The process:
You might be tempted by glossy brochures presenting you with exclusive vacations in 5-star resorts and hotels in tropical destinations at a fraction of the usual cost. The crucial aspect is purchasing the membership, which will grant you access to affordable luxury holidays worldwide.
Once you have signed up, you realise the destinations are not assured, availability is limited, you have to book months in advance and the prices are not fantastic as advertised.
By now, you’ve likely already agreed to the contract because the salesman sounded so genuine and convincing and the idea of plush affordable holidays sounded exciting at the moment.
Keep in mind that Holiday Club contracts signed in a European Economic Area (EEA) nation are regulated by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, along with Timeshare Regulations, and you are entitled to a two-week cooling-off period.
The tactics:
The presentation can endure all day, and eventually, you agree just to leave the room. Remember, you have 14 days to cancel the agreement.
Alcohol may be provided for relaxation.
You’re presented with an exclusive discount, applicable only at that moment.
You could be discouraged from speaking to other couples who are attending the meeting and you’re not provided with an opportunity in private to discuss the offer.
You are requested to sign the contract there and then without explaining it to you properly or giving you time to review it at your leisure.
- Tips:
Ignore companies offering you complimentary holidays out of nowhere. There is always a catch.
- Finish the conversation politely – you don’t have to speak to anyone.
- If you decide to attend a meeting, you can leave as soon as you start feeling uncomfortable and pressured.
- Read the agreement properly and don’t sign anything you don’t understand or agree with.
- Check that everything you were promised is mentioned or not.
- Make sure you don’t rush into signing an agreement if you are not comfortable doing so.
If you are already an owner of a Holiday Club product, beware of companies that contact you and propose to purchase or trade your membership. You will very likely end up losing funds or acquiring another product you don’t require.