Suncoast Vacations Deceptive: Provides misleading information to consumers- A Big Time Rip-Off Clearwater Florida

My husband and I received an invitation in the mail from Suncoast Vacations, stating we would get a free cruise, all we needed to do was attend one of their travel presentations. We thought, "hmmm.. free cruise, couldn't hurt." We were wrong! We were won over by the sales associate impressive powerpoint presentations of destinations and sites. Empty promises of their flexibility, affordability, customer satisficaiton, CHEAP airfares, among others.

The four resort weeks per year, which was promoted, was beyond us, since my husband's job only provides one week vacation at present, so they worked with us. We were able to get a one resort week per year at a lower cost. We were again impressed. In our excitment and not knowing the right questions to ask or being able to browse their site for reliability,and in our rushed to get back home to our little ones, we signed where we were asked to, without asking questions, made a down payment of $1000.00 and got our leather binder with signed contract and left.

A week later my husband went on their website to browse airfares to New York, wanting to visit a sick aunt, and to his surprise the flights were not CHEAP as promised but infact cost more than Jet-Blue and Spirit airlines:same flight, same time, same day. He thought it was a mistake, so he tried again, then again a few days later. By no means were their airfares CHEAP, but came out to be the same or higher.

We were not comfortable at this time, and since we're not allowed to use the program until after six months because we financed our payment, we decided to call and cancled it. That's when we were made aware that we had 72 hours to cancle, upon signing the contract. We were further told that it is a lifetime contract: we could will it, transfer it but NOT CANCLEit. This is when my husband and I read through the contract and to our dismay, we did indeed agreed to the terms as our signature proved. So now we are obligated to pay the remaining $3000.00 in addition to a $225 yearly membership fee for LIFE! We have not utilized their survices, yet we have to make the payment otherwise it will affect our credits.

We contacted our credit card company to file a complaint in order to stop further auto monthly payments, only to be told that because we signed a binding contract permitting payment to Capital Financial-Suncoast Vacations financing agent- they are obligated to pay them monthly. The only way to stop payment is if Suncoast Vacations cancle the contract.

Talk about providing misleading information to gain sales; Suncoast Vacations does a great job at that. Loaded with empty promises of flexibility, affordability, customer satisfaction, CHEAP airfairs, convenience, among others. Where is all of this. Like others, I'm also looking for some positive/negative feedback about Suncoast Vacations. In my research, I've yet to find anyone who has positive things to say about this company.

I spoke to colleagues, whom advised me to contact the Better Business Bureau, unfortunately they didn't have any information about Suncoast Vacations, other than that the company has not provided information they requested. So there is nothing about their reliability or customer satisfaction, not even with the BBB.

My goal here on out is to simply educate others about Suncoast Vacations. So that should they decide to attend one of their travel presentations, potential members will know about the company, the right questions to ask and know beforehand what they're getting themselves into. Had I known then what I know now, I would not have signed up. It's an "eye" opener now, that at the presentation we were actually asked if we've heard of Suncoast Vacations, and no-one has heard of them before, which is why they're able to rip innocent people off.

I am in the process of going through my contract and pulling out information that Suncoast Vacations don't tell potential members and information that is provided in a misleading way. Which I would like to have available to others, so they know EXACTLY what they're getting themselves into. Any information as to how I can make this available to others would be greatly appreciated.

As I said before, my goal here on out is to help educate others, so they can make a decision they won't regret!

Anonymous
ORLANDO, Florida
U.S.A.