Let WorldMark Buyers Beware! (The Story)

From a reader...

I had purchased into worldmark myself about 4 years ago. I was told at the time of signing that I could cancel my contract if I was unsatisfied. A couple of days after my purchase I tried to book a vacation to try and se how it would work out. Tha places I tried to book were all pretty much booked for the next 3 months. So I called the numbers provided to me in the nice little green owners briefcase they had given me. I found out that day this was going to be impossible to cancel so I went to the office I had signed out of and they wouldn't help me cancel. They gave me instructions on how to request my cancellation and since I was five days into the contract, I only had 2 days left to cancel. At this point I wrote them an e-mail through the contact us link on thier website, Told them of my situation and that I did not like what I had purchased and requested a cancellation of contract.

Two weeks later I got a response saying that because the 7 days had already past I am no longer able to cancel my contract, a couple days later I recieved notice of payment due. I decided since not to pay and hoped It would all just go away since they have never collected from me and I did not plan on using thier service anyways. After four months my credit had plumetted due to them reporting and hurt my career in the military because I had a security clearance required for my job, I went under review due to the tarnish on my credit. So I made the back payments and since then have not fallen behind even with dues and fees that come about.

I feel for all those who where lied too, during this presentation. In a way we were suckered to believe we could cancel, when in reality they do not tell you how many days you have from the time you sign. They do not make any of this clear during thier presentation and sales pitch. They don't tell you about the limit for roolover on credits and how they actually work. They sold me a basic package that I will be paying on for about 8 more years now until it's paid in full.

I decided to pay for the contract in hopes that I would be able to sale and get out of it. I made 4 attempts in the past 3 years and have always ended up owing a large balance if I sold and would have to pay up for the balance in advance before it could be sold. So I say to all those who are interested look else where you will find the same thing for less from a time share reseller, and be able to stay away from a contract to if you are interested in credits alone..... buyer beware!

Yes, this doesn't sound surprising. If you are trying to cancel a legal contract, it must be in writing, delivered to a Worldmark address. Keep a copy of the letter, with written file notes attesting to when you delivered the letter. Courts like written stuff and file notes — email just doesn't cut it.

-- Fabbo
Tags: trendwest worldmark

Truth?

I had this message posted anonymously as a comment:

If you don't think you are getting value for your membership, go along to one of those 'membership refresher' nights for tips and tricks on getting the most out of it.

We are from Qld and in our 30's, and have about 20k in points. We have travelled the world with worldmark, and have been so happy with it! In 06 we did 4 weeks travelling in Europe, and we ONLY had to pay for our flights. Imagine how much a month in Europe would cost if we had to also pay for the accommodation on top? We would have needed at least another $12k for the apartments.

We are now in Canada, and have done 6 weeks here also the same way.

Add to that Fiji, New Zealand, Tasmania, the list goes on!

You just have to remember that the points just keep on giving each year - yes the initial set up costs $, but after a few years it is all worth it. Get online, and book ahead.

Holidays anytime are never 'inconvenient' for us!

I'm always happy to hear the 'good' side of Worldmark, but the thing that I question here is how they managed to get 4 weeks in Europe and 6 weeks in Canada with 20k points? So, if the author is reading this, please provide some more information (eg was it off-season, how far ahead did they have to book, did they 'save up' points from one year and use it in another year, etc). Then I might be a little less skeptical.

Oh, and don't forget the annual fees. It wasn't "only paying for flights". The annual fees would be $2k or so, wouldn't they?

-- Fabbo
Tags: trendwest worldmark

Oh, they're discounting now?

From a reader...

I received a phone call from Worldmark and offered a deal for their 20 year anniversary. I currently own 7K points, if I bought 14K more at $1.80 a credit, they would give me like 42,000 bonus credits to use in the next two year.

Also this would put me at gold member status, with various other benefits and locations. Have u heard about this deal and is it a good one? Apparently it stretches out bonus time to 28 days, the regular booking window to 24months and 5000 locations.

Any info u could give me would be appreciated.

Thank you

Tricia

No, I don't have any details about this deal, but from the outside it looks like they are panicking!

For a start, you can buy credits through eBay or Red Season for around $1/credit, so it does not sound like a good deal at all.

As to the other 'extras' they are giving, they would either be normal privileges you can get with that number (or any number) of points or you should get it in very writing -- don't just trust what they are telling you. Getting it in writing will also show you whether these are normal privileges or whether it is a special related to this deal.

Also, ask them whether you can later sell your additional credits. They normally talk about how easy it is to sell credits (but they never assist with that effort). Then, once they've told you that, ask them whether you can buy credits from an existing member and get the same privileges. They'll either back-pedal or say 'yes'. If they say 'yes', get them to point it out in writing. Because you'll then go to eBay or Red Season and get exactly what they're offering you FOR HALF PRICE.

Can any other readers shed some light on these offers?

-- Fabbo
Tags: trendwest worldmark