The 10 Worst Timeshare Companies in the World
When people want to enjoy a resort but only pay for a portion of the room or condo, they can choose a timeshare arrangement. This option allows more than one owner to share the space with other invested people for specified times during the year. There are usually two types of timeshare setups or contracts.
There is a shared deed or a shared lease timeshare arrangement. Although this type of vacation space sharing was an excellent solution to a common problem, it can be a chance for scammers to get involved and trick people out of money. Knowing what the worst timeshare companies are right now can help individuals interested in timeshares avoid scams. Keep reading to learn about the ten worst timeshare companies.
Our Methodology
We have painstakingly composed a list of the top 10 worst timeshare companies based on customer complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and the company's stability in terms of customer base and financial details. FTC complaints and legal problems are also part of our consideration process.
These companies consistently cause dissatisfaction with those who decide to enter any timeshare agreement. Not all timeshare companies are a scam, but there are plenty that are likely to pose a risk. Anyone encountering these companies should avoid doing business with them and opt for one of the leading timeshare companies.
Worst Timeshare Companies Right Now
Here are the top ten worst performing timeshare companies in operation currently. Find out why so many people report unpleasant experiences to understand why they are a bad bet when investing in a timeshare vacation spot.
10. Vida Vacations
Vida Vacations is a member-only timeshare offering groundbreaking entertainment, the best relaxation places, and specialized travel services. Suppose you meet their salespersons; do not rush to make a deal with them without studying the corresponding customer experience. If you fail to do so, you are about to make one of the worst financial decisions. Customers have complained that whatever they tell you in their presentation is not what you will get in the written contracts.
Their salespersons have been described as scammers who will say anything to make you buy from them. Customers are encouraged to make a physical visit before they commit to anything. The salespersons make secret recordings of potential clients and use them in future marketing meetings. This list shows the company with the highest chance of improvement. It has even been sued the least, but still made the 10 worst timeshare companies list.
9. Shell Vacation Club
Shell Vacation Club has more than 24 desirable destinations across North America. When you sign a contract with them, there is a high chance that they will not tell you that you can terminate your contract at any time and still get your refund. They charge a high annual renewal fee, which can cost buying a rental. It has designed its contracts to ensure that even if you pass your timeshare to your generations, they will still have some financial obligation.
When customers want to get to them, they take time before responding. Their internal complaint management system is weak. It solves issues on a preferential basis, mainly depending on how much you have invested. Several customers have also complained that even after making the necessary payments, they must wait too long before getting their membership approval.
8. Timeshare Owners Relief LLC
Werner and Billy Butlin formed the company in 1946. They started by expanding their holiday camp to cater to new visitors. Then, they decided to venture into the business idea after seeing how successful it could be. Initially, the company offered top-notch services with self-catering and accommodation in flashy places. Everything was fine until the 1980s when it started constructing more houses.
To get more customers, it started adopting illegal aggressive selling tactics. It started giving clients wrong information, which has been the trend today. When you search for the most authoritative sources on the worst timeshare companies, you will find them in the list. Customer comments about the company are highly damaging. The company has been sued on two grounds: breach of contract and giving false information to clients.
7. Marriott Vacations Worldwide
According to the Better Business Bureau, Marriott Vacations Worldwide has a high complaint volume and overall low score for customer satisfaction. They have a history of locking the customer into a timeshare deal with little or no way of getting out of it. They claim to offer an exit option, but most people report they misrepresent that possibility.Â
Additionally, they incorporate high-pressure sales tactics designed to put timeshare meeting attendees on the spot. Additionally, there are very high maintenance fees, and the actual timeshares are quite expensive.
6. Timeshare Users Group
The premise of Timeshare Users Group, or TUG2.net/TUG2.com, is a company that operates under the guise of being a customer tool for getting answers about timeshare opportunities. They provide a forum for users to post questions and get answers from people claiming to be experts.
They charge $15 per year for membership. Don't be fooled. However, this company is working with the Marriott company that owns Interval International. That means they would likely suggest you invest in their products or services. Unfortunately, this company is on this list for unsavory practices. The TUG company also offers possible solutions for exiting a timeshare or picking up a timeshare from resellers for as low as $1. Many customer complaints are posted, and they receive low marks for customer experience on websites across the internet.
5. Bluegreen Corporation
The Bluegreen Corporation has its main offices in Boca Raton, Florida. The company currently has approximately 4,500 employees and over 60 company-based timeshare resorts. It targets the average American through its booths and promotions set strategically at places where customers can easily detect them. It entices you with the most fabulous weekend treats before things turn around. The company has been subject to so many customer complaints.
If customer complaints are something to go by, this is one of the most manipulating companies ever. First, customers have accused it of setting fixed prices and not giving room for price negotiation. In addition, the company also uses high-pressure selling tactics to win customers in its schemes. Bluegreen Corporation is so cunning that it does not indicate future cost changes in the introductory part. Still, it slowly clings on flimsy grounds to introduce them at later stages of engagement. Customers have raised concerns that it has offered them buy-back programs while, in reality, they do not exist. The Abrams Firm reports cases where the company overcharged customers on different occasions.
4. Holiday Inn Club Vacations
The company has been accused of lacking operational ethics if a careful analysis of customer reviews is anything to go by. A majority of its employees are said not to have proper background screening. One user stated that the company has achieved all the wrong activities in the business world; the company starts with an excellent impression only to change its tactics in the future. Its timeshare holders have accused it of having a very porous recruitment process where recruits are hired on the spot. Holiday Inn Club has also been accused of giving wrong training information and failing to notify its clients on time regarding changes.
Internal conflict resolutions are weak and are subject to preferences by management. The Rinehuls family sued the company for breach of contract and violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act by wrongly reporting and failing to verify their loan tradeline. It still went ahead to give a false report on the same. Employees have also accused it of issuing instructions that change the principal contract, like the workstation change, without proper notice. According to the Coalition to Reform Timeshares, the company was sued by its timeshare owners for tricking them into buying from them using high-pressure tactics.
3. Westgate Resorts
David A. Singel established Westgate Resorts company in 1982. By 2021, it had more than 29 destinations across several cities in the United States. The company has been accused of mistreating its employees and timeshare owners, and is one of the most noteworthy worst timeshare companies. In addition, it has found itself in constant conflict with the federal government. It holds the record of the most sued timeshare company. Its former employee, Dawn Myers, accused its founder, David Sigel, of battering her. The company was found guilty and fined over $ 600,000 in punitive damages and general damages to the employee.
The Supreme Court in 2015 upheld a decision by a lower court that the company had to pay a fine of $500 000 because of using pressure sales tactics to convince customers. The case brought out an image of the character of the company - the failure to adhere to compliance issues. Three hundred former sales employees sued it for failing to pay them their commissions. It was also taken to court by Tutor-Saliba Corporation for failing to pay after it had constructed its pH Towers. Generally, Watergate Resort scams its clients, employees, and other companies.
2. Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts has its headquarters in Las Vegas, Nevada, and is one of the leading worst timeshare companies. It also has regional offices in Lancaster, Florida, Orlando, and the United Kingdom. It has a service area of more than 30 countries with an estimated 370 destinations.
Despite hosting several celebrities such as Brittany Lincicome, Brian Gay, and Reggie Jackson, the company has serious issues regarding its dealings with clients. Diamond Resorts has been accused of violating the Consumer Fraud Act. It was sued by the Arizona Attorney General in 2016 and cited several issues in its filing. They include:
1. Wyndham Vacation Resorts
According to Top Class Actions, its timeshare owners filed a lawsuit against the company. They accused it of giving them misleading information about benefits besides subjecting them to very aggressive marketing tactics to convince them to purchase useless points. For so long, many customers have accused the company of defrauding them when signing and after signing the purchase contracts. That's why they made the top spot for the 10 worst timeshare companies list.
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Written by Liz Flynn
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