Festiva Problems in Missouri, North Carolina

Consider first that the following comes from a website. We all know that it can be hard to trust what we read on the web. So, don't take it as gospel.

The "ex-employee" posting might not really have been an employee.

However, it sure looks familiar, right down to the appearance of the owner being happy to answer questions while at the same time not answering questions already asked and not responding to obvious issues already raised.

In my opinion, a public forum is a good place for company owners/managers to answer people's concerns. How better to reach as many as possible? On the other hand, insisting to only respond individually leaves the questioner open to trained tactics designed to achieve pre-determined results. Outfield does the same when they insist on meeting the owner in their home and not some public space.
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The following comes from the site called Rip-off Report. The page is here:http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/356/RipOff0356189.htm#421685

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Festiva Resorts Misleads Consumers Asheville North Carolina

Festiva Resorts, Festiva Resorts Misleads Consumers Asheville North Carolina

If you are considering buying a timeshare do NOT buy from Festiva Resorts. My husband and I own a timeshare that we bought from Equivest in 2000. In 2007, Festiva purchased Equivest and has since been trying to convert all the Equivest owners over to Festiva. They have been using misleading information and using scare tactics to get over $3000 from each Equivest owner to convert to Festiva.

Basically, they are trying to charge us $3000 to buy what we already own. The sales rep we dealt with made several claims which we found out were false. We have had issues dealing with Festiva to make reservations

and get our maintenance fees paid. I have heard nothing good about this company and recently read an account where the Attorney General in Missouri took Festiva to court and Festiva was found guilty of misleading consumers. Numerous complaints have been filed with the Attorney General in North Carolina (where Festiva's home offices are located) regarding the fraudulent activities of Festiva. This company cannot be trusted.

There is a group on Yahoo made up of Equivest/Peppertree owners and if you are an owner of an Equivest/Peppertree timeshare and wish to exchange ideas, share experiences, or get information then join us at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Equivest-PeppertreeOwners/. We hope to join together to file a complaint against Festiva.
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Submitted: 8/10/2008 5:21:29 PM

Modified: 8/10/2008 9:19:19 PM

Timeshare Insider

Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
U.S.A.

Buyer Beware of Festiva/Timeshares

If you are considering buying TIMESHARE do NOT purchase with Festiva Resorts. As a former employee I know that they hire and retain sales people who have criminal records

. Many of them have drug and alcohol problems. They LIE, PRESSURE YOU, and MANIPULATE. When they approach the consumer they tell you it is a vacation club....it is simply TIMESHARE using a points system.

Points do not work well. They are difficult to use, lose value each and every year, and will not put you in a great vacation destination in prime season.

When going to a Festiva property they take you to the 'model' which is always so much nicer than the units available when you return to vacation. YOU HAVE 5 DAYS to CANCEL if you have purchased a timeshare. USE IT and send them notice by certified mail. Contact your credit card company and reverse the charge.

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Submitted: 5/14/2009 8:37:05 AM

Modified: 5/14/2009 10:17:14 AM

Festiva Rep

Asheville, North Carolina
U.S.A.

Response from CEO of Festiva Resorts

My name is Don Clayton and I am the CEO of Festiva Resorts

.

Although I am sure there are areas where our company can do a better job I am very proud of what we are doing and I am willing to assist in any way to answer your questions and concerns.

If you are truly interested in seeking solutions to any concerns you may have please contact me I will be glad to speak with you about your concerns and lets see if we can work together to resolve any of them. I can be reached at 828.254.3378.

Thank you.
Don Clayton