Consumers are often very desperate when they seek timeshare advice. The industry is so massive, and those offering timeshare advice come from a variety of different sources. Some of these sources truly offer great timeshare advice, and many do not. Unfortunately, fraud and deceit have become rampant in the very industry that was created to help timeshare consumers.
Timeshare lawyers, timeshare listing specialists, and timeshare resale agencies all promise great advice for consumers who need to do something about their contract. It is difficult for consumers to do much on their own, so seeking this timeshare advice is necessary. While many consumers have decided they just need advice for breaking out of their contract, some opt for other solutions that will hopefully derive some value from their timeshares. The most common of these alternatives are timeshare exchange programs.
Timeshare lawyers, timeshare listing specialists, and timeshare resale agencies all promise great advice for consumers who need to do something about their contract. It is difficult for consumers to do much on their own, so seeking this timeshare advice is necessary. While many consumers have decided they just need advice for breaking out of their contract, some opt for other solutions that will hopefully derive some value from their timeshares. The most common of these alternatives are timeshare exchange programs.
Helping you Understand Timeshare Exchange Programs

Timeshare Exchange Programs
Timeshare exchange programs advise timeshare customers to trade their timeshares between members of their own service. The company is essentially a massive computerized reservation tool which is licensed as a travel agency. When a consumer signs a contract with a timeshare resort that is affiliated with a timeshare exchange company, they are allowed to join the exchange service. They are then allowed to deposit the week they own and trade with another customer’s week as long as they are a member of the same timeshare exchange program.
However, there are many limitations with the timeshare help and “advice” these programs offer. First of all, another week must be available in order for the customer to receive any help with their timeshare at all. Secondly, these programs only help customers trade an equally rated resort or week for one with lesser value. Finally, these exchanges are often very hard to come by and any timeshare help comes with a hefty price tag and hidden fees.
Most true timeshare advice does not come with the same hidden fees and deceitful tactics used to lure customers into timeshares in the first place. Timeshare exchange programs are somewhat upfront about their timeshare services by outlining an upfront membership fee and a recurring annual fee. However, the hidden fees for any real timeshare help often come out later. Any exchange comes with a fee, there are hidden deposits for reservations, and massive late fees for failure to pay before certain dates that are often unknown to customers. Instead of providing timeshare help, these companies often end up hurting customers who are already reeling.
The largest timeshare exchange programs are II (Interval International) and RCI (Resort Condominiums International.) While some exchange programs can offer real advice for timeshare value, these large companies have long been the focus of outrage by consumers. Many members view these companies as scam-artists who charge even greater fees than the timeshare resorts themselves. For any real timeshare help, consumers must use every tool at their disposal and learn as much as possible about the contract they are signing. Some companies offer true help, but many are there to trick consumers who are already the victims of fraudulent tactics and hidden fees.
However, there are many limitations with the timeshare help and “advice” these programs offer. First of all, another week must be available in order for the customer to receive any help with their timeshare at all. Secondly, these programs only help customers trade an equally rated resort or week for one with lesser value. Finally, these exchanges are often very hard to come by and any timeshare help comes with a hefty price tag and hidden fees.
Most true timeshare advice does not come with the same hidden fees and deceitful tactics used to lure customers into timeshares in the first place. Timeshare exchange programs are somewhat upfront about their timeshare services by outlining an upfront membership fee and a recurring annual fee. However, the hidden fees for any real timeshare help often come out later. Any exchange comes with a fee, there are hidden deposits for reservations, and massive late fees for failure to pay before certain dates that are often unknown to customers. Instead of providing timeshare help, these companies often end up hurting customers who are already reeling.
The largest timeshare exchange programs are II (Interval International) and RCI (Resort Condominiums International.) While some exchange programs can offer real advice for timeshare value, these large companies have long been the focus of outrage by consumers. Many members view these companies as scam-artists who charge even greater fees than the timeshare resorts themselves. For any real timeshare help, consumers must use every tool at their disposal and learn as much as possible about the contract they are signing. Some companies offer true help, but many are there to trick consumers who are already the victims of fraudulent tactics and hidden fees.