Need to prepare for upcoming sales pitch.

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

I own a timeshare at Greensprings Plantation in Williamsburg, VA. I recently agreed to go to Las Vegas for a 3 night stay for 4 (2 suites) for $298.00.

I know I will have to endure the sales pitch but know nothing about Diamonds new programs. What should I know to prepare and be able to talk intelligently with a sales person. What kind of a pitch should I expect.

Thanks in advance for any info.

ekavit

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

I own a timeshare at Greensprings Plantation in Williamsburg, VA. I recently agreed to go to Las Vegas for a 3 night stay for 4 (2 suites) for $298.00.

I know I will have to endure the sales pitch but know nothing about Diamonds new programs. What should I know to prepare and be able to talk intelligently with a sales person. What kind of a pitch should I expect.

Thanks in advance for any info. ekavit

Usually very professional. You might read the stickies at the top of this forum to include the Global Resort Directory, Benefits Guide, Conversion info, etc. I'd read all the stickies if I were you.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

If you want to get out of it fast, buy one of our shirts and wear it there. Let them know that is no deal and that you can get it 2nd hand for less than half what there selling for.

Timeshareforums

[johnsorg Member Find all posts View Profile Close johnsorg]

I just got back from presentation at Powhatan. My best advise is to know about Diamond as much as possible just like Spence recommends. I was told so many lies it was incredible. If I did not know the system I might have fallen for these. I was told that Diamond points could be used at any large Hotel chain such as Hilton, Marriott etc. because Diamond pays them a certain amount out of the annual membership fee for this privilege. Also, point fees hardly go up each year because there are 360,000 club members and with each paying their annual fee, it spreads the costs out and keeps them low. Also Diamond OWNS over 100 resorts world wide and there is always availability for Club Members because they get preferential treatment. I found it serves no purpose to confront these lies because you just get a blank stare and they move on to something else. The bottom line is they are there to sell you and will tell you anything to close the deal. Once you confront them or say no they try the intimidation thing that you are dumb and can not see the value etc., etc., etc.

I primarily went to presentation to see if I could convert 4000 points I had bought on the secondary market to full Club membership. I was told that could no longer be done.

[Guest Close Quarterbore]

I sure agree with the last post. You might do a search for posts by member Spence and study hard! Also, a really great way to keep from getting burnt is to study the resale market. Look at what units sell for on EBAY:

Timeshare Forums - Sunterra Timeshare Resorts for sale on ebay

... and the other timeshare sale sites!

Between a solid understanding of what the system is and what you can buy on the resale market you will be way ahead of the game. I am not an expert by any means (Spence is your expert on this resort) but if you still lack contol burn your checkbook and credit cards before you go! You can get new ones later

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

I own a timeshare at Greensprings Plantation in Williamsburg, VA. I recently agreed to go to Las Vegas for a 3 night stay for 4 (2 suites) for $298.00.

I know I will have to endure the sales pitch but know nothing about Diamonds new programs. What should I know to prepare and be able to talk intelligently with a sales person. What kind of a pitch should I expect.

Thanks in advance for any info.

ekavit

Diamond has just OK properties and close to the highest MF's. They will lie through their teeth! Have NOmercy with them.

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

I would email the Director of Sales in Williamsburg with details of your presentation to include all half-truths told and the name of your rep, although, with your name he should be able to figure out who it was.

I just got back from presentation at Powhatan. My best advise is to know about Diamond as much as possible just like Spence recommends. I was told so many lies it was incredible. If I did not know the system I might have fallen for these. I was told that Diamond points could be used at any large Hotel chain such as Hilton, Marriott etc. because Diamond pays them a certain amount out of the annual membership fee for this privilege. Also, point fees hardly go up each year because there are 360,000 club members and with each paying their annual fee, it spreads the costs out and keeps them low. Also Diamond OWNS over 100 resorts world wide and there is always availability for Club Members because they get preferential treatment. I found it serves no purpose to confront these lies because you just get a blank stare and they move on to something else. The bottom line is they are there to sell you and will tell you anything to close the deal. Once you confront them or say no they try the intimidation thing that you are dumb and can not see the value etc., etc., etc.

I primarily went to presentation to see if I could convert 4000 points I had bought on the secondary market to full Club membership. I was told that could no longer be done.

Points can be used at hotel chains at a very steep cost, I do not believe that membership fees go to hotel chains.

THE ClubSM is proud to present a travel redemption program exclusively for members.
You can turn your points into TRAVEL SERVICES by redeeming your points toward any travel including hotel stays outside of our network, car rental, sightseeing excursions and more booked through Diamond Resorts International® travel services.
• To book your travel and speak to a travel counselor call 1.877.DRI.CLUB and select the prompt for travel.
• Let your travel counselor know you are interested in the Diamond SelectionsSM TRAVEL SERVICES member benefit.
• Your travel counselor will inform you of the number of points available to you.
https://www.diamondresorts.com/mem_benefits_travel.aspx

There are nowhere near 360,000 THE Club members to my knowledge, I think this number approximates the number of owners with Diamond regardless of Club affiliation.

The fact that Diamond does not manage all the resorts that they list is lost on most consumers and probably most salespeople!

I believe that you can still convert your 4000 points but the 'price' to do this may be climbing.