Timeshare ripoff story

Stay clear, sued me for $1300.00 - bet they still think that's the best way to deal with owners. The most useful result they could have achieved, NOT

Turangi Leisure Lodge

I used to enjoy a week in Turangi, although I soon realised I was never going to capitalise on the timeshare as an investment - the holiday area is great.

The Lodge has changed a lot over the 16 years I have been attending there...

Good luck with tuning the TV
That is the Number One highway in New Zealand - the traffic noise cannot be avoided.
The first morning the resort host used to put on a breakfast where visitors got to meet each other. The drinks used to be wine - now its just cordial, tea and coffee.
The visitors used to be treated to smoked trout, nows its just sausages and bread.
This used to be a nice eatery - as you see not now.
This used to be un-covered by the staff in the early morning, last year I dont think it was ever un-covered.
Surprise surprise. I wonder if I can get rid of mine?

Timeshare maintenance fee (timeline 6)

I contacted a lawyer and was advised legal action would be more expensive than paying the amount.

A very bitter pill to take.

I wondered if that was co-incidence and then phoned Monad to request a couple of months too pay.

This whole experience has really been the last straw for me concerning timeshares. I would strongly recommend to anyone DONT GET INVOLVED. That being said, I wonder how I can hock mine off.

Timeshare maintenance fee (timeline 5)

In September I got notice from Bay Collection the court process was over and I had been sued thirteen hundred dollars ($1362.25). An action I thought had been negotiated and settled. For a fee I believe was paid, once in December and then in June - a fee of $353.

A fee I have been paying for 16 years, why would anyone think this cost wasnt accepted.

The cheque in December I am sure I delivered personally to the receptionist at the Turangi Leisure Lodge, but it was never presented. Again my mistake I should be checking my statements to see all the cheques are presented, but who does?

Timeshare maintenance fee (timeline 4)

After writing out 2 cheques for this fee, I still recieved a visit from a court person issuing me with a summons.

After which I recieved another letter from Bay Collection Agency stating they were still open to negotiation.

4.1 I replied to their letter and CC'd a copy to Monad, stating the facts to date.
4.2 I never recieved a reply from either Bay Collection or Monad
4.3 I believed because of their offer and my reply they had accepted the facts and the court thing was off.

Timeshare maintenance fee (timeline 3)

So in June I phone to book my week, for 16 years I had been doing this, spending a week at the Turangi Leisure Lodge in late winter or early summer.

3.1 And I was told NO because my fee wasnt paid
3.2 That a person dealing with this was on holiday
3.3 In the mean time I was advised to check my bank statements.
3.4 After checking my bank statements I discovered the cheque had never been presented
3.5 So I phoned back Monad and told them this and that I would be finding out what my bank required (cancellation of cheque etc) and would be sending another cheque if needed.
3.6 The bank advised me since it was past 6 months the cheque couldnt be presented by anyone now so I sent in another cheque.

Timeshare maintenance fee (timeline 2)

In March or April I recieved notice from Bay Collection Agency that they had been told to collect the debt.

In March or April I sent a letter to Monad reminding them I had paid the account in December.

From this I heard nothing, no mail, no phone calls - nothing
Nothing, from either Monad or Bay Collection so I assumed they had found the cheque and all was good.

At the end of this timeline I now believe this is a ploy they use to gain more revenue from idiots, obviously the owners of a timeshare are idiots.

Timeshare maintenance fee (timeline 1)

In November 06 I recieved the fee, this is annual and I have been paying it since 1990.

In December I sent them a cheque for the full amount of the account.

In January and Febuary I recieved accounts from Monad that I threw in the bin thinking their accounts department will eventually catch up with my payment.

My mistake yes - dont ignore bill requests even if you believe they are paid. But remember I am supposed to be an owner here, since 1990 - I would know by now about the fee.

Owner since 1990

Even as an owner since 1990, management of this resort doesnt get to know or respect you; the final straw for me was last year, 2006.

After purchasing the week, you are expected to pay an annual maintenance fee, something like rates on normal property investment.

This should be your first signal to get out of the deal - and just rent a motel or bach each year or whenever. On top of your purchase price this is more capital that you are never going to see again.

Monad Pacific

I was sucked into buying a timeshare. You will never get your investment money back from this type of property. So all you can do is grin and bear it, the accommodation is generally good. But depreciation on your money is much greater than buying a new car.

I purchased off a business called Monad Pacific Management they are not very ethical in my opinion.

My advice is buy a tent or book a motel.