I have read many reports on this comapny and responded to several myself, based on first hand information of the companies call center in Hazleton, PA. However, this past week, I had the opportunity to spend time at the Bently Brooke Mountain Club property in Hancock, MA. I now know why so many of the owners are dissatisfied.
I own four shares, so I am no rookie at the timehare game (I am helping paying Paris H's retirement and also own with Summer Bay.) My spouse has worked in the industry as well. We were not allowed to take the 90 min tour (thank God) as we were on site. But we were afforded the opportunity to have a slaes rep come and bring us a welcome packet. The packet consisted of a deck of cards, magnet of MA, a small candle, pen and several other small items, all in a nice little Fairfield bag. (Who says they don't know how to get good value for their advertising dollar!)
The rep talked to us for a while and then offered us an every-other year 168K package for the discounted price of $9900.00 This was down form just over 12K as they were trying to finish up selling this property so they could market several others in the area. I do not own or am I interested in an every other year property. And, as I said, know from hanging out in the call center, that the mark up is 100% on the shares. How else can they offer the employees a half price sale evry August or 20-30% off anytime? Big savings? Nah.
When I told him what I owned and who with, we got into a discussion about the PIC program that Fairfield has and how much it would cost me to get into that (points and dollars.) Somehow, though, we kept coming back to the 168 and 9900. When I told him to run the numbers and see what I really needed and get back to me with the figures, he told me he would have his supervisor do that. That was on Tuesday. I got a call Wed. Asking again what kind of weeks I owned, points or fixed, and how my systems worked. Now you would think if you have a program to get owners from other companies to join yours, you would know about the other major competitors program or resuch it yourself, would't you? I know I would, unless I wanted to look unprofessional.
Needless to say, I didn't buy. And I'm glad. The resort was the smallest two bedroom unit I have ever stayed in, and with what I have read on this site, the comapny is not one of the most reputable. I know Don (Mr. Fairfield) will probabally say this is sour grapes when he reads this, although he's been quiet latley, but who cares. This is a free forum and it's my expereince and opinion.
For those of you who have been, or feel you have been burned, I share my sympathy with you. But there are some good comapnies out there. If you own and you have a problem getting into a Fairfield property, don't give up. Exchange. I know, CENDANT, the "big brother" owns RCI, but there are a lot of good resorts out there. And I know Paris would be happy if you stayed at one of hers.
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