| In 2007 I Beatrice Alves was contacted and congratulated on winning a Nissan 1400 Bakkie and then I was given an address as to where I had to pick up the keys, I was excited but also very confused due to the fact that I never entered any competition. The caller was well informed as they already knew everything about me even my I.D number; I was then convinced that I had indeed won a Nissan 1400 bakkie. We then went to the address given to me to claim my prize, but to my surprise when I got there I then found out that I was not the only winner, but it was indeed a presentation held by the Quality Vacation Club. I then had to sit through a presentation stating how good the club was and how everyone needs a holiday, and then were shown slides of all the available holiday destinations that they offered, we then had to go to different tables where we were explained how the whole process works and what we would benefit if we join by one of their agents. I kept enquiring about the bakkie I had won but their only interest was selling their product. We then finally decided that we should join after being told A Holiday is better than a Heart-Attack. We then had to sign the contract without being given adequate time to read through all the clauses. By this time my family was very excited because previously we could not afford a decent holiday, after signing the forms we were told to go and claim our prize. My husband was handed a bunch of keys, but to our disappointment none of them fitted. To date I`ve only used their services for one weekend in November 2008. Ever since then whenever I enquired about accommodation or a booking, all we always got was disappointment due to them not having any accommodation available or being told that our points dont qualify us, which was totally not what we signed up for, we were told that we could go on a holiday at any given time to any of the destinations and we could even go overseas if we wished to do so. All we ever got from them was excuses and disappointment when we tried to make use of their services. My latest booking I tried for was in March 2011, but yet another disappointment. I also felt very disappointed because when we joined they failed to inform us of a yearly management fee of R6211.99 and also the fact that we would be charged interest every month. I am no longer able to pay this account due to my illness and the fact that I am now unemployed. I would like to know in a case where the Club never had any accommodation for us, what happens to our points because I was told by a lady called Miranda from their accounts department that they are un-able to help me, but in turn would blacklist me if I do not pay the outstanding arrears. To date I have paid in excess of R20, 000.00 to this club and never even enjoyed any of the benefits or the services offered to me by them. I feel like I have been misled and that they have indeed sold this product under false pretences, so please advise me on what action to take or what`s my rights are as a client. Any input would be greatly appreciated. PLEASE HELP AS I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THIS MATTER. Thank You in Advance. Beatrice |
