Newb asking for Bluegreen sampler advice

[Barat Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Barat]

Hi. I'm new to all this timeshare stuff. My wife and I attended a presentation and eventually bought a sampler from Bluegreen while visiting Branson, Missouri. The price per point was very cheap compared to all the other choices that were put in front of us. There's a few catches of course. We felt that we could live with them to try out this timeshare thing.

My youngest daughter was very interested in a Disney TS but after doing some looking and checking we didn't think that was such a bargain. The Bluegreen is also not clear enough but we are interested in learning. That is why we got the sampler. The main catches are:

1. You can't use the points during June, July, or August.
2. You can't use the 'ownership' to enable cash transactions called 'bonus usage.'
3. You can't transfer them to others
4. You can't use them for 30-45 days because that's how long "it takes to get into the system."
5. The 'usage year' starts from the time of purchase rather than the time you are finally 'in the system.'
6. They don't notify you when you are 'in the system.' You have to call and check with them after about 30 days.

Does anyone have any particular advice on how to spend these points (9k points) wisely?

Are there any gotchas that Newbs might not recognize? For example, they sell you a 'year' in which to use it but after all the exclusions and 'getting into the system' you are left with only about six months.

What suggestions regarding Bluegreen would you have? (Run, run away? or, buy on the resale market?)

Thanks in advance.

[crwisconsin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close crwisconsin]

Stay a week and then buy

What suggestions regarding Bluegreen would you have? (Run, run away? or, buy on the resale market?)

You did the right thing for you. Use your sampler and find out if staying at a timeshare is for you. It's not for everyone. Some expect maid service every day to pick up the towels and take out the trash. Some like to be on the busiest street in town. Etc. Then, if you like it buy resale. Investigate, as you are wisely doing now, to determine if certain perks that don't go with certain resales are important to you. Investigate different systems to see how the quality/maintenance fee/cost ratios work for you. I am very happy with Bluegreen and others have told me that it's a great value, good quality and lower cost. But, don't borrow money to buy. You don't know what tomorrow brings.

Charles

[BoardGirl Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BoardGirl]

Sampler rules are restrictive while the actual Bluegreen system is not so much that way. I love Bluegreen and have not found a reason to buy anything else.

What I would suggest is stay away from the 'expensive' Fri/Sat nights as your points will take you farther that way. Sometimes Sunday nights can also be more 'expensive' that weekdays, depends on resort/season. You can do a lot of little trips during the week and see some different resorts. Sept is still great weather in many places. Sounds like they haven't blocked out holidays? Thanksgiving might be worth a shot for you??

Might I assume you also have the 2 night minimum/3 at holidays? If any resorts are within reasonable driving distance for you, I'd try to book a few 2 nighters. I guess my priority would be to see as many resorts as possible, but your priority may be different.

I wouldn't wait the 30 days to be in the system, I'd call every few days. Be extremely pleasant as sometimes the squeaky wheel will get greased.

Do you know where you would like to go?

[RedMan Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RedMan]

[QUOTE]

Does anyone have any particular advice on how to spend these points (9k points) wisely?

I would try to budget as much of the 9k as you can right now on paper. Come up with as many backup plans as you can so you won't have to keep calling back. We were able to book two five night stays within our sampler year and had a few hundred points left over. I don't think we booked both at the same time but I think we booked our first five nights at about three months out (Orlando during spring break). Our second five nights were booked at about six months out (Ormond Beach during fall break).

It will take some planning to maximize your usage. Ditto staying away from Fri.-Sat. nights.

Are there any gotchas that Newbs might not recognize? For example, they sell you a 'year' in which to use it but after all the exclusions and 'getting into the system' you are left with only about six months.

You should have more than six months. As Boardgirl said, pleasantly bug them. I don't remember exactly how long it took for us to show up in the system but I think 30 days was pretty close. Be ready to book something as soon as you are in the system!

As far as gotchas go, I really think our sampler time went pretty smooth. One thing I will say though, you will more than likely have some points left over (I think they anticipate this) which they will gladly carry over for you if you purchase at the end of your sampler membership. They did this with us (750 points). The catch is that you have to purchase before your sampler expires. I think we got our money's worth so the 750 pnts weren't that big of a deal.

What suggestions regarding Bluegreen would you have? (Run, run away? or, buy on the resale market?)

I would definitely recommend buying on the resale market even if you don't get bonus time. Your savings will make your vacations much more enjoyable.