What is a “Timeshare Show” in Branson, Missouri?

What is referred as the “Timeshare Show” will save money on Branson, MO vacations. Those who live in a vacation area like Branson, Missouri would come to know employees of the vacation industry. To quote Kyle Smith, Frontline Manager for Fairfield Resorts in Branson, Missouri, timeshare tours are “the cheapest show in Branson!”

The cheapest show in Branson?

Why is a timeshare tour referred to as "the cheapest show in Branson"? The tour is free and at the end of the tour, participants receive gifts, vouchers and goodies. 

Why refer to tours of timeshare sales in Branson as "timeshare shows"?

What is a timeshare tour? Timeshare tours (also known as vacation ownership) involve podium presentations which are quite lively. A group of seven to twenty people watch an interactive presentation. There’s laughing, joking and slides along with Questions and Answers with the audience. Part of the "show" is the property tour. This involves viewing units and the amenities (pools, gym, clubhouse, restaurants, etc.)

How do "timeshare tours" save money on a Branson, Missouri Vacation?

Timeshare tours save the consumer money on vacationing in Branson, Missouri.  How?  Customers purchase a vacation package at a greatly reduced discount rate. For example, the consumer might purchase Emerald Points " 2 nights lodging, 2 break-fasts and dinner buffets, 2 show tickets," for Only $149 per couple.   The retail value for the hotel rooms, show tickets and dinner is $365. But the consumer pays only the discounted price of $149, the rest being covered by the resort. 

Timeshare Tours Give an Opportunity to Gather Information About Branson, Missouri.

Timeshare tours can also do more than just save the prospect money in vacation discounts.  The consumer can also take the opportunity to elicit information about Branson; Whether that information will benefit their vacation or if they were thinking of relocating to Branson. 

Part of the Timeshare Saleperson's job is to sell the prospect on Branson, Missouri.  Since they live in the Branson area, there is a wealth of information that they can share with the prospect.  For example:  There are over 100 shows in the Branson area.  If the consumer is only going to be in Branson for 3 days, they may go to only two or three shows.  Information about the shows can be gleaned from the Timeshare Salesperson as all the salespersons usually make it a point to go to the shows regularly.  They can give directions, when the best time of day to go is, when the traffic is heaviest and so on. They also have information on restaurants, shopping, real estate, growth and school systems. 

Is participating in a timeshare tour worth the hassle?

Ninety minutes of the prospect's time could save $250 in vacation discounts. How much do most earn per hour at their employment?  By participating in a timeshare tour, participants are obligated to BUY NOTHING.

The requirement of a 90 minute tour to offset vacation expenses must be weighed.  Thousands each year decide to take advantage of the discounts.  It is a requirement that money be deposited before benefits and rewards (vouchers or gifts) are received.

What’s the timeshare tour "catch"?

By purchasing a vacation package, the consumer is required to participate in the "timeshare show" in Branson, Missouri although not required to purchase. The sales approach is to motivate the consumer to purchase. Remember, no participant is required to purchase. The prospect may simply say “No,” and leave when the “show” is over.

What to expect from a vacation ownership tour?

Doug Holland, formerly of Fairfield Resorts in Branson, Missouri, says, “I can only speak for the highly respected corporations, not that smaller companies lack credibility. After entering the lobby, you are greeted and offered coffee or other beverages. Sales representatives explain in an intent statement the order of events during the 90 minute "show.”

Each company has its’ own approach for the show

Movies, live podium presentations and graphic art presentations are all a part of the "show".  If the "show" is not fun, the prospect will not feel at ease. “No smile, no laughter from client equals no sale,” says Doug Holland, previously mentioned above. Companies spend millions on developing great presentations.  After touring the property, a decision is asked to be made.  Reputable companies ask clients to just say a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

The Timeshare game is simply part of the show.

Timeshare industry leaders call the tours “the timeshare game”.  That is a fair description for the way most feel about going on a tour.  Similar in experience to going to a car dealership, 'the salesman wants to sell, the prospect doesn't want to be sold, he just wants information'. 

Example of dialogue between a vacation ownership prospect and a timeshare salesperson:

     Salesman asks, "Would you pass this deed on to your children?"  The obvious answer should be, 'Yes.'  Who wouldn't want to give the best to their children? 

     However, the prospect begins to duck-and-dodge.  Saying things, largely untrue, not wanting to box themselves into a sale.  And yes, these have been said to sales staff.

• "I hate my children."
• "I'll burn my house down before I give it to them."
• "I'll spend all my money before I give them any inheritance." 
• "Let them buy it if they want it.  My money is to burn." 

Why do the timeshare companies in Branson, Missouri spend $300-$400 per tour for the timeshare prospect to participate in their show?

What is in it for the timeshare companies?  More money.   "The timeshare industry has just been absolutely booming," said Aaron Kuhl, director of marketing for Marriott…….
…….Factors driving the boom include:
• Customer comfort with brand names like Marriott, Westin, Hyatt and Hilton behind the properties.
• Flexibility that allows owners to trade weeks for stays in other branded timeshares around the world or for nights in company hotels.
• Flexibility of not being locked into the same vacation week each year.
• Flat price for all future vacation lodging, excluding annual maintenance fees.
• Deeded ownership in one fifty-second of a condominium that can be passed on to children.
•

Should you feel guilty for taking a Timeshare tour just to save money in vacation discounts on your vacation?

Well, that depends.  Lying on any requirements form is unethical and can get a prospect N.Q.'d.  What does N.Q.'d mean?  The industry refers to this as a Non - Qualifier.  This is okay if this has been disclosed before the tour is given and paid for.  Example:  All timeshare tours have requirements that prospects must meet. 

• If the requirement is $50,000/year combined income and the prospect checks 'yes' when in fact the income is $38,000/year, that is defrauding the timeshare company that spent $300-$400 to invite the prospect to the 'show'. 
• Consequences for this is that Non-Qualifiers can be fully back-charged, which is fair.
• An important reason for a prospect to not lie on their requirements, is that if someone can not truly qualify for the tour,  they won't be disappointed by something that is financially out of their reach.  More prospects leave disappointed that they could not afford it than those that leave because they were talked into buying it when they really didn't want it.  How many people go house-hunting when they are not in a position to buy a house?

On the other hand, the industry understands that no prospect that takes the tour really intends to buy, so prospective tours shouldn't feel that they must buy in order to take the tour. 

Example:  Customers in a shopping mall don't purchase something from every salesperson that asks, "May I help you?"  So in answer to the question above, if you want to save money on a vacation in Branson, Missouri, you meet the requirements and you don't mind finding out what timeshare is about, then 'ENJOY THE SHOW'!

Why Timeshare packages usually book tour prospects into a hotel and not at the featured resort.

There are two main reasons that Timeshare resorts book a tour prospect into a hotel and not at their featured resort:

1. Resorts are full of owners.  For instance, Fairfield Resorts in Branson, Missouri may see between 100-150 tours a day.  There is no way to accommodate both the tours and the actual owners at the resort.
2. From a sales standpoint, it makes sense.  The glaring contrast between the average hotel room a prospect may stay in:

So if the prospect stays in an average motel room and then takes a tour at a resort and sees the models that have all those features, there is a better chance a prospect will be impressed with the product.

►

►