A matter of principle (The Grand Vacation Club (GVC))

Member Name: frontbum

Product:	The Grand Vacation Club (GVC)
Date:	19/02/04 (4619 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: could be value, a wide choice

Disadvantages: pressure sales and lies, not much cheaper after all factors included, an indulgence in this unsure economic climate.

I have also been lucky enough to win a number of holidays following a call out of the blue!. "Well Done, you have been drawn at random to receive a free holiday, just come to one of our presentations and you can have a holiday to x number of locations"

The first time we did this, we went to a "presentation" in warrington. We were looking forward to our "free holiday". The first thing i didnt like (of which there are many), was that , as we walked in, they had little certificates framed up, stating that suchabody was a qualified financial advisor! Why would i need one? Then they ushered us into a holding cage, disguised as a waiting room, until all the other couples were here.

We were then taken in to the main presentation room, where (2nd thing i didn't like) we were each sat with a rep. Now the best bit of the whole thing. The main bloke stands up at the front and gives a little speech which ends with....

"....and don't worry, there's no hard sell"

they then bang on for an hour about the "points based holiday system" and how it's "not timeshare" I get the point after about 5 minutes and then endure the honest opinions of all the satisfied customers. They are all well impressed with the quality, even if it isnt the cheapest way to holiday. Quality is all.

Now for the rep.

He basically repeats the video word for word, writing down on his little pad how many points we would need to go on any particular holiday. I already get it, so does my wife. He doesn't seem to sense that though.

So we get down to brass tacks. Lets talk turkey time.

He quotes about 8 grand, for which we can get so many points.

We dont like the idea of spending that kind of money on a product we have never experienced from a complete stranger's sales pitch.

Why dont you want it?

Its a lot of money?

But the qua
lity!

Even so!

But you agree it is a good idea?

Yes in principle, but we wouldn't budget that much.

Then how much would you budget? (he is angling for a smaller points sale).

I would want to think about that!

(he turns to my wife) I bet you would like a nice holiday though right? (divide and conquer)

My wife, who does not like to offend people, is impressed with the product, and subsequently tries to impress on me how much she would like it! No chance, i say, but as we have no privacy, i have to be very diplomatic about why i dont want it. We need a new car and to pay debt before we even think about it.

Needless to say, the rep wants a sale so calls in the big boss man to close. Why dont they want it? have you told them about the presentation signing bonus. If they sign today it is so much cheaper, if not then the price will likely double!. Ha..

We get out (with our holiday voucher) and there is a distinct frost in the car on the way home.

Suprise suprise, the holiday is not free, and we even have to pay for the flights if we want any chance of going where we want when we want. It falls through and we are out of pocket.

Presentation 2

Same company, we have been recommended by a friend who has the system (and shed loads of spare money) So away we go to Pine lakes resort in carnforth.

"an idyllic lake setting surrounded by log cabins". We settle into our big shed (peeling paint) and marvel at the lake (which we can see through a complex of better looking sheds) surrounded by motorways and main roads.

Sales presentation 2 gets underway the next day, this time with a friendly scot. We air our grievances, to which he replies "its our worst resort". no sale there then!

Same general patter from him on how its exactly right for us. We decide to confuse him by saying we have the money and it is a good idea, but how muc
h is it and we will NOT be signing today. He responds by explaining the points based system again!

How much?

Well its not just about money is it?

I know, but thats the only bit i dont know.

But the points based blah blah........

The big boss man comes over to close again. Same as before. We negate the money issue and say that we want a holiday that can also provide financial return, like a property or static caravan that we can rent out.....

erm.... well you could sell your holiday to friends or family...... erm,

Not really what we want, we would just like to have the figures...

you can only have them if you apply...

can i do that without signing?

no


He even had the nerve to imply that he wants sure he beleived us?

Jobs a good'un
the wife even seems sorry for him!


Now to the point.
I think the product is a good one. THe price is good for the amount and quality of the holidays assuming what they say is true.

We have been lied to.

The resort we had gone to was supposed to be 5star. It was falling down. but that was because it was a promotional offer!

I would not consider using these people, also for the reason that many current points owners are now having to buy more points...and its not for better holidays, its because they cannot now go on the same holidays they once did....

I will spend my money on something better....like beer!

Summary: