UVC .... ruh roh .. here we go!

(this post updated 20 JUN 2025)

Almost FIVE years ago I posted about this all.   I was a Pro / Con type of Post. Since then, joined a few months ago.  So, I opted to take that post down in case some of it was pecieved as negative. It was by far my most popular blog post  with the most hits.

Well, five years ago, I had an option to buy in when my cousin had (but later canx) . In retrospect .. I should have bought in right then and there, at the top level.  I get so anal about things, and try to find the loop holes. I don't trust most sales pitches and definitley don't like the high pressure "MUST BUY TODAY!" BS.  Sadly .. that's what UVC and many other clubs and timeshares do. Bad enough we have to put up with this kinda shit buying cars?

Well, I did it last month while in Cozumel.  I gave in and let them give me the pitch.  I was prepared to say   no .. then No .. then NO ... but, didn't. During the lil 'presales' part, my sales girl said a couple things that got me to thinking.  I was already aware of most of the facts.  The scenarios.  Spoken to many folks that had bought in and were happy.  I'm currently signed up with Marriot for a 3 day resort visit where I'll have to listen to it and I'm ready to say no/No/NO!   Well, during the presales, she asked .. been on a vacation in the past few years?  I laughed.  In the last year?  I laughed.  What kind of vacation(s)?  I laughed.  Then she asked me ... "how much did you spend on each?" ...   I didnt' laugh as much. Now my brain has gone into sales/ROI/TCO/math mode and I'm not happy with myself.  Not happy .. that ... maybe .. I should have done this sooner knowing what I knew already after all my research.  So, she takes me upstairs to see the 'closer'.  Ten seconds into his pitch I bust his balls with "I always get a lil nervous when you all can write upside down, as well I can write rightside up".  He then asked me what I do for a living and he squirmed a lil.  Then all the options and sub-options come out on brochures.  I asked him "can I take a pic of that?"   Suprisingly, he said 'yes.'   That one caught me off guard becasue normally, they won't let you.  Part of the high pressure sales pitch, don't leave with all the evidence for the next person or research' stuff.  So, I'm now taking pics of everything.  Options .. costs .. you name it.   As it'll turn out, others see/hear me (others getting their pitches) and apparently, I must be doing something right.  But .. .what no one to include my wife .. realizes is.. I've decided to buy in.  The question is .. how much?  I've decided to buy into the top level. But, how much?   I'm thinking fuck it'.. no more overthinking all this.  What I can't use, my daughter will use in her life time.  Simple as that.  So, over the next 90 minutes... we work on the details ... and .. I sign.

Now, here's the kicker.  They ALWAYS make money.  When you buy a car.. they MADE $.  I don't care what they say. When you buy a house, they MADE $.  When you buy a time share, they MADE $. And... when you buy into UVC or other similar clubs, no matter what they said, told you, etc.. they MADE $.   The question is .. and you and I will NEVER know.. is how much did you leave on the table?  Could you have have gotten it for a lil less? Maybe.  Could you have gotten more 'free nights?' Maybe.  Could you have gotten .. hell .. I don't know .. something...  Maybe.   How much did I pay? Too Much, but felt I got a good deal.  Had I taken the dozen offers prior to what we settled on, well not so much.  Could I have done better?  We may never know?

For me personally, I bought in at the upper level 'IMPRESSIONS.'  Biggest complaints I've heard over the years is "should have bought in higher for addtional benefits."  Simple as that.  Folks are always getting upgrades to the next level. They like the club, but want 'more' from it. So they upgrade.  I can't upgrade, I just went all in.  Is that smart?  Well, it WOULD have been smarter had I done it five years ago when I had the chance at a cost point less than I just paid (they claim inflation, etc .. .I'll go along with that excuse).  After what I've paid the last five years since that trip to Maraoma Beach for my B'day .. It would have been a great move.  Now?  A move I'm happy with and will utilze to the max possible.  When I no longer can, my Daughter and her hubby can.  Simple as that.

Now, I've still got to test the waters.... utilizing my new, fully paid for,  options.  In a few months we'll head out and do just that.  

Note. I stated in last Blog Post on the subject (which I've suspended) that ..   if someone goes on vacation often enough, and early enough, buying in at one of their level may make sense.  I still believe that.  Hell, I just did.  But, obviously doesn't make sense for everyone ....