Timeshare and vacation clubs

Good advice on timeshare- and vacation clubs:

• Ask about the right of withdrawal (cooling-off period).
• Check the length of the contract.
• Never pay in advance.
• Ensure everything is in writing.
• Pay by credit card.

All requests to terminate the contract must be directed towards the company with whom you have a contract. Usually, legal assistance is necessary.

If you wish to sell your timeshare, it is important to realise that the reselling market is generally quite difficult. Unfortunately, it is not realistic to expect more than 40-50 percent of the purchase price. 

If reselling the timeshare proves to be impossible, you can ask the trader to take your share back. The trader is not obligated to retake your share. You cannot expect any returns, but at least you will no longer have to pay any annual fees. If you wish to give your timeshare away, contact the trader and ask if such an arrangement can be made. If the trader agrees, ask for a written confirmation.

Do not sell your timeshare through companies that reach out to you claiming to have an interested buyer. In our experience, it is highly unlikely that you will get your money back. Traders who employ such methods are often shady and unreliable.

You should not enter into a sales contract if one of the following is applicable:

• You are contacted by a trader, either in person or by phone, without having made the first contact yourself.
• The trader claims to have an interested buyer.
• You have to pay a deposit.
• The trader keeps calling and pressuring you.
• The trader’s website lacks vital contact information such as an address and registration number.

If you are unable to reach an understanding with the trader, you can contact ECC Norway.