Complaint Review: Bluegreen Vacation Club - Novi Michigan

Here's a summary of the phone call I received from Bluegreen promotions today: "Hello, my name is Ryan from Bluegreen Promotions and you've been selected for a 6 day/5 night all expenses paid vacation to Universal Studios Orlando Florida ..." yadda yadda yadda, 3 star hotel, VIP passes, admission to a lot of parks, etc, "...all for only $199 for you and $199 for your wife. The other two adults can come free, plus one child. All we ask is you come visit our resort for 90 minutes. Sound like a great deal? Great! Let me put you on with my quality assurance manager." "Quality Assurance" manager: "Hello, my name is Dennis ..." pretty much repeats the same spiel the first guy gave "So will that be Visa or Mastercard?" Me: "Hold on there, I need to see the terms and conditions" Dennis: "Sir, we've already explained the deal to you twice." Me: "Yes, I know, but I need to see the agreement first." Dennis: "Sir, this is legal. Federal law states that we must specifically state all aspects of the offer at least twice. This verbal agreement is legal." Me: "Are you a Quality Assurance Manager or a telemarketer? If you were, you'd know that I need to see the agreement before I pay you." Dennis (yelling): "Sir, let me tell you something, I AM a Quality Assurance Manager and I could even teach you a thing about business." Me: "Calm down, just mail me the info, my wife and I will look at it, and we w" Dennis hangs up on me. A lot was paraphrased, because Dennis was quite irate, but the gist of it is, since I didn't want to fork over my CC number without seeing the agreement, they just hung up on me.

Here's a summary of the phone call I received from Bluegreen promotions today: "Hello, my name is Ryan from Bluegreen Promotions and you've been selected for a 6 day/5 night all expenses paid vacation to Universal Studios Orlando Florida ..." yadda yadda yadda, 3 star hotel, VIP passes, admission to a lot of parks, etc, "...all for only $199 for you and $199 for your wife. The other two adults can come free, plus one child. All we ask is you come visit our resort for 90 minutes. Sound like a great deal? Great! Let me put you on with my quality assurance manager." "Quality Assurance" manager: "Hello, my name is Dennis ..." pretty much repeats the same spiel the first guy gave "So will that be Visa or Mastercard?" Me: "Hold on there, I need to see the terms and conditions" Dennis: "Sir, we've already explained the deal to you twice." Me: "Yes, I know, but I need to see the agreement first." Dennis: "Sir, this is legal. Federal law states that we must specifically state all aspects of the offer at least twice. This verbal agreement is legal." Me: "Are you a Quality Assurance Manager or a telemarketer? If you were, you'd know that I need to see the agreement before I pay you." Dennis (yelling): "Sir, let me tell you something, I AM a Quality Assurance Manager and I could even teach you a thing about business." Me: "Calm down, just mail me the info, my wife and I will look at it, and we w" Dennis hangs up on me. A lot was paraphrased, because Dennis was quite irate, but the gist of it is, since I didn't want to fork over my CC number without seeing the agreement, they just hung up on me.

Here's a summary of the phone call I received from Bluegreen promotions today: "Hello, my name is Ryan from Bluegreen Promotions and you've been selected for a 6 day/5 night all expenses paid vacation to Universal Studios Orlando Florida ..." yadda yadda yadda, 3 star hotel, VIP passes, admission to a lot of parks, etc, "...all for only $199 for you and $199 for your wife. The other two adults can come free, plus one child. All we ask is you come visit our resort for 90 minutes. Sound like a great deal? Great! Let me put you on with my quality assurance manager." "Quality Assurance" manager: "Hello, my name is Dennis ..." pretty much repeats the same spiel the first guy gave "So will that be Visa or Mastercard?" Me: "Hold on there, I need to see the terms and conditions" Dennis: "Sir, we've already explained the deal to you twice." Me: "Yes, I know, but I need to see the agreement first." Dennis: "Sir, this is legal. Federal law states that we must specifically state all aspects of the offer at least twice. This verbal agreement is legal." Me: "Are you a Quality Assurance Manager or a telemarketer? If you were, you'd know that I need to see the agreement before I pay you." Dennis (yelling): "Sir, let me tell you something, I AM a Quality Assurance Manager and I could even teach you a thing about business." Me: "Calm down, just mail me the info, my wife and I will look at it, and we w" Dennis hangs up on me. A lot was paraphrased, because Dennis was quite irate, but the gist of it is, since I didn't want to fork over my CC number without seeing the agreement, they just hung up on me.

Here's a summary of the phone call I received from Bluegreen promotions today: "Hello, my name is Ryan from Bluegreen Promotions and you've been selected for a 6 day/5 night all expenses paid vacation to Universal Studios Orlando Florida ..." yadda yadda yadda, 3 star hotel, VIP passes, admission to a lot of parks, etc, "...all for only $199 for you and $199 for your wife. The other two adults can come free, plus one child. All we ask is you come visit our resort for 90 minutes. Sound like a great deal? Great! Let me put you on with my quality assurance manager." "Quality Assurance" manager: "Hello, my name is Dennis ..." pretty much repeats the same spiel the first guy gave "So will that be Visa or Mastercard?" Me: "Hold on there, I need to see the terms and conditions" Dennis: "Sir, we've already explained the deal to you twice." Me: "Yes, I know, but I need to see the agreement first." Dennis: "Sir, this is legal. Federal law states that we must specifically state all aspects of the offer at least twice. This verbal agreement is legal." Me: "Are you a Quality Assurance Manager or a telemarketer? If you were, you'd know that I need to see the agreement before I pay you." Dennis (yelling): "Sir, let me tell you something, I AM a Quality Assurance Manager and I could even teach you a thing about business." Me: "Calm down, just mail me the info, my wife and I will look at it, and we w" Dennis hangs up on me. A lot was paraphrased, because Dennis was quite irate, but the gist of it is, since I didn't want to fork over my CC number without seeing the agreement, they just hung up on me.

We went to Bloomington , MN because of the promised free airline tickets. 2 bluegreen employees had us in a room, and told us over & over again not to take the tickets. What a scam, I honestly believed they would be fair decent people. I learned differently. They do not have morals, and they will get what they deserve on judgement day.

It is true that you do get 4 fully paid round trip airline tickets as Amy so elequently put it. You also get a Visa gift card good for $50.00 or $100.00 depending on what state you reside. We do inform the recipient that they are responsible for their hotel stay. The black out dates A wk before and after Christmas and Easter and spring break in Datona beach Florida. You have plenty of time to make vacation plans ( 2 years). the tickets are transferrable. It seems that the people that walked away with out getting their airline tickets are the ones that didn't have sales resistance and left before the presentation concluded. Then therefore found cause to complain. We do not push the recipient to go and pick up their tickets, we invite them to attent a presentation. If they do not want to go to the presentation then thats fine. We as telemarketers do not read a script but are very informed as to what we are required to do for our position. We do not use the words win, won,or free because we are giving them to you in exchange for your time at the presentation. You are not required to buy, sign or join anything to get your tickets. They are guarenteed.

It is true that you do get 4 fully paid round trip airline tickets as Amy so elequently put it. You also get a Visa gift card good for $50.00 or $100.00 depending on what state you reside. We do inform the recipient that they are responsible for their hotel stay. The black out dates A wk before and after Christmas and Easter and spring break in Datona beach Florida. You have plenty of time to make vacation plans ( 2 years). the tickets are transferrable. It seems that the people that walked away with out getting their airline tickets are the ones that didn't have sales resistance and left before the presentation concluded. Then therefore found cause to complain. We do not push the recipient to go and pick up their tickets, we invite them to attent a presentation. If they do not want to go to the presentation then thats fine. We as telemarketers do not read a script but are very informed as to what we are required to do for our position. We do not use the words win, won,or free because we are giving them to you in exchange for your time at the presentation. You are not required to buy, sign or join anything to get your tickets. They are guarenteed.

It is true that you do get 4 fully paid round trip airline tickets as Amy so elequently put it. You also get a Visa gift card good for $50.00 or $100.00 depending on what state you reside. We do inform the recipient that they are responsible for their hotel stay. The black out dates A wk before and after Christmas and Easter and spring break in Datona beach Florida. You have plenty of time to make vacation plans ( 2 years). the tickets are transferrable. It seems that the people that walked away with out getting their airline tickets are the ones that didn't have sales resistance and left before the presentation concluded. Then therefore found cause to complain. We do not push the recipient to go and pick up their tickets, we invite them to attent a presentation. If they do not want to go to the presentation then thats fine. We as telemarketers do not read a script but are very informed as to what we are required to do for our position. We do not use the words win, won,or free because we are giving them to you in exchange for your time at the presentation. You are not required to buy, sign or join anything to get your tickets. They are guarenteed.

It is true that you do get 4 fully paid round trip airline tickets as Amy so elequently put it. You also get a Visa gift card good for $50.00 or $100.00 depending on what state you reside. We do inform the recipient that they are responsible for their hotel stay. The black out dates A wk before and after Christmas and Easter and spring break in Datona beach Florida. You have plenty of time to make vacation plans ( 2 years). the tickets are transferrable. It seems that the people that walked away with out getting their airline tickets are the ones that didn't have sales resistance and left before the presentation concluded. Then therefore found cause to complain. We do not push the recipient to go and pick up their tickets, we invite them to attent a presentation. If they do not want to go to the presentation then thats fine. We as telemarketers do not read a script but are very informed as to what we are required to do for our position. We do not use the words win, won,or free because we are giving them to you in exchange for your time at the presentation. You are not required to buy, sign or join anything to get your tickets. They are guarenteed.

Bertha states, "The office then provides each and every prospective client with ANOTHER written description of the offer at check in." This is not true. We did not receive a written copy of our offer at check in. "Once a representative picks up the client, the offer is described again in detail before any discussion of our product begins." Again, not correct. Our sales rep told us simply, "we'll get you your promo stuff on the way out." "After the presentation, the client receives all of the promised compensations for their time, AGAIN, described in detail, before they leave the office." Nope. Our compensation was a 3day/2night vacation, and a $100 Visa gift card. We were given the visa gift card with absolutely no documentation (we were given just the card). Okay, that's fine, no problem. The card activated and worked just fine. The free vacation, however... We were told that BlueGreen would mail us the vacation information within 21 days. It has been nearly a month and a half, and we have yet to receive it. Amy states, "They ask for a minimum of 90 Minutes of your time." No. They ask you to attend a 90 minute presentation. After the presentation, you have to sit through the sales pitch, tour, etc... We went through it, because we were genuinely interested in BG had to offer. Another couple, however, attempted to leave immediately following the presentation. They were told they could not leave until they took the tour, and were given a purchase option, which "[would] take about an hour to an hour and a half". (We happened to be sitting within ear shot of them, while we waited for our sales rep to take a phone call.) "Once you arrive for your appointment, you are then given another copy of the terms and conditions, of which you you fill out a registration slip that verifies the qualifying information." We were given a registration slip, but no terms and conditions. "You are then greeted by a Sales rep who once again goes over the terms and conditions to make sure you understand." Our sales rep's statement of the terms and conditions? "Ya'll have to watch this here 90 minute presentation. After that we can get you your stuff." "At the end of your presentation, during which, you are not under any obligation to purchase to recieve your gifts, you are greeted by our gifter on your way out. At this point the gifter explians the gifts a final tim and make sure that you are aware of any time limits." Would the gifter be the woman at the desk, in the back hallway, that we were shuffled to on our way out? If so, she neither greeted us, not explained anything. We did, however, get to listen to her tell her friend about her child's latest ear infection, while she did some sort of processing, handed us a Visa gift card, and told us BlueGreen would mail us our free vacation information. I'm sorry, but the things that Bertha and Amy claim happen with BlueGreen (in relation to the free gifts of what-ever sort), simply didn't happen to us. From what I could tell, it didn't happen that way with any of the other couples, either (although I cannot vouch for all attendees, merely those within earshot).

Bluegreen is nothing but con artists. I am married to one of thier sales managers and was looking on here to hopefully find information on the whereabouts of the husband who keeps skipping town and not paying child support... He worked at Bluegreen in Novi.. no wonder there are so many complaints about THAT office. I have heard my share of laughter at the expense of the people who are duped into believeing they have won something. This is funny to them... well, you are funny to them for giving up your precious time based on a lie. Because most of us can not imagine lying for a living, good people tend to treat everyone fairly and not think others would love to lie to you to get you to sit through their sales pitch. If timeshare was so great, why do they have to get their customers this way? They have all kinds of degrading words about you if you dont look like you can afford it. They see you when you walk in the door and pick you apart... then smile and greet you. If you are one of the ones nobody wants to sit with, they will 'spin' you... which means.. get rid of you. (spin you around and out the door). Make no mistake and do not believe a word they say in these rebuttals or in thier sales pitch. Even if you are one of the people they think will buy... would you give your hard earned money to people who lie and treat others with total disrespect? Your attorney General is who to complain to. He is an elected official and should be looking out for you. Do some research, the Attorney Generals of a lot of states have not put up with timeshare companies and their deceit in the past.

It is a shame that consumers assume things are free. I began my employment with Bluegreen as a telemarketer and I know all too well the assumptions made. In our training program for our employess, they are taught that "free", "You did win", "You have won", or "won" are bad words. Because in fact these great vacation gifts are not free. They ask for a minimum of 90 Minutes of your time. You time is worth something isn't it? So why not get a vacation for it? Every effort is made to ensure that all employees are familiar with the gifts that they are promoting. We do go over qualifications with you at leas twice in every phone call. Once before you book the appointment and then again by a verification manager, who then asks you if you have any questions on the gifts. SHame on you if you do not take this opportunity to ask questions at this point. Bluegreen then sends you a written form with all terms and conditions and terms of participation whether it be via e-mail or reguler mail. You are then contacted both the day before and the day of you appointment to verify your information and give you more opportunities to ask more questions as well as to verify that you recieved the terms and conditions. SHame on you if you did not read them completely and make note of anything that you did not understand or had a question on. And SAhame on you for not then contacting Bluegreen yourself or addressing your questions and concerns during the confirmation phone calls. Once you arrive for your appointment, you are then given another copy of the terms and conditions, of which you you fill out a registration slip that verifies the qualifying information. You are then greeted by a Sales rep who once again goes over the terms and conditions to make sure you understand. Now is a good time to ask your questions again, and new questions that may have come to mind. At the end of your presentation, during which, you are not under any obligation to purchase to recieve your gifts, you are greeted by our gifter on your way out. At this point the gifter explians the gifts a final tim and make sure that you are aware of any time limits. Once again, another opportunity to ask questions. Shame on you if by this point you have not asked any. THat means you have been given 6 chances to ask all your questions. Bluegreen does its best to go over the gifts multiple times. For all gifts, the consumer is responsible for the taxes on the airfare and accomodations because Michigan Law will not allow Bluegreen to cover it, as the vacation is a "gift". As far as the hotels available for each gift, the trip 3 day/2 night accomodations with airfare for 2 specifies that it is in a tourist class hotel, which is a 3 star hotel, such as a Best Western, or Holiday Inn. It is not a resort. A resort is a 5 star rated hotel. FOr the 4 roundtrip airfare, it is stated that you have a specific number of destionations to choose from with various levels of hotel ratings, any where from a 3 star to a 5 star or all inclusive, all of which are at dicounted prices. That depends on where you choose to go. For example, a trip to Hawaii. Airfare itself can cost almost $1500 for two people depending on the season. But, you have that covered with you vacation gift. If you chose to stay at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, you can get an Ocean view room for a minimum of 10 nights at $329 a night. Not bad for a beautiful view. that totals about $3300 for the room. Now, this ocean view room can range any where from $379 - $459 a night, depending on the season. Now, say you go when it is the most expensive, without the gift. You have spent so far $6100 for airfare for two and a room for 10 days. But, with the vacation gift Bluegreen offers, you would have only spent under $4000 for the room and taxes on the airfare and the resort, yes a resort, not a tourist class hotel. So, you have just saved $2100 becuase of the great gift. SO, you see, BLuegreen is not trying to take advantage or rip off any one. The key to understanding the gifts and knowing all the qualifications and terms of participation and use is to ask the questions that you need to ask. Be specific with your questions. And read the written terms when you recieve them. You may not be signing the gifts, but eventually you will be and putting the deposit and taxes down on them. I was always taught to read everything before signing becuase you may be signing your life away. Maybe you should make sure you fully understand the conditions before agreeing, as if you were signing your life away. I would hate to think that some one would just agree to something willy nilly without making sure they understand it. Especially when it was in exchange for something as valuable as time. Stacey Michigan

I was solicited too and had a choice of "free" gifts. I chose the 3 day/2 night vacation with airfare for 2. I asked in ADVANCE about the restrictions. I asked what the hotels were. They said it would be one of "the following" hotels. I looked at the list in Orlando, it was all hotels I recognized so it was fine. They also told me there were no fees. OK, so I go to the timeshare. When I check in (after driving over an hour to the presentation) they give me a paper that says there is a $100 refundable deposit. I was annoyed, but went with it anyway. Went to the time share. AFTER the presentation they give me my free vacation certificate. There were so many limitations I dont know who on earth would go! First, I noticed that it says they may contract with lower class hotels "like the Days Inn" for our stay. Here's how u get your so-called "free" vacation. 1) send in $100 dollars within 60 days along with the names of you and your travel companion, and 3 propsed travel dates. OK, the dates have to be on a monday or tuesday, and cannot be within 7 days of any holiday, and have to be more than 30 days apart. (This leaves about 30 different dates out of 365 to choose from). Then they pick the dates for u. The flights could be at any time and the hotel could be ANY hotel and you HAVE to go or you won't get the deposit back. They even say you could leave late night on a monday and come back early wednesday. The whole thing is just ridiculous and they totally lie when u sign up. DON'T DO IT!

I was sorry to read about your experience with Bluegreen. I have been with the company for several years and I am very familiar with their marketing practices. Every solicited individual is offered some sort of compensation for their time. All telemarketers are given a script and it describes the details of the offer. You should have also received a letter of confirmation, which again, details the terms of the offer, and any and all restrictions or conditions. The office then provides each and every prospective client with ANOTHER written description of the offer at check in. Once a representative picks up the client, the offer is described again in detail before any discussion of our product begins. After the presentation, the client receives all of the promised compensations for their time, AGAIN, described in detail, before they leave the office. We make ever attempt to inform the clients of the terms of the offer, and if there is any problem it is dealt with at the time the client is in our office. While we make every effort to follow all of these proceedures prescisely, we also take these steps to assure misunderstandings are caught and taken care of immediatley. Some people hear only what they want to hear. It is part of our human nature. I assure you, that every effort is made to consistently apply proper marketing practices in our area and that Bluegreen does not tolerate misrepresentations of our promotions. Should anyone fail to overlook all of the above attemts to assure that the proper information is provided, please contact the office where your appointment was made.

How sad that you and your husband took them up on thier vacation offer. You were so over charged for your room. I guess don't look a gift horse in the mouth is right, he may have rotten teeth. If you need a vacation, look on expedia, etc. Don't get ripped off again Lady by thier free flight deal where they basicly run your vacation for you. You REALLY got ripped. Now I see why you searched for Bluegreen on this sight. How sad for you.

I also got a call and was told that I would get a free vacation airflight for 4 to various locations in the US. My husband and I went to hear the talk on Bluegreen timeshares and elected not to purchase but still got the free air flight to a US city. Within a year we went to Hawaii for 11 days (10 is their requirement) for $4, 093. We had a great time and the hotels they requested that you stay in were just fine. The whole trip was super cheap with the FREE airfare and we had the time of our life. THANK YOU Bluegeen. Still hoping to get away on a second vacation. PLEASE don't look a gift horse in the mouth! Happy vacationing!