Trendwest... Has anyone gone to this?

[paintime]

I keep getting calls from Trendwest saying they have my "free" gifts but I need to come in for a seminar.

Now I know this is a huge scam, but I really want to know is do I really get these free gifts or do you have to pay for something?

Has anyone been to one of these seminars?

Thanks,
Chad

[teoulmoon]

i have gone to it. if is a timeshare. if you are looking for a timeshare then this is pretty good. if you just want the free gift then just say no. they make it really hard for you guyt if your strong the you'll be fine. the gifts are pretty good. :)

[bugaboo]

i've been to one. they say there's no obiligation, but the reps' are very persuasive and make it sound like your obiligated. some reps can be as@##$%#$% too. it should be around an hour and it could be much longer depending on the rep.

[Luke_Maze]

I *love* going to presentations like Trendwest (they are a timeshare company by the way). I don't accept the vacations anymore. The vacations really are worth it, but it's a lot of hastle. You have to set up 45 days in advance and there are blackout dates which they don't tell you about, bastards! I have gone on maybe three vacations, and I have let more than ten expire because it was just too much hastle.

When they call, I ask for ca$h. They will usually have gift certificates for you to Macy's, Home Depot, and other places. Hold out for the gift certificates! If they don't have them now, they will at a later date (you are on their list, so they *will* call back).

My wife and I started going when we were still just dating, and we've continued for a few years now. I average probably $500-900 a year. They give you free food too usually, schedule your visit for lunchtime. You get to spend time with your significant other "dreaming" about your next vacation. My wife has fun I think.

Oh, one last thing. When they ask you to buy, tell them that you found the same thing on the internet for 1/3 the price. It's true by the way. My mom purchased a Trendwest package for a little over $10k (we went for Christmas by the way, extended family of 12 people, and had a blast. Timeshares really are a cool deal). I was 18 seconds late on my bid (damn server latency) for *more* Trendwest on an online auction: It sold for $3025.

Oh, and ask if they'll give you a room for the night. They usually have deals for you to stay the night before at a big discount. My wife appreciates any chance to go to a resort. I however do not appreciate the $150 bill. They usually have a $50 deal for people coming to the presentation.

[wmdubois]

I too have gone to many of these. If you are able to continually let the rep. know that you need time to think about it, and that no decission will be made today then you will walk away with some great stuff. I have gotten 50$ coupons to Red Lobster. A free nights stay at a local b&b that was 300.00 a night, food coupons for tgi fridays, olive garden, and more. So, if you can say no, you will be the recipient of some nice stuff. Just a note- If you are married they require that you bring your spouse.

[Kim]

I bought Trendwest a few years ago, and I haven't regreted it for a minute.

Anyway, as someone else mentioned, if you're interested in buying, you can get it quite a bit cheaper buying the membership from someone who needs to sell theirs.

As for the free trips for attending, you do get one. I can'r remember if it cost me anything to use it though.

[dakata24]

i went to one of these.. they sorta talk to you in the beginning, go thru the presentation and then sit you down with a sales rep afterwards.. i only went for the free vegas trip they offered at the time.. i probably wouldnt go to another one again, since i ended up not going to las vegas cuz of the the way it was planned out, id only be there basically a day 1/2 or so.. cuz it was basically a evening flight and then a morning/afternoon flight home 2 days later..