Smart Consumers in UK Top the Timeshare on the Complaint Chart

Today, it is evident that there are and more owners who are dissatisfied and want to get out of their timeshares. In UK, the European Consumer Centre’s (ECC) first full year of complaint figures show that complaints about timeshare and related or similar products like discount holiday clubs, timeshares and the resale of both accounted for over 38% of all complaints received in 2008.

According to Jed Mayatt, a UK European Consumer Centre Manager, consumers are often at their most vulnerable during recessions and whilst on holiday and they are drawn in by cheap offers and falsely attractive promotions which they would normally be suspicious of. If they are on holiday, they are more relaxed and their guard can be down.

Aside from the high percentage of complaints related to timeshare and related products, there was also a high number of enquires and requests for further information from UK consumers. Over 20% of these were related to timeshare and related products.

In 2008, there were more than 300 complaints about timeshare and related products. These cover all nature of complaints about holiday clubs and timeshares, including scams. A typical example of timeshare complaint is that consumers are approached by a tout whilst they are already on holiday. They are subjected to pressure selling and end up paying a vast deposit. Often, they attempt to cancel within a day or two and this is refused.

With the figures just presented by the ECC, we can see that there are numerous complains about the timeshare industry. So, as a consumer, better check twice those timeshare offers before signing any contract. Take note that there are many owners nowadays who are getting rid of their timeshares. Some even hire a timeshare transfer company like the Transfer Smart just to get rid of it.