The trials and tribulations of a Las Vegas timeshare presentation…
Should I attend a timeshare presentation, purely for the “gifts?” This is a question you might ask yourself, whilst in Las Vegas. The stakes are tempting. Free dinner and tickets for a show, gambling credits and even future accommodation. But is it worth it? We decided to take the plunge. Swapping a few hours, for “gifts,” particularly Cirque tickets, seemed fair. We’d spent 5 days in Las Vegas and utilised our City Card. Why not? Did we want a timeshare? No…
Initially, I was tempted into a conversation by someone offering me a BOGOF for a Ben and Jerry’s Ice-cream. It all seemed very straightforward. Firstly pay a refundable $50. Next, go to the timeshare location and listen to what is on offer. Finally, politely decline then be given our free gifts. This would take approximately 2 hours, in addition, a free lunch was provided. We would then be transported back, with our “gifts.” The gifts were a “thank you” for giving up our time.
Too good to be true?
“The only free cheese is in a mousetrap” saying comes to mind. Ultimately, you have to decide how valuable your time is!
The whole process took longer than the “approximated” 2 hours. It took 4 hours, as the timeshare was located 30 minutes away. The system employed to sell you a timeshare is multilayered.
For starters…
Initially, a pleasant chat with lady 1. She was extremely personable and laughed when I pointed out New Zealand was incorrectly positioned on their World Map. It was used to display clusters of timeshare properties. Apparently, no-one had noticed! She showed us the condo and explained the whole timeshare concept and process. As we were clueless about timeshares, this was useful. Or it will be if we ever do decide to buy one.
The main course…
Next came gentleman 1. He came in with the hard sell, was bordering on rude, fairly aggressive and quite intimidating. Lady 1, looked on sympathetically as he questioned us with his lawyer style tactics. She clearly knew her place, as she sat quietly, still smiling.
Having nearly come to blows with gentleman 1, I asserted that I did not approve of his selling techniques. I politely informed him that nothing he could say or offer would persuade me to buy a timeshare. Eventually, he gave up. My blood pressure was through the roof, I felt livid and somewhat irate!
Dessert?
Before leaving, we met gentleman 2. He was pleasant and offered us a far better deal than gentleman 1. At this point, we started considering a timeshare. Actually, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea. That said, with the poor dollar/pound exchange rate and our Brexit concerns, maybe not. Next Lady 1 came back and apologised for how gentleman 2 had behaved. She commended us for sticking to our guns. Apparently, lots of people folded at that point and signed up! Presumably, it was unethical of her to reveal their tactics, but who cares! Had they gone with the intention of buying a timeshare? My money is on ‘No!’
Not quite…
Finally, we were taken to lady 2, the keeper of the gifts. We were presented with all that was promised plus our $50 back, in cash. Next, it was “home.” We then joined the other weary timeshare attendees, wondering if anyone had signed up.
Several things became apparent. Everyone felt exhausted. Many people felt like they had done ten rounds in a boxing ring. Most said they would never do a timeshare presentation again. But interestingly, everyone had been given different “gifts.” We kept quiet at this point, as had seemingly had a better deal than everyone else…
So was it worth it?
Well, money versus time…
2 x Cirque tickets from $140
2 x buffet dinner tickets at Circus, Circus from $66 +tax
Plus our gambling “money” and 2 x free nights accommodation at the Luxor.
All things considered, I’d say it was.
The show was fantastic and we had great seats. We enjoyed the buffet dinner, it was good, for free! Although we didn’t win any money whilst gambling, we didn’t lose any either. If we go back to Las Vegas, we can stay in the Luxor, for free!
So, all in all, would we do it again?
Probably not… but for what we got out of it, it was worth the time. We had done all we wanted to, so it turned out OK!
So, if you do intend on attending a timeshare presentation…
1. Make sure you have enough time, it is likely to take longer than you think.
2. You want the tickets but people have a job to do. Know that they might be stroppy…
3. Prepare some answers. Why, despite this being the best offer in the world, are you declining? If you had no intention of buying a timeshare, why are you here?
4. Make sure you are getting the best possible gifts. Don’t pay out any cash, unless you are definitely getting it back. Also, decline any credit card requests!
And finally…
Move on from the “experience” quickly. See it for what it is. Ultimately, it’s a means to an end to get something you want. But don’t dwell on it, or it will spoil your dinner and the show!
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We used Top 10 Las Vegas (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)
