John K Lgp
map-marker Phoenix, Arizona

Shell Vacation Explorer Program

A couple of years ago we got succered in to joining the Shell Vacations Explorer Program for $1,500. The salesperson promised this to be the "elite" vacation club. We wanted to try.

To exercise the Explorer Program before joining (for about $18,000) we opted to take a four day, three night cruise to Mexico.

My wife called Shell to schedule a cruise on the Royal Caribbean line. She asked for a room with a view. The Shell scheduler assured her that we would have a nice room.

What we got was a room near the bottom of the ship and directly above the anchor room. At 5:00 am each morning, we were awakened to a "god-awful" clatter and rumble of the anchor winch and chain as the anchor was lowered at each port. We certainly were not able to sleep in after the violent awakening each morning.

The Royal Caribbean cruise line itself was very nice . . . just the location of the room that Shell reserved for us was awful.

At dinner, we talked with other cruisers and found they had deluxe accomodations that they had paid several hundred dollars less than our $1,500. None of them had to contend with the anchor.

To say the least, we were ripped off and did not join Shell. We do not recommend Shell to anyone.

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Loss:
$1500
5 comments
Guest

Sorry you just dont have it together. I own 7000 pts with Shell.

I find it a great company and I love my ownership. I actually SAVE a lot of money on hotels and have gone virutally anywhere I wanted whenever I wanted with a little planning. I used to own Marriott points, but find Shell much easier to use. So you traded 4 weeks at a nice resort for a $1000 plane flight and you think you got scammed?

That was kind of a silly thing for you to do. The fact that you CAN trade your points for plane flights is a bonus the way I see it, though I'm not sure why you'd expect to get a better deal on flights by trading timeshare points though. I wouldn't. A scam they are not for sure.

Old time share was a scam, but its changed a lot over the years. :grin

Shell O

I love my ownership. A real shell ownership costs alot more than $1500.

I paid about 15k for a week, works great so long as you book a little in advance and are flexible in which resort you stay at. You get what you pay for.

Guest

shell vacation clubs are masters at hidden costs and never-ending FEES. For example :( reservation FEE, maintenance FEE, association FEE, annual FEE, club FEE, convenience FEE, parking FEE, transaction FEE, r.c.i. FEE, elite FEE, housekeeping FEE, air conditioning FEE :upset

Guest

I agree....why someone so *** would go and pay for a *** hotel $500 per night using Shell Vacations points system when u can just walk in and pay $200!!

Guest

Hi everybody,

I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle. The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me.

I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar. That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year.

After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006). But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

View more comments (4)
Anonymous
map-marker Los Angeles, California

Shell Vacation Time Share - Rip Off

We own time share with Shell. It's not worth the money! I wish we wouldn't have been done our homework first. The Las Vegas resort is far from a resort. The staff is very unprofessional and they have a skeleton crew. We tried to book a show at thier so-called customer service desk and were told that we had to call the locations directly. Also, most other resorts in Las Vegas offer shuttle service, but Shell does not. The location and surrounding reminded me somewhat of a Motel 6 on a larger scale. Also thier other locations are always booked up. Do your homework first.
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14 comments
Guest

Shell Vacations is a huge scam, and I could kick myself for being sucked into it!!!!!! Weak *** points don't even get you a decent vacation.

We are just going to stop paying the *** maintenance fees and let it go.

It's our own fault for being suckers! Nothing good about this POS company :-(

Sina Gmu

I was lured into going to a Shell presentation on Oahu. They promised me $100 green cash for attending it for a minimum 90 minutes.

The rep was very nice, but when he realized I wasn't going to sign anything he suddenly got angry, condescending and demeaning. As a stern principal I NEVER sign anything without sleeping over it for at least one night. The Rep didn't stand a chance with his desperate and insulting sales techniques. After he finally surrendered he passed me on to his boss.

His boss tried it with flattery. Though quite flattered, I still declined.

The whole ordeal took a little over 2 hours), but low and behold, in the end they handed me $100 in 5 twenties! I smiled and went on my merry way.

Guest

Do you know what you sound like, a moronic timeshare owner who bought points on a "whim" and is angry that they are too illiterate to read the fine print on the package, and you are too ingnoramous to attend an owners update meeting too help yourself learn more about the expensive timeshare that YOU signed for cuz your an id10t ! Websites like these are for people like you. who are snotty *** preppys

who have nothing better to do than complain about your maintanance fees and that you have to pay a small parking tax at the resort when you stay!

Guest

Haha- you guys are losers for even lettting the reps even pursuade you into purchasing timeshare, and then have the audacity to get mad @ shell employees when you booked your vacations at the last second and couldn't find availablity. Its easy don't spend thousands of dollars @ once on ANYTHING.

Without doing your research.

Time share owners are dumb, easily pursuaded, and fickle hearted/minded. maybe if you guys take owners update meetings you would know how to use your points.

Guest

SVC has been ok for us. We have been to many time share vacations with different comanies.

I think they all lie. The only difference is that SVC is small.

They do not have alot of locations like some of the hotels. They are booked up a lot but we have gotten out bucks worth so far.

Guest

I hate the time share my self, big big mistake to buy that *** shell vocation the scam , big scam, when you need to go somewhere they dont have on that day. monthly payment keep going up.

please stay away from any timeshare.

Even you give by free dont take it. you will continue for maintane fee the rest of your life .just stay away from time share.

Guest

Due to California law there is a pre-written rescission clause in the paperwork all you have to do is sign and fax it within seven days. I signed, faxed, and sent certified mail to make sure they got it. They got a little pissy and were trying to question my decision, but now all is well

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-39758

How long did it take for you to get the refund? I've had the manager to sign the rescission paper and returned the binder.

Kathy Xsc

Braden,

If you don't mind, what steps did you take to rescind your contract?

Kathy

Guest

I just returned from Kauai today and bought a SVC package. I would be interested in any response Dee received from any positive feedback. I have a limited time frame to take advantage of California's rescind law so would appreciate any prompt negative/positive response.

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Joseph p Ojg
map-marker Toronto, Ontario

Missleading Pressure salespeople

Shell Vacations sales staff used questionable tactics and pressure tactics to try and sell an owner/time share. They talk of 5250 "points" as if they were dollars by subtracting the $679 management fee when in fact (their words) the points were convertible to $ at a 5 to 1 ratio that is 20 cents. Now my annual 5250 pts. $1050. minus $679 management fee is worth $371 a year. This for $23,000 works out to 1.6%. If the value of the points stays at 20 cents and the maintenance does not rise. Who decides the value of the points? At 13 cents /point you earn 0%. Put your money in a G.I.C. and go where you want when you want.
View full review
3 comments
Guest

Hi everybody,

I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle. The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me.

I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar. That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year.

After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006). But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

I have the same question... what is a G.I.C?

Guest

Hi,

What is a G.I.C?

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Cupcake Qne
map-marker Wahiawa, Hawaii

Strange, Insulting Sales Personnel at SVC

We recently endured a 2 1/2 hour SVC timeshare presentation (we wanted the activity discount), and we are still in disbelief at the condescending, dishonest, unprofessional sales staff. From the moment you walk through the door and are asked to see your credit card and are told "Oh, it's for a second form of I.D." (duh - it's so that you can't say that you didn't bring your card and eliminates that excuse not to buy), to the transparent psychological sales techniques that they try to apply to you to get you to buy their weak product, all I can say is that you would do better to buy on the glutted timeshare resale market and save yourself the over-inflated prices that they are charging. Our sales agent actually insulted us numerous times when it was clear that we weren't fresh off the turnip truck and falling for their hyped up b.s. Because we are educated travellers, we don't just jump into something because a slimey salesperson is telling us that it is a good value. And, what's with us telling the sales person "no, thank you - we're not interested" and then having the "closer" come over to try to get us to say "yes" and then after that having yet a 3rd person try to sell us an abbreviated version of the program for less money. No, means no, people. You need to rework your techniques because as far as we could tell only 2 people out of about a group of about 35 bought your story. Better luck, next time...
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6 comments
Guest

@cupcake...Unlike the "slimy salesperson" i'm glad you have some decorum. First of all, they have a job to do and a selling process to stick to, just as you and your spouse have a plan and buying process that you stick to. Second of all, as such a smart traveller having not fell of the turnip truck you should realize that to get "discounts" on your activities, rather than booking through a concierge (which is how you were booked for the salse tour) you should call activities vendors directly for a discount, or go to one of the many kiosks in town offering discounts on activities without having to waste 2 1/2 hrs of vacation by going to the sales room. You're so savvy on transparent weak sales technique by not jumping into something the "slimy" salesperson says is a good value, yet the marketing agent told you the discounts were a good value if you went to the presentation and guess what: you can get discounts without having to go through that. You may not have fallen off the truck, but you're definitely not capable of driving it either!

Regards,

Savvy Traveller

Guest

I'm sitting in the presentation while on this site and I'm confronting them with all these post and response is always can't satisfy everyone.. *** just give one satisfied customers

Guest

I worked for Shell and will tell you most of the salespeople and managers are slimy. However, many of the guest are just as slimy. They just want the gift and have never had any intention of buying anything

Guest

Hey "Timesharejesus",

You're still the slimey one.

Guest

You chose your profession. Our sales person was very nice, but she still out right lied to us.

Maybe you don't know the product you are selling? Let me tell you.

You are selling lies, overpriced useless points that get you no where and a *** 800 with people who can't even explain what these unknown-to-me fees are! Get a new job!

Guest

After reading your post, I simply had to comment. I read several of these rants all referring to the salespeople as slimey, liars, high pressure, etc, etc, etc.

That's awful, I AM one of these sales people you talk about. I cannot speak for others and there tactics, however the people I work with, and my self DO NOT use these tactics. We take great pride in making dreams come true. Nothing more gratifying than having your owner, send a postcard, or stop in to say "Thank you!, we couldn't have done it without you."

People like you would never ever see the value in what we show you. You are to busy thinking we are out to trick you.

I can't even count how many times, I sat with someone just like you and got lied to over and over. I won't get into great detail because I could go on and on.

I do want to say though, we work in commission ALONE. So when you come to our resorts, just for gifts. You are taking money out of our and our FAMILIES paycheck.

Who's slimey now?

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jrdubos
map-marker Huntington Beach, California

Shell Vacations-Is great

I have been a owner for six years. I am quite pleased for the most part with the quality of both service and accomodations from Shell.

I have stayed in resorts in Canada (Calgary & Vancouver), Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, Anaheim, Las Vegas and Napa. All were a great experience. the only time I've been disappointed using my points is at a affiliate in Virgina just outside of Washington, DC. You definitely can purchase points much cheaper resale however, per Shell they do not allow you to combine those points with ones purchased from them.

I even planned most trips within 30 to 60 days.

So far I have no complaints, I will travel to Europe and Africa soon if the quality holds true I will continue to be satisfied.

View full review
Loss:
$40
15 comments
Yosemite

If you love shell so much why don't you buy mine.I promise you that I will be happy with you decision.

Guest

I know many places like Charlis in the DR....Lots of them something to complain about but one I like is Blue Paradise dr. I go all the time and love it

Guest

I would like to sell shell vacations ,Their resorts r all good ,Can any one know how to sell or cancel the membership of shell.They r charging a lot on interest ,Its really hard to pay.my email is arvindersingh@***.lv .thanks guysss

Guest

I new here and read a few comments about charlisangels adult sex vacations resort and thought it would be nice to read from readers who have actually visited the all inclusive resort.

Guest

I was checking this sight because I like Shell and was surprised to find complaints! If these lazy complainers would ask questions and read their paperwork, they would be a lot more satisfied.

Some of their resorts where I have stayed are awesome and have provided us amazing vacations. I suggest you start using what you have or quit acting like someone forced you to sign.

albear

ummmm...if you're so pleased with your purchase why are you posing on a site called "pissed consumer"? are you having identity issues???

Guest

My husband and I are Shell Vacation owners and do not have anything bad to say at all. We are pleased to have purchase this.

They do ask everytime we travel and check in if we want to attend a seminar but we just let them know that we are here on vacation and we are not interested. They leave us alone . . .

all you have to do is say no thank you.

We plan on buying more points in the next few years as we plan to travel a lot more. To all who have had a bad experience I am sorry.

Guest

I have not visited charlisangels yet but I heard this escort vacation resort is affordable and has many activities for its guests. I also heard the European and Russian escorts from charlisangels erotic sex vacations are extremely beautiful and fun.

Guest

I don't believe this post. I think it was written by an employee.

My elderly parents got scammed into this, and now I'm stuck trying to unload it. They are elite members, invested $40k, and are getting screwed. Shell is a ripoff and scam.

They have lying, unscrupulous sales people. I am looking for a lawsuit or means to get out of Shell.

Guest

...and on the third day god had spoken to me and said:

"Cancel that Shell membership because of all the little fees that *** in do not make it worth while"

And so it shall be done...

View more comments (14)
Anonymous
map-marker Los Angeles, California

SVC lacked transparency about their offers and put up great obstacles to ameliorate the situation.

We spent seven hours at an SVC presentation. Upon signing, we were offered a reimbursable dinner.

We ended up canceling at our financial advisor's advice, and were told we would not be reimbursed for dinner. We complained, stating that we were never told the circumstances under which the dinner would be reimbursed - on top of not being forewarned about "hidden" fees with membership, despite explicitly asking, "Are there any additional costs associated with this $26,000 membership other than annual membership fees, which may be waived by attending an SVC presentation, and HOA fees" (yearly property taxes, essentially). There was an additional $100 fee plus $2-$3 per payment "maintenance fee." Meanwhile, the person who handled our paperwork wasn't even an owner, and all of the workers with whom we spoke (to get verification of answers to our questions) had only been with the company for six to nine months. Although claiming to compete with the Marriot and others, I had never heard of SVC - and only had heard bad things about timeshares.

In any event, we were upset about the $120 dinner we paid for, expecting reimbursement, particularly since we sat there for seven hours and there was no Subway garbage left when we were done and starving; it should have been available all day.

A whole slew of calls ensued, during which we were told the salesman would have to pay it out of his pocket if he reimbursed us, as it is "not a company policy, but most of our employees choose to reimburse new owners up to $50..." Although it was not a company policy, they seemed to have a lot of unwritten rules. And, one debate with a manager actually came down to, "Did the salesman say 'he' would reimburse you or that SVC would?" I told him I was in an SVC place of business with an SVC employee in an SVC shirt and name tag, who was next to another SVC employee listening to our conversation when he offered to reimburse us. Even if he said 'he' would reimburse us, I took it to mean he would take care of the administrative processes to get the check out, not that it would come out of his pocket...

Another manager claimed it was not proper 'etiquette' for me to assume we would be reimbursed after canceling; furthermore, it would have been 'rude' for the salesman to tell us we would not have been reimbursed if we canceled. I told him I thought it would have been honest and would have prevented the whole conversation. In the end, I spoke with several managers, all with the same story (though, this was supposed to be a matter between me and the salesman, right? Not the company...), and was told to call the Corporate Office.

I got a call back immediately from someone who handles legal matters, and she was wonderful and offered me gift cards approximating the value of the dinner. It wasn't the blank reimbursement I wanted, but it was a nice alternative to taking the matter up with the Better Business Bureau (though I may still do that) and the State Attorney General (who I may prewarn anyway). Assuming we get the cards swiftly, I will transform from pissed to pleased...

to be a never customer of them again!

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2 comments
Guest

You said it! We had a very similar experience except we actually paid for ours & are still trying unsuccessfully 99% of the time to book any vacation.

Takes forever, can't get what you want, only were able to use one & it was mediocre at best, cancelled two others when they didn't work out, pay high maintenance fees every year & end up having to make vacation plans outside of our timeshare. Must have a lot of time & patience, no schedule or expectations, want to golf, shop, cook (or pay even more to eat out). Renting & selling don't work either.

Feel stuck. :sigh

Guest

I used to work for Shell. If you look on the back of the gift certif.

they give you, it says if you cancel you are responsible for the cost of the activity. I'm sorry to say that most of the sales people and staff are worse than sleazy car salesmen.

I'm not an unhappy past employee. I haven't worked for the company for several years, it's just that I feel sorry for the people being scammed.

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Joseph p Ojg
map-marker Toronto, Ontario

Missleading Pressure salespeople

Shell Vacations sales staff used questionable tactics and pressure tactics to try and sell an owner/time share. They talk of 5250 "points" as if they were dollars by subtracting the $679 management fee when in fact (their words) the points were convertible to $ at a 5 to 1 ratio that is 20 cents. Now my annual 5250 pts. $1050. minus $679 management fee is worth $371 a year. This for $23,000 works out to 1.6%. If the value of the points stays at 20 cents and the maintenance does not rise. Who decides the value of the points? At 13 cents /point you earn 0%. Put your money in a G.I.C. and go where you want when you want.
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1 comment
Guest

You sound like a ***! please do your homework before posting. My family has owned with Shell for 10 plus years, only good things to say.

kmartbls M
map-marker Huntington Beach, California

Shell is Amazing

I have been an owner with Shell for 3 years. Just recently I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I had to take many months off of work for treatment and time to heal.

Needless to say we had some money problems. Yet because of ownership I was able to take my family on an amazing trip to Disneyworld. For two weeks me being sick didn't seem to matter. I was able to put smiles on the faces of the ones I care for the most, my wife Melody and our two wonderful children Jack and Wesley. This gave us a chance to do something as a family with out the care of money we enjoyed just being a family and I was able to provide memories for my sons that are priceless.

I would tell anybody who goes to a shell presentation to take a leap of faith for your family and for your dreams.

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5 comments
Guest

This company has been around for over 40 years! I am a second generation shell owner.

My family has been owner eversince I can remember. Not perfect but I cant imagine what a difference it would have been if my father had never purchased. I think some people buy this stuff because they want to be better parents or husbands or wives they buy out of guilt.

I can see how some people could be upset somtimes but the negative comments on this site are nuts! Maby they were unhappy to findout that shell couldnt solve all the problems they have in thier rotten lives.

Guest

Hi everybody,

I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle. The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me.

I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar. That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year.

After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006). But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

Hi everybody,

I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle. The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me.

I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar. That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year.

After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006). But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

This sounds like a Chicken soup for the soul story. Congrats to the Shell employee who wrote this.

The "take a leap of faith" line at the end was a gem! I have been a Shell owner for three years and feel scammed.

Poor value for the money. This will catch up with them as consumers share their stories on sites like this!

Guest

This sounds like a chicken soup for the soul story. Congrats to the shell employee who wrote this gem.

The "take the leap of faith" line at the end was classic. I have been a shell owner for three years and feel scammed.

Poor value for the money. This will catch up with them as consumers have the power now with sites like these!

View more comments (4)
dindiaz
map-marker Warrenton, Oregon

SVC paperwork contains lies that will ***

the paperwork said we could use explorer points when half of our payments were made, so i made a reservation. then they called and said it all had to be paid, and if i cancelled the reservation i wluld lose my points.

i would NOT buy from this company. i have had much better luck with worldmark, which i have owned for several years.

also timeshares should definitely be purchased on the resale market....much better bang for the buck. they say i can't post this til it has a hundred words, but you can stop reading cuz i am done

View full review
Loss:
$2500
10 comments
Guest

I paid for one property in full then bought another and now I am in the process of loseing both because they are foreclosing on one because the maintenance fees went from $849 to $2700 a year which is BS but EQUINT screwed me out of $1500 buy taking unatherized money out of my account and never gave it back after they said they would. this is the worst company I have ever had to deal with :(

Guest

My most recent credit report showed a 30 day late for JUNE 2008. This is an error reported by the business, EQUIANT Financial of Shell Vacations.

I had upgraded the acct from Explorer to SVC in MARCH. When I did the upgrade all funds were to transfer to the new acct. AT EQUIANT they did not do the account transfer/upgrade, and held on to the payments for 6+mos.

In July while on deployment, I wanted to use my timeshare, they told me it was behind and to make it current so that I can use it, pay $155 +$30 maintenance charge. I did, and they said they had no idea where I was sending the payments to. When I returned from Deployment (August/Sept), I started to get my checks that I had been sending back (I still have most of the checks). I called them back and they shuffled me around and the information on the account got it straightened out and they said that all was clear on my account. The Senior rep stated that the error was on their end and that (1) my account was clear and current and (2) any fees for the misunderstanding would be removed. I explicitly ask how was the account being reported on the credit report; the representative stated, you account will show no lateness on your credit report you are good to go.

They tried to get me to buy more, I said NO WAY; I am reporting you to the Better Business Bureau …I am tired of you mishandling my account and am going to pay the entire amount off. September 2008 I paid the entire $6k+ off so the account would show paid in full and not count against my D:I ratio and to stay away from the EQUIANT money mis-handlers.

Now, 4mos after the accounts been paid, 6mos after they corrected THIER error, they are saying I was behind. I have ALL my bills on automatic payment so that they are NEVER late or behind. Most are paid ahead because of this. I have tried to call them, but they are closed on the weekend. I did put a dispute on the transaction with the credit bureau (TransUnion). The dispute still has the late and now incorrectly displays that the account is closed.

Today, I spoke a Rep Gerald and he said he would have a rush put on removing the error, and would have a supervisor contact me on the 26th of November 2008. The supervisor never contacted me. The only thing he could provide me with today was a letter stating the account was paid in full as agreed.

In short, EQUIANT received ALL the payments on time, EQUIANT mishandled the money and someone at their end is trying to cover their butt by putting it on me. I have contacted EQUIANT on several occasions and they have been extremely rude and uncooperative.

When I did get help from Shell they tried to hold me hostage for illegal maint fees; stting pyup or we'll fult your account again!

SHELL VACATIONS RUINED MY LIFE!!!

Guest

I was hustled into buying a timeshare with these people. I got home from my vacation (where I bought it) and decided I didn't need it.

I called them and asked what to do to cancel. They told me I had another 3 days to cancel under the contract, just fill out a form in the paperwork and send it in. I asked, explicitly, "If I send this out today, and it's postmarked today, it will be cancelled." They told me yes. I did this, and they called me and informed me it was postmarked a day too late and they would not cancel my membership.

I refused to pay them another penny- they ruined my credit but I am not giving them another dime.

They got my $2000 deposit and that's enough! I hate this company with a passion- they are misleading, lying scammers!

Guest

Hi everybody,

I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle. The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me.

I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar. That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year.

After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006). But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

Shell sucks hard. We also have the explorer membership and it had been nothing but lies and hassles.

Half the time the customer service people are rude and confusing. Why can't they set up bookings online?! It is so inconvenient to call and book. It would make it a little better if they were available 24 hours a day.

During our meeting when we made the purchase they gave us number of how many weeks our points could go for.

That was such a complete lie. She said we would have 6 weeks of vacation! Now that we have talked to someone the longest it seems we'd be able to go for is 10 days. That's a HUGE difference.

I hate this company. It has been such a headache and we are just in a temporary membership.

I agree with what everyone has been saying about the salespeople too. Very pushy and insulting.

Guest

Why Members would pay over $400 for a hotel room when you can simply stay at the same exact hotel for $200 by just walking in or making your reservation through other companies like expedia...etc.

Now their top executives are making money like crazy and we are talking MORE than $200k A YEAR!!!

who do think is paying for their salaries and all expenses to Japan and $20K a month for an office call center in downtown??? Please dont even think about purchasing more points from Shell Vacations they are taking your money and making porfits of millions of dollars every year!!

Guest

:( when I bought my timeshare with Shell, I didn't know that, with their point system. they make sure that in reality I don't own anything, only the air that I breathe in their vacations rooms.

Because they keep on increasing the point fee for the vacationing locations but my points stay always the same.

Be careful and don't fall in their trap like I did.

Guest

It's so obvious that Shell is having their employees (given that there are over 2,500 of them with not much to do since their product isn't moving very fast these days) getting on these message boards and disputing unhappy customer's complaints.

I would be vary wary of buying into SVC given what i witnessed recently at a timeshare presentation. While we were leaning towards purchasing, the incredibly condescending salespeople and hard sell techniques really turned us off to this company. Look beyond the hype and read the message boards before you buy this product. Don't fall for their phony "i'm your best friend" sales spiel because as soon as you start asking questions or say "no" they become vipers.

Run the other way!

Guest

I was an explorer owner with Shell I love the program If you don't have the money to get involve with shell as a Full owner this is the best way to become a member. U do have to pay it off before you travel but wait don't you have to pay most trips before u travel.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-14475

how do you pay it off Ive been trying to find out where I can send my check to pay in full

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scobyclaus
map-marker Richmond, California

Bent over by Shell Vacation Club

I unfortunately agree with all the bad reviews of Shell Vacations. We have been an “owner for almost a year now and have been turned down for every reservation we have tried to make. We eventually spent a weekend at the Vino Bello and it was very nice, but it was the weekend they said they had space not the weekend we actually wanted. I called the Vino Bello a month before the dates we wished to stay and they had plenty of room. As soon as I hung up the phone with Vino Bello I called SVN and tried to reserve the same dates and was told they were full. Vino Bello/SVN only holds a certain amount of rooms for “Owners” and the rest are for other guests. I’m sorry but this is bull, and not what we were told when we purchased. Second, we booked 8 nights in Puerto Vallarta at the Plaza Peleconos (and SVN Property). As “Owners” we are supposed to be placed in the Grand section of the hotel and this is what we were told when we booked. However when I called to confirm with the Hotel I was told that we are in the Club Section. Every review of the Hotel states that the Club section is horrible, to put it nicely, and that you need to stay in the Grand section. It’s the same deal as before, there is room in the Grand section but all the “Owners” spaces are filled. Screwed again by SVC. Shell Vacations is not the way to go if you’re looking for a timeshare.
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Loss:
$27
4 comments
Guest

Many promises were made that are now not available. I cannot even express my disappointment and disgust at being taken for such a miserable roide that has no end in site as you can''t even hardly giv these memeberships away, much less resell them!!

Totally overpriced and does not deliver the resort style vacations promised.

People do not waste your money!! As an Elite owner I am supposed to have all the special services and added extras..I have YET to have one of them actually delivered!!!!

Guest

Hello Shell Owner,

I reviewed a few of your comments and have to belieive that you may possibly be a Shell Employee trying to shed some doubt on actual complaints. That is pretty f'd up.

Guest

I Think all these negative posts are rival companies like Trend West! Dont Belive Thier Lies! Shell has been in business building and selling realestate a federaly regulated industry for over 40 years!

Guest

Who will be so *** to pay $400 per night using their points when you can simply walk in into the same exact Hotel and pay $200 or less!!! C'mon this people are making money out of you!!!

They have salaries that exceed $200K a year and paying for office lease over $20K a month!!! Who do you think is paying for all that?

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Anonymous
map-marker Madrid, Madrid

Booking with Shell Vacations

We have points with Shell Vacations and are very pleased. We have gone on vacations more since we bought in than we ever did before. We have gone to Disney Land and Hawaii. We have not had any problems booking stays unless it is at a high demand area such as Napa. Since our home area is San Francisco, we get priority there. I find the best way is to book at 6-9 months in advance, and take weekend getaways. They also have last minute deals called Dash-aways that are great. We are going to Arizona for a golf vacation on just such a deal. Bottom line is you have to stay up on the current availabilty. Going to the member meetings every six months is a big plus also. You always get comps such as extra points, cruises or car rentals. We have used them all and are very pleased with the service we have gotten. Sheldon and Connie C.
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9 comments
Guest

I don't own a time share. However Dave is just some loser who was never taught manners.

His mother dropped him on his head when he was younger.

He was fired from Shell so that is why he is posting *** about them. He has no friends and sucks his own balls.

Guest

Come on "can't believe it" just because your parents did not teach you manners, such as complimenting when someone does a good job does not mean that other people's parents negliected to teach them the basics. Or perhaps you were fired from this company and don't like reading good things about them.

Same with you twoblondsmonmmy.

Did this company fire you? I think both of you are Jimmy.

Guest

"Company posting disguised as a consumer" is very likely what's happening here, as twoblondiesmommy reported. Wish the good comments were true, but experience says NOT.

Suckers like us keep trying, but sadly the same thing happens to us as to Ron. That is SORRY, all booked! What to do?

Must be a way out. :(

Guest

I took worked at Shell. Unless you have a lot of points meaning at least 7,000, the club really doesn't work for you. And I will tell you most the sales people are dishonest, but not as much as the managers.

Guest

Yeah, No kidding i use to work with Shell and I can tell you that most of these "good post" are lies lies lies. Shell is a scam in the way they lie about how good the resort are and how easy it is to get the resort when you try to trade. Bogus!

Guest

All you people who complain here need to take one thing into consideration. You have a good ownership if you learn how to use it.

If it really was as bad as you say how would the company be allowed to sell realestate for the last 40 years. It is a well regulated industruy.

Guest

The main man at SVC is Sheldon Ginsburg. I wonder if his wife's name is Connie; but, all kidding aside SVC is one of the top rated timeshares in the industry. The problem is here with most ticked off people here is they need something more than practice "Explore" package or an entry level owner package to enjoy what SVC has to offer.

Guest

OMG I am in marketing and can smell a company posting disguised as a consumer from 20 paces!

Guest

that s a joke every time we have try to book they where all booked it just a big scam !! if any one puts a class action suit together count me in !! i give the grade F

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Dan B Mhm
map-marker Los Angeles, California

Shell Vacation Club did not supply promised trip

We attended a time share presentation and did not wish to buy their product. One of the lures to attend the presentation was "A Hawaiian Holiday." This was through an agency called Holiday Travel of America, based in Carlsbad, CA. They requested a fee of $100 as a "tax deposit". Well, they cashed my check back in March of 2007, and so far I have never had this agency contact me. When I contact them, I only hear that "at this time the dates that you have chosen are unavailable." I would not trust anything Shell Vacation Club promises due to this experience of mine.
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11 comments
Guest

Their compent and wonderful sales people created a false loan. Since I paid "cash in full to buy", I am stuck with something I have had the points expire on for nonpayment on their false loan.

They fixed it , but every years or use, I get my appearanc of a dead beat on their false loan back in my face.

I cannot enter their wonderful website yet. ( Years later) , because I appear to be a deadbeat.

They made it right, and all good for me, by paying my maintanence fees and they declare they did every year on their EQUIANT website...however, I get the bill and pay it myself or lose my use...whoopee.

About that use.

Since I cannot enter their website as the "deadbeat" stopped by an Equiant report they cannot reverse.

I am forced to rely on "the odd accents of English" who answer the phones.

When they key entry error any booking I am trying to make, I lose points for the reversal on that booking error they just made and read back to me, within the same phone call.

If you love headaches and near to tear experiences as vacations ... you are going to love these competent people.

Guest

My fiance and I just signed the paperwork to buy into this today, only after they told us about the 7 day window to cancel. We read the fine print on the way home and decided to cancel and after reading reviews we are driving down there tomorrow to return the binder and sign the paperwork before it is too late.

My question now though is...do we get the down payment/deposit back?....I hope so, but I'm scared. Does anyone know?

Guest

I already contacted the attorneys California and they plan to have legal action and lawsuit against SVC, to assist us to legally cancel contract with SVC, get money back, and request compensation for being abused, deception, and scammed from SVC. If you plan to join this class-action suit against SVC, please contact me via: complaintsvc@***.com

Guest

Guys and Gals please take the time to read everything. Go through the contracts...all 20 pages of it.

I am currently in the 7 day window where I can still cancel the membership. I just hand delivered my letter to them yesterday, but they were closed and closed today too.

I sent another letter to them via mail and called the customer service center with my intent to recind. Follow through with the cancellation make sure you get it in writing from them.

Guest

Hi everybody, I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle.

The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me. I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar.

That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year. After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006).

But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

Hi everybody,

I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle. The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me.

I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar. That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year.

After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006). But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

:( My family got screwed on a promise trip and maintence fees. We were promised 10 days and two airline tickets to Hawaii.

When we booked the room the airline didn't have the seats. When we tried to book the airline tickets first, the hotel rooms were not available.

Shell gave me the run around up until the time our gift expired. That is the least of my frustraion with shell :( :( :(

Guest

We just attended a SVC presentation on Monday 8/4/08 and were pleasantly surprised bu how smoothly it went. They had childcare so we could bring our kids.

They gave us a subway dinner. I don't if it was because our presenter was a manger but he basically said we are kind of busy tonight and we can make this short or long depending on you. The presenter told us about the costs upfront unlike others who do it at the end, discussed vacation ownership and why SVC was a good choice. Then he asked us are you interested at all, we just said no and he let us go.

We got our gifts, 2 universal studio tickets instantly and off we went out with our kids. within an hour.

The best experience ever at a vacation ownership presentation!! The only thing was they didn't let us change our gifts, we had to stick to what we chose.

Guest

Yeah well at least you didn't buy it! My fiance and I, stressed about the cost of a honeymoon were lured into buying the club membership two months ago.

We have been nothing but dissapointed! All they care about is selling you the membership. They promised us many things that were never delivered, charged us hundreds of dollars in hidden fees and never call us back.

We even have to pay to make a reservation! Stay away!

Cupcake Qne

We just attended a Shell Vacations Club presentation and found ourselves in disbelief at how were were insulted and treated like *** for not wanting to spend our hard-earned money on their *** product. When insulting us didn't work, they tried every other trick in the book to try to hook us into buying, even though we repeatedly said that we were not interested.

Ultimately, we had to tell 3 different slimy salespeople "no" before we were set free from our 2 1/2 hours of ***.

If we had any inclination to buy their product when we started out, we are certainly turned off now. Amazing what these vultures are doing...

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wyldcat
map-marker Chula Vista, California

Very pleased

My husband and I were offered a tour at shell in Anaheim. We had very good service and received our gift. We decided to buy. We pay $99 no service maintenance fee and our contract is up in 2 yrs. I like the company and they do what they say. Like any company it depends on your sales person about their ethics. Never sign anything without thinking about it. My husband and I love to travel. We used our movie tickets to see Iron man this week. When we got to shell it was a very professional atmosphere, our rep was a licensed real estate agent. In California we require property to be sold through an agent. Thank's shell
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5 comments
Guest

Hi everybody, I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle.

The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me. I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar.

That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year. After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006).

But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

Write your Review »

Shell Vacations sales staff used questionable tactics and pressure tactics to try and sell an owner/time share. They talk of 5250 "points" as if they were dollars by subtracting the $679 management fee when in fact (their words) the points were convertible to $ at a 5 to 1 ratio that is 20 cents. Now my annual 5250 pts. $1050. minus $679 management fee is worth $371 a year.

This for $23,000 works out to 1.6%. If the value of the points stays at 20 cents and the maintenance does not rise. Who decides the value of the points? At 13 cents /point you earn 0%.

Put your money in a G.I.C. and go where you want

when you want.

Guest

Why is it that only the positive reviews of Shell Vacations Club use bolded words to convey their point. Seems fishy.

Guest

I've had shell for two months and am already trying to sell it. What a pain!

hidden fees, bad service and outright lies. We were promised everything and anything to make the sale and then after we signed on the line they barely take our calls-at the Anaheim location! Happy for you, but very sad for me.

I will be paying through the nose for the rest of my life. SHELL VACATIONS IS HORRIBLE!

Guest

I Love Shell Vacations Club. I have been an owner for over 10 Years and would never go back to what I was doing before. Sure the system isn't perfect you could buy the more expensive ones for the same problem or stick with some one who knows how to treat there customers.

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Sayres S
map-marker Visalia, California

Dishonest salesmen and a dishonest company

We are extremely upset that we were taken by this huge company that could care less about you once they reel you in! They have a party like atmosphere that gets everyone excited about what seems to be a fantastic opportunity and then they go for the kill. My husband and I consider ourselves to be reasonably intelligent people but these scam artists proved to be too slick for us to see the trees for the the forest. We are now stuck for life and it is very depressing. We bought into 4500 points at over $350 a month and a mainatance fee of almost $900 a year. Just think what an awesome vacation you could have at that price without any "ownership"! Everytime I call to book they all "All Booked Up" and it's really getting old. Does any one know what we can do? We need help.

Thank you,

Dennis and Katherine Sayre

ksayre@***.net

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16 comments
Guest

They don'y mind selling you something, that can't seem to be resold. I asked them for help, they didn't have a clue as to how to fix it. I'm not even 30 days late and I get 4 calls a day from Equiant.

Guest

Iam a happy owner for over 10 years with shell vacations club

I can't belive the lies you are saying

If you can point and click you can use this product shell has over 130,000.00 owners

Guest

We are a group of more than 60 people who have been victimized by Shell Vacations Club (SVC), a company whose headquarters is located in Illinois (40 Skokie Blvd. Suite 350, Northbrook, IL 60062; Telephone: 847-564-****), with branch offices located in California (SVC-West branch in California, 2770 Taylor, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94133, Tel: 415-775-****), Hawaii, and some other states.

We understand that SVC is continuing their fraudulent business activities on a daily basis right now. Hundreds of people have been victimized, and more will fall into the trap of SVC’s misrepresentations and fraud if we don’t take actions to prevent this from happening. Your support would be essential for our efforts in seeking justice and protecting other potential victims.

We will continue our legal fighting to cancel fraudulent contracts with SVC, recover our financial losses, and most importantly, stop the fraudulent and illegal activities of SVC.

If you would like to join our legal action and lawsuit against SVC, please e-mail us at complaintsvc@***.com, then we will contact you for detailed next step we do. Thank you in advance for your kind attention to this matter!

Sincerely

SVC Complaint and lawsuit group

Guest

WE HAVE BEEN HAD BY SHELL TOO. WE PURCHASED 1700 POINTS FOR $8,000 AND WE CAN NEVER GET IN TO STAY ANYWHERE AND ARE POINT DON'T ADD UP TO THE AMOUNT OF DAYS THEY SOLD US..

IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION ABOUT A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT PLEASE CONTACT ME . I AM IN THE STATE OF AZ AND I HAVE FILEED A COMPLAINT WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERALS OFFICE.. WAITING ON RESPONSE. MY EXPERIENCE IS THE SAME AS EVERYONE ELSE..

THEY LIE ABOUT EVERYTHING.!!! THANK YOU JEA@***.COM

Guest

Too bad so many of us fall for their "Oh, this isn't a timeshare; you own points you can use for so many things!" LIES LIES AND MORE LIES. 3500 points costing over $19,000 plus annual fees of over $800 and you still have to pay a transaction fee.

No, you don't get $3500 worth of airfare-you get $1000. You don't get $3500 worth of hotel stay, you get $500. Why would anyone pay 3x what it costs for a normal vacation you can book on Expedia on a week's notice. Be Smart--Don't Be Gullible.

If you haven't bought--DONT. You'll be stuck for life!!!

Guest

Hi everybody,

I bought shell vacations club membership on 09-03-2006. But it is complete swindle. The total price for the membership is $30239.00 and $1150.10 annual maintenance fee (they call it assessment). What I got is 7000 points/year which equal 4 weeks vacation time including everything (airfare, food, car rental…) that’s the sales told me.

I tried to book my first vacation on 09/15/2006. Their customer service told me the points can be only used for club properties, but it can be converted to purchase airfare something and the 7 points equal 1 dollar. That totally different than the sales representative told me. It’s a absolutely a trick. I pay $30239.00 plus $1015.10 every year and then I got $1000(****points) back per year.

After figure out the whole store, I contacted shell vacation club to cancel this purchase at the same day (09/15/2006). But they don’t allow me to cancel it.

I wanna hire an attorney to fight with this company. If you have any information please share with us.

Guest

Does anyone want to buy my membership? 3500.

I only go to Las Vegas and Yosemite so we dont need it.

we are selling outs for $3,500. If you are interested please email me at four_by3@***.com

Guest

Seriously, one of the reasons why Shell Vacations doesnt have any rooms is because they are over selling their product, and on top of that they are giving free Vacation time to third parties companies when they purchase all sort of equipment, electronics, furniture through barter then when the real members that are paying a lot of money for this SCAM they can't stay at any of their resorts because they are all booked!!!

Shell Vacations spends over $25,000 A month on their lease in Chicago office in downtown and who do think is paying for it?

Their upper Management travel to other countries, Japan, Europe and stay at expensive resorts, meals, limos at your expense!!! Because YOU are paying $400 a night with your points when you can JUST SIMPLY walk in and pay $200 for the same exact room!!

Guest

SVN does not know what they are doing.. I went in for my "90 min" thing waited for 1 hour and told them i was going to leave.

They told me to wait 5 more min, Our name was called we went back and told the person we have been waiting for over a hour already and want to get on with it..

Nope same thing wait here ,, 10 min later bla bla bla,,, 4 hours later they us go... What a rip off

Guest

I just had the displeasure of attending one of Shell Vacation's timeshare presentations. From the first moment you walk in the door and they ask you for your credit card (ostensibly as a "second form of id" but really so that you can't back out by saying you didn't bring your credit card that day and can't buy), to the snotty salespeople who try every conceivable psychological trick to get you to buy - this company is a nightmare. Run like your hair is on fire.

When insulting you doesn't work, they try asking inappropriate questions about your personal finances - anything it takes to get you to buy their product (which by all accounts ain't that great).

They really need to branch out from the hard sell techniques and try a little honesty. Yikes!

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