Free vacation offers usually are a sales ploy
Dear BBB: “I received a solicitation in the mail offering me a vacation that sounds too good to be true. What’s the catch?”
BBB: In the past few weeks, our office has received several calls regarding free vacations or trips consumers have “won.” It’s the time of year when timeshare resorts, travel clubs, and other companies may notify you by mail or telephone that you have been selected for an island vacation that includes free airfare and accommodations. These solicitations are often the end result from filling out an entry form for a vacation sweepstakes at a store, trade show or other local event.
Why are these offered and how do they work?
Businesses often provide vacation certificates with the goal of selling a specific product or service. They print these certificates in large quantities, believing the attraction of a “free” vacation will draw customers to their sales site. Making a purchase or attending a sales presentation may be required to claim a vacation at a timeshare resort, membership campground or other land sales promotion.
Vacation certificate offers vary. Some certificates include lodging in a hotel or timeshare resort for a certain number of days and nights. Other offers include airfare or a cruise, or provide one complimentary ticket with the purchase of a second. Some certificates include discount coupons for restaurants, tours or attractions in the resort areas.
Written confirmation should be sent when the deposit is received. Before committing to participate in any vacation promotion, it’s wise to do the following:
• Contact your Better Business Bureau for a reliability report on the company providing the vacation certificate and any other company involved in an offer that requires you to listen to a sales presentation or purchase a product.
• Until you receive complete details in writing of total cost terms and conditions and restrictions, do not offer any payment to the company.
• Read the rules carefully. Do you meet the required conditions, such as age and marital status.
• Determine all costs involved in using a vacation certificate. It will be your responsibility to pay for anything not specifically mentioned.
Determine any restrictions on the use of these coupons.
• Ask the vacation certificate promoter what happens if the hotel or other accommodations are completely booked.
• If a refundable deposit is required, when and how do you get it back? Find out what the company will do if it can’t match your request with a specific vacation time. Can you get your money back?
Before finalizing any vacation plans, you should:
• Don’t give your credit card number of bank information over the phone unless you have confidence in the company.
• Verify everything before you pay. Ask detailed questions. Get the details of your vacation in writing and copies of all cancellation and refund policies.
• Be wary of “great deals” and low-priced offers.
• Be suspicious of companies that require you to wait at least 60 days before taking your trip.
• Don’t send money by messenger or overnight mail.
• Don’t be pressured into buying, and if in doubt, say NO.
For more information, please call your local Better Business Bureau during regular office hours at (615) 867-0032 or the BBB’s 24-hour information hotline at (615) 242-4222, toll free at (800) 989-4222 or visit our web site at: www.middletennessee.bbb.org.