Online timeshare advertiser BuyaTimeshare.com offers the Top 10 items to look for when searching for information about the timeshare resale industry.
(TRAVPR.COM) FLORIDA - November 10th, 2013 - In an effort to protect timeshare owners from the tactics of rogue timeshare resale operators, BuyaTimeshare.com has announced the Top 10 items for consumers to use as a checklist when sorting through the options available on the resale market.
Some timeshare resale operators have been in the news recently for the wrong reasons, as law enforcement agencies from Florida, Wisconsin and Illinois have arrested and/or convicted resale operators accused of fraudulently taking money from owners.
Timeshare owners looking for help on the resale market often have a difficult time sifting through the details, or lack of details, to help them make informed decisions regarding available options. Therefore, BuyaTimeshare.com suggests that consumers check the following items before making a choice about using a resale company:
- Cold calls – owners should never do business with a company that initiates contact with them. Owners should only consider companies that they have first researched and contacted.
- Contact Information – always ask for a phone number and a street address from the company before considering them. Then, call that number back to make sure it is answered properly by the business.
- Beware the “have a buyer waiting” pitch – fraudulent operators often claim that they have a buyer waiting to buy an owner’s timeshare when they contact that owner. This is a consistent tactic used by rogue companies and owners must avoid them if they want a legitimate chance at selling their timeshare.
- Longevity – how long has the operator been in business? The longer the company has been in business, the more likely they are legitimate.
- Marketing Visibility – ask them how they market timeshares to buyers and to verify their claims. If an owner cannot find the company, say in a Google search for a general buyer-related term, then neither can a buyer.
- Offer Amounts – ask the business if they can substantiate the offers made by prospective buyers on the timeshares they market to the public.
- Registered Business – is the company registered to do business in the state in which they operate?
- Contracts – does the company have a written contract that an owner would sign before agreeing to do business with them? Florida law mandates this as a legal requirement.
- Credit Card Numbers – how, and when, does the company process an advertiser’s credit card number?
- Data Protection – does the company have measures they take to protect personal information and, if so, what are they?
These are benchmark issues in the timeshare resale sector and, while satisfying them does not ensure the sale of a timeshare, owners who keep these topics in mind will have a significantly better opportunity to find a buyer through a legitimate resale company.
For more information about BuyaTimeshare.com, please visit buyatimeshare.com
About BuyaTimeshare.com
BuyATimeshare.com is an internet advertising and marketing company for timeshare owners who seek to sell or rent timeshare by-owner. The company has been in business since 2000 and was ranked by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing, privately held companies in the country—making the prestigious Inc. 5000 list in 2010 and 2011. BuyATimeshare.com was also listed as one of BusinessNH Magazine’s Top 10 Companies to Watch in 2009. The company is a member in good standing with the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), Canadian Resort Development Association (CRDA), Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (CARE) and is a preferred resale provider for the National Timeshare Owners Association (NTOA). For more information, please visit buyatimeshare.com or call 1-800-882-0296.
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Contact:
Steve Luba
Chief Communications Officer
Email: s.luba(at)buyatimeshare.com
Ph: 800-882-0296 ext. 7703
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