Menu
Tradewinds Vacations

Tradewinds Vacations review: Fraudulent travel club membership 60

S
Author of the review
4:01 am EST
Review updated:
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

Vacation club benefits are basically worthless -I got scammed in Las Vegas through STS travel - Sea to Ski of Colorado - which are front companies -basically LLC's that change their names. constantly. Tradewinds Vacations is in Alabama -STS is in Colorado but they do their presentations in Las Vegas. Promises of refund are bogus and they never return your calls -sales agreement forms has 28 items that have to be initialed and basically lock you in so credit card companies will not help you in a dispute.STS travel -Sea to Ski of Colorado - the owners name is Stephen Wunder.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

60 comments
U
U
user2383147
, US
Nov 14, 2022 11:48 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They have been harassing us for approximately 3-4 years now with dues that we owe. We just ignore the mailings. I called the post office where their mailing address is, and long story short, they are pretty much fraudulent. Don't pay them a cent. They have sent us the contract from over 12 years ago that we cancelled 10 years ago. Itemized all of the payments that have accrued over the last decade. We have not heard from them in 10 years and all of a sudden we received a large bill stating we owe them all of this money. I call BS. They continue to say they will send their attorney after us. I say go ahead! Take us to court! Let's see how that will turn out for ya!

S
S
Sherry Inabnet
Geismar, US
May 08, 2023 2:05 pm EDT

We are having the same problems. They are harassing us with text, emails, and phone calls. Now they are threatening us with getting the IRS involved.

D
D
DiannGarth
Las Vegas, US
Oct 06, 2022 5:44 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Many of us must have been at the same place in Las Vegas in 2011. I also thought my membership was cancelled after my husband passed 5 months later. I heard from them out of the blue a week ago. I’m willing to do something with others. I don’t know what to do, that is a long time past. Please advise.

B
B
barbara Nappi
, US
Aug 30, 2022 2:30 pm EDT

I am experiencing the same problem as those listed above. We went to a presentation in Las Vegas in 2011. Their "pitch" was that by joining we would save thousands on future vacations. We found after joining and paying $1500 that we could get the same prices on our own. I called to cancel and had problems with the sales company. I told them I didn't want to use their club, and wanted a refund. I didn't get any money back, but I assumed our membership was canceled. I never used their service and didn't think about again until yesterday, when I got an "audit" letter saying we owned due for the past 11 years! I called them to say we didn't owe anything since we canceled our membership. they said we didn't cancel and we signed a contract and owed the money. I said we weren't going to pay, and the person hung up on me. She is supposed to send me a copy of the signed contract so they can prove we owe the money. This is just another scam designed to take advantage of people especially seniors.

G
G
Glenda Grant
, US
Jun 01, 2021 9:35 pm EDT

Scammed56: How did you resolve this?

T
T
tfargason@gmail.com
, US
Jun 01, 2021 3:42 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Back in 2012 my late husband and I joined this "travel club, " but soon found out the website was so bad, it looked like a 3rd grader made it, and we could get better deals by going online ourselves. We never used the service, and had not thought of them in years! Then early this year I received a letter of "overdue final notice" of dues owed from [protected] in the amount of $1, 620! We have NEVER heard from them and NEVER received a bill in the mail, by email, or by phone. I called and told them I never used the service, and most importantly, I have NEVER received a bill from them. She lied and said they had sent bills. Then she added on more for the membership of 2021 from February, and told me I couldn't cancel the membership until I paid the amount owed.

I started researching them online and found MANY, MANY people who had the very same experience - never heard from them in years, and got a final overdue notice. One person commented that the company is run by Christy Spensberger, William Bailey, and Adrian Miller who all have fraud judgments against them for running fake travel clubs.

I have filed complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/) my state Attorney General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (uspis.gov) Do not pay this company anything. They are frauds. If everyone will file online complaints, we'll get this stopped. It doesn't take long to file these complaints online - just fill out the forms and copy and paste your written experience with them.

J
J
Juanita Irvine
, US
Aug 20, 2022 7:30 pm EDT

I have a memebership application that the top portion was completed by someone other than myself. (Tradewinds sent me this form. They used pages from the original membership application, but completed a different 1st page). There is no financial institution or credit card info on the 1st page. We contacted one of the sales persons at the presentation meeting within 48 hours. He did not run the credit card info, so we did not have a contract with Tradewinds. Just this week, we received a letter stating that attempts had been made to collect our yearly dues. We did recieve mail for approximately 3 years and I responded stating I did not complete the contract because no funds were transferred from me to their company.

I am sending a

"Cease and desist" letter. If anyone wants to comment, please do. I assume the letter needs to be certified.

G
G
Gcollins73
Venice, US
Sep 21, 2022 5:46 pm EDT

I feel sorry for those who paid. Without one minute of research, but 75 years of life experience, I can say there are many. How this company can continue to exist is at least political. Someone has their back.

B
B
Brett Borza
, US
May 14, 2021 11:04 am EDT

Hello all,
I have the same experience and have an ongoing email thread back to the company. The agent said I should read my contract, so I did. Their contract clearly states that "I understand that I will be sent a notice at least 30 days prior to the payment date...". I was never sent a notice of a bill or payment, therefore the past dues claim is void. Don't pay them anything. Their service was terrible, I never received a rebate, and I could get better deals by NOT using them. They should be happy with the membership fee originally paid as well as the couple of dues I actually paid.

G
G
Gdog1968
Angola, Indiana, US
Apr 29, 2021 10:05 pm EDT

Same story, different day... I received a letter from them wanting to charge me for 8 years of membership dues even though this is the first time I have heard from them since 2011. I'm going to follow up on my records which should have the cancellation information I need as we cancelled the next day. I also plan to file a complaint with (uspis.gov) and (ReportFraud.ftc.gov). wish me luck.

K
K
Kevinlong6290
, US
Mar 29, 2021 4:31 pm EDT

I too got scammed, I signed up for service but within 24 hours backed out but did not keep my paperwork. I am so glad to find these other complaints, if it ever goes to court I am sure I could use this website as proof. thank you everyone

R
R
Regretful vacationer
, US
Feb 01, 2021 2:52 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Regretful vacationer
I was happy to find others who are having similar problems after joining Tradewinds Vacations. We joined in 2011 and after paying a lot of “membership” fees and experiencing similar bad service, unresponsive communication, and travel costs that were not even competitive, we wanted out. We were told that if we don’t pay our annual dues we couldn’t use their service. Fine! We recently received a “Final Notice” from Travel Center AKA Travel Services Inc. in Litchfield IL for overdue fees after 7 years of not hearing from them. We don’t want to pay them one more dime. So, I filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission’s website ReportFraud.ftc.gov
I encourage any of you who are being harassed by this company to do the same. My hope is that if enough complaints are received, an investigation might be initiated. If enough consumers are on record regarding this scam, maybe a class action lawsuit could be the result. I don’t know, but I would love to have the people behind this held accountable, even if we don’t get our money back.

F
F
FraudInvestigatorDC
, US
Feb 23, 2021 11:04 pm EST

This is a fraud scheme operated by professional fraudsters. This is run by Christy Spensberger, William Bailey, and Adrian Miller who all have fraud judgments against them for running fake travel clubs. Now that the travel club well has dried up in COVID they are attempting to go after people they had previously scammed nearly a decade ago. DO NOT pay them anything.

While reporting to FTC is good, you should also report them to the US Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov as they handle all mail fraud CRIMINAL cases. The more complaints they get, the better likelihood someone will file charges against them. Search their names and see the fraud judgments they have against them.

M
M
MistyMasterson
, US
Mar 15, 2021 10:50 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Long story short, absolutely DO NOT pay a dime to these disgusting thieves. After receiving an email from Travel Services today regarding a past due balance, I called and it very quickly escalated to blatant lies about them attempting to contact me for 7 years followed by threats to send my "outstanding membership dues from [protected], amounting to $1, 620 to collections. I assured him that we cancelled nearly 7 years ago, but I was told that unless I could provide "proof of cancellation documentation", then I needed to pay immediately.
I was 100% sure that I had resolved it, so I scoured my yahoo email and finally came across an email trail between me and a TradeWinds representative from September 2014. Here is the email from her specifically stating that there was no official cancellation document. They are now obviously using this as a fake loophole to scare people since A.) not many would have records dating so far back and B.) a cancellation document or process never existed or was necessary in the first place.
If this information can help to stop these scammers, please let me know who I need to reach out to and what I need to do with the original email trail. See below...
Thanks,
Misty Masterson (mistymasterson@yahoo.com)

-------- Original message -------
From: DeannaR

D
D
dicostal
, US
Mar 22, 2021 7:31 pm EDT

Hello, I too, had the same exact scenario happen to me. We were told the same if we don’t pay our annual dues we couldn’t use their service. I was ok with that as I wanted to cancel but they told me I did not have too. Now I am getting a bill with 5 years of dues? Do I have to pay? Can they come after me legally if I don't? Can I get bad credit? Or is my only option to pay them? They do not have my credit card.

T
T
tfargason@gmail.com
, US
Jun 01, 2021 2:41 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I received a bill for dues from [protected], even though I never used the company and NEVER received a bill in all those years. Thanks for your information. I wrote the Better Business Bureau, but they just contacted the company, who gave them all lies about the membership dues owed. I have now filed online complaints with the FTC and my state Attorney General. I will also file with the US Postal Inspection Service.

B
B
bayougirl103
Broussard, US
Apr 16, 2022 11:07 am EDT
Replying to comment of dicostal

I told them com after me. Nothing but more letters. I blocked their number so I don’t receive annoying calls. If they had a legal standing this would already be in the hands of a collection agency and it isn’t. DO NOT PAY THESE FRAUDS.

V
V
Victor Carter
, US
Dec 13, 2020 6:37 pm EST

We’re sorry, we found no results for
for "tradewinds vacations" in"Litchfield, IL 62056"

BBB says this company is out of business. There is no answer to their phones.

N
N
Neil P Collins
Oro Valley, US
Jan 15, 2021 11:52 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

We attended a meeting in 2009 sponsored by TRADEWINDS VACATIONS IN Litchfield, IL 62056. Boyh my wife VICKY and myself "signed in " and left early. Yesterday I received a bill for DUES for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 in the amount of $2503.00 . This is the first time We have heard from them. I called them And they stated they had a SIGNED CONTRACT AND I was liable for that amount . WHAT can I do?

K
K
Kathryn G Thomas
, US
Apr 18, 2021 6:39 pm EDT

@Neil P Collins Don't know if you've resolved your situation, but we had a similar undated "FINAL NOTICE" arrive near the end of March (2021) referencing "outstanding dues" dating back to 2012 for a total of $2194 and threatening "further escalation", saying if there was a response they would provide
a copy of your contract paperwork that you signed." We knew it was a scam for several reasons.

1) It was addressed only to my husband. My name was nowhere to be found. We have different surnames, which told us TW didn't know we were a couple. Any such long-term contracts are always signed by us both.
2) It addressed my husband only by first & last name. He always signs legal documents using his middle initial.
3) There have been no calls from them (we have voicemail, so would know if we missed a call), nor have there been any emails. Or any other snail mail communications.

We reported them to the FTC, the US Postal Inspection Service, and to our state Attorney General. Then my husband wrote to them (cc-ing our state Atty General) telling them he knew this was an attempt to scam him, that he had never signed a contract with them, and that we had reported them to the proper authorities. We sent that off certified mail, return receipt requested.

They signed for the letter April 12. Yesterday a letter arrived dated April 13 from 'Tom Lee' of the 'Member Resolutions Department'. It said: "Thank you for the additional information regarding your membership listed above. As a good faith gesture after receiving this new information we are cancelling all debt, past, the present and future, that we show is owed by the above consumer and will show that their membership is cancelled."

Translation? We called their bluff, and they backed down. Suggest you do the same - good luck!

V
V
Victor Carter
, US
Dec 13, 2020 6:28 pm EST

We attended a meeting back in 2011. They said we had a 3 day cooling off perod. But they did not give us a memership number untill after the 3 days so could not check them out. I gave them a chance to see whaat they could doand asked them to get airplane tickets. They gave me a price. I could get the tickets cheaper then they qouted me. I told them we wer4e canceling our membership as we can get tickets cheaper without pqying their $199.00 a year dues. Now 2020 we get a bill for $2, 503.00 for back dues.
I am checking to see if the is a class action suit against these people. I never used them and told them I was canceling.

C
C
Cat Beddard
, US
Jan 31, 2021 12:23 pm EST

Please let me know it’s the same story and the same amounts of money.. I tried to work something out and they still want 1700 I tried to cancel in 2011 they now tell me no I have to sell it like I would actually burn someone else
Cat

G
G
GourdsR4U
Tucson, Arizona, US
Feb 26, 2021 6:36 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I had exactly the same thing and just recently received a bill for 11 years dues owed! They are hounding me for payment along with threats. I have just lost my husband in late December so have been dealing with that, however I am going to send them a CEASE &DESIST letter and ask them to again cancel my membership in writing within a specific
Time frame, if they do not I will file and injunction against them and start asking for harassment monies. I think a class action suit may be possible too.

S
S
ScammedbyTradewinds
Bryan, Texas, US
Nov 26, 2020 4:49 pm EST

Could we report them to someone? Do they have any legal recourse?

G
G
GourdsR4U
Tucson, Arizona, US
Feb 26, 2021 6:38 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Read my reply above.

S
S
ScammedbyTradewinds
Bryan, Texas, US
Nov 26, 2020 4:47 pm EST

I am on the same boat as Saynototradewinds. These people are insane. I signed up in 2012. I paid over $3000 to join in when they did the presentation in our town because they offered free trips (it has been so long that I don't even remember what they offered). I thought booking through them was going to be cheaper, but it wasn't. I could get better deals on expedia or travelocity. So I called many times back then to cancel and I resign myself to losing those $3000. We were able to cancel and they did not charge my credit card for the membership for many years. I just got a letter from them 8 years later, saying that I owed them 8 years of membership fees! Are they serious? Is this a joke?

N
N
Nurse91
Franklin, Ky, US
Dec 21, 2020 7:20 pm EST

Have you found a way around paying these eight years of fees?

S
S
SadTradeWinds
Flower Mound, US
Oct 09, 2020 3:30 pm EDT

Anyone find a way to resolve this?

S
S
SadTradeWinds
Flower Mound, US
Oct 09, 2020 3:20 pm EDT

Going through the same thing right now...same offer of $857 to cancel

S
S
Saynototradewinds
, US
Sep 01, 2020 2:54 pm EDT

We also was scammed by this company. after a year we found we could get better deals booking our own vacations than going through tradewinds vacations. not once were we told be could not cancel this contract. now 13 years later I get a letter from them saying I owe $857.00 for the years 2017, 18, 29 and 20. they sent along a mutual release cancellation of contract. if we dont pay and sign this by september 6th we are on the hook for the next 20 years? do not sign up for anything that says "tradewinds vacations". total rip off. how many other people out there was not told they were bound to this company for the rest of your life. what the he11

T
T
T+D Sellars
Dallas, US
Jun 23, 2014 1:21 pm EDT

Unfortunately, my husband and I went to a Tradewinds sales pitch and fell for the "someone has defaulted on his/her loan" scam. We ended up joining for $2500 and were optimistic about this club as we travel quite a bit. Tradewinds was a disappointment from the get go. The rep could never find hotel deals or vacation packages for prices that compared to what I found for myself on-line. Further, their "hot condo deals" never came to fruition. This means the condos were never available or they weren't available during peak travel times or the ones that were available weren't condos that I would want to book - meaning sketchy locations or poor ratings on travel sites. My advice if you have signed up is to cancel immediately. If it's too late, simply don't renew next year. Oh, and Tradewinds will automatically charge you the $199 fee to renew your membership, so let your credit card company know in advance that you don't want this charge to go through.

T
T
T+D Sellars
Dallas, US
Jun 23, 2014 1:10 pm EDT

My husband and I, unfortunately, got hooked into this "deal" in 2011. We were charged $2500 which the sales rep claimed was a steal because the original price was $9, 000. Our sales person pulled the "you can buy someone's membership who defaulted on his/her loan" scam. We travel quite a bit but used Tradewinds services only once. Basically, you have to call, give your vacation itinerary, and the rep sends you exceptional deals. The supposed exceptional deals have never been as good as the deals I can book on-line myself without Tradewinds help. This is why I only used them once to book my hotels. So, long story short, buyer beware. Don't waste your money like we did and if you've already wasted your money, then don't pay the yearly fee of $199 to renew your membership. It's that simple. Oh, and Tradewinds will try to charge your credit card automatically when it comes time to renew, so make sure you let your credit card company know to block their charge.

T. and D. Sellars
Dallas, Texas

R
R
Radar6861
Waxahachie, US
Mar 25, 2013 1:22 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Well, my latest experience with Tradewinds.
I returned my UNPAID annual dues invoice with a not about how they are just a scam outfit and wish I could join in on any type of legal action that was taken against them. Well low and behold a call! They of course apologized for the lack of service these past 12 months and extended my membership for another year.
With so much "bad" money invested I will try to book some trips this year. BUT, my bet is I will get more of the same - no savings on any bookings!
We can only hope that lots of prospects look at this site so they too won't get scammed.
Ray

R
R
Reidson
Hendersonville, US
Mar 25, 2013 1:05 pm EDT

I've found the same results...NONE.. I've tried several different times to book hotels. They can't really get any better "deals" than I can! They actually told me that they specialize more in condos or vacation packages. If that is the case why are "hotels" the FIRST item in their long list of services? We attended the Brentwood, Tn. presentation last July and have had regrets everyday since then. Some of the vacation packages that they flashed in front of us were great, IF you are flying out of somewhere other than Nashville!, When you search on their website for something leaving Nashville the list is really short!
I'm going to give them a couple of other requests but I'm not very hopeful. I've planned my own trip to Italy for a week then a Greek Island Cruise for September and there is nothing on their website that I would have used to assist me in my planning! Most of the links that are on Travelwinds website are some that I've been familiar with for years! AND..they aren't necessarily the least expensive travel sites! They have two more chances with me and then I'm done! They are supposed to hit my charge card in July for our "annual fee" and I'll cancel before then if they are unsuccessful with these last two requests. I'm going to keep up with this blog in the event that a class action lawsuit is brought against them!

R
R
Radar6861
Waxahachie, US
Dec 19, 2012 7:52 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Radar6861here.
well we haave tried once again to book a trip.You guessed it.
No luck.
Tried a Europe trip with anywhere in Europe for June or July.
nothing. Too soon to find any dealz they said.
How about a cruise? Well what they gave us I looked up and I could book for three hundred dollars per pass. for less.
I am willing to join in any legal action available to us, if there is any.
Wow, still can't believe I got suckered.

G
G
garlandman
garland, US
Dec 19, 2012 10:56 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

can we have have a lawsuit for manipulating folks with lies? i bet there is someone out yhere who studied law plzzz.

G
G
garlandman
garland, US
Dec 19, 2012 10:52 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

is there anyway we can get our money back?

R
R
Radar6861
Waxahachie, US
Nov 14, 2012 7:24 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Well long story short - we too bought and paid a lot of money. As a retired couple we thought we would use this service (travel) a lot. So far, nine months as a member has gotten us nothing. We have tried several times to set up vacation travel. Cruises - condos- Europe and all with no success. Anytime they have given us examples, we have followed up and actually could have booked same for same or lesser price on our own. We have tried short term arrangements and have given them months in advance booking opportunities - all with no avail. Yes, we have had returned phone calls and traded emails, but with NO results for travel. Anyone should be aware - they are not what they represent themselves as. I should have known better - but alas, it sounded good and I bought! Never too old to learn!

H
H
headisspinning
Kingsville, US
Nov 05, 2012 9:08 pm EST

Attended seminar (11/1/12) in Corpus Christi with Legacy Adventures. Our initial buy-in was $8995...we must have looked like rich Democrats...with 6 weeks of resorts visits. We then talked to our rep. and he tried to steer us to a 4 week $4995 buy-in. After a few minutes of high pressure our rep TO'ed (turned-over) to a rather rude lady. She badgered us pretty hard and infuriated my wife. She left us and told us as she walked away that she would be back with our free gift for comig...she never did. We complained to the manager, or at least he identified himself as the manager, and he apologized for the rude lady. To appease us he offered a 6 week resort platinum family package for only $1995 with the $499 sign up fee and $199 membership fee. He tried to pressure us and told us that he will talk to the lady and that "behavior will not be excepted in our organization". Any bets that didn't happen? We also received "free" airline tickets with "free" marriot hotel stay with "free" rental car certificates...all requiring substantial deposits with cashier checks or money orders to cover sales taxs and airport fees (hahahahaha)...that tidbit was in very tiny print on the certificates. Can't say if even these are really usable...again, does anybody ever tried them?

R
R
Rustyp
Billings, US
Oct 10, 2012 9:47 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I attended a seminar yesterday (10/9/12) with a company called Legacy Adventures. I tried checking them out and came up with nothing. I am well versed in high pressure sales tactics, and actually found the group doing the seminar very comfortable to work with. Our initial offer on the plan was $6995, but the "Buy It Now" "VIP" today only price was immediately slashed for all six couples to $4995. The presentation was cordial, and the after conversation was tepid pressure. I explained the wife and I did not travel with a weeks stay anywhere. Some of there demonstrations were certainly high retail. We are Platinum cruisers with a couple of cruise lines, and have always booked our own and know how to get many of the same prices they offered on the cruises. The week long stays in resorts are not our style of travel, so after offering us a 1 week program for $2495 and then finally a 5 year demo program for $1295 (the $499 sign up fee and $199 yearly never waivered), the young man signed our "vouchers" and sent us on our way. It looked like only 1 of the 6 couples attending were actually buying. My question for those of you out there - either defending Tradewinds or bashing them - have any of you ever actually traveled with them? Also, I have the same vouchers for airfare and cruise...has anyone ever used them? Let me know. Rustyp@Bresnan.net

G
G
growaconscience
, US
Sep 18, 2012 9:45 am EDT

No, the custermors are mad because the "3 day cooling off period" isn't long enough to figure out the scam. These clubs intentionally hold back member cards and toll free numbers because they don't want any new members to discover their lies until after the cooling off period. All the presentations are full of nonsense travel and pictures of resorts that are never and would never be part of these scam clubs. These guys roll into town, stay a week or two sell $80 to $90 grand worth of this crap and move onto the next town. When complaints get too hot they just change the company name. All of the travel they show you is nonsense and all of it can be purchased online much cheaper. Most of the guys are drug addicts, liars, felons, you name it. Most of them don't have homes or cars or even a license to drive a car if they had one. So to all you vacation/travel club guys and gals who want to read this and make a smart remark back- save it. How do I know? I've been in the timeshare/club business for 17 years and I've seen it all. What I did was grew a conscience and quit...

S
S
Sergio 2012
Cary, US
Aug 30, 2012 3:01 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Yes surely thumbs down!

S
S
Sergio 2012
Cary, US
Aug 30, 2012 3:00 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I also bought last night for $2, 995.00. I want to cancel the deal now. Do we get the $199 and the $399 fees back as well?

D
D
drose
Sioux Falls, US
Aug 30, 2012 2:37 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

sorry that should have been thumbs down

D
D
drose
Sioux Falls, US
Aug 30, 2012 2:21 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I also got hooked into this one, and then then keep saying we could go into there web site and see all the good deals, no such thing. our's was $2, 995.00, but with the economy so bad you have to be carefull. Thanks for all you comments, my husband and I wanted good deals, but what is the $2995.00 for, if they don't get comissions, buyer beware, this isn't what we thought it was. But at least I had the 3 days, It was just last night, thank God.

J
J
Justaguy677
Carmel, US
Aug 18, 2012 1:35 pm EDT

I attended a Tradewinds seminar today (8/18) I found it extremely interesting. My first impression, after receiving a phone call with a 5 minute recorded message explaining that I had won an 8 day cruise with airfare, was of course SCAM! However, I was curious, I work in marketing and find every aspect of it fascinating. Long story short, I booked my girlfriend and I for the seminar to be held the next day. When we arrived we were asked to fill out a brief survey. It contained questions concerning our socioeconomic status. After we completed that we turned it in and were asked to return to the lobby of the hotel the event was being held in. Soon after we were greeted by a gentleman who took us back to the conference room. Everyone was extremely friendly, as expected. The presentation itself was well done and ran approx. 90 minutes. As soon as the presenter was finished they "released the hounds" on us. The tone of the situation changed immediately. We were greeted by a sales rep who sat down across from us and said "So are you ready to buy?" We expressed our concern about the 9k membership fee and told her that there was no way we could spend that kind of money. She wasted no time to call over "John" he introduced himself as a manager. He instantly kicked in with the discounts. To my girlfriend he says "Ah, I see your a teacher that's $1, 000 off." This continues for awhile as the price steadily gets lower I'm thinking what legitimate membership company haggles pricing?! Finally John tells us that when people default on the optional finance plan (with a 17.99% interest rate) that they don't go after the people that owe "because that costs money." Instead he says we just simply repo the membership and "replace" the member. At that point I was giggling inside thinking, "This guy is really pulling out all the stops here." He proceeded to tell us that there was indeed a repo membership up for sale for $4613.12, and with our $1000 teacher discount that's ONLY $3613.12! To sweeten the deal he tosses in that the $399 start up fee( I know you think I'm kidding right? Shouldn't that be included in your 9k membership fee?) and $199 first year annual fee would be waved. We told him that we really appreciated all he was trying to do to make it work for us, but it was still too much money. Can you imagine what happens next? Sales person number THREE sits down. Long and short he talks more, highlighting how much we will save blah, blah, and offers us the final deal or no deal price of $2600! Wow! In less than 30 minutes our "special today only" price was $6400 off. Now if this only worked with products that weren't scams! I was ready to leave at this point it had been almost two hours and I had seen/heard enough. Before we could go however we were escorted outside to "think it over" while we waited on our vouchers for the eight day cruise and airfare. We played along and of course were approached by ANOTHER sales lady. Supposedly the big boss, she did bring us a brochure about our travel vouchers, but before she gave us the package she made one more attempt. She offered us a one year trial membership for the extra low cost of $795. Still not sure how a "trial" offer can come with an $800 price tag. We politely declined she explained our "free" gifts. As many people on here said the vouchers do require $150 in deposits. You have to submit the paperwork and money w/in 21 days of your event. There are many restrictions on travel dates as well.

In conclusion, I went into this looking at it like a learning experience on high pressure sales. I was not let down. They nailed every trick in the book. The unfortunate part of the situation is there were six other couples in the seminar with us. All of them bought except for us. I feel so bad for them and hope they at least get some benefit from their money. Though, I highly doubt it :-/. Anyone who's curious or has any questions concerning this post can e-mail me at shlocker677@gmail.com. I hope this helps some folks out!

V
V
vanessa1232
Boca Raton, US
Aug 11, 2012 7:19 am EDT

Any any company that requires you to sign up today or no deal is a scam. Why cant I sign up tomorrow

A
A
AchebeKaye
Smithtown, US
Aug 09, 2012 1:48 pm EDT

Interesting, we attended the same high pressure presentation, but as a salesperson myself I immediately saw through the potential scam. I say potential because what I have not read is more than 1 or 2 comments on the Internet about Sea to Ski not delivering vacation discounts as planned. The vast majority of negative comments are about the pitch, unreturned phone calls, etc. I got them on the phone multilple times in multiple departments, which tells me there is some reality to them. The scam I think was the vouchers for the free cruise and planefare to be fulfilled by a company named DP Incentives. Their website is 60 days old. No return calls or emails from them after about 1 week. At the event the "list price" was $8, 900 for a basic package, but they discounted down to $3, 600 for the premium package, "just for me". They would not take Amex, or I might have considered them because Amex is great about refunds. I suspect there is some real value to the plan if the price is low enough (my $3, 600 offer), but I will never know...

J
J
Jfishstewart
Smithville, US
Jul 15, 2012 10:46 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Just attended in Nashville on Saturday. We bought in because it sounded like something we would use. All of you comments have me scared stiff. Was not given the time to research during the presentation and no name prior to our visit. We paid by check so hopefully we can get to the bank in the morning and put a stop payment on the check. How hard is it to cancel the deal?

P
P
psgirl
Palm Springs, US
Jul 07, 2012 8:11 am EDT

I received a letter with an offer to view a 90 minute presentation to join a "vacation club". The location I visited was the Simplicity LLC (possibly rented?) location in Brentwood, Tennessee. The offer was for us to view a 90 minute presentation; and after doing so, we
were "offered" a cruise and air line tickets. After the presentation, we were taken to a separate office with Gerry as the sales agent.
He is very nice and we enjoyed him very much. I have the brochure and the contact information and now am wondering what all of the
information above is about? I did not purchase any thing, the price is too much and I can't afford it.

I
I
Indy Fan
, US
Jun 18, 2012 1:49 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I went to a Tradewinds presentation this last weekend in INDIANAPOLIS, with a complany called Simplicity LLC. I agree with the comments above that it was a high-pressure sales presentation and the "trip" that was offered as an incentive is not real. No airfare is included, it requires a $50 deposit that you get back if you sit through 2 timeshare presentations at that location, and you pay all travel taxes and fees. When I said I wanted to research the company first, the guy threw his phone at me and said go ahead. Wish I had done that because I can't find their site anywhere on the internet. Wonder what web site he would have sent me to? Total scam I am sure. I talked to people in the room after the presentation and we all were offered completely different rates, from $3000 to $5000 as their "best offer". Looked too good to be true, and was.

E
E
eileen ferraro
Henderson, US
Jun 01, 2012 5:48 pm EDT

terrible scam don't understand how they get away with it - so sad for all of us who don't stand a chance against these scams. stupid and very careless on my part

P
P
pippilongstockings
, US
May 27, 2012 3:00 pm EDT

Steve Wunder is Long Island New York with another person famous for his deceptive business practices named Jerry Jackson who has already been under indictment by the attorney general in the State of Texas. I intend on notifying the DOJ about the two of these dipsticks. I'll never let this go. I'll follow them around and close every damn site they try and open. They just need another stooge and they can have a tv show!

B
B
Big time fraud alert
Newport Beach, US
May 25, 2012 7:32 am EDT

My wife and I attended a Sea and Ski presentation. First of all, if you're going to a presentation to get free airfare and/or a cruise let me suggest you stop here and not attend the presentation. The coupons and restrictions are so numerous, not to mention deposits you have to send in, it's not worth the trouble, not to mention they are asking for deposits for something that is supposed to be free. Hello? Even the sales guy told me at the presentation, if I bought the Sea and Ski package the first thing he would do is buy the coupons back from me because he thinks they are really bad. You need to know the following things about this program. If you don't buy their travel package, which of course they discount when you're there, they won't sell it to you ever. What this means is the inflated price they offer you is just inflated to make you feel like you're getting a deal. You're not. The sales guy said no one has ever paid the inflated price because the only time the product is sold to you is at the presentation.
The presenter told us the reason the organization is "A" rated rather than "A+" rated through the BBB (Better Business Bureau) is because A+ requires a fee where a A rated company just joins the BBB. The saleswoman (Rhonna, pronounced Donna) told us we wouldn't want to buy a product from a company who just "BOUGHT" their rating which is what she claimed the BBB do with the A+ rating. Thank goodness for smart phones. I went to check on this fact as she spoke. The facts are this, if you check. An "A+" rating is more money. But the real story is an "A+" rating demands a company abide by a strict code of conduct when conducting business. I believe Sea and Ski doesn't want to (or can't) meet the high standards of an A+ rating and therefore doesn't want to be an A+ member. It has nothing to do with "buying" your way into a rating. Remember, while the BBB doesn't necessarily have a lot of teeth when it comes to resolving problems, they have been around a lot longer than Sea and Ski Vacations. Not only that, but despite the Better Business Bureau's clout, nbo one can say they aren't on the consumers side. When I attended this sales presentation it was really poor. You really have no idea what you're getting for your money. You only know what they tell you and you can't verify the information before you buy their product. In fact they verify you have a credit card when you come in the door because they want to insure you can spend $9, 740.00 that day. How tacky. Any organization that doesn't allow you to investigate their company before buying (meaning they require you to buy before leaving the room) is a company you should be VERY, VERY concerned about. I suggest run for the hills. If this company goes out of business, and they could, how do yo get your $9, 740.00 back? Their insurance and bond does not cover the liability associated with the 8, 000 members they claim to have. They were pitching this product to us for $9, 740 (discounted rate) and with 8, 000 members they have $75, 000, 000.00 in liability if customers weren't happy. The sales guy, while pitching the insurance and bond had no idea what their bond and insurance limits were. Further, they offer a 2 year guarantee. If you read the fine print, you cannot exercise the money back guarantee for TWO YEARS! If you're not happy in 60 days you have to wait 1 year and 10 months to receive your money back... if you can find anyone by that time and want to spend the time looking. As a guy who investigated frauds for a living for a number of years, I have no intention of becoming a customer of this company. I don't like writing things anonymously so I would be happy to talk to any representative of this company if they dispute anything I've written here. Attend and purchase at your own risk, but don't say I didn't warn you. Steven E-mail: StevenS1050@gmail.com

Learn how the rating is calculated

Write a review File a complaint

Tradewinds Vacations contacts

Phone number
Website
tradewindsvacations.net
Category