I know that this is not credit related, but I don't want to do anything until I get the advice of the knowledgeable people on this board. Today I received a letter in the mail about *FREE* travel and a Credit Voucher for $1600. The voucher states that THIS IS NOT A CHECK. There is a letter enclosed with this voucher, that says: 'We are thrilled to advise you that you and your family have been identified and confirmed to take part in a prestigious nationwide marketing study and promotion. This research will be used to improve the quality and service of our properties, and in return you will be handsomely rewarded. (That part is highlighted) For a limited time, special funding and discounts have been allocated by Ramada Plaza Resorts O.F.V. and our partner resort owners to allow you to enjoy an exciting blend of some of the world's most desirable destinations with a highly discounted vacation that offers you pampering, comfort, romance and rejuvenation. We request at the conclusion of your vacation, that you fill out a one-page survey evaluating your accommodations. Erica, please contact our travel coordinator Toll Free at 1-800-618-3XXX in the next 72 hours. Your itinerary includes: -Two nights of first-class accommodations at the Ramada Plaza Resort, an official "Destination Universal" affiliate hotel in exciting Orlando, Florida! -Set sail and relax aboard either Carnival Cruise Lines or Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines to Nassau, Bahamas. On board you will be pampered with fine dining, action packed casinos, Las Vegas style shows, Five Star disco, card room, library and endless social activities! -Port of call, the beautiful island of Nassau, Bahamas, where paradise awaits you with duty-free shopping, endless sunshine, crystal clear blue water and white sand beaches! -Enjoy three romantic nights of first class accommodations at the Ramada Plaza Resort in sun splashed South Florida! Shop, sail, snorkel, golf, or just sightsee! -Transportation for seven days provided by Alamo Rent-A-Car for your convenience during your vacation. Erica, please participate within 48 hours! You will also receive: -4 days/3 nights accommodations in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. -4 days/3 nights accommodations in Las Vegas, Nevada. Call Toll Free 1-800-618-3XXX, Monday through Friday, BLAH BLAH BLAH.â? That is basically the end, however, on the back of the voucher it states: â??TERMS AND CONDITIONS: This is an offer to sell travel. This vacation package includes nationally recognized Ramada Plaza Resorts first class accommodations for three nights in South Florida, two nights Orlando, Florida, round trip Carnival Cruise or Imperial Majesty Cruise with meals and entertainment included to and from Nassau, Bahamas, and rental car for seven days with unlimited mileage while in Florida. Ramada Plaza Resorts, Orlando/Ft. Lauderdale Vacations, a franchisee, markets and is responsible for quality travel packages to promote specific hotels and resorts in Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale, which it exclusively owns and operates, and in return requires the attendance at the presentation on the sale of independent vacation ownership resorts such as Vacation Village. Participants also receive four days/three nights in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and four days/three nights in Las Vegas, Nevada. Offer is subject to change without notice and not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Accommodations will be valid up to eighteen months. Transportation, hotel taxes if applicable and meals on land are the travelerâ??s responsibility. Please only one call per notification. Imperial Majesty is Ramadaâ??s Preferred Cruise Line. Carnival Cruise Line, the Most Popular Cruise Line in the World and Fun Ships are all registered trademarks of Carnival Corporation. Ramada Plaza Resorts, O.F.V. is an equal opportunity employer. Void where prohibited. All Federal, state and local laws apply. Licensed and bonded in the state of Florida. THIS ADVERTISEMENT IS BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING TIMESHARE SALES.â? What do you guys think? Is it a scam? Should I go even though I have no intentions of buying a timeshare? Any comments are welcome. Erica
Been to many of them. If you are willing to sit for a boring timeshare promotion, it can be worth it. One I went to paid for a Disneyland trip, except for the to/from transportation. Nice hotel, free tickets, rental car, boring hard sell time share presentation...but hey...it was a vacation mostly on their dime.
Thanks for your response, Hal. Is there any pressure to buy into a time share? Or can I simply say no? Thanks, Erica
They will try a hard sell, but I just generally allow them to hand me all the documents, explain to them that I don't quickly make decisions of this type and want to review their contract with my attorney. They generally accept this and offer to call you at a later time. When I get the calls, i politely tell them that I have decided this is not a feasible option at this time. You would expect not to hear from them anymore, but sure enough, about 6 months later I get offered another "pampered" vacation.
They're selling timeshares, I believe. My brother takes all the freebies and never buys the timeshare. They are extremely hard-sell, and difficult to say no - if it is like the ones he gets. I got the same offer, but I am a pushover, haha, and didn't respond. breeze
Thanks for the replies. I think I'm gonna do it. I NEED a vacation, but not a timeshare. I will do Hal's attorney thing to get out of it. THANKS!!! Erica
hey Erica, let me know about it. What, if any additional costs. I got the same offer in the mail twice in two weeks.
I think just travel to Florida and onland meals are the only expenses. I can just drive to Florida, and I don't really eat much, but if I can get someone else to go with me, I can split the cost! The only thing that may stop them is the boring timeshare presentation. Erica
Thanks. The last time I had a REAL vacation was in 1988. I NEED a vacation. Erica PS- Did I tell you that I don't have an attorney? I don't think that I need one either! hehe
I'm gonna check it out. I can always use a couple of days away too. I think my thing includes some type of cruise or something.
My offer includes a cruise. Now, if only I could get someone to go with me. Being single is tough, you know?!?! Erica
My grandpappy always told me "nothins free sonny boy". So if you sit through their boreing, high pressure sales pitch, then you've earned it! Have fun and try not to laugh.
When you go in for the sales presentation, just work into the conversation that you just filed bankruptcy last week and are sure hoping that buying a fine timeshare will help rebuild your credit. I guarantee that you will have the fastest sales pitch on record!!
LOL Zoe, Great Idea!!!! I may use BOTH! If I respond in 48 hours, I can get a vacation to Las Vegas and Puerto Vallarta. Both of those include timeshare presentations, too!!! Erica
I used to work for a really nice timeshare resort. You will be given a sheet to fill out before the presentation. On the sheet will be questions asking which major credits you have. Check that you have all the credit cards - but write a note that says "included in recent bankruptcy" and they may not even give you a sales pitch!!! I swear I've seen this happen!!!
This is a big scam offer , Run the other way as fast as you can. The cruise is a one day boat ride to get you to gamble, the trips are cheep but you have to stay at there high priced hotels which are way more than you would get if you went on your own, run, run DAVID
