Don't Get Duped by Timeshare Selling

Enticing beaches, snow covered lodges, exotic places and fancy hotels -- It's no wonder Timeshares attract so many vacation lovers to sign on.

But after paying more than $100 a month for three years now, Stephanie Day is eager to sell.

"I was so excited to think I was going to be rid of it," said Day.

She says she was getting a ton of calls from companies offering to help her sell the timeshare for a fee, businesses like Buy and Sell Timeshares that would call several times a day.

"They're very pushy," Day said.

Eventually she signed on with Buy and Sell for a $299 fee.

Day says the Buy and Sell salesman said he would actively search for a buyer for at least 60 days.  He never called back.  So the only service she knows she got is an online listing among hundreds of timeshares, all up for sale.

"Once the money transferred they screeched to a halt," said Day. 

"Buy And Sell Timeshares says that "no service beyond the internet ad was ever promised.  Mrs. Day was in contact with us.  We did everything that she asked and everything that we promised including making her listing a featured ad on the homepage.  This was truly a misunderstanding." 

 But Day is still puzzled.

"I don't understand why when I did get him on the phone he's like, OK this weekend I'm working on yours I have yours on the phone for this weekend.  It's like he did go further with his little scam of working it,” she said.

“These companies that offer to sell your timeshare -- a lot of them will take your money up front and do nothing for it," said Kathy Barrett with the Better Business Bureau in Greenville.

Barrett says there are a number of timeshare selling companies that dupe customers and after numerous complaints businesses like Resorts Condo Management, Creative Vacation Solutions, Platinum Property Exchange and Premier Timeshare Solutions all have "F" ratings with the BBB.

Buy And Sell Timeshares has a better rating, a "C" and after we contacted them, the company agreed to give Stephanie money back despite a no-refund policy.

But Stephanie still wants to make sure others don't land in the same spot.

"I'm not upset that it didn't sell, I'm upset that the whole thing was very misleading."

Here is the full response from Buy And Sell Timeshares regarding Day’s case:

“Mr. or Mrs Day contacted Buy and Sell Network via a Google search on Redweek.com requesting additional information about our advertising service. As far as advertising like a new paper, that is exactly what we do and would not lead anyone to believe anything different. Buy and Sell Network in an internet classified advertising company with multiple venues including Autos, Boats, RVs, Waterfront properties and Timeshare. 

The Days have been in constant contact with customer service since September of 2009 check on their advertising status and reducing their asking price. In January the Days requested a refund and was provided with the refund policy restrictions.  Mrs. Day again contacted customer service at the end of February with information about her displeasure and was contacted by a manager who stated Mrs. Day was provided additional advertising upgrades (FEATURED AD) on the home page. Customer service is a priority of  Buy and Sell Network. This was truly a misunderstanding and I am issuing a refund check for the full amount of Mr.and Mrs. advertising fee.”