RCI trial membership - advice please

Beth_G_2

Hi, I'm new to this forum but would love some advice please.
We recently went to Rhodes and were targeted by a dubious scratch card sales pitch...which i can't believe that we fell for! After a long, very convincing presentation we signed up with Aegean Blue for 1 weeks holiday to be taken in Rhodes or Crete (within the next year) plus certificates with RCI for 5 weeks of holidays in resorts of our choice (exclusive of flights and transfers). There is no time limit on these although, once each one is activated it has to be used within a year.

We were assured that it wasn't a time share but a trial membership that has no further commitment. We paid £600 and agreed to pay a remaining £3,500 when we got home.

When we got back and read similar stories of the scratch card sales technique...(everyone wins!!) we were so cross at the methods used that it made us suspicious of Aegean Blue/RCI and we wanted to back out. Trading standards advised us that we should have 14 days to change our minds so we sent an e-mail and also a registered delivery letter to cancel the agreement within this time.

We got a phone call from the Aegean Blue office in Rhodes saying that we cant back out because the agreement is for less than a year and therefore they don't have to give a cool off period.

She also tried very hard to reassure me that, in spite of the way they got us to the presentation, the offer is above board and they will honour what they promise.

I have been putting off paying the balance while I try to find out where I stand...but we did sign a contract so think we must pay up and hope it is ok or risk legal action.

Advice please.... Would love to hear if anyone else has done this deal...good or bad Thanks.

johnnyreggae

The basic RCI principle is fine - this deal may be fine - from how it was sold try to get out

Beth_G_2

Thanks for that...but not sure that we can get out.

budgetflyer

It works out at £600 per week for accom that is probably worth £600 per week (or more) depending where you choose from the RCI inventory. The problem may be getting where you want, when you want. The best resorts, high season sell out pretty quick.

Alan_Bowen

I would simply not pay the rest, by creating a contract of less than 12 months they have tried to get around the rules giving you a cooling off period. You must be prepared for threatening letters but I very much doubt they will take you to court, have a look at the documents and see which law applies, often it is Gibraltar or Greece and neither is going to worry you too much. Learn the lesson that you never buy anything you can't take home in your suitcase whilst on holiday!

Beth_G_2

Thanks. Yes, very tempted to do that. But do you think it will affect our credit rating if we don't pay? Its governed by Greek law I think. They were far too convincing...we aren't usually so gullible!!

Alan_Bowen

It will have no effect at all on your credit rating only judgments registered in UK would do that and I think any reasonable judge would think twice before ever giving judgment against you, not that I think it will ever get to that. My limited knowledge of Greek law is such that I wouldn't worry at all, just do not respond to any further correspondence as this will only encourage them to try and reach a 'deal' with you which means paying more money

ince_mon

Barge Pole.

Beth_G_2

Thanks a lot... that is very helpful.