Just purchased 15K points from BG--Should we cancel?

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

My wife and I made the mistake of (1) going to a BG presentation just to get the free gifts without doing any research, and (2) allowing ourselves to be convinced by the persuasive (and for the most part fair and professional) sales pitch. So we bought 15,000 points.

Belatedly doing research, it now looks like BG is a great timeshare company but it was a mistake to buy directly from BG as opposed to a reseller. Was it a mistake not to look on the secondary market instead?

Also, (1) we both work, the times when we can vacation where we want are limited, and we don't have a lot of flexibility, (2) we tend to make vacation plans only a couple of months in advance, and (3) without the BG purchase our next two major vacations probably would have been a cruise to Alaska or a trip to Europe. It is very difficult to figure out whether BG could save us any money n these two trips (or trips like them). Among other things, we probably would not want to stay a full week anywhere in Europe, and an RCI exchange woiuld require a full week's stay. Plus, I get the impression it is a little difficult to make an RCI exchange for exactly what you want. So nowI'm not at all sure a timeshare of any kind is really a good match for us.

Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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

Do your due diligence

My wife and I made the mistake of (1) going to a BG presentation just to get the free gifts without doing any research, ...Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Making a purchase of that size without any research is questionable unless you have a sizable amount of available funds. (The one piece of hard advice I will give anyone at the drop of a hat is if you had to borrow money to purchase, then cancel. I have seen too many people who fall on hard times due to health or work problems and find it a burden to make mortgage payments.)

That being said, I agree with your conclusion that the BG Vacation Club is great for most people. However, timesharing is not for everyone. You do have to plan ahead. And if work or family makes that very difficult, you might not be happy.

My first purchase was from the developer. I did not know about resales at that time. However, I have never regretted my first purchase. I am convinced that even if I had known about resales, I would not have purchased resale and probably would not have purchased from the developer (my personality quirks which would take too long to explain) and would have missed many wonderful vacations. But, if you think there is a possibility that you will regret your purchase, then I would cancel and continue your research. Whatever offer they made to you will be there later. After your research, then you can decide if timesharing is for you and from whom you want to purchase. I would suggest that you join the Bluegreen Yahoo group as part of your research.

Charles

Also remember if no one purchased from the developer, there would be no timeshares.

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

MM,

It's not impossible to use BG short-notice. Timesharing works best for either long-range planners or short-notice planner (imo). But, if you are not flexible in the Where on short-notice, this may not be a good purchase for you.

BG would not be helpful for Alaskan cruise, but could help for Europe. Purchasing from the developer gets you Traveller's Plus, which includes World Hotels. That could get you short stays in various locations throughout Europe. Hot Weeks is also available with developer purchase, but not sure how international you'd want to go on short notice.

Please note, 7 day exchanges do not require a 7 night stay - you can check in late or leave early. While RCI membership is probably included with your purchase, you are not limited to using only that exchange company. I have found better opportunities in Europe using Dial An Exchange (daelive.com). Sure, I trade a week and get a week, but I could string together 2 weeks in Europe, arrive beyond check in of the first week, change locations at the end of first week, leave before second checkout and still feel like I got a deal. Exchange fees are not so unreasonable as to make me feel a 'loss' in this scenario.

Developer vs resale - well, I would not categorize your situation as a mistake. You purchased a good product. You can get that same product for less money.

But given the other things you mention, it would make sense to rescind this purchase and spend time on researching whether timesharing is a good fit for your lifestyle. If it is, check out the various systems to see if maybe another system will allow easier European travel.

Good luck!

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

The most important thing is to follow the procedure required and rescind this purchase ASAP.

Then continue to do some research. Here & TUG, and watch EBay to get a sense of the going prices.

[swirg53 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close swirg53]

YOu can rescind, do your research and if you still want to buy from the developer, I am 99% sure you can get the same (or better deal) than the one you just signed for that was a once in a lifetime offer. There are lots of resorts with lots of hungry salespeople!!!!!!

Susan
Also in Michigan (Petoskey)

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Charles

Also remember if no one purchased from the developer, there would be no timeshares.

Well said Charles, well said.

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

That is true, BUT, if less people bought from developers, and more resale, overdevelopment would be reduced, and developer prices would become more realistic.

A little education on purchase options is actually good for everyone but developers.