I arrived at the Cozumel airport and was greeted by a group called the Tourist Advisory. I assumed that they helped tourists with excursions, etc. After the 30 minute whirlwind speech and $25.00USD, I was told that I needed to attend a presentation. During the conversation, I kept asking what the catch was. The gentleman was offering a trip to Tulum, roundtrip ferry pass, etc.
I went to the presentation the next day. The resort was beautiful and cozy. The salesperson, Mark Myers, is American. After the tour, we entered a small room with 15 tables. Cesar, the representative for the developer, and a gentleman named Bill, who I assume is in charge of sales, both came over to help Mark sell me on the resort.
The marketing of the 2-bedroom suite was tempting, but having to pay $700 each time I used a week (four weeks were offered) did not seem right. I signed the contract anyway for a "resale" and paid $1,100 more to have a lifetime ownership.
During the closing, the financial officer presented a separate letter stating that I had the same right to rescind within five days as if I had purchased a new sale. I did not receive a copy of that letter.
The next day, I realized that I had made a mistake. I went to Royal Fishermen's Village with a letter stating that according to article, line within the contract, I was exercising my right to terminate the contract. Mark and Cesar tried to offer "better" deals, but I was adamant. I asked Mark to make a copy of my letter and left.
I did not feel that the incident was closed. I recall the mention of a consumer protection agency. I asked at a local business where I would find such an agency. The Profeco. I went to the Playa Del Carmen office and filed a complaint.
I took the letter to the Royal Fishermen's. I spoke with Julio, another representative of the developer. He, also, tried to offer "better" deals, but I insisted that I just wanted my money back.
He finally had Patricial Carbajal, verification officer, present a cancellation letter for me to sign. Also, she had manual credit vouchers for the amounts that had been originally charged. The date on the vouchers were 15 days from that date, which according to the contract, was within their rights.
July 26, was 15 days. I called my credit card company to see of there were credits pending. Nothing. I filed a dispute with them, so that I would not have to pay the charges.
I also sent an e-mail to Martha Carillo with the Profeco to keep her abreast of the situation. The Profeco recommends waiting until August 2, before having them intervene.
The Sunset Group has its home base in Florida.
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