Anybody have any experience with these? They’re very tempting. A search for TNS returns nothing here, which seems strange.

Weird. Searching for TNS using the site Search function (the second box) returns nothing. Searching using the Google function (The first box) shows results, though none related to the time shares.

I'm been signed with them although not having worked for them for years. i went to login and it says no one with my email is a member....??

I've looked at those shops, too. When Hubby retires I'm planning on keeping him busy gallivanting around the country with me doing things like that.

My wife works from wherever she is. Once the kids are out of the hoise, this stuff better still be a thing!

I have done quite a few of them. I like them but two caveats:

1) Sometimes, you are promised a one-bedroom but end up with only a studio. That's a big difference. For one thing, many one-bedroom units have kitchens with stoves, pots, dishes, etc., and that can save you money if you cook during your stay instead of eating out. Another big difference is a lot of the one-bedroom units have a pull-out bed in the living room, which is nice if you are shopping with kids.

2) Sometimes, you are told you have to pay for only one night (and be reimbursed later) but end up having to pay for the whole thing. Depending on which location it is, that can put a big strain on your credit card.

I thought they paid for everything directly. I’m considering taking my family of 4 to one of the longer ones that say 2br. Would that be do-able, ya think?

For some properties, they pay everything except for taxes up front. For others, you are supposed to pay for one night or the whole thing and get reimbursed later.

A two-bedroom for four people is definitely doable. You will have a queen or king sized bed in each room, and a pull-out bed in the living room, probably. Some locations will also have a limited number of bed-on-wheels they will lend you at no extra charge.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/24/2017 02:41PM by gotshops.

I suppose as long as I get a 2-br when I'm told I'll be getting a 2-br then that would be great. I've done several time share presentations on my own. Never as a shop.
A lot of their jobs say that they'll put you up in a 'nearby hotel.' Any idea what kind of hotel we're talking?
Also, some say they'll put you up in a hotel and then at the bottom say that you'll be staying on property.
Their postings leave a lot of questions unanswered.

Some time share "resorts" are actually hotels. I know about shops where they put you up at nearby hotels but only from job postings; I have not done one of those myself.

I would suggest that you research any property you may apply for. That will give you a better idea whether you may enjoy your stay.

I have done a large number of them over the last 6 years. There are five or six types so it is confusing. Lately, I have not seen the "day drive" ones which is only 1 night. The longer stays are great if you want free rent in a large city. You either already have a scheduled time for a presentation or you will need to finagle an appointment. It takes no more than an hour the first day. The next day, you attend the presentation which lasts 2-3 hours. There is a short report which takes 30-45 minutes to write. The fee is excellent and you get to keep the Amex card. I have stayed at a 1000 sf high rise with washer/dryer in unit and full kitchen, but have also stayed in a 350 sf room with nothing. You just never know! I prefer the resort stay over the nearby hotels.

I have only signed up for one shop with them. They asked for a guarantee on the scheduled date for the shop so they could assign the shop. Within minutes, I guarantee them that I had already purchased a nonrefundable ticket. Then, two days later, they write and ask me if I can change my date until three weeks later. No... I have a nonrefundable ticket. They wanted a guarantee on the date, I gave them one.. but...

So did they end up accommodating you? Everyone purchased non refundable tickets. They should know how to handle that, I would think.
Also; any chance you’re from NH?

Did you purchase your ticket after they assigned you the shop? If so, I would think that all you had to do was to say "No."

Can someone post the URL to sign up with this MSC?

@giannarama wrote:

Can someone post the URL to sign up with this MSC?

[tns.clientsmart.com]

I just looked at these and I am confused. Is TNS paying you to do this? I mean on top of covering the accommodation? Because if they are not paying then I don't get it. I have been to timeshare presentations in the past as a civilian and it is essentially the same deal, get accommodation in exchange for the sales pitch.

edit: I contacted them and, they are just covering the accommodation. Might work for some, but it's not up my alley.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/18/2017 10:26PM by alfadog.

TNS is not the most generous for these. i have done a high end Timeshare owned by a classy hotel group that gave a week and paid for everything (this was in Vegas) for another MSC...still it's basically a vacation.

@alfadog wrote:

I just looked at these and I am confused. Is TNS paying you to do this? I mean on top of covering the accommodation? Because if they are not paying then I don't get it. I have been to timeshare presentations in the past as a civilian and it is essentially the same deal, get accommodation in exchange for the sales pitch.

edit: I contacted them and, they are just covering the accommodation. Might work for some, but it's not up my alley.

TNS also pays for mileage. Additionally, many shops cover up to a week, while many "civilian" deals provide free accommodation for shorter periods.

For my first one, which I have yet to do, TNS refused to send me anywhere I would need to fly to (which was everywhere).

This was my first company and first shop I did as a mystery shopper many years ago. I have done many of these as a timeshare owner. I have not done the hotel/timeshare shops for non-owners. There are about 4-5 different types of timeshare shops with this company.

Owners get a fee to help reimburse for using your points for the reservation. You have to record the timeshare presentation. Some of these can go on for well over an hour (even if you are good at getting out without it sucking up a half day). There is a mileage reimbursement (or airfare). You get a $50 fee if your recording is good. You might get some parking reimbursed, as well. I usually get $413-500 or so for a shop if I have used my points to make a reservation. You usually get a "free" breakfast or lunch at the presentation and you can be gifted an AMEX or restaurant giftcard or event tickets. You get to keep these.

You also have to fill out a fairly extensive report on the entire resort.

You aren't going to get Hawaii or the Caribbean if you are a new shopper with them. There is a long rotation for doing "same brand" timeshares. I haven't done the one that I don't own yet.

My advice to anyone who is interested in buying a timeshare is to NOT buy from the developer/company. Buy resale and save yourself a lot of money. I love my timeshares. However, the sales department REALLY does need to be mystery shopped!

@Schoolmarm wrote:

You also have to fill out a fairly extensive report on the entire resort.

They conveniently left that part out!