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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2007 18:28
Reply
Hello Everyone!
I am soo glad I found this place!
I am a new Level One Director with no sales yet, but a lot of passion for the business. I'm taking my time getting set up and have done some local advertising without much success and have decided to do retail sales to local businesses. I have my web site, business cards, postcards, merchant account, and business folders all personalized and a lead capture page. I have lists to call and have started meeting with appointments.
I can glean so much info just by reading this blog than I've been able to get from weeks/months listening to calls.
Two questions:
One, I'd like to hear from other Directors who work businesses on the retail end and their tips for success...do's and don'ts.
Secondly, what's with worldwidetravel.com?
They don't want to honor ANY locations except for Florida timeshare sales pitches? At least I haven't had any luck with them.
Seeing as that was the "Your personal dream vacation" I was offering everyone as a freebie (for fund raising and for listening to my pitch), and it seems no one can get booked properly. Me included.
Also, please identify the vacations in the package that ARE NOT worth promoting.
This is just for me to separate the wheat from the chaff, as I DO believe Coastal is a very worthwhile business opportunity.
Thanks for sharing.
Lindy
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hsimpsonjr
Preferred Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 596
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 13:54
Reply
Lindy,
I am actually on a condo stay with tht "your dream vacation" brochure as I type this. I'll let you know how it goes.
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Judy
Member
Joined: 30 May 2007
Posts: 132
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 15:09
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Hi Lindy,
I heard from another director that if you don't like the vendor you can send it back to shipping and then they will send you a different vendor's voucher (Actually I think it was Harold)
I just received their info (WWT) last week as well and I don't like how they want you to give them 3 choices of places as it is supposed to be your destination and I only want to go local in Ontario and there is only one listed. I also wanted to go with a friend rather than my hubby and it says you must travel with your spouse. I think I will return it with these concerns and see what happens.
I also want to give out the best voucher to my friends and family to promote this business so I hope some of the big guys will tell all -what is good and what to avoid to have the most hassle free holiday for ourselves and our prospects.
Welcome to the business and let us know how it is going. I know I will be sharing how I got my 2 sales very soon (hopefully).
Judy
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 15:57
Reply
Thank you hsimpsonjr. It wasn't the "Dream Vacation".
I knew there was something wrong because I wanted to go to Myrtle Beach, or Charleston or Hilton Head and NONE were available at all for the foreseable future. Only Florida and with timeshare presentations. So, I went back to my Coastal package, and lo and behold it was the "Your Personal Vacation", 3/2 at over 80 destinations....that was giving me the problem. Sorry about that.
I realize you're in Myrtle Beach, and you're enjoying yourself. Let me know what your cost was, the travel company you booked with (worldwidetravel.com??), how soon in advance you had to book, and what your hotel was like. I'd like to make it out there myself this summer as I live in NC.
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 16:21
Reply
Thank you Judy for your comments.
I just got back from Ontario as well, but didn't use any of my Coastal packages as there wasn't enough time. I think I might send the WWT voucher back to NB management for another. If anyone here knows it can't be done, please tell me.
I gave one to my son for his birthday, and he's getting booked into a hotel in St. Petersburg, Fl. (he lives in Florida). Said there was a time share presentation. I told him to go anyway (he had to give a $50 deposit). If any other members here are having problems with Worldwide travel, please say so.
I believe the reason they say you HAVE to travel with your spouse, is so that you can both sit through the time share presentation.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
I want only to promote the best that Coastal has to offer. I believe in the company and the packages, but I do believe it would make our job easier if they had a list of their vendors who currently weren't living up to their advertising, so we could avoid them.
I appreciate if any of you here could guide me which vacations to steer away from.
I also think the BOD should organize a new Coastal binder/portfolio and eliminate the old looking brown zippered case with the OUTDATED cassettes and video (no one would use it in a presentation), and get rid of all the useless stuff that cheapens the package (free camera and rolls of film, road "service", "dining" coupons) ....stuff that people who can pay $1,295 for a package aren't going to use anyway. I ordered some of the restaurant coupons just to see what they had, and it looked like somebody actually clipped them out of local papers or magazines with expiration dates within 3 weeks.
The package needs cleaning up and modernized. There's just too much useless stuff in there that's confusing. Take this as constructive criticism please.
I look forward to everyone's input.
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garyd
Member
Joined: 12 Jun 2007
Posts: 24
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 17:55
Reply
lindy, i couldnt agree more. the package is not impressive at all. the cassettes are down right embarassing.whats the deal with the time share. dont we promote this over and over that there is NO TIMESHARE! please someone on the bod listen to us. to be number 1 you have to at least look the part.the time shares must go. they are the reason we have this package.isnt it?
gary d
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decker2006
Member
Joined: 6 Jan 2007
Posts: 222
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 18:47
Reply
OK guys, before pointing out all that is BAD with the package, let's refocus.
First of all, when I got my package, I immediately went out and got a three ring binder with transparent pages and put all of my vouchers, cards and books in it. It is about 40 pages long, both front and back. That's a lot of vacations. Yes, there is some fluff, junk whatever you want to call it. But you know what? Chuck it! There is enough in the package that you are really not focusing on the big picture. I put the Carnival postcard on the front and now I have a nice little binder that I can show people.
Timeshares - no one can force you to go on a timeshare presentation. Of course they are going to offer it, but to the best of my knowledge, it is not a requirement of booking a condo. I don't think anyone can "force" you to hear a presentation, but here is a tip I heard, maybe on this forum. I think it was from Jay, but I may be wrong. (Sorry if this came from someone else) Go to the timeshare presentation. You will be amongst people who probably paid top dollar for their vacation. Take your business cards and network! I have not had the chance to do this yet, but this is an incredible marketing strategy. You have people considering spending 10s of thousands of $$ for a timeshare. Don't we have something better to offer??
I would love to hear what is the top rated #1 vacation to give away, since I have not had a chance to do that yet. Anybody have any thoughts on this one? I agree, I would not want someone who got a vacation from me to be pressured into a timeshare presentation, but there are plenty of options to choose from. Surely you can find something that is appropriate for a give away??
Noreen
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 20:52
Reply
Hello folks, thanks for the comments. At all times remember, I am a newbie who WANTS to be successful with Coastal. I believe in the company and the product, which I state in every post.
I just feel rudderless and without all the pertinent information I need to run a successful business.
Decker, I DID re-focus immediately. I went to the Orlando conference recently and spotted someone's nice presentation portfolio. The first thing I DID when I got home was go to Office Max, and buy a nice zipped black binder and all my cards and vacation packages and pertinent Documents are in a great presentation folder. No problem with that. My presentation is great.
My complaint is that now I am romancing the high end clients and am trying to figure out how NOT to be embarrased when they get their package. The only thing I can figure out is to to have it shipped to me and re-package it myself and throw out the useless junk (sorry guys, it's useless and cheapens the package). If Coastal wants to compete, they need to upgrade their package. The BOD could ask for help on this........I'm sure Coastal Directors wouldn't mind throwing in extra money to have a better package for their clients.
Comments appreciated. I'm sure I'm not the only one. Get rid of the cassettes and video and add a CD and/or DVD. Join the high tech revolution. This is 2007.
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 21:06
Reply
Hi Noreen,
And I would agree....time share presentations aren't all that bad. You can certainly give out your business cards, but I wouldn't want it to be the FIRST booking my new clients tried. It was (unfortunately) my first one....maybe it was the marguerita glasses...;~) that enticed me.
I recently became a member of our local business association and tonight they held a fund raiser for one of the member's neices, who has bone cancer at age 21. The family of five just lost their father from a heart attack several months ago and are in dire need of help.
Last month I donated the "Personal 3/2 vacation" from WWT. Told them just to give it to the family and re-iterated tonight that there was (unfortunately) a time share presentation with it. To smooth things over, I gave them an activated 3/2 Funtime vacation to to the Bahamas. I hope they get to use it, or give it away and feel there's some value in it.
NOW, during dinner, I spoke to two of the closest people to me, and both had bought vacation packages within the past few years(one was Coastal) for the family restaurant's business and the other a premier package for personal travel. Both were pleased.
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ateamfuntimer
Preferred Member
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 661
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# Posted: 24 Jun 2007 22:03
Reply
Great topic. I have to admit im guilty of what im going to lay on you guys myself. My product knowledge isnt the best it could be. Now my wife and business partner is an expert so we can get by but from the post I see product knowledge should be more of a priority for everyone. I have witnessed 7 figure earners in Coastal (not you Jay other 7 figure earners) that know how to market the business plan but have no idea what the product if about. Now I could complain about how we should all learn the product but id rather give some solutions.
1- Give away vacations to friends and family to learn more about the vacations. Use them to "test" out the product.
2- Go on vacation yourself. There is no excuse not to. Plan out one of the unlimited vacations (taxes only) and try it yourself.
3- Lets begin to share experiences on vacations in the forum
I think if we all share we will all learn and be better equipped to market our amazing package. People say it doesnt work but in 2 years we have saved over 12k on vacations so in my book it does work.
Adam
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 24 Jun 2007 23:03
Reply
I agree we can all share our experiences, but those of us who need the money now and are marketing the PRODUCT, need to know which vacations are working properly and which ones are NOT. I want to stand behind the package right here and now.
I'd like to know how other Directors who are working the business end of Coastal handle their "disgruntled newbies" who may be finding some problems with their new packages.
I am travelling to Florida next month and have used both my Quest and Access cards to book rooms for half price, so I know they work. Sometimes it's hard to find the right place because the hotel has changed hands and the higher end ones just won't honor them in the summertime.
I also would like to know who's been successful with the rental car card. After comparing some prices, I didn't find any difference. If anyone has any tips, please feel free to share.
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Judy
Member
Joined: 30 May 2007
Posts: 132
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# Posted: 24 Jun 2007 23:45
Reply
Hi Lindy,
I'm in the same boat as you being new at this whole Coastal thing so I also want to know the best vacations in the package. I had mentioned the outdated cassettes and video and Maria said she would mention it to the BOD. Trying to listen to that cassette tape was awful and it did seem like it was at least 10 yrs old. I'm sure with all the successful directors out there they could come up with a much better advertising product.
I really want to be successful at marketing Coastal and I do have a great call centre behind me (WCYS) but I should also know my product for when people are asking.
I joined in at Level 2 and I was wondering if anybody has used the $20 vacations yet? I thought it was weird that you can pick Collingwood, Ontario (app.2 hrs from me) or you can pick Germany (the whole country) I hope when you do get the info they will work with you on getting the city you would like.
So if anybody has used these 6 night vacations I'd love to hear from you and how much in advance you should book them.
Thanks
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jnapier
Member
Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 647
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 11:47
Reply
When it comes to knowing the Coastal Membership it can be a challenge...but it doesn't have to. First, you MUST know what type of traveler you are. I am a last minute traveler and get ALOT of awsome travel deals. If your not an inteletravel member - become one.
As for the technology in the membership, the BOD has decided to keep what's in there and simply add to it. So, you'll find cassette tapes, vhs tapes and dvd. It's hard to think it, but today there are STILL folks who don't have a computer or a dvd player.
The BEST way to keep up with the memberships is to connect to the Official Coastal Vacations training calls done at 9PM EST 4 days a week - WHY? It's kept upto date. You also want to attend the Official Coastal Seminars as it allows you to get all the information from the source. I became jaded with a filtering process I found through a "group" that decided they were no longer going to share info with their members.
You are a Coastal Member and you deserve to know EVERYTHING. I can tell you that there's ALWAYS something changing in travel.
Jay NaPier
Level 3 Director/ Master Trainer
Coastal Vacations
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 13:42
Reply
Thanks jnapier.
I did attend the last conference and I do listen to the calls at least 2-3X a week. I don't know anything about inteltravel, if you have a link, please supply one. I am also looking into FTV as a supplement to boost my Coastal business.
I think it's a shame the BOD aren't going to upgrade their package and delete the cassettes and VHS and all the loose materials. Personally I think it looks tacky, especially for the high-end accounts I'm going after. It's hard to know what's worthwhile and what's not.
I am thinking of re-packaging everything for those accounts, by having it shipped directly to me and giving them a nicer looking product they can manage. More leg work, more cost, but better presentation.
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wapahm
Member
Joined: 6 Jun 2007
Posts: 187
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 15:49
Reply
I agree!
We are marketing a very high end travel package and as you all know first impressions are everything!
Change the VHS and cassettes to Cd's and DVDs also
leave out the fluff!
The money we save on the condos and cruises alone pay for the package.
Product knowledge is extremely important in any business.
Just to let everyone know
Stephanie has a call every Wed. at 3:00 p.m. explaining the products.
I will make it a point to ask Steph if there is any way to know which vendor honors which cert.
If you can't make it on the calls check into BYOAudio so you can record calls and listen to them later.
I think we should all email the BOD about the (tapes) over and over until they listen!!
Cindy
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decker2006
Member
Joined: 6 Jan 2007
Posts: 222
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 15:56
Reply
As I mentioned in another post, I believe that the BOD likes to have 5 vendors for each cert. They rotate through different vendors. You can request an agent if you found one and like working with them and send something back if you are not happy with the vendor they assigned. I believe this was also discussed at the seminar. No one vendor gets to service most of the vacations.
Noreen
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 16:33
Reply
I agree with you Cindy although someone already stated here the BOD plans to leave the package the same. I think that will eventually hurt them because others will work with slicker competition. (If any BOD's are reading this, let it be known that we will help incur the cost of an upgrade.) Obviously they must be making most of their profits from new directors, but how do they handle the complaints? I'm sure they get it all the time.
I would think all the BOD's are making six figures, so what's the problem changing the package unless you've already bought a warehouse full of them good until the year 2010?
I have Wednesday 3pm written down for Steph's call.....is it the same coastal phone number we listen to at night? And yes, if you have any way of finding out which certificates are less satisfying, please share.
Thanks Noreen for telling me about returning any certificate I am not happy with. I plan to send my "Personal Vacation" back and see if I can request a "Dream Vacation" instead and go to Myrtle Beach for the weekend like hsimpsonjr. did.
BTW, hsimpsonjr......how was your hotel?
I'd like to know three things:
1)Total cost
2)How long in advance you had to book to get the reservation
3)The name of the hotel or a link to it's website
Thank you in advance.
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wapahm
Member
Joined: 6 Jun 2007
Posts: 187
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 17:31
Reply
Yes Lindy,
same number and pin code
Hi Noreen,
Your right they do rotate through different vendors for each cert
I believe what Lindy wants is to know which vendor to request.
So if there are any directors out there that personal knowledge about certain vendors please share!
Thanks, Cindy
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rhondap
Member
Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Posts: 271
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 17:53
Reply
Quoting: Lindy BTW, hsimpsonjr......how was your hotel? I'd like to know three things: 1)Total cost 2)How long in advance you had to book to get the reservation 3)The name of the hotel or a link to it's website Thank you in advance.
I would like to know this as well. 
Rhonda
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rhondap
Member
Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Posts: 271
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 17:59
Reply
Quoting: wapahm So if there are any directors out there that personal knowledge about certain vendors please share! Thanks, Cindy
Yes that is a good idea it would help in presenting and marketing the product and if we get any questions after the sale.
Rhonda
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Shelby
Member
Joined: 8 Feb 2007
Posts: 28
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 18:08
Reply
You won't hear from Hsimpson--he went for a week. I'm sure he will tell you all about it when he gets back.
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ateamfuntimer
Preferred Member
Joined: 22 May 2007
Posts: 661
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 19:55
Reply
Ive been hearing back and forth about the shipping centers rotating the vendors. Can someone enlighten me. Ive been in coastal 2 years and have never heard this before. If anyone can shed some light on this please do. Im very interested.
Adam
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wapahm
Member
Joined: 6 Jun 2007
Posts: 187
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# Posted: 25 Jun 2007 23:29
Reply
Hi Adam,
The way I understand it is this....
The shipping center has an inventory of available locations from different vendors and to give each vendor the opportunity to fulfill vacation certificates (to make it fair for each to be able to plug their company) they rotate between them
I'm gonna ask Stephanie on the call this week how the vacation certificate work exactly
Join us on the product call with Stephanie,
every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
620-294-3000 pin 1103
I glad your looking to improve your product knowledge
Everyone should!
Cindy
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goldmills
Member
Joined: 3 Apr 2007
Posts: 183
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2007 01:22
Reply
Remember ther REAL value in Coastal Vacations Club is not looking at the vacation portfolio and staring at it...
It is tearing it apart and USING it.
I know it bugs people to see the case and how it is presented inside, but ya know? So what? It sits on my shelf until I need to use it and then I use it and put it back.
So remember that, the value is USING, not LOOKING.
Tell your vendors that before you sell one.... then they won't freak out.
Jeff
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ibizniz
Member
Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 262
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2007 14:04
Reply
Hello
Al called back and basically said the same as Jay, that because Coastal ships out to many different countries, not to have the lower functioning VHS and cassette tapes in the package would be detrimental for those who do not own DVD players etc.
He did say they were in the process of upgrading their materials.
Also I heard on today's call, if you still have your intellitravel cards...send them back to the shipping center and they will replace it with the new card.
If you are following all the rules on the back of any cert, there is no way the company can make you attend a time share presentation....mind you, I have had many time share sales people join my coastal team over the yrs, as they usually only make about $500 on their exit (coastal look alike but with less value) packages which they sell for $5,000-$7,000.
hope this helps
maria
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Judy
Member
Joined: 30 May 2007
Posts: 132
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2007 14:35
Reply
Thanks for the updated info Maria. I guess that makes sense about shipping it to different countries and their technology.
I guess all we can do about the timeshares subject is let the shipping centre know if it happens to us or a client -where the vendor says they can only give us certain locations unless we attend a presentation.
What I don't understand is when they say you get your choice of destination from the following list yet when you get the glossy it asks you to list 3 destinations. I can get the fact that you might have to pick a few different dates for the same place but I want to go somewhere within driving distance.
I guess I should just call them and see what they say.
Judy
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ibizniz
Member
Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 262
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2007 14:42
Reply
Hello Judy
is that thru WWT?
giving the 3 choices is not good, altho I have heard that most people end up getting their first choice fullfilled...please reply if I am wrong.
I only ever book my condos online thru the access card
it's easy, I use a CC and never have to go on a presentation (unless I want to)
cheers
maria
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cashwealth
Anonymous
Joined:
Posts:
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2007 15:36
Reply
Maria,
Just last week I noticed that my condo card was missing from my package. I left several messages with Shipping Center, but no call back Don't know how I missed...There is a separete card for Condo, right??
Can you PM the condo booking engine url if possible?? My Dir traveling somewhere...I would appreciated!
Thanks,
Edit
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ibizniz
Member
Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 262
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2007 15:47
Reply
Hiya
you will need to write to the shipping center and then they will send you a new one.
Do include your ID#
hope this helps
maria
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Lindy
Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2007
Posts: 20
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# Posted: 26 Jun 2007 15:51
Reply
I appreciate the comments, and I understand why the package is not updated for the US; however if they DO upgrade, I hope they take out the those items that cheapen the package (restaurant "coupons", travel "assistance" for stranded motorists and the 200 rolls of free film.) I suppose they could say that most of those other countries still use "film", but I would still like to see the package cleaned up. I'd prefer "less", if it were more valuable....than "more" with less valuable.
As for WWT, I gave my three locations as Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head (I live in NC) over the phone, six weeks in advance of my stay. They said Hilton Head was available, so I sent in my $50 check and CC # for damages.
Two weeks later it came back returned saying to try again. So I called again and there were no available NC locations at all on the books, even for months ahead. Even on-line, it asked if I would attend a time share presentation, when I said "no", there was nothing but an blank page. The lady on the phone said only 3 Florida locations were available, and all involved timeshares.
I encouraged my son to go ahead with his reservations to St. Pete I gave him for his birthday, just to check out the hotel/resort, but I am going to send my certificate back to WWT and ask for another vendor.
Please understand that I see these as constuctive criticisms. We newbies need to know what works well and what doesn't
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