We often hear negative comments about the timeshare industry in the news. Those ‘in the know‘ understand that the majority of timeshare owners are happy, satisfied owners. However, the positive news doesn’t always make the headlines. So, SPI Timeshare Software is delighted to share some good news we came across, lately.

Inside the Gate reported on March 1 5^th the exchange company, Interval International, announced US resident vacation owners are very pleased with their timeshare purchase. The satisfaction statistics indicate 88 percent of owners are satisfied and of those, 33 percent wish to purchase more vacation time! These are very impressive numbers.

Obviously, the concept of timeshare ownership is still strong. Why not? After all, one doesn ’t have to save throughout the year for a great get-away. It is already paid for. The owner also doesn’t have to undertake copious planning, searching the Internet for availability, contacting a travel agent, make reservations or send a deposit. They already know where they are going and have confidence that they will have an enjoyable, uplifting experience. And if they want to mix it up a little, they can request an exchange. It is easy and well worth the investment.

The question now is: how do resort operators recognize who these owners are that want to buy more? Then, do they have friends?

Recognizing who these owners are may not be so difficult. Resorts can use their timeshare software to help them communicate with and collect information from owners at various touch points, including early marketing contact, at the sales table, during the check-in process, throughout their stay and in the welcome call. If you are utilizing an owner Website you can post surveys to owners or you may have a Facebook page where discussions can be posted. Your software can help you massage the data you receive from all these sources and provide you with reporting to help guide your marketing efforts.

Be sure to get the most out of your timeshare software’s marketing function in your referral-marketing program. Make sure you capture pertinent data and can obtain reliable and useful reports when you do a “tell a friend” promotion. And, naturally, make sure your system is able to properly follow through with rewards for owners who earn discounts on maintenance fees or other special offers. Again, if you are utilizing social media, create fun referral promotions there.

Those of use involved in the timeshare resort industry know and understand its value. Our owners/members understand it, too. Now, it’s up to us to use the tools at hand to help spread the good news: Timeshare owners want more!

Please join the conversation with us on Facebook