I have recently been stocked by a subsidiary of TAN called Sunshine Vacations because I signed up to win $50K. My husband and I finally responded to their repeated calls. We were offered a "free" 3 day/2 night vacation, including air and hotel, to Orlando, Las Vegas, or Reno. I was just wondering if anyone had been on one of these "vacations"? If so, what was it like? Crappy hotel in a shady neighborhood?

A quick googling finds this as the first result:
http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff135610.htm

Yeah, I already saw that before I posted my question. Talks more about the actual sales tactics than the trip. Thanks for your help!

Also saw this: Atlantis Vacations - Holiday Chat, Holiday Discussion, Photos, Reports, Reviews

Check out the post from theadder. Looks like a timeshare hard sell seminar you must attend.

Then there is this: Travel Agent Charged With Defrauding Vacationers

I highly discourage you from participating in any "free" travel offers. Although they appear to be wonderful, they usually end up having hidden costs or being a scam. If you want to have a fun vacation at a low price without stress or worry, book through a reputable travel agent. I am a Joystar Travel Agent and am certified by many leading travel companies such as Princess Cruises, MGM Las Vegas, Outrigger Hotels, Celebrity Cruises, Hilton Hotels, and many others. I would be happy to answer any travel related questions for you. Good luck and happy traveling!

Not accurate at all

I was actually an employee of this company for about 4 years.

The Sunshine Vacations in your article is NOT the same company at all. Sunshine is actually a member of the Columbus BBB and has been for quite a few years. Go to the Columbus Ohio BBB page and search it out. Whoever that guy is in that article is in NO way apart of Sunshine or Travel Advantage Network. I have no idea who that guy is and I know everyone from the tip-top of the company on down.

Sunshine (and it's sister company in Cincinnati, SmarTravel, as well as other offices in the Mid-Atlantic) sell vacation week packages for Travel Advantage Network, based out of Millersville, MD (who is also a BBB member and actually won a BBB award a few years back - search 'em out).

With the marketing, you probably registered for the $50K car or cash drawing (I'm not sure what promo they're running now). It's completely legit - a winner is selected once a year. You'll be contacted by the marketing office and offered some sort of small trip (used to be furnished by Spirit Incentives, probably still is) - all you have to pay is the taxes and 100% refundable deposit (generally $50 - $100 and yes, it is refunded) and another small gift (these change up often, just to keep it 'fresh').

Why do they do marketing this way? It is a very legit company, that furnishes quality vacations, but it's not an "item" that you will roll out of bed in the morning and go, "Hum, I feel like I need to purchase a vacation week member package today". It's something that people need to be marketed for.

If you don't want to be called - say 'take my name off the list, please'. If you don't want to purchase - say no. And gawd forbit you have a problem with the promotional company (like Spirit Incentives) - call and they're more than happy to help out. TAN has been around for a decade - I know the Ohio offices have been around since 01 and I think 02. Some of the other Mid-Atlantic offices longer. There's no way they could be around this long if they were a scam.

Hope that helps. :)

Apparently you didn't bother reading the article at all, they mention Sunshine Vacations about 10 times.

I went to the Columbus, Ohio BBB page as you mentioned, for Sunshine Vacations they report the following: "Of the total of 23 complaints closed in 36 months, 6 were closed in the last year." Not a great rate of satisfaction don't you think.

Here's more form the travel industry: Travel Trade: Headline News

Being that you went to the BBB site, I'm sure you saw that the guy's name in the article you posted is not same as the owner for the Sunshine Vacations,LLC. located in Dublin/Columbus, OH. Also, the company in your article is based out of NY. The Sunshine Vacations in your article is NOT the same company. Period. I agree that the company in that article is a complete rip-off - they're the reason why legit companies like the Sunshine Vacations of Dublin, OH/TAN work so hard to maintain their reputation. The point I was making is that your article is NOT talking that the same company that the original poster with the question was asking about.

Also, as you went to the BBB's site, you should have read that the BBB plainly states you need to keep in mind the VOLUME of customers that a company deals in relation to the number of complaints they receive. That office see about 400-550-ish people a month - do the math over a year. So, yeah, I do think that's a really great, low complaint ratio.

And ANY business at some point is going to have someone that's unhappy - it's the nature of beast with business in gerneral. But it's a company's responsibility to correct these issues when they arrive, which they do. As you quoted, all issues are resolved and closed. If they were screwing people, the BBB wouldn't let the keep their standing.

Like I said before, if you get called and don't want to be - ask them to take your name out of the data base. If you go in and don't want to join - say no. If you have a problem - tell them, and they're more than happy to help. It's a good company that offers a service that people enjoy. If it's a fit in your life, great! Welcome! If not, thanks for stopping by and hearing what they do. That simple.

And, Fr_Chuck, I'm not a current employee - I've moved to another city or I still would be an employee. As I stated at the beginning of my first post, I worked for this company for 4 years - it's nothing that I'm hiding. I worked with really great people in a really great company and, yes, if someone's being a little unfair because they may not have some correct information or the insight that I do, as I WAS associated that company, I'm going to stand up for them - and fairly respond to the original question posed. I'm sure you can understand and appreciate that.

WOW! Cissy You are really defending this company. If you're such a fan why did you leave? I'm going to tell you all about my experience with Sunshine Vacations. Oh, by the way, what you are posting has NOTHING to do with my original question...

They DO NOT stop calling if you tell them to. I received calls AFTER my husband and I gave up and went to the stupid sales presentation. This was supposed to be a 60 minute presentation that turned out to be over 2 hours. We told 6 different people that we were not interested in spending $24,000 on vacations. They just kept making us sit there. After we finally got out of that office we thought it was over. No more messages 2 to 5 times a day, WRONG. I had to end up contacting the FCC because they would not STOP calling.

I don't know if I was delirious or not, but I actually found one part of the initial sales presentation humorous. Part of the sales pitch actually stated that the US divorce rate was up to 70% because we DON'T TAKE ENOUGH VACATIONS! Really, silly me I thought it was because of financial issues! Then he actually have the nerve to sarcastically say "but that won't happen to you two, right?" I'm not a violent person, but I've never wanted to slap the piss out of someone so badly!

We told that man we were not interested, and while waiting for person #2 he proceeded to tell us about his recent drug related arrest. Nothing makes me want to give my hard earned money to a company more! That gives me complete piece of mind to say "Yes, crack head, I do have a spare $24K lying around. Let me pay you by check, so you have my address. Actually, let me just write it down and give you directions to make you robbing me go much more smoothly." (No sarcasm there at all!)

After telling them that we weren't interested because it wasn't in our budget, they then decided to offer us financing. You got it, a high interest loan for VACATIONS! I could just charge it on my credit card, and pay 0% interest if I needed to go on vacation that bad.

We went through this 4 more times. So, just saying "no" is not good enough. They want to find your breaking point of when you are going to get mad or just break down and buy.

All I wanted to know by my original post was if the hotel in Vegas was crappy. Yes, it is. It is exactly what I thought a shady, off-the-strip, crappy hotel. You can upgrade to a hotel on the strip if you'd like for a ridiculous amount. Why would I pay $178/night for the Riviera when I can stay at the Palms for $80/night? Oh, and the deposit in only refundable if you take the trip. If for some reason you can't go you lose your money. Some things you forgot to mention in your "Sunshine is #1" speech.

Again, I left the company because I moved - to another city. When I do not live in the same city as the company that I'm working for, I cannot work for them any longer, therefore I have to resign. Also, someone posted, without knowing, incorrect information about the company you asked about - it's fair that it was addressed. And as for defending them, I'm sure you take pride what you do and who you work for, if something was being misrepped (unknowingly or knowingly), you'd set the record straight, right?

HOWEVER, I'm really sorry you didn't have a good experience. 2 hours is a long time - and being that people are scheduled to come in waves to meet with reps, taking 2 hours IS uncommon - if it was common, then there would be a serious backlog of people coming in for the evening. I hope you asked to speak with a manager - if what you're saying about your rep is true (re: the drug thing) then that's something that they REALLY should know. I know that HR would certainly want to address that (I've seen them address issue of a lot less). Wouldn't you want to know if you had any employee that spoke like that to a client?

TAN does all the financing in-house if someone choses to go that route - they're not a bank and don't offer low interest rates on large sums - but, there's also no plenty for paying for early or ahead of schedule. Many people do finance with their own credit or purchase smaller packages.

If you get called again (which being that you came in, you shouldn't - you'll be logged as someone who came in), ask to speak with a senior member on the staff at the call center to have your number removed. With the FCC regs, you really can't mess around that stuff and they know that.

And with the promotional trip you got (Vegas), as I said before in my first post, is purchased from and furnished by a completely separate company (they used a company called Spirit when I worked there) - what hotels that company uses is up agreement with the hotels - I can imagine that strip hotels aren't as easy to book at a lower rate. The Vegas trip is not a TAN property - TAN does not book this trip (why? Because they've got a membership base to take care of and are not going to fill their condos with non-members). The reason why Spirit (or whichever company they're using) wants deposit is because they're booking a room for an indiviual(s) and it's the good faith that you're going to go & use that space on that date that they've reserved for you - it's not going to waste when someone else could have been scheduled to go. And, honestly, that's pretty much the definition of a security deposit in general, right? Side note: If someone does not go on the incentive trip and loses their deposit, Sunshine nor Tan DOES NOT see a penny of that money.

And I'm honestly sorry if there's confusion, but I think I did address you're question. You asked if TAN/Sunshine Vacations is a scam. I responded to that - if someone joins they find that out they're not. In my first post and the above, I addressed what the promotional trip (for you, Vegas) was, also.

And regarding this forum and this online community in general, I'm not here to be nasty or waive banners or anything. On this topic, I've just got inside knowledge, if you will, on what you were asking and about the companies in involved. If I can clarify something, because something did need to be clarified (the article), I will. I agree that there are scams out there - this just isn't one of them. Sorry if people are offended by my responses, honestly. But that's what they are - honest reponses. Take it or leave it. :) Cheers.

I have to love the excuses, the trip is furnished by a "seperate" company, so although they are giving them away, they want to say it is not their fault, of course it is their fault, they know what is being furnished, it is exactly the agreement they have,

So please try not to say they are blameless, they are contracting with Spirit ( and it would be interesting to find that relationship for real) and if they wanted to get a better hotel, they could require it from the contract.

And I am sorry it may not be a scam but their maketing practices are worst than used car salesmen and they should be shut down for the practices and the hard sell they do.

OMG. I explained TWICE the relationship with the incentive company and SV/TAN. Re-read. It's not the big mystery & conspiracy you're looking for and these incentive trips not how they make money. Those little trips are such a small piece of the picture. I explained why they market the way they do in my first post - if you don't like it, so be it - it's a free country. I'm done explaining as it's not being read in the first place.

But what's more alarming, "Super Moderator", is your personal attack, which was completely not needed - 'excuses'? When did I give excuses? That's saying that my responses are lies. All I've done is explain the business as I know it first hand and as a member of this online community - in fact, I even said I hoped the person who went in & had issues brought them to light! How is accountability an excuse? Wow. :eek:

Okay. Moving on... (and probably away from this board, Sarah (who told me about this site/community)! Thanks for referring me to this welcoming community!) :D

I just got the same call, for the same reason. The thing that bothered me is the $50 "security" deposit that you have to give them in order to get your trip... Why do they care if you show up or not? If it is a free vacation, and they are giving it to you, then why would it matter? What do they lose if you don't show? This makes me think that there must be another presentation while on the trip, or some other obstacle to taking the trip which makes it highly likely that you will lose your $50.

Its actully a pretty good trip. I did that same presentation and went on the trip, and I stayed in a marriot, it was great.

And for all you haters out there, my parents are members with this company and we have used it about 6 times and its awesome. So please just don't f____king join, it leaves me a lot more places to choose from when we travel.

I just want to say thank you to Cissy for her replies, and Shelley for her original post, as I've had numerous messages left by this same company. I'm located in Columbus OH. I'll know better to never enter into raffles at the mall (which I rarely do, but the BMW was way to nice for me to pass up the opportunity this time). I'm glad I googled this before calling them back.

Cissy was a great help and very informative. I totally understand why you replied to clarify the misunderstandings about companies with similar names (people forget the end of the name sets companies apart, like a simple LLC, Inc. Ltd). I don't know why you got such a bad rap by others (boredom, maybe?) However, it was awesome to read on and see Shelley did go and learn about her first-hand experience. It doesn't sound like my cup of tea even if it were at a top rated hotel. I just don't have the time, or patience. However, I know plenty of people who would love the opportunity for a FREE anything and it doesn't matter how long the presentation. So --- it may not be for everyone, but if you go into it knowing what to expect, you can't be disappointed.

I wouldn't call TAN a scam but I would call it a rip-off. It sounded like such a great deal but sadly you get what you pay for. I bought a package from TAN way back when they first started and have used it only once. The reason I signed up was they had a halfway decent property in New Orleans. I travel there quite a bit so I thought it was worth it. This property disappeared within the first year or so I was a member and never was available again. My wife (fiance' at the time) and I used TAN for a vacation to the Caribbean in 2004. We ended up selecting a property in Jamaica. We read about how dangerous Negril can be so we were hoping for a secure facility. We passed all the major resorts and they were walled compounds some with razor wire. When we arrived at our "resort" it was run down and the one guard at the entrance didn't appear too motivated. You could walk on to the property from any where. We got to the room and were greeted by a few bugs who must not have known we had a reservation. The mattress was rock hard and the air conditioning didn't work. The faucet leaked all night long plus we were next to a night club with thumping music until dawn. I wouldn't have used the kitchenette on a bet. It looked like a scummy one room apartment. My fiance' was in tears so the next day I called around and found a good resort with a decent rate. We left without staying 24 hours. I got a survey form asking me how the trip was and I explained how awful the accommodations were. I never heard back from TAN. Since then I have looked at properties on TAN non stop to find a nice one. Most of them you can not find on the internet which I don't think is a good sign. None of them have looked that great. So if you are not picky at all on where you go and the quality of the accommodations, TAN might be for you. I could've spent the money on something quite a bit better if I had it to do all over again. Just remember, if you are paying dirt cheap for a vacation, expect a dirt cheap vacation.

I'm not laughing at your pain, but the bugs not knowing you had a reservation has to be one of the funniest things I have ever heard!

I have belonged to TAN for over 5 yrs. I was contacted to meet with them.. no car.. no promise of free vacation.. just an offere to join and have lower cost vacations.
Was the presentation aggressive yes. But they showeed me actual photos of their locations.. offered me several packages.. offered to finance it AT NO CHARGE and when I chose the package they threw in 2 free vacations! If you like having an APARTMENT with a kitchen and an eat in dining room instead of a small hotel room this is for you.

I have been to Cancun,Tortola<BVI>, the Jersey "Shore" Dominican Republic.. only once was I dissatisfied with the accommodations.. and they RETURNED ME THE WEEKS VACATION TO USE AGAIN!!
My condo in Cancun was a block from the beach, in an exclusive condo building<private pool> my condo in Tortola overlooked Cane bay with a view of the ocean and st thomas in the distance.
For my 5th yr anniversary... they GAVE ME A COUPON FOR A FREE WEEKS VACATION!
PEOPLE GET YOUR FACTS STRaIGHT BEFORE YOU MAKE TROUBLE FOR Someone's BUSINESS!!