Views & Interviews

Q&A: Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader

October 2017

Lisa Ann Schreier is the driving force behind The Timeshare Crusader – a blog dedicated to helping consumers through the myriad of confusing information, as well as working with forward thinking organizations to be a catalyst for positive change. She is the creative force behind International Timeshare Appreciation Day, held annually on November 1st.

Author of two best-selling books, "Surviving A Timeshare Presentation - Confessions From The Sales Table" and "Timeshare Vacations For Dummies." Also co-authored the college-level textbook, "An Introduction To Vacation Ownership Management."

Regular speaker and contributor to the National Timeshare Owners Association and the Florida Timeshare Users Group. Featured speaker at CRDA's 2011 conference, as well as TATOC's 2012 conference. Guest lecturer, each semester at the University of Central Florida.

Member of North American Travel Journalists Association. Contributor to AllExperts.com. Lead Timeshare Advocate on Elliott.org, and monthly contributor to Senior.com.

Over to our interview with Lisa.

Q: So much has been written about timeshare as it evolved over the years, is this a product that has often been misunderstood? (In terms of customer benefits and the value it can deliver over the years.)

Yes and no. Yes, in that the average consumer is still woefully uneducated about what timeshare is and the benefits it can offer. No, in that unfortunately, the stigma associated with timeshare, stemming from the antiquated marketing and sales techniques used by the majority of developers is still true.

Q: Has timeshare shaken off the image it acquired in the early years? (The tag of a not-so-reliable industry model, largely because of a few unscrupulous players.)

Sadly, no. As much as we in the timeshare community like to think that the unscrupulous players are gone, more have come to the market both on the developer side and on the secondary market side. There are a number of good guys in the market, but little if anything is being done to disassociate themselves from the bad guys, therefore the consumer is still, rightfully so, leery. And when it comes to an organized industry framework professional standards are as good as the enforcement that is in place.

Q: Which according to you are the most promising and emerging markets for timeshare? (Looking at global trends.)

China and most of the Asian countries as well as India and parts of Africa. Mexico has been popular for some time now and will continue to grow.

Q: How does India measure up in a world scenario? (India is growing to be a popular exchange destination)

The sheer number of people who live in India and have the disposable income to purchase timeshare makes it important. Additionally, being close to so many Asians who own or will own timeshare puts the country in a great position. For most timeshare owning North Americans, India is a bit of a mystery. Although an interesting one!

Q: How do you see the Indian market evolving in the years to come? (We are growing at a comfortable pace.)

I think your country can take advantage of a great opportunity. By learning what has worked and not worked in the US for the past 40 years and by making timeshare a true consumer centric product in every aspect, you have the opportunity to truly make timeshare more accessible and more desirable to far more than the approximate 7% of the US population that we've been at for years on end.

Q: Will countries like India be a part of the world pie on the basis of quality of comfort, and unique experiences? (Some of our resort chains are truly international in terms of quality standards.)

I believe it will. As I touched on before, India for the average US traveler is a bit of a mystery. That represents a great opportunity for your country. Quality, comfort and unique experiences will always appeal to vacationers.

Q: Will countries like India be a part of the world pie on the basis of quality of comfort, and unique experiences? (Some of our resort chains are truly international in terms of quality standards.)

It sounds cliché, but it is true: Give the consumer quality for a fair price. Treat them with respect. Don't try to fool them. Don't sell to them, let them buy. And listen to what they want - before, during and after they buy.

• Lisa’s blog can be accessed here
• Her twitter handle is @LisaLooksAt
• A listing of books written / co-authored by Lisa Ann Schreier
  • Timeshare Vacations For Dummies by Lisa Ann Schreier
  • Surviving a Timeshare Presentation...Confessions From The Sales Table by Lisa Ann Schreier
  • Timeshare Management: The Key Issues for Hospitality Managers by Tammie J Kaufman, Conrad Lashley, Lisa Ann Schreier