How To Do Timeshare Presentations for Free Trips (And Not Get Trapped!)

The term “timeshare presentations” can evoke a feeling of dread. When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to do is sit in a cheesy, high-pressure sales room for up to 2 hours. But I’ve found value in these as a journalist and travel nerd.

I experienced my first presentation in Orlando in 2017. I earned a $200 gift card to Universal Studios, which was more than worth the 90 minutes. I learned how the consumer end of timeshares works, which was quite informative. In the past, it was based on buying a number of nights. Now, the systems primarily work by using points you can redeem globally at a variety of properties. These points are a different currency than the points and miles earned through credit cards or loyalty programs.

Since then, I’ve done 2 Hilton presentations in Las Vegas, Nevada, and I plan on doing more.

The biggest takeaway has been how predatory timeshare companies are and the lack of value in these packages that are nearly impossible to get yourself out of. So I wouldn’t recommend anyone lock themselves into a timeshare contract. But in a highly competitive travel market, timeshare companies continue to give away outstanding perks for you to show up, making the time worth it for many travelers. Having done 3 presentations, I can tell you there’s a simple solution to get in and out painlessly.

The Timeshare Swindle

Timeshares have long been a punchline in the travel industry. Even children’s cartoons like “SpongeBob SquarePants” take jabs at the questionable investment. Unfortunately, many people fall for the high-pressure sales tactics by believing it’s a strategic way to “invest” in travel. Nearly 10 million U.S. households own some sort of timeshare travel product, according to the American Resort Development Association.

Although there is a market for timeshares, they remain a highly despised product. One CNBC survey suggests 85% of people regret buying a timeshare, and the Better Business Bureau received 3,000 complaints regarding Wyndham Destinations and Hilton Grand Vacations in the last few years. Even the Federal Trade Commission has had to step in to guide consumers through the treacherous waters.

But once you take away the negative experience and look at the numbers, it’s a bad investment with little to no return on investment. Nevertheless, if you decide to go to a timeshare presentation, the representatives will do their best to make the numbers as appealing as possible.

The Finn Law Group, a law firm specializing in timeshare litigation, paints the numbers perfectly. With an initial purchase price of roughly $48,000, you could spend over $106,000 over 20 years on maintenance fees, assessments, and more. I would go out on a limb to say most people wouldn’t spend $106,000 on vacation housing potentially in their lifetime, especially if they use points and miles to their advantage.

What To Expect and Do

If you sign up for a timeshare presentation for an incentive like a free or heavily discounted room (such as offers from Choice, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Wyndham), it can feel intimidating. But here’s the short of it: You will watch a short video, sit down with a salesperson, tell them “no” a few times, and they will let you go on your way.

They are accustomed to people coming simply for the offer and going on their way. However, there are a few things you can do to make the process as painless as possible.

Be Firm But Polite

If you’re there solely for the offer and don’t want to purchase a timeshare, let the salesperson know right away. They may push back a bit, but ultimately, they don’t want to spend too much time with someone who isn’t interested.

I’ve let salespeople know quickly that I travel for free using credit card rewards and have no interest. In my experience, they may pry a bit, but they tend to back down if you’re firm.

Don’t Show Interest To Be Polite

Some people can lean into being polite by at least entertaining the offer knowing deep down they aren’t going to purchase. This is adjacent to signing up for a credit card for the welcome bonus, knowing you’re going to cancel the card. Don’t feel guilty for taking an offer that is publicly advertised. Moreover, don’t let that guilt turn into mimicked interest.

This can lead to more time wasted and the salesperson becoming even more pushy.

Don’t Lose Track of Time

Timeshare companies typically advertise their packages with a clear description of how long the presentation is. Normally, it’s either 90 minutes or 2 hours.

As long as you show up on time, be sure to hold the representative to their end of the deal. They are typically pretty good about getting you out on time, but keep a close eye on your phone or watch. If the end of your time is approaching, make it clear to whoever you’re speaking with that your time is almost up, and you’re ready to leave.

What if You’re Actually Interested in the Timeshare?

If you’re interested in a timeshare, I recommend going to a few different brands to see which works best for your needs and budget. Some of the larger brands include Wyndham Destinations, Hilton Grand Vacations, Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Disney Vacation Club, and Diamond Resorts.

If you’re looking for a timeshare feel with a larger room and kitchen rather than a standard hotel room, there are plenty of secondhand timeshare rental websites like RedWeek to find one. I’ve been looking for the right opportunity to use it myself.

Think of it this way: You don’t go on vacation thinking of buying the entire hotel. You rent a room, use it for your short-term needs, and leave. Sometimes, it’s simply smarter to rent. Moreover, a timeshare doesn’t come with any form of property ownership, so it’s a smokescreen of ownership.

Final Thoughts

Sacrificing a few hours on your vacation to save hundreds of dollars can be worth it. However, don’t be afraid to go if you’re sure you aren’t interested in purchasing a timeshare. Plenty of people have that same mindset and only attend for the free room or another incentive. So, go in with a strong mindset, a firm “no,” and go about the rest of your trip knowing you scored an easy deal.