Dear Tammy: What should I say to my clients when they want to go to a resort that is both all-inclusive and a timeshare? I've heard I should advise them to avoid any timeshare presentations. What do you think?
Tammy: What a great question! There are many all-inclusive timeshare resorts that have been in business for many years now, especially in Mexico and Punta Cana. The pitch to vacationers is that all they have to do is pay one low price and then everything is essentially free, which allows them to enjoy a stress-free vacation.
When any of my clients show an interest in purchasing one of these all-inclusive timeshares, I immediately advise them to not to fall into the trap!! While at first glance it may seem like these all-inclusive resorts are offering clients a deal, once all of the fees are factored in the financial bottom line is drastically different than what was initially presented.
It works something like this. Someone looks online and finds an all-inclusive deal that looks like it's only going to cost them $300 to stay at a high-end resort for a whole week. What isn't mentioned is the mandatory all-inclusive fees that also need to be paid, which can easily average $100 per person per night.
Now on top of the $300, a couple will need to pay an additional $1400! They advertise a really great price to lure everyone in and then do their best to avoid mentioning any extra fees that need to be paid.
My advice to all clients who are interested in finding out more information about all-inclusive timeshares is to ignore them from the very minute they land at their vacation destination. Especially when they're at the resort. Unfortunately, timeshare presenters are going to be at every resort, and everywhere within the resort.
When it comes to the type of presenters, know that some are going to be much more aggressive compared to others. This makes it a good idea for you to inform your clients about this so they can be prepared. I shy away from the aggressive timeshare sellers of those resorts.
Also, if your client does buy into it, then you just lost a client.
If your client is still interested after you've explained the above to them, give them a handout that you made on this topic so they can take it home with them. They may just change their mind.
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