Occidental "Vacation Club" High Pressure Sales Pitch

[mikeycanuk]

Did they improve the food yet? It was bad when we went down in 08. We did the pitch as we got a two day free car rental. It was my wife's birthday the night before so we got back around 3am so we figured the next day was a writeoff anyway. What a load. Did they happen to mention they just had a member selling their unit today? Lol... The guy had such a sad look when I said no. When I mentioned the bad food they just said the sister resort next door was a better resort??! I also made a point of leaving the shared computer on a page with reviews of the club.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[judydivescoz]

We have stayed in town several times a year for the past 10 years and recommend that option to anyone who asks us. I like the boat ride south and the opportunity to dive to northern reefs. We enjoy picking a different restaurant each night for dinner and maybe a nightcap at a local bar. We try beach clubs for lunch and a trip to the other side of the island for lunch. No timeshare salespeople! I even like the trips to Mega to pick up snacks and drinks. For us, an AI has little appeal but for others an AI is the perfect solution.
That said and back to the original topic, It's to bad the OP wasted precious vacation time on a vacation club presentation. I always try to be polite but sometimes you have to speak your mind firmly and respectfully then leave. I imagine that the OP will never let their time be wasted again!

 

[cvchief]

The Grand ran us through it the first trip. They sell hard, but they were nice when we reached the NO point. Got our booze and t shirts... Stayed there a couple times after and they never even tried. In fact I spent time getting tips and pointers from the lobby guy on the later trips. Never tried to sell me after the first trip.

 

[Hawkwood]

... I always try to be polite but sometimes you have to speak your mind firmly and respectfully then leave...

A very nice rule for lots of stuff in life.

 

[keithab]

Actually our reward was supposed to be $100 towards various things. Of course they ended up not being anything we actually wanted. I told my fiancé that it would be fun to make up outrageous lies to tell the salesman, just as a goof. He was pretty interesting to talk to from the diving perspective. Said he had done some of the cenotes in Cozumel and actually recovered artifacts. Of course, he may have been lying about everything as part of his pitch. They are really nice to you until you say "no." I guess we know the deal going in next time and tell them no up front. The All Inclusives can be decent and I will say that Occidental does have a very nice property.

 

[mikeycanuk]

The grounds were nice but confusing, by the time we figured it out it was time to go. Plus there are no lights on at 3am so that made for a fun walk.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Brules]

We stayed at the Occidental Grand last week and were subjected to a "high pressure" sales pitch by the Occidental Vacation Club. Your concierge is very nice when you get there and they tell you that they want to take you to breakfast. They guilt you into it by telling you that they don't get commission if you don't go. They even wanted my fiance to lie and tell them we were living together. They also tell you it only takes an hour and a half and there is absolutely no problem if you are not interested. Don't believe it! They put a ton of pressure on us and took 3 hours of our time. They tell you tons of lies to make you believe it is a really great deal. They want $39k, $49k, or $59k up front depending on the tier. They also tell you "you only get these extra 4 weeks per year if you sign today." They are super nice until you say no. I was really turned off by this and next time I will tell them I am not even going to breakfast. I have read on the Internet where a lot of people have been ripped off by this outfit. Be forewarned if staying there.

LoL - it is called "hotboxing" and is one of the lamest sales tactics ever.......why do you guys get to have all the fun?!?!?! It seems being 6' 275lbs....has it's benefits......when I say no, they tend to not ask twice?

 

[Drewpy]

I would never do the AI thing..can't imagine not eating all the local food..and I would certainly never buy a TS! I have never met anyone who has been happy with that purchase?

 

[DandyDon]

I did AI at Hot Coz the last two trips. It was fine. I don't go to Coz for the dining, but the food was better this last time. It is nice to have all the food & drink I want so convenient, no cabs rides, just some courteous tipping. I was never approached by time share people after the leaving the airport, but part of that could have been that I travel alone.

Yes. A simple but emphatic NO has worked fine for me in my last 20 visits (or so). I try not to be rude. I do take the trinkets they occasionally offer. But I say "No thank you" without breaking stride.

I don't mind being rude if needed, but it can affect your own mood. Try to be rude & vulgar while smiling. Enjoy it.

Some people just feel bad saying no. It was probably good practice for you. Eventually it won't be a problem. Sometimes I try to sell them something, it's always a great, awkward time. If it makes you feel better you should know that any decent salesperson knows that getting told no is just part of it.

If saying !@#$$% No! is difficult, then tell them your lawyer said it would be several years after the recent bankruptcy before you can consider anything. They should lose interest.

 

[ggunn]

This is pretty standard stuff. First they appeal to your greedy side; if you take something for nothing, they have you on the hook and it's your own fault. If that doesn't work they try to guilt you. If you show the slightest sign of weakening, they will hammer away at it. Again, it's your choice.

I have never found it necessary to be rude to these guys; it's a tough economy everywhere and they are just trying to do a job. The folks actually responsible for their tactics, you will never see. I say "no, gracias" before they even get into their pitch, break eye contact with a smile, and walk away. It has never failed me.