Out of Impulse! (update)

My membership with Astoria Vacation and Leisure Club Inc. is now officially cancelled. A refund was made on top of the cancellation fee through Credit Card Reversal. Although I wrote a letter and submitted it last February 11 signifying my intention to cancel the trial package, it took effect only on February 20 and i was able to sign it yesterday Feb 26.

I am glad that this is now over. The marketing strategy really pressed my button. No offense to Astoria Plaza. I have nothing against them. In fact, i love their residential suites. I have learned my lesson, RCI is really great and the whole system is meant for jet setters and travellers but I don't want to be tricked in buying something outrightly without first giving it a thought. IMPULSE!!!Oh well, i don't have anyone to blame but myself. Me, Myslef and I.

(Sorry Lord if i failed to become a good financial steward.)

Checked these other sites too:

http://pandepanda.blogspot.com/2008/04/astoria-bogus-raffle-winner.html

http://gingertea.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/club-astoria/#comment-1585

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g298453-i9643-k1016265-Anyone_familiar_with_club_astoria_holiday_ownership-Pasig_National_Capital_Region_Luzon.html

http://cornholiogogs.multiply.com/journal/item/358/No_Such_Thing_As_A_Free_Lunch?replies_read=3

http://www.tipidpc.com/viewtopic.php?tid=145090

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Got this email from my yahoo group.

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The perfect 10.0

The perfect 10.0

By Celine Gabriel

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife2_feb27_2009

(reposting)

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Out of Impulse!

SIGH!!!!!!

I should have checked the net before going to the CLub Astoria. Anyways, there's no use crying over spilled milk.

I received a text last February 8 regarding my raffle entry (Promo Sponsored by Club Astoria) with control no. 155976 that i filled up during their promotional exhibit at Enterprise dated last November 28, 2008. My entry was chosen as one of thier lucky winner for the month of February for a 100% guaranteed free luxury international hotel & resorts accomodations and a complimentary dinner buffet for 2 persons at Cafe Astoria.-- and you know the rest of the story..

We did signed up the membership on February 9 -- that night since the system is really suited for us. But before signing the contracy i noticed that we can only start using the 1 week free stay in Astoria on 2012 after the completion of the payment and 40% for the RCI getaway special. To which was not clearly discussed during the presentation. i clarified this to the Owner's Relation manager and he called the consultant to ask if indeed it was not presented. The consulant said that he did and his Manager affirmed it too.. It was my word against the two of them.

But i could no longer backed out since they swiped the downpayment from my credit card before i signed the contract. (Please note that i gave my credit card for them to check if my available balance can still accomodate the entire down payment). then it all made sense, around 11:30 in the evening i started to hyperventilate and left dumb founded. There were a lot of things that we're discussed in passing. Suddenly, i was no longer interested and just want go home and sleep over it. I told the Manager that they can have my money but i will not sign up. This is really what you call buying due to impulse.

The Sales Manager asked me to sign the contract and was told that if ever i decided to cancel, i can do so within 15 days. RIGHT!!!!! We left around 2 in the morning.


I never had a good night sleep since Monday night. This is the first time that i have issues involving money and with legal consequences. The only way that i can have peace of mind is to cancel my membership. I did after two days. Called the hotel Wednesday and was advised to fax or email a Letter of Cancellation.

I faxed and email it today signifying my intention to cancel the membership and that i know i am subect to a cancellation fee and i also stated that they have to refund in good faith what is due for me and asked for a written confirmation of my cancellation. Let's wait if the cancellation process is as good as the signing up.


I don't have anyone to blame for except my self for being easily fooled and acted out of impulse.

and by the way, i just found out that 3 of my officemates experienced the same. They were approached in Boracay and their downpayment was not refunded up to this date even if they seeked assistance with their legal counsel. I should have known.


I don't have anything against the Astoria, my mom and I used to stay in one fo their residential suites and we really fell in love with it. It's their marketing strategy!!! I should have just sticked to the buffet and the GC and left afterwards.

My sole intention for staying for the audio and visual presentation was to get to know know the hotel as it is and be toured on their amenties. But as how it was for everyone, your GC will be given after the presentation.

Lastly, when i called the tele-marketer before coming to the Astoria, i asked him if there will be membership talks afterwards he said, you don't have to bring money or credit card and it is not about membership because anyone can come and inquire about membership anytime at any day. The statement is in contradiction to what the consultant and the manager said that the membership is offered to me for that particular night only. And i am not one of the 15 winners, the consultant said that every night they invited 100 for the 90 minutes presentation using the buffet and GC strategy... So much for good intentions!!!!


I am really hoping and praying that the procedure for my cancellation will run smoothly and justly... They can have my money for all they want.

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