phone call from someone claiming to need my bonus getaway vacations. I was told that I have accumulated 12 getaways and that if I sold the rights to this company for $100.00 each, they would be able to use them for a promotion they are holding. If they use them, I would be compensated $400.00 for each getaway they sold , if they didn't get sold, I would get my money back. I took the name and number of the rep. and decided to go in for $400.00 dollars worth. Of course I never heard back from them and when I finally did get a response via email, the message was to call an R.C.I number to finalize the arrangements of a purchase for one of my getaways. I called and talked to an R.C.I. rep. and he told me that I was scammed (again!). He advised me not to give any money up-front for anything that any one wanted regarding my timeshares. I own them free and clear, if someone wants something from me, they should pay me. That made sense. I want to let others know of this scam and to see if any one has any other information on the particulars.

bearinmax wrote:

Recently, I received a phone call from someone claiming to need my bonus getaway vacations. I was told that I have accumulated 12 getaways and that if I sold the rights to this company for $100.00 each, they would be able to use them for a promotion they are holding. If they use them, I would be compensated $400.00 for each getaway they sold , if they didn't get sold, I would get my money back. I took the name and number of the rep. and decided to go in for $400.00 dollars worth. Of course I never heard back from them and when I finally did get a response via email, the message was to call an R.C.I number to finalize the arrangements of a purchase for one of my getaways. I called and talked to an R.C.I. rep. and he told me that I was scammed (again!). He advised me not to give any money up-front for anything that any one wanted regarding my timeshares. I own them free and clear, if someone wants something from me, they should pay me. That made sense. I want to let others know of this scam and to see if any one has any other information on the particulars.

What kind of getaways are they referring to and how do they know how many you own ???

The RCI rep told you the right thing .... anyone asking for an upfront fee is a scam no matter what they tell you.

jayjay wrote:

bearinmax wrote:

Recently, I received a phone call from someone claiming to need my bonus getaway vacations. I was told that I have accumulated 12 getaways and that if I sold the rights to this company for $100.00 each, they would be able to use them for a promotion they are holding. If they use them, I would be compensated $400.00 for each getaway they sold , if they didn't get sold, I would get my money back. I took the name and number of the rep. and decided to go in for $400.00 dollars worth. Of course I never heard back from them and when I finally did get a response via email, the message was to call an R.C.I number to finalize the arrangements of a purchase for one of my getaways. I called and talked to an R.C.I. rep. and he told me that I was scammed (again!). He advised me not to give any money up-front for anything that any one wanted regarding my timeshares. I own them free and clear, if someone wants something from me, they should pay me. That made sense. I want to let others know of this scam and to see if any one has any other information on the particulars.

What kind of getaways are they referring to and how do they know how many you own ???

The RCI rep told you the right thing .... anyone asking for an upfront fee is a scam no matter what they tell you.

I tired of all this false information going around, that I started my own web site to correct these phonys. Iam glad to see someone else is doing the same. Keep up the good work. I Also give correct information on what they can do with timeshares and how to do it.