I've been getting many hits from Global Advantage / Global Discovery searches. You can certainly find more information about them here.
You might also be interested in my initial article and one I wrote concerning some technical investigations on Global Connections.
The Message
You probably have received a phonecall, a message left on your answering machine concerning a prize you have won. Rather, one of five prizes you have won. The message leaves a number for you to call to claim your prize.
Of course, when you call, they will request that you attend a presentation in order to obtain your prize. They say that the presentation will last no more than 90 minutes, at the end of which you will be able to select a scratch-off card that displays the name of the prize you have won. You will win that prize. The prizes they describe are likely a car, some cash, two different vacations, or a TV.
If you schedule an appointment, you will be asked to bring a credit card as proof of ID. This is used to make sure that you can buy something when the presentation is over. They take checks or credit cards as "ID", but it's really to make sure you can pony up the cash at the end.
About Global Discovery
I haven't heard the results of anyone else's trip to the presentation, so I can only provide my own story. If you have a story of your own, please post it in the comments here.
After waiting for everyone scheduled for our appointment time to arrive, we were escorted into a presentation room where we were given a lengthy Powerpoint-driven presentation on the company (a brief and incomplete background) and the services it offers.
Basically, Global Discovery is a company that serves two functions. The first function is as a direct-to-consumer wholesaler. The second is as a travel service.
The Buying Service
The travel service is what they are really interesting in selling, but the buying service is attractive. I have seen the discounts that their wholesale service provides (I am now a member of their "club"), and the prices indeed appear to be better than what you get at the store.
The problem is that you really have to buy a high-priced item to see the advantage in savings. You can save thousands on plasma TVs, but not too much at all on portable CD players, for example.
The price that their buyers provide through their website or on the phone is a price that includes shipping directly to your house and any taxes. You need only provide a make and model to the buyer and they will research the price. Anything that comes back more expensive than an advertised price will merit a double-the-difference refund on the item. They also double the warranty on any product they sell up to an additional year.
The Travel Service
The travel service works like this: You call their travel hotline and tell them where you want to go. (You may also have to fill out forms, because although the sales aspect seems more high-tech than most, they seem to like paper for some reason.) The travel agents - who are paid salary, not commission - do their best to create a complete package for your vacation.
It's not a timeshare, but you use timeshare properties. Basically, what has happened is that Global Discovery has bought blocks of time at various timeshare resorts around the world. By belonging to a consortium of timeshare trading companies, they are able to exchange their timeshare weeks with those of others, including Interval International and RCI, which are among the most popular.
What happens is you make your request for a location, and they either give you a week at one of the timeshares they own, or they exchange one of the ones they own for the one you want that is in one of the other exchanger's pools. You can make these reservations generally twice per year with the basic plan that Global Discovery offers.
They also offer a "discount" on airfare. The airfare isn't really discounted as far as I can tell. They just don't mark it up with travel agent brokering fees. They use the pricelists provided directly by the airlines to find the best price for flights to your destination, all based on your preferences.
I have not used the travel services yet, but they seem comparable with something you'd get from Interval International if you own a timeshare. They boast 92% fulfillment on requests to all destinations. This is pretty good compared to timeshares of my family members, but not impressive next to the 100% fulfillment rate on my own premium timeshare.
The Bottom Line - Cost
We were given many discounts, or at least it seemed, on our deal with Global Advantage. I never got over the feeling that we were being scammed used-car-salesman style.
Membership
The membership package costs a fixed price (in our case somewhere around $5000) spread in installments over two years. This purchase price entitles us and our descendants to take avantage of these services for our lifetimes.
This price entitled us to 5 star credits per year. As I said, the deal offered to you might be different. Two star credits can be used toward prime weeks at resort locations, letting us take resort vacations twice per year. (The resort does not include travel to the resort, just the "hotel" stay.)
A star credit can also be used to upgrade the room (usually just one bedroom) to two bedrooms. This can also be done with an additional fee if we were to run out of star credits.
Reservation Fees
Each week reservation costs $89 in reservation fees. It's basically the price of doing the exchange with other timeshare exchangers. This price is comparable to Interval International's, which is currently $79 per week. The price of the Global Discovery reservation fee is guaranteed not to rise for the next 10 years and is guaranteed not to rise more than 10% in each subsequent decade.
Activation Fees
You can only reserve weeks during an activation period. An activation period begins when you pay your activation fee. The period lasts for a year. The activation fee on our membership is around $360. This fee is comparable to the yearly maintenance fee on our timeshare which is over $400 per year.
The nice thing about the activation fee in comparison to our timeshare maintenance fee is that you don't have to pay it. You only pay it when you want to activate the features of Global Discovery membership. We pay the maintenance fee on our timeshare every year, no matter what, and it increases every year.
Overall Timeshare Comparison
All said, this package should cost less than our timeshare when taking into account every possible fee. Our original timeshare price was $15000. The cost of the membership was only $5000. Even overlooking that, the yearly fees are less for the Global Advantage package. If the resorts that they use are as nice as the ones that we typically exchange for (our Marriott timeshare is a two-bedroom lockoff unit in Orlando just 10 minutes walk from Disney), then it would be well worth it.
Company Reliability
We really don't know what to expect from this operation. The guys at their sales office in Devon were very nice, but also gave off that shifty kind of attitude. I never got over the sense that I had been swindled. I don't really have anything cocrete to prove that. In fact, if I let that feeling subside, everything turned out wonderfully, like I was kicking and screaming my way into luxury vacations. But something still doesn't feel right.
I contacted US Search to do a company report on their home office. Their Devon office did not exist as reported by US Search. This doesn't mean anything though because they admitted to just having set up shop in this area. On the other hand, they seemed unaware of all of the other locations that people have reported on this web site via the comments.
That said, I present my US Search report:
Corporate Information
State of Kansas
Charter Number: 2386902
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 05/25/2003
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Address Type: CORPORATE ADDRESS
Status: ACTIVE - GOOD STANDING
Date Incorporated: 07/19/1996
Terms: Expires 12/31/2096
Type: DOMESTIC PROFIT
Registered Agent: CATHY POWERS, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD., OVERLAND PARK, KS 66211
FEIN: 481186692
Incorporation State: KS
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 05/25/2003
Officer: THEODORE STEARNS, TREASURER, 14955 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Officer: THOMAS D LYONS, PRESIDENT, 14975 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Officer: CATHY POWERS, SECRETARY, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Officer: CATHY POWERS, REGISTERED AGENT, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 06/04/2002
Officer: CHARLES E HAMMOND, REGISTERED AGENT, 9300 METCALF AVE STE 400, OVERLAND PARK KS 66212-1463
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 09/19/2001
Officer: THOMAS D LYONS, OTHER THAN LISTED, 14975 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Officer: CATHY POWERS, OTHER THAN LISTED, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Officer: THEODORE STEARNS, OTHER THAN LISTED, 14955 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Important: The Public Records and commercially available data sources used on reports have errors. Data is sometimes entered poorly, processed incorrectly and is generally not free from defect. This system should not be relied upon as definitively accurate. Before relying on any data this system supplies, it should be independently verified.
Comprehensive Business Report
Date: 10/04/03
Business Information:
Company Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, LEAWOOD KS 66211-1621
Phone: (913) 498-0960
FEIN:
Names Associated With Business:
Company Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC.
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Phone:
FEIN: 481186692
Company Name: GLOBAL GOLD CONNECTIONS
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Phone:
FEIN:
SIC Code: 47240000
SIC Description: Travel Agencies & Bureaus
Business Registration:
[None Found]
Businesses Associated with Phone:
Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
FEIN:
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, LEAWOOD KS 66211-1621
Phone: (913) 498-0960
Name: NETWORK DIRECT INTERNATL
FEIN:
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, SHAWNEE MSN KS 66211-1621
Phone: (913) 498-0960
Other Businesses at Address:
More than 50 businesses at this address, no businesses shown
Internet Domain Names Registered to Business:
(Click name to go to Web site associated with that name)
BOOKATEAM.COM
CONDOWEEKS.COM
GEXPRESSWAY.COM
GHOTLINE.COM
TRAVELGCI.COM
Corporation Filings:
Company Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC.
Charter Number: 2386902
Status: ACTIVE
Filing Date:
Terms: Expires 12/31/2096
Type: DOMESTIC PROFIT
Registered Agent: CATHY POWERS
Last Seen: 05/25/2003
And this one, which seems more complete:
Corporate Information
State of Kansas
Charter Number: 2386902
Reference Code: 71672346
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 05/25/2003
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Address Type: CORPORATE ADDRESS
Status: ACTIVE - GOOD STANDING
Date Incorporated: 07/19/1996
Terms: Expires 12/31/2096
Type: DOMESTIC PROFIT
Registered Agent: CATHY POWERS, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD., OVERLAND PARK, KS 66211
FEIN: 481186692
Incorporation State: KS
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS:
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 05/25/2003
Officer: THEODORE STEARNS, TREASURER, 14955 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Officer: THOMAS D LYONS, PRESIDENT, 14975 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Officer: CATHY POWERS, SECRETARY, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Officer: CATHY POWERS, REGISTERED AGENT, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 06/04/2002
Officer: CHARLES E HAMMOND, REGISTERED AGENT, 9300 METCALF AVE STE 400, OVERLAND PARK KS 66212-1463
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC. - As of: 09/19/2001
Officer: THOMAS D LYONS, OTHER THAN LISTED, 14975 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Officer: CATHY POWERS, OTHER THAN LISTED, 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Officer: THEODORE STEARNS, OTHER THAN LISTED, 14955 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
Important: The Public Records and commercially available data sources used on reports have errors. Data is sometimes entered poorly, processed incorrectly and is generally not free from defect. This system should not be relied upon as definitively accurate. Before relying on any data this system supplies, it should be independently verified.
Comprehensive Business Report
Date: 10/06/03
Reference Code: 71672346
Business Information:
Company Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, LEAWOOD KS 66211-1621
Phone: (913) 498-0960
FEIN:
Names Associated With Business:
Company Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC.
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Phone:
FEIN: 481186692
Company Name: GLOBAL GOLD CONNECTIONS
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Phone:
FEIN:
SIC Code: 47240000
SIC Description: Travel Agencies & Bureaus
Business Registration:
[None Found]
Business Contacts:
STEARNS BRIAN, DOMAIN TECHNICAL CONTACT, Date Last Seen: Jun 26, 2003
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
POWERS CATHY, DOMAIN ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT, Date Last Seen: Jun 26, 2003
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
CHARLES E HAMMOND, SSN: 509-38-6734, REGISTERED AGENT, Date Last Seen: Jun 04, 2002
9300 METCALF AVE STE 400, OVERLAND PARK KS 66212-1463
THOMAS D LYONS, , Date Last Seen: Sep 19, 2001
14975 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
THOMAS D LYONS, , PRESIDENT, Date Last Seen: May 25, 2003
14975 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
TOM LYONS, DOMAIN ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT, Date Last Seen: Sep 15, 2003
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
CATHY POWERS, OWNER, Date Last Seen: Apr 00, 2003
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, LEAWOOD KS 66211-1621
CATHY POWERS, Date Last Seen: Sep 19, 2001
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
CATHY POWERS, REGISTERED AGENT, Date Last Seen: May 25, 2003
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
CATHY POWERS, SECRETARY, Date Last Seen: May 25, 2003
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
DOUG SPRINGFIELD, , DOMAIN TECHNICAL CONTACT, Date Last Seen: Sep 15, 2003
19016 E 34TH TER S, INDEPENDENCE MO 64057-3342
THEODORE STEARNS, , Date Last Seen: Sep 19, 2001
14955 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
THEODORE STEARNS, , TREASURER, Date Last Seen: May 25, 2003
14955 OUTLOOK, STANLEY KS 66223
STEARNS TED, DOMAIN ADMINISTRATIVE CONTACT, Date Last Seen: Sep 15, 2003
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
Businesses Associated with Phone:
Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
FEIN:
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, LEAWOOD KS 66211-1621
Phone: (913) 498-0960
Name: NETWORK DIRECT INTERNATL
FEIN:
Address: 5320 COLLEGE BLVD, SHAWNEE MSN KS 66211-1621
Phone: (913) 498-0960
Other Businesses at Address:
More than 50 businesses at this address, no businesses shown
Internet Domain Names Registered to Business:
(Click name to go to Web site associated with that name)
BOOKATEAM.COM
CONDOWEEKS.COM
GEXPRESSWAY.COM
GHOTLINE.COM
TRAVELGCI.COM
Corporation Filings:
Company Name: GLOBAL CONNECTIONS, INC.
Charter Number: 2386902
Status: ACTIVE
Filing Date:
Terms: Expires 12/31/2096
Type: DOMESTIC PROFIT
Registered Agent: CATHY POWERS
Last Seen: 05/25/2003
UCC Filings for Business:
UCC Filing:
DEBTOR
Parties:
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
SECURED
Parties:
PCS FINANCIAL CORP
200 W JACKSON BLVD STE 710, CHICAGO IL 60606-6941
PUBLISHERS CREDIT SVC INC
200 W MADISON ST, CHICAGO IL 60606-3414
PUBLISHERS CREDIT SVC INC
COLLATERAL CODE
[None Found]
EVENTS
09/19/1997 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT FILED - 002388466
12/20/1999 - - 003109105
12/20/1999 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT AMENDED - 003109105
12/21/1999 - - 0031]]16118
12/21/1999 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT AMENDED - 003116118
12/21/1999 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT AMENDED - 003116118
07/02/2002 - - 005291463
07/02/2002 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT CONTINUED - 005291463
UCC Filing:
DEBTOR
Parties:
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, LEAWOOD KS 66211-1621
SECURED
Parties:
ERVIN LEASING COMPANY
3893 RESEARCH PARK DR, ANN ARBOR MI 48108-2217
COLLATERAL CODE
[None Found]
EVENTS
06/07/2002 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT FILED - 005265848
UCC Filing:
DEBTOR
Parties:
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
SECURED
Parties:
CONNECTIONS INC
OLLEGE BOULEVARD OVERLA, ND PARK KS
ERVIN LEASING COMPANY
3893 RESEARCH PARK DR, ANN ARBOR MI 48108-2217
COLLATERAL CODE
[None Found]
EVENTS
06/24/2002 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT FILED - 005280656
UCC Filing:
DEBTOR
Parties:
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
SECURED
Parties:
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OLATHE
444 E SANTA FE ST BOX 1500, OLATHE KS 66061-3446
COLLATERAL CODE
[None Found]
EVENTS
01/23/2003 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT FILED - 005449293
UCC Filing:
DEBTOR
Parties:
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS INC
5320 COLLEGE BLVD, OVERLAND PARK KS 66211-1621
SECURED
Parties:
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OLATHE
444 E SANTA FE ST BOX 1500, OLATHE KS 66061-3446
COLLATERAL CODE
[None Found]
EVENTS
05/01/2003 - UCC FINANCE STATEMENT FILED - 091689829
If you have any personal experience with using Global Connections, Global Discovery, Global Advantage, Network Direct, etc. I would love to hear from you, good or bad. I am especially eager to hear from someone who has had a first-hand good experience with their vacation services, especially someone who has experience with timeshare ownership. No matter what your experience, even if you just got the call or went to the presentation, I'd like to heard from you.
Feel free to leave a comment with your experience here!
