On June 27, we were contacted by a person who said his name was Julian Swain that we had entered a contest in the last 12-24 months and we had definitely won a prize. He said it was either a 2006 Ford Explorer, a 27" plasma TV, or a 7 day vacation in Florida that included 2 days land with an auto, and a Caribbean cruise. We just had to come to his office to scratch off a ticket and see which prize we had won.
We made an appoint to come to his office. We had to rearrange our schedules and went out of our way to keep this appointment for our "prize". Once we got there, we realized there would be a sales presentation, but in the past we have gone to legitimate time share presentations and were given what was promised. We were very patient and listened to the whole sales pitch for the "vacation club".
Quite frankly, the vacation prices quoted were in line with prices we had already paid through legitimate on line travel agencies. We felt the initial price of $6995 for membership plus approximate $275 maintenance (including 4 weeks condo stays) was not realistic. The price then dropped $1000 with a certificate if you were one of the first three to join.
When we went outside to the sales pitch and after chatting with the soft sell, the hard sell came over and immediately dropped the price to $2995 with 2 condo stays. We declined his offer and were sent to a room to get our prizes.
When we went to pick up our "prize" and do the scratch off, it turned out we won the vacation/cruise. Then one of the managers came in and put on a performance with the woman we were speaking to and instead of the PAID 7 DAY VACATION & BAHAMAS CRUISE FOR 2 (this wording from your email), we were given a 3 day/2 night with air trip that, based on the restrictions and our employment would be completely impossible to use. Along with that we were given 2 night hotel stays that may be usable (we are not sure).
The $1000 internet shopping spree we were given is a total joke. When you go on the website the processing and delivery for the items on their site represent 1/3 the supposed cost of any item and quite frankly most of the items could be purchased for the processing and delivery fee (if we wanted them) from a retailer.
We were very lucky, only our time and gas was wasted. This is a company that should be thrown out of the state of New York.
We complained to Julian Swain at Vacation Station, but got no response.
We also complained to Millenium Travel and got the following response:
Thank you for your interest in our Travel Certificate. We have quite a few teachers and farmers with schedules that can make it seem difficult to use our promotional offer. However, if you would like to discuss possible travel dates with one of our customer service representatives you may call 386-763-5778, Monday thru Friday between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm Eastern Time and they will gladly assist you. However in order to take advantage of the promotional offer all of the Terms of Participation have to be followed.
The other option that we have available for you is wholesale travel rates. You can call our office, as stated above, and let them know you wish to arrange a trip using wholesale travel rates. They will ask you for your certificate number, even if you haven't mailed it in, they will need the number to verify that you are a certificate holder. Wholesale travel rates can be arranged for any date (s) you wish to a number of resort destinations of your choice. You may travel on any day of the week. Vacations are booked as packages (air & hotel), or just hotel. We do ask that, if possible, you give us at least 60 days notice prior to the date you wish to travel.
Thank you,
Kathy Clark
Customer Service Supervisor
Millennium Travel & Promotions, Inc.
In the future, I will remain with the numerous legitimate travel agencies on the web who don't rip anyone off.
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