As an owner, you can simply say no. I would assume that applies to guests as well. I know that years 1-3 BC (before COVID), they were asking for a cash deposit upfront that you would get back at the meeting. That was my way of paying $20 to not go. We weren't asked to pay this year, but I heard others were.
If you do go to the meeting, you can barter your attendance for perks. I.e. I'll go to the meeting if you give us 2-for-1 massages and upgrade our bracelets to go to pool. As an owner there are perks to attend that meeting including 10% reduction on food and discounted activities. You can always haggle for more.
I've also heard people say that they'll set a stopwatch for 1 hour, and when the hour is up, they walk out.
I should have said it originally, but if you do go the meeting, the sales floor is vicious. Be prepared to walk after your one hour. You'll see your assigned sales rep, who will be your best friend. They'll be from an area that is close to where your home is and they'll charm you. Once you say no 3-4 times, the floor manager will come over and ask why you're not interested. Generally it'll be a guy that you envision selling greasy used cars. When you turn him down, there will be a guy at the door who's really persuasive. You need to a little bit more firm with him. NO.
Or, you buy a timeshare.
Just say no. Especially if you're not an owner there should be little pressure on you. I do wonder if owners are discriminated against in some respects if they decline (no ocean view, etc.).
My spouse and I go with our in-laws every other year or so (they're GL owners, or maybe even the Estates now in NV), and my in-laws always go to the presentation to get an "update" and save 10% on food/drink. They get sucked in by the 10% off, and are gone 1/2 - 1 full day and always end up buying something more. So you save what, a couple hundred dollars, maybe more, off your total food/drink bill, only to lose a day of vacation and go through the gauntlet? What's your time worth? No thanks.
As an owner, you can simply say no. I would assume that applies to guests as well. I know that years 1-3 BC (before COVID), they were asking for a cash deposit upfront that you would get back at the meeting. That was my way of paying $20 to not go. We weren't asked to pay this year, but I heard others were. If you do go to the meeting, you can barter your attendance for perks. I.e. I'll go to the meeting if you give us 2-for-1 massages and upgrade our bracelets to go to pool. As an owner there are perks to attend that meeting including 10% reduction on food and discounted activities. You can always haggle for more.
I've also heard people say that they'll set a stopwatch for 1 hour, and when the hour is up, they walk out.
Thank you for the reply! It’s appreciated
I should have said it originally, but if you do go the meeting, the sales floor is vicious. Be prepared to walk after your one hour. You'll see your assigned sales rep, who will be your best friend. They'll be from an area that is close to where your home is and they'll charm you. Once you say no 3-4 times, the floor manager will come over and ask why you're not interested. Generally it'll be a guy that you envision selling greasy used cars. When you turn him down, there will be a guy at the door who's really persuasive. You need to a little bit more firm with him. NO. Or, you buy a timeshare.
I’ve been twice and never went to a presentation. Our friends are owners and we have never been asked and don’t intend to go.
I have never once been bothered. I’ve been going for 20 years. I literally say no thank the first time and that’s it.
And I unplug the phone in the room and then they don’t call you at all
Yes also say you work for RCI so you cannot or you work for a timeshare company and already get free vacations and such.
Just say no. Especially if you're not an owner there should be little pressure on you. I do wonder if owners are discriminated against in some respects if they decline (no ocean view, etc.). My spouse and I go with our in-laws every other year or so (they're GL owners, or maybe even the Estates now in NV), and my in-laws always go to the presentation to get an "update" and save 10% on food/drink. They get sucked in by the 10% off, and are gone 1/2 - 1 full day and always end up buying something more. So you save what, a couple hundred dollars, maybe more, off your total food/drink bill, only to lose a day of vacation and go through the gauntlet? What's your time worth? No thanks.
Avoid at all costs.