Today, the American Resort Development Association’s Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC) launched the Timeshare Resale Resource Center(http://www.ardaroc.org/resales), an online information resource for timeshare owners who desire to better understand how to safely maneuver the uneven timeshare secondary market.  As a result of a growing need to create more clarity and transparency for timeshare owners who wish to sell their timeshare interest, the Resale Resource Center was born to provide objective information on the resale process, tips on selling, and consumer advisories on the various resale scams currently being investigated by state authorities.

While regulation of the timeshare industry has developed and matured over the past 30 years, specific regulation of the secondary market is still in its infancy.  The current economic environment has led to a rise in disreputable resale companies trying to profit from vulnerable timeshare owners and as a result the resale process has become confusing to many consumers.  “With the rise in fraudulent resale practices and the far too many dishonest resellers preying on consumers, it is necessary to establish legitimate guidelines to help safeguard consumers and ensure a safe resale experience with reputable companies,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA (the industry’s not-for-profit advocacy group).

Over the past eighteen months, ARDA and its member task force have worked diligently to propose model legislation for the secondary resale market as part of an effort to standardize and legitimize timeshare resellers and the resale process.  The Model Resale Act calls for specific guidelines related to resellers, including standards for sales and marketing practices and more stringent penalties for fraudulent behavior.

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Sell My Timeshare NOW, LLC, the global leader in online timeshare resale and timeshare rental marketing, has recently announced an alliance with John Locher RRP of Locher & Associates to provide consulting services.

According to Jason Tremblay, founder and CEO of SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, “Our relationship with John developed as the result of a long-standing mutual professional respect. We anticipate that this alliance will add a new dimension to our company as we move forward into totally new sales and marketing territories. During the process, we will take advantage of John’s promotional and strategic online experience.”

Also a veteran of the online marketing of vacation ownership resales and rentals, Locher endorses SellMyTimeshareNOW and is excited about its vision and growth.

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Consumer Advisories for Timeshare Owners to Navigate Resale Environment

Today the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) released two advisories to help consumers and timeshare owners navigate through the secondary market, which includes timeshare resellers, internet advertisers and other resale companies, to ensure a safe and positive selling experience. The advisories were developed to help dispel the growing misinformation and confusion in the secondary marketplace by providing specific tips on reviewing timeshare resale companies, their practices, costs and services in the marketplace.
 
As a result of the current economic environment, disreputable companies are using unscrupulous tactics to take advantage of owners who may need to sell their timeshares. In fact, several state attorneys general have addressed concerns about resale “scams.” Since the resales industry is largely unregulated, ARDA is working with its members, including reputable resale companies, to ensure transparency on both the buying and selling process.
 
“This is not an indictment of our reputable resale company members, but rather a problem faced by everyone who loves this industry being painted with the same ‘timeshare scam’ brush,” said Howard Nusbaum, president and CEO of ARDA. “We continue to work with stakeholders to craft what we believe will be guidelines for best practices and legislation,” continued Nusbaum.
 
“It’s simply a matter of buyer beware.  With the state of the economy today, a large number of our owners are being approached by a variety of companies, with offers of previously unheard of rental revenues or resale prices, and even just “getting out from under” one’s timeshare week.  Many of these offers are hard to understand, even for the savviest of timeshare owners.  Unfortunately, we have heard from many owners who were dissatisfied with the end result of these transactions and little can be done about it after the fact.  As always, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it just might be.  Be aware and be diligent.  Do your own research and check with your own timeshare resort association before doing anything,” added Cindy Thomas, Stoneridge Resort Manager.
 
The first of the two consumer advisories focuses on the types of timeshare resellers with four steps to guide consumers through the process: utilizing existing resources, understanding timeshare resale companies, choosing the best option, and following basic rules. The second advisory provides tools to evaluate resale companies with a list of tips. (For further informatin on resale guidelines including the two advisories, please visit: http://www.arda.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ConsumerInformation/ResaleGuidelines/Resale_Guidelines.htm)
 
Most importantly, ARDA encourages consumers and timeshare owners to conduct research and due diligence on any resale company or advertiser in advance of paying any money or signing any contract or agreement.

WORLDWIDE TIMESHARE HYPERMARKET and FOUR CHAIRS ADVERTISING are BREAKING DOWN ALL THE BARRIERS of timeshare.

Starting from the 1st of August Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket Europe’s leading timeshare resale company are showing a 60 second commercial promoting the concept of timeshare. This will be shown on the new ‘Travel Deals Direct’ channel 647 on the Sky platform.

This is an industry first, as it’s not selling from the TV; it’s more about “finding out more” and trying to educate the public and increase their awareness of timeshare.

The ad explains that timeshare is the opportunity to own for life, with affordable luxury in five star accommodation around the globe. It also explains that you can exchange your week for similar resorts around the world if you so desire, giving you the chance to see the world, it also says “all you need to do is pay a realistic management fee, which covers the running of the resort, and pay for your flights”.

Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket and Four Chairs Advertising have also teamed up with TATOC (The Association for Timeshare Owners and Committees) and Owners Perspective Magazine which gives those that watch the commercial the opportunity to explore further and provides a level of reassurance and transparency. 

Paul Mattimoe, CEO of Perspective International said “It is important, especially in the current economic climate where cost and value for money are paramount in the mind of the consumer, that leading companies within the timeshare industry take the opportunity to stand proud and begin to educate the next generation of timeshare owners.”

Phil Watson Managing Director of Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket, with the technical direction of Terry Rose from Four Chairs Advertising, has negotiated sponsorship of the Travel Channel and already run a number of successful competitions. Terry said “the whole concept of timeshare being a main sponsor of a Travel Channel is truly amazing and a great achievement and with Phil Watson’s forward thinking, timeshare is moving forward with many other plans already in motion.”

DeVere Hotels & Resorts are be supplying a major prize for the competition in August, with Seasons PLC sponsoring the competition in September.

Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket together with Seasons PLC will also feature on the Travel programme ‘travel today’, which is shown across Europe, again a major first in the world of timeshare.

Phil Watson was quoted as saying “we have made major steps towards educating the public about timeshare and what it has to offer.  We have the ability to offer a family the chance to go on holiday to luxury resorts at sensible prices and buy into a lifestyle.”

Phil added “Both myself and Terry have many projects in hand and welcome other resorts to join in, not only are resorts such as DeVere Hotels & Resorts and Seasons PLC gaining TV exposure, but they also get the chance to contact the competition entries afterwards, adding even more awareness of their respective companies and the timeshare industry.  

For more information on joining this initiative contact: 
Phil Watson ~ Managing Director 
Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket
Tel: +44 (0)871 781 6 781
Mob: +44 (0)7770 498349
Email: philw@wwlg.co.uk

Stroman Realty, Inc.® has been specializing in Timeshare Resales for individual owners for almost 3 decades. Stroman Realty is also Pro-Resort and understands the value of the timeshare product. In fact, Stroman Realty recognizes the importance of Retail sales so much that they are expanding their Resort Services Group to even more resorts by offering their Closing Table Assistance Program known to resorts as the CTA Program. Stroman understands that without retail sales, there would be NO resales.

Stroman applauds the hard work and effort that Resorts have been putting in during these tough economic times which has affected the industry as a whole. With that in mind, Stroman is currently offering their CTA program to help timeshare resorts generate more revenue, therefore increasing retail and re-sales together. Mr. Stroman states, “the math is very simple, the more timeshare retail sales there are, the more timeshare re-sales there will be down the road. The CTA program is tailored to helping the timeshare industry as a whole for both retail and resale.”

Studies have shown that over 40% of timeshare purchasers are families that currently own a timeshare. That is where Stroman Realty’s CTA program can help increase resorts New Sales revenue by millions as it has for others. Many resorts face the fact that a prospect may not buy because they do not want to own two timeshares, they would want to sell their current timeshare. Stroman offers a program that helps resorts understand that the prospect does not have to walk out without purchasing that day because they already own one. If the prospect likes the resort they are touring better than their current timeshare ownership, they will be more than likely to buy if they are exposed to viable resale options. While the prospect is at the closing table with a sales representative, the sales rep can contact a Stroman REALTOR® that is also a Timeshare Specialist that has been fully trained on the CTA Program thereby offering professional assistance in closing the retail transaction.
 
Stroman Realty’s goal is to help the resort finalize the purchase at the resort that day and help the purchaser realize they can help the new owner sell their old timeshare when they return home. Stroman Realty does not want the prospect to miss the opportunity of buying retail just because they own a second one. Stroman Realty, Inc® launched their CTA program over a decade ago and has proven to be a valuable closing tool that resorts can use for this situation.

Stroman Realty’s staff of over 80 REALTORS® and support personnel can only handle a limited number of resorts in order for the program to remain consistently effective, so this program is being offered on a first come basis. Stroman Realty can tailor a program to fit the resorts’ specific needs.

For more information about utilizing Stroman’s CTA Program, call 1-800-733-8849 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Sat 9am-5pm or email- CTA@Stroman.com   Ask about the New Sales Case Study of Inbound Exchangers!

Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket has commenced its sponsorship of The Travel Channel on Sky TV,

From the beginning of May the European based timeshare resale company, Worldwide Timeshare Hypermarket will be the first timeshare industry company thanks to the hard work of appointed agency Fourchairs and their Managing Director, Terry Rose over the last 9 months in overcoming the opposition towards timeshare advertising.

As the main sponsor, the company will be featured very heavily throughout May with exposure at all times including peak periods. and will also be supporting their viewer competition by offering a weeks accommodation at their resort in Scotland, The Moness House Hotel & Country Club which will show Timeshare in a good light.

Dial An Exchange (DAE) is to hold a global two day seminar to support owners and managers of timeshare resorts. The event will take place at Barnsdale Hotel & Country Club in England on Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th September 2009.

The title and theme of the conference is Radical Thinking & Decisive Action.

DAE says the theme reflects the challenges the timeshare industry faces as the world meanders through its worst ever economic crisis.

The event will focus on addressing, debating and working towards solutions for some of the timeshare industry’s most acute challenges:

• Timeshare resales
• The realities of the exchange systems
• Marketing and lead generation
• Maintenance fee collection
• Sales techniques including sales certification
• Rental programmes
• New products to stimulate a brighter future 

A line up of experts will deliver speeches on the key subjects. Working groups will be held to debate and attempt to create solutions to established and recurring industry problems.

The event follows on from a smaller event that was held in February this year. Seventy four resorts were represented at the first “behind closed doors” event. The feedback from the delegates was that any follow up event should held be over a longer period on a larger scale.

A modest cost to attend
To respect the current economic situation, the cost to attend the event has been kept as low as possible. Delegates can attend the whole event (with bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner included in the price) for remarkable 2 day delegate price of £380.

Day delegates can attend the event for £120.

Who should attend the event?

• Timeshare owners
• Resort Committee members
• Resort developers
• Timeshare marketers
• Marketing companies
• Resale companies
• Suppliers to the industry

The main organisers of the event are Francis Taylor, CEO of DAE International and David Lilley, Managing Director of Dial An Exchange Europe.

Commenting on the event David Lilley said “There is no question that there are dozens, perhaps even hundreds of resorts out there who really need help and advice in these challenging times. Whilst everyone with a timeshare interest is welcome to attend the event we particularly encourage independent owner run resorts to send representatives. We have worked very hard to keep the cost of the event as low as possible to ensure that everyone can afford to attend. We are not looking to make a profit from hosting the event”

More detailed information about the event can be found at DAESeminar.com

Delegates can benefit from the Early Booker discount for the next six weeks. The price will increase to £430 from June onwards.

In its first year of operations, the HelpLine launched by the Timeshare Association, TATOC, has helped thousands of timeshare owners — conservatively saving them more than £1million. An independent consumer body, TATOC – the Timeshare Association (Timeshare Owners and Committees) — is run by timeshare owners for timeshare owners.
 
In 2008 the HelpLine handled more than 6,000 phone calls – 60 per cent were general enquiries, the remainder complaints.  Most complaints related to dubious re-sale practices or scams based on non-timeshare holiday clubs.  Phone activity was augmented by substantial postal and email communications.
 
This year the HelpLine handled more than 1,400 calls in January and February. The service is free of charge and available to member and non-member resorts and individuals.

Telephone number for the TATOC HelpLine:  0845 230 2430
 
At its annual conference in Warrington , Cheshire , TATOC delegates learned that HelpLine services have been enhanced with the opening of a new office in central Manchester and the recruitment of additional staff.
Harry Taylor, Chief Executive, said TATOC was going from strength to strength. 

“We have a good team in place, excellent office facilities and the knowledge and expertise of the timeshare industry to focus exclusively on the interests of timeshare owners and prospective owners,” he added.  According to TATOC board director Geoff Chapman, the HelpLine has a crucial role to play.  “Many problems are still out there and the demand for our services is growing,” he said.
 
As part of its remit, TATOC executives have met with senior officials at the Department of Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR) – formerly the Department of Trade and Industry — to address consumer issues and legislation.  More meetings are planned with the Office of Fair Trading (OFT), Consumer Direct and politicians and regulators in Brussels .  The Association will also be involved in the implementation into national law of the EU Timeshare Directive that aims to close many loopholes that rogue operators are currently exploiting.
 
While its interests are focussed on the consumer, TATOC will continue to forge a close and professional relationship with reputable timeshare companies.  “We will do this in part through Resort Accreditation and Affiliation programmes,” said Mr Taylor.  “We are keen to work with companies that share the TATOC vision of enhancing the holiday experience for existing and prospective timeshare owners.  We also aim to be the voice of timeshare owners.”
 
In a video message to the conference, Arlene McCarthy, MEP for the North West Region of England, thanked TATOC for its assistance in helping to draft the EU Timeshare Directive.  She has been prominent in the campaign to win better rights for timeshare owners.  Ms McCarthy also chairs the European Parliament’s Internal Market & Consumer Protection Committee.

For further information please contact: 

Jennie Thompson
jennie.thompson@timeshareassociation.org
Tel 00 34 615 022 542

OR

Harry Taylor, chief executive, on
+44 (0)845 230 2430.
harry.taylor@timeshareassociation.org

Sell My Timeshare NOW, the global leader in the online advertising and marketing of timeshare resales and timeshare rentals, announces William Lee Goss as the company’s new President and Chief Operating Officer.

Lee Goss comes to the timeshare resales marketing company with an extensive background that includes having most recently been the President and COO for Eons, Inc., and prior to that, a co-investor in and the COO of Boston-based Yankee Group. Goss’ career includes extensive deal-making experience having directed growth equity and buy-out investments for the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based venture equity firm General Catalyst Partners, and having led global merger integration activities for Terra Lycos where the combined entities acquired more than thirty companies. Starting in the early 1990s as an analyst for American Airlines and reaching the level of Vice President, Goss grew up professionally in the travel and leisure industry.

Jason Tremblay, CEO and co-founder of Sell My Timeshare NOW, says, “We are extremely pleased to have Lee join our team. He brings a unique set of skills and expertise in managing businesses through rapid change and growth, which are critically important during this expansion phase of our company.”

In December 2008, Edison Venture Fund became Sell My Timeshare NOW’s sole institutional investor. Edison, with a history of commitment to high-growth, entrepreneurial technology companies, currently has $550 million under management. Edison’s $8.5 million injection of growth capital positions Sell My Timeshare NOW to rapidly expand its timeshare sales and advertising services.

Lee Goss describes his enthusiasm and vision for the company, saying, “I am truly honored to partner with Jason and the team at Sell My Timeshare NOW. The company has a great entrepreneurial spirit, and has built an extraordinary online marketplace connecting timeshare buyers, renters, and sellers in such a way that I believe it has the potential to transform the timeshare resale industry.”

Goss earned his MBA from Duke University and will be relocating his family to New Hampshire.

SellMyTimeshareNOW.com, the company’s flagship website, offers internet advertising and marketing solutions and success-based timeshare brokerage services for timeshare owners. With corporate headquarters in Dover, NH, the company also has offices in Orlando and Tampa, FL. The timeshare company has over 160 employees and was recognized in 2008 by Inc.com as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. To learn more about Sell My Timeshare NOW, visit the company’s website at http://www.sellmytimesharenow.com/.