Press Release: The Timeshare Beat, Inc.
September 7th 2001
HONOLULU, HI -- The Timeshare Beat, Inc. has initiated discussions with timeshare developers worldwide with the
specific objective of locating (from a consumer's perspective) the best value and use of vacation ownership plans,
with the ultimate goal of providing online tours and acquisition opportunities for our 1 million annual readers.
The timesharing industry provides consumers a host of products and services, however from a purchaser's view point
the choice and options can often be very confusing and at times the confusion and misinformation prevents families
from owning their vacations.
In today's market, consumers have to consider which timesharing plan is best suited for their individual travel
needs and lifestyle. Prospective owners' options include points-based programs, fixed weeks, floating weeks, every
other year plans, basic RTU (right to use for a specific number of years), fractional interests, travel clubs etc.
In addition to those choices, consumers should also consider the resale inventory that is becoming widely available,
which according to Mr. Rod Hackman, President of The Timeshare Beat, Inc., can have its drawbacks for those consumers
who are just price hunting.
Hackman noted, "As we have learned from readers who contact us having purchased a resale, often that purchase
is not necessarily the best value for their investment as many timeshare plans, including purchasing directly from
a developer, don't meet the actual needs of the owner(s)."
"The cold facts are whether a consumer purchases from a friend or relative, a resale company or the developer,
many eventually want to sell their interval(s) and have a self interest and motivation to do so. This is fine,
but the real issue is which timesharing plan is best suited for the individual needs of the owner(s)."
To answer that question, The Timeshare Beat, Inc. is looking at a variety of vacation ownership plans and doing
so from the owner's perspective. The research that has been initiated this week, and that will continue, is based
on many very important factors that all owners must consider before purchasing a vacation ownership interest.
Those issues include all the documents of ownership and specifically the terms and conditions that convey the rights,
uses, privileges, charges, fees and obligations etc. of the owners as well as the obligations of the developer
and the HOA associated with the plan.
In addition, maintenance fee provisions and whether those annual fees have rate increase controls (including special
assessments, if any) are being evaluated as well.
Hackman also stated, "No single timeshare plan applies to all individuals, but market research and our readers'
feedback indicate there are significant preferences and-- despite popular belief-- `location location location'
is not necessarily one of the top preferences."
In addition to the diversity of timeshare plans that are available for purchase, Hackman also noted, "In
the real world of timesharing plans, after the seller, accommodation and amenities are considered, the next basic
decision for an owner is whether they will exchange or simply own a timeshare plan at a specific location, using
it as a vacation home."
For many timeshare owners, according to Hackman, the ideal situation is one that meets both needs wherein the owner
has pride of ownership at their favorite destination to which they will often travel and still have the opportunity
to exchange and travel when and where they want.
The exchange aspect of vacation ownership has proven the past three decades to often be less than a positive experience
for many owners and a notable number of owners express their dissatisfaction in various online chat rooms and BB's
as well as in writing to 'The Beat'.
Fortunately, there are other options for timeshare travelers and new exchange companies that are coming into the
market, which The Timeshare Beat, Inc. will be evaluating as well. Research by several leading computer experts
has indicated that some of these new exchange companies will be providing equal and/or better services for those
who use their system, at a fraction of the cost of the major exchange companies.
Considering the potential of those exchange systems and the cost effectiveness of being able to actually sell intervals
online, The Timeshare Beat, Inc. is excited about the opportunity to promote a value based ownership opportunity
to their readers.
Hackman noted the vast majority of developers have avoided the online approach to the marketing and sales of intervals,
however one company sold $10-Million in inventory this fiscal year and has now targeted $30-Million in sales the
next year.
The online approach has tremendous potential for both the consumer and the developers, who can still offer their
inventory, achieve the same margins and compete with the market price of resale inventory.
Although Hackman won't reveal the techniques that he recently used successfully regarding an online marketing and
sales approach, nonetheless he is firmly committed to providing readers of `The Beat' the best of both worlds in
terms of value, benefits and traveling lifestyle.
Hackman is a twenty-year sales and marketing veteran of the timesharing industry with broad experience in both
the national and international markets. He began to develop his online expertise in 1997 and launched The Timeshare
Beat in 1999.
"When we discovered the incredible potential of online commerce and communication, our primary objective was
to reach out to those working in the industry as well as the consumers who have an interest in vacation ownership
issues, projects and general information about the industry," said Hackman. "Literally based on the thousands
of emails that we receive from consumers and industry personnel, we have certainly met that objective and the challenge
now will be to deliver the best vacation ownership opportunity at the best value."
"We are also confident, again based on the communications that we receive, that we have developed the trust
of the majority of our readers and that trust will play an important role when we announce which vacation plan
can be purchased through The Timeshare Beat, Inc.," he added. "It is of utmost importance to us that
an ethical and honest approach to our new effort is emphasized, so as not to betray that trust."
Interested parties may contact Mr. Hackman via e-mail or phone for additional details.
CONTACT:
The Timeshare Beat, Inc. 425 Ena Rd. #502-A Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 Phone (866) 946-2800 (Toll Free from the US and Canada) Fax (808) 946-2801 rhackman@thetimesharebeat.com