ComplaintsforCharter Club of North Beach, LLC

• Initial Complaint

  06/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchase this on 6/15/2024. Tried to call and cancel the next day no one answered. I was told I have 3 business days starting the following Monday. Cant get ahold of anyone.

  

  Business response

  06/17/2024

  Please accept this response on behalf of North Beach.  I have reviewed the agreement to confirm it was properly executed by ******************. Prior to executing a membership agreement, all prospective members must read and initial a line by line Acknowledgement of Representations that clearly state, in accordance to the laws of **************, there is not right of rescission.  ****************** acknowledged an understanding "Therefore, having made an informed judgment to join the Charter Club today, you authorize the execution of your membership agreement".  Furthermore, just above the signature in bold letters, the agreement clearly states the "agreement cannot be cancelled".  The membership includes a great deal of confidential information and the Charter Club goes to great lengths to make sure that each potential member is clearly informed, and agreeing without any duress to enter into the agreement. The Club stands ready to perform and deliver all of its obligations under the terms of the agreement.

  Customer response

  06/18/2024

   
  Complaint: 21861972
  
  I am rejecting this response because: When I call ***** and ***** clearly sated to me that I have 3 business days to cancel. If someone is not satisfied why would you wont them as a customer.  Poor business practices. I need a refund asap. Im in the 3 business days that I was told I had.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  

  Business response

  07/01/2024

  Please accept this response on behalf of The Charter Club. I have communicated with ****************** directly and investigated his complaint. The Charter Club provided me with a copy of the documents executed by ******************. Prior to entering into the agreement, ****************** completed the Acknowledgement of Representations which clearly states that if he voluntarily chooses to move forward with the contract, he understands that the State of ************** does not provide for a 3-day right of rescission.  It further states that being fully informed he chose to proceed without duress or financial distress with executing a contract.  Even above the signature line on the contract, the document states that the contract is not cancellable.  Furthermore, I reached out ***** and *****, to find who ****************** spoke with. Neither of these folks work for The Charter Club nor do they have any information or authority to speak on behalf of the Club.  Therefore there is no basis on which to cancel this contract until or unless the Charter Club fails to perform the services as required in the agreement.

• Initial Complaint

  12/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  this company provided misleading information. we gave $ which in return we would receive a free vacation, there is no free vacation, we paid $ for a certificate. now $. all vacations are discounted which is roughly $. Now $ this is ongoing and no resolution! we want our money back which was taken under false pretenses!

  

  Business response

  12/27/2023

  Please accept this response on behalf of the North Beach Charter Club.  There is an apparent misunderstanding as there is no representation that by joining the Charter Club anyone will receive a FREE vacation.  Membership guarantees the lowest price available on any travel bookings.  Prospective members are contacted by a third-party marketing company that offers travel vouchers in exchange for simply attending a sales presentation.  It is disclosed up front at the time of booking that everyone will be responsible for a $ activation fee and port taxes.  This certificate is not contingent upon any purchase.

  I am unclear what the issue is regarding the rest of the complaint but we will reach out to the client directly.

  Thank you,

   

• Initial Complaint

  09/01/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I am requesting cancelation of our membership/contract and a full refund of $2495 due to inaccurate information provided prior to joining. We were told their prices couldn't be matched, and if we found a less expensive price ANYWHERE, they would provide 10% discount. I requested pricing for a 2bdrm condo at ********* ****** ****. I was quoted $7338.86 from charter club dates 5/25-6/1 as best and only unit. However I found multiple units and provided links, etc $2100-3600 for same dates via ****, and other property manager sites. After Charter Club "research" they couldn't match and would not offer the 10% discount for us. In addition, everything I seek through Charter club is only cheaper if we are not comparing apples to apples. What they offer is a step down from where we would vacation/types of units we would stay in. For instance, a rental car for our trip in Oct is $150 less through Charter Club, but ONLY if we use Thrifty. To use a more accredited rental car company, they are priced over $100 from other sites such as ******* using **********. They provided false information luring us to join. Quite frankly, they should be ashamed of how they were dishonest and took advantage of our family, and many others!

  

  Business response

  09/05/2023

  On behalf of The Charter Club I acknowledge this complaint is received and we have initiated an investigation into this price disparity.  Obviously the substantial difference in pricing for these units indicates there is an unusual problem.  We will request some additional information from the member and work towards a satisfactory resolution.

  Customer response

  09/05/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I had several conversations with Charter Club representatives who already stated over the phone that they were unable to match the prices I found, and were unable to offer the 10% rebate since these were "privately owned properties". In this instance I provided pricing minimum $5400 cheaper that I received from ****, and another Property Management company. However prior to joining as Charter Club members less than 1 month ago, I asked the question if offer **** properties and price match. They stated yes. Majority of our domestic travels are done via ****. Therefore, if Charter Club is not upholding to the terms disgusted prior to us joining, I would like immediate cancellation of our membership and refund in full.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** **********

  

  Business response

  09/05/2023

  There is no response yet to reject.  As stated, I am going to try and sort through exactly what happened.  I have requested notes and call transcript recordings from *** and the presentation video from the day you attended.  The Charter Club provides lowest price guarantee on all commercially available accommodations.  **** is a private platform similar to advertising on ********,  for private property owners to market their properties through private transactions with folks seeking to rent their property. The owners have sole discretion to set their pricing, discount their pricing or negotiate rates with a guest. There is no way to do apples to apples comparison. The concierge does have the ability to contact a private owner on behalf of a Charter Club member and request a discount and this service should have been offered, but those properties are not listed in the *** reservation system. Regardless, the pricing discrepancy at this resort is way out of line and that is one thing we will attempt to figure out.   The overarching concern is if one overwhelmingly travel via ****, which is Vacation Rental by Owner, there would not generally be a reason to join a travel service.  I will report findings to The Charter Club management team and will respond with their decision regarding this complaint.

  Customer response

  09/26/2023

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:On 8/16/23 we purchased the Charter Club membership for $2495.00 after receiving false information from their representatives regarding deep discounts on travel/vacation stays/rental cars, etc. As well as false information on best price guarantee or 10% rebate. Neither of those have been honored. I have been trying to contact management to request a refund due to this false information. I have sent a written letter to the address provided on BBB, with no response. I also have texted the representative (no name provided) that lured us to their presentation; requesting an email address and/or manager telephone # for me to speak with. I was told they are not able to give out that information. And email is not an option. I am attaching text messages for reference. I would greatly appreciate a call and/or email from management in response to my open complaint.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** **********

  

  Business response

  09/28/2023

  I am reaching out to Ms. ********** today with a resolution to this issue.

  Customer response

  10/13/2023

  
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.  The company has responded to me and resolved the issue to our satisfaction
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** **********

• Initial Complaint

  07/05/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The tactics to sell these memberships are highly dishonest. The promises are not fulfilled. We wanted to use the membership primarily to stay at Litchfield, and we said so in the meeting. We were told the membership would pay for itself after 2 stays at Litchfield which was not at all true. The savings have been a few dollars or nothing. I dont have buyers remorse. I was lied to! They took advantage of me wanting to help my extended family vacation. I wanted to pay for them, and they said at the meeting Id be able to because of the discounts but that definitely was not true. I suspect the people they told me purchased the membership at the meeting didnt even purchase it. They just wanted me to think they did so Id feel more comfortable purchasing it too. Ive been to embarrassed to complain. My family makes fun of me for buying this membership. Its humiliating. They shouldnt be allowed to advertise something so clear different than what they provide. Its wrong! I want a refund. Im tired of being quiet about this! Im not going to be quiet anymore. Theyve kind of ruined Litchfield for me too because I cant believe the resort would let this company in to do presentations to scan their loyal customers like me. I come back year after year! I didnt deserve to be so misled. That too is wrong. I want my money back!

  

  Business response

  07/06/2023

  **********,    On behalf of The Charter Club, I will be happy to look into your complaint and I will request a copy of your paperwork to see if it was executed properly.  After the sales presentation and prior to executing a purchase agreement, you should have received a document titled Acknowledgement of Representations.  This is an important document specifically designed to avoid any misunderstanding or misrepresentation. The document requires each purchaser to individually initial each statement including but not limited to the following.  ( I/we are not entering into this Agreement to access any specific accommodation, specific cruise or to replace any existing vacation. ______.  ______.   and  The primary benefit of this agreement is the extensive global inventory of weekly condominium rentals at wholesale prices. ______.  ______.).   If this document was not presented to you or if you did not execute it, I will move to try and terminate your agreement.  However if the document was executed properly, I will verify that you were provided member pricing in accordance to the terms which would be lower than any price available to the public.   I will reach out to you directly.  Thank you

  Customer response

  07/06/2023

   
  Complaint: 20275999
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Completing a lengthy verbal presentation promising discounts AT LITCHFIELD as a result of signing up for the program, failing to deliver the discounts / rewards promised, and then trying to hide behind a document with legal terminology is disingenuous.  I made it very, very clear from the  beginning of talking to ***** that I mostly wanted to continue to visit the resort where the presentation took place (Litchfield) with members of my extended family.  I told him that I was the one who paid for all of the vacations for these family members.  I was told this membership would provide large discounts AT LITCHFIELD upon saying that.  He said the price I'd gotten for the trip I was on at the time was not a good one and went on about how this membership would vastly improve my subsequent vacation prices.  That has not been the case at all. The truth should be told in the verbal presentation itself.  If the product were a good product that matched well with the verbal presentation then that would be fine.  Unfortunately what is being promised in the presentation is not what is delivered.  Again, I believe the resort should not allow these presentations as it is presenting false information about future stays at the resort to many of their loyal guests who have been returning to the resort repeatedly already. If the membership is not to be used for coming to any particular place to vacation then the presentation should stop presenting to people that they can use it in that way. I specifically remember in the presentation a story about woman having come to the presentation - they said she'd visited ********** since she was a child (10 years old, I think) and had returned there every year since - now visiting yearly with her grandchildren.  "Just think of all the money she could have saved if she had this membership all those years," the presenter said.  The presenter went on to explain how nicer accommodations could be afforded with the membership too - because of the cost savings. Someone asked if this woman had purchased the membership, "Oh, yes.  She definitely did," we were told.  I maintain my stance that I want and deserve a refund.  It is absolutely not true that they present this as a membership to help you go stay at condos all over the place!  I would never have signed up for that! I rarely leave ** and SC!  I don't even fly!  I would never have signed up for something like that!! 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************

  

  Business response

  07/12/2023

  Please accept this response on behalf of the Charter Club.  As noted in the initial response, the acknowledgement is not legal jargon it explicitly states:     " I/we are not entering into this Agreement to access any specific accommodation, specific cruise or to replace any existing vacation. ______.  ______."     Regardless, members of the Charter Club are given a dedicated and non-public link directly to Litchfield for member only bookings where members receive an additional discount off of the lowest available rate.

  The membership is represented as a lifetime membership that guarantees in writing that members receive the lowest price for travel 100% of the time.  There is no representation nor is it reasonable to assume that a 100% return on investment could be expected from 2 reservations.  According to RSI there has been no request for any other travel reservations.

  Based on my review of this file, there is no indication that The Charter Club has failed to provide the benefits and services as represented in the Membership Agreement and therefore there is no basis for terminating the agreement at this time.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Initial Complaint

  03/27/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We attended the seminar in July 2021. We paid alot of money and have never once been able to use the platform and/or get the huge travel discounts and FREE travel that we were told we would get. We tried to communicate with the company and the representative even said the website was very difficult to use and we would be better off calling. This is not what we were promised initially. Despite that, we tried calling several times and never were we able to get a discount or use the promised FREE travel weeks. We decided NOT to pay the yearly fee so as not to waste another dime on something that was a waste of money to begin with. Since we did not pay, we have been harassed by phone calls EVERY DAY and emails so often that it is absolutely harassment at this point. We want our money back and we want to file this complaint as a warning to others- it is a big scam!!! We'd like our money back and we'd like NO MORE phone calls or emails!!!!!!

  

  Business response

  03/27/2023

  Please accept this response on behalf of The Charter Club. After checking with the club office there s no record of any complaints regarding the services.  Also there is no component of the membership that provides "free" weeks. Regardless, The Charter Club is not involved in the renewal process which is management by **********************************.  However, we apologize if their efforts have been over zealous and we will make sure the phone calls cease immediately.  Please let us know if any future phone calls are received after today.  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  03/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Last May we purchased a vacation package while visiting a resort in ************. During the presentation we were shown major travel deals and told about tremendous savings that were available with a membership in the Charter Club. As frequent travelers we were promised wed be saving a lot of money by using the website to book travel. We purchased the membership with great hopes of finding good deals. Unfortunately that was not to be. I have spent countless hours scouring the website and different deals and unfortunately the best deals are not found through this pricey membership. I am requesting a refund of our membership at this time. We have made several phone calls to several people in the company with no response in the matter. We have also sent several emails with photos attached of different resorts showing that we can receive better deals through the resort rather than by using The Charter Club. One of the promises made to us was at least 40% savings for the resort where we originally purchased the package, which is far from the truth! Another was huge savings on cruises, which is far from the truth since the prices are the same and one I found was actually better through the cruise line ! I have included photos and would appreciate a response and a refund for my vacation package.

  

  Business response

  03/14/2023

  We are in receipt of your complaint.  It is under review and we will be in touch with you shortly.  Thank you

  Customer response

  03/14/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and am willing to wait for their response. I have included pictures with date of purchase and amount of purchase which we would like refunded. I can send more pictures of price comparisons if needed.

   

  I do not accept that this issue is resolved. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  

  Business response

  03/14/2023

  I don't believe anyone has suggested that this complaint is resolved.  The complaint was received and it is under investigation and someone will be in touch soon.  Thank you

  Customer response

  03/15/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ******** and will be waiting for an answer regarding the complaint. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  

  Business response

  03/22/2023

  I have reached out to ******************** twice and I am waiting for her response with a bit more detail on the problem she is having.  We will assist her as soon as we receive the information.

  Customer response

  03/22/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********. I have responded with photo attachments to ***** as requested. I am also forwarding an email that we had no response to from last October with more photo comparisons and proof that I had been logged into my account. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  03/13/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a membership with Charter Club based on the information given at the business presentation. I was led to believe by purchasing a membership, I would be able to vacation at exclusive hotels, condos, cruises,etc with substantial savings. They literally guaranteed that their customer service agent would be available to assist finding good deals, however, after making countless attempts to find a exclusive vacation getaway, the customer service agent failed to find us any type accommodations. What frustrate us the most is the deceptive tactics the company used to lure us into purchasing a membership which cost about $2,500.00 and we have yet to benefit from our purchase despite countless attempts. We would be told that there is nothing available for the time requested or they simple couldnt accommodate our request. We were given a certificate of guarantee that assured us that their company would save us the amount spent for membership in the first year of membership. My husband and I are both retired military and we vacation frequently, as a result of the company deception, we were forced to pay the market price verses the savings promised during the sales pitch. We are beyond dissatisfied and we are seeking a full refund of the cost of our membership as per the certificate of guarantee and the company bogus claims.

  

  Business response

  03/13/2023

  We are in receipt of your complaint and will look into it immediately.  

• Initial Complaint

  01/29/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Another scammed customer! While on vacation during the Christmas holidays, I was contacted to attend a presentation at **********************. I attended and purchased The Charter Club package on December 26, 2022. What they advertised is completely false. They claimed you would save 50% on your bookings. I looked at going back to North Beach as well as booking a cruise and neither were discounted the way they advertised. As a matter of fact, their pice was the same as booking the cruise myself on Carnival. I called The Charter Club for the "so-called discount" and the customer service representative gave me a bunch of lies and nonsense when I asked why their prices were the same as Carnival. I haven't used the package because there are no savings. This is a complete rip off. They should be ashamed of themselves for taking people's hard earned money. I want my money back.

  

  Business response

  01/30/2023

  **************, I cannot find any record of your request for a cruise. As per the instructions on your agreement, the only way to receive the discount on cruises is to book through the reservation center. You can research cruise options on the website but regulations prohibit publishing the final pricing. Moreover, the agreement specifically states that for cruises, you will receive your quote and the discount. The discount amount will be sent to you directly from the cruise line after travel is completed. Quotes should be provided to you in writing. If I am misinformed and you were provided a written quote, please send it to ************************ Thank you

  Customer response

  01/31/2023

  (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
  I did not book the cruise because it wasn't discounted as described in your presentation. This vacation package is not a benefit for me. The presentation at North Beach was very misleading! Your rating on BBB is -D and everyone has the same complaint that the presentation is misleading and the discounts are not as you advertised. I have not used the package, free gifts or anything given to me at the presentation and I would like to return the package to you and get a refund of tge $4500 I paid. I will hand deliver your package back to you. I will even accept a penalty.

  Customer response

  01/31/2023

  Additionally, we were NOT told in the presentation that the discounted price would be sent to us by the cruise line after travel is completed. We were led to believe that the discount is upfront. I would have never purchased this if I was told that. The guy that did the presentation did not disclose any of this information you stated in your response. Also as for booking at North Beach we were told we would see a 50% savings. Also not true. Please stop making excuses for the lies we were told at the presentation. I'm sure you are aware of the dishonest practices by reading all of the negative comments on this site. All of us are not lying. So it seems that the problem is with ****************** and The Charter Club. That's why you don't give 3 days to cancel because you know we would cancel if we had 24 hours to research the company and other people's complaints. I don't want to go back and forth with you on this site. Please be honorable and refund my money or contact me personally. Thank you!

  

  Business response

  02/01/2023

  There is no evidence that any request to price or book a cruise has ever been submitted to the travel concierge so there cannot be any discount in dispute. The company is willing to stand by its representation to provide the lowest available price on any cruise anywhere any time but we must have a request to book a specific cruise. This matter has been referred to a dispute resolution agent and if the company is unable to provide the services as represented the company has the full approval to provide an appropriate resolution.

• Initial Complaint

  01/25/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I attended the presentation at Litchfield on August 19, 2022. During the presentation we were told that we would receive very big savings when booking all kinds of vacations. Initially the cost to join this club was $8,000.00 we were then offered a special rate and finally paid $5000.00. When I have compared the savings with other cruise lines, other vacation businesses the savings is minimal, if any. We were told that they price match, honestly who cares, as I could already get the price at another vacation seller, but I've had to waste my time price comparing. I've tried to call but have only received a call from an administrative clerk who could not help me or I get transferred to someone else, only to get a voicemail with no returned call!! I would like my money back. This is absolutely a scam!! We have went on two different vacations for MUCH less. My next stop is to our attorney. I would rather give him the money to take it to court than let them continue to rip people off!!

  

  Business response

  01/27/2023

  Several staff members of the Charter Club as well as the owner have reached out to **************** in an effort to address her concerns. Per the terms of the agreement and attached disclosures, the members website specifically regarding cruises is for research only. Regulations prevent publication or pricing. ******* must be booked with a concierge agent who will provide final pricing and rebates. Rebates (wholesale discounts) are paid to members after travel is completed. All of this information is included in documentation and disclosures. The sales office does not book travel. I will follow the case.

  Customer response

  01/30/2023

  (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
  This is a blatant lie. I have not received one call or email from them. I have resolved that we will not be able to get any help from this company. All that I can say is buyers beware! It is a scam. A reputable company would NOT have this many complaints on the BBB. I really wished I would have looked at BBB before giving them my money!

  

  Business response

  01/31/2023

  I contacted the *** Reservation Desk and there is no record of any contact or request to book a cruise or any other travel request. In the original complaint the customer says she received one call back but in the follow up claim states she has "not received one call". If there is any unfulfilled request for travel, please forward to ***************************************** and if the company is unable to fulfill its obligation per the terms of the agreement I will follow up with whatever appropriate measures are to resolve the complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  01/19/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On Friday, January 6, 2023 my husband and myself attended a Charter Club presentation. They offered ** $100 in dining certificates, plus, a January bonus of a 8/7 day Resort Condominium Vacation certificate good for a year. Also, we could get "hot" vacation values of $199/week or possibly ever $99, sent out every Thursday based on availability. In addition, 2 family members could use the *** vacation portion. The club price was $9000+, but now marked down to $8900 and for our group it would be $7,900. The first couple to book would get another $1000 off. Following the presentation, we went with *****. We told her condo vacations didn't interest us. However, we do stay at Litchfield Beach Club every winter, because of their special winter rates. ***** said this Charter Club would give us savings on that. We questioned these savings. She opened her iPad and showed us an ad for 25% off. We were interested in saving 25% for our winter booking. Then she said we could join the ****** Club for Litchfield Beach and we could get the *** vacations club free for a year. Then she upped it to membership in *** vacations for life, with 2 family members. We accepted, based on the savings for our winter rental. We paid $3000 for the Charter Club, plus a $499 "documentation" fee, which we felt we would make up in future years. The transaction was finalized by *****. He told us we got the cheapest deal and not to tell any of the others. When we logged into the Charter Club, we found we could only book 2 week vacations at Litchfield, contrary to what ***** told us. We feel we were misled and that ***** misrepresented our benefits. We have since then booked our own winter rental with no benefit from being in the Charter Club. Also, many of the "deals" on ************* were already sold out on the day they were listed. There are no club benefits for us, as presented, and we want a full refund.

  

  Business response

  01/24/2023

  A new representative was assigned to Mrs ********* and incorrectly gave the information that the discounts charter members receive translates to monthly winter rentals. Our agents have attempted to contact the client numerous times to resolve the matter but have been unable to reach the client. We are committed to providing the client a refund but must speak with them to gather the necessary documents for their file. We all that Mrs ********* return our calls to settle this outstanding issue.

  Customer response

  01/26/2023

  (The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩