diser's staying at timeshares

[spiceycat]

RCI - skyauction. has a new security deposit.

I have yet to see a skyauction with this new fee. However there are several exchanges, extra vacations, and last call vacations with it.

It runs from $50 to $200 - most are $200 and $100. It is called a security deposit.

so if you are charged this at the check in - then definitely (if you can) take pictures - before and after.

most of the resorts have a good reputation and I am sure you will get your money back.

however both Westgate and Fairfield are doing it. I am not sure about either of these. Not offense to anyone here. but both seem to be out for as much money as they can get.

[disneysteve]

When do they return the deposit? Do they do it at checkout or send it to you later?

[gjw007]

Pat;
Could you be a little more elaborate? Whenever I check into a timeshare, they normally take a credit card imprint. What is different in this policy?

[spiceycat]

before timeshare were not asking for a security deposit period.

None!!!

now they are - I would understand if they were the best - they are not. In some cases they are the worst.

So I would definitely take pictures before and after. Or I can see some of these places saying you caused the damaged (which you didn't) to get their hands on your money.

I know that is a horrible attitude. But dealing with Westgate will do that too you - sorry!!!

my problem is my little digit camera doesn't take good enough pictures for this detail - so it means bringing the older camera along too.

I am a little afraid of any timeshares that suddenly starts to charge a security deposit. Now in the beach areas this is to expected. but Orlando is not a beach area.

I think certain timeshares (Westgate and Fairfield) will start to make you attend their timeshare presentation to get your money back. This is illegal.

I wish I knew how it would work. I don't know. I have a post on tug to RCI - hoping Maria can tell us how it will work. and that RCI will punish any timeshares that tries - well you have to attend our sales pitch to get your money back. but I have grave doubts.

It is also strange that it is on their exchanges and extra vacation but not on the resort listing.

the resort listing is what skyauction sees. there is alot I don't understand.

[Lucky4me]

Do you mean they 'hold' the security deposit on your credit card?
Because they've been doing this on Skyauction for the past several years. No big deal.
If you mean they actually take the money out immediately, yes this is new and I'm not happy about it.

[spiceycat]

Skyauction does not hold a security deposit - at least it never has for me.

this is something the resorts are doing.

and yes if I understand correctly your credit card or you need cash in that amount - will take it immediately.

then who knows what you have to do to get it back. I am hoping for more information from RCI.

[gjw007]

yes if I understand correctly your credit card or you need cash in that amount - will take it immediately. then who knows what you have to do to get it back. I am hoping for more information from RCI.
I've always used credit cards but they don't charge anything to it. This is not new. I've been doing this since 1996. If they are actually charging that is new. I've gone to some resorts in the past that if you don't have a credit card, want a $200 deposit. The problem there is that you don't get your money back until weeks after the vacation (4 to 6 weeks is what I was told). Never use cash; at least with a credit card you have the bank to help resolve the problem.

[dj2]

we used a skyauction-purchased timeshare week in IL a few months ago. they took a credit card imprint, but didn't actually charge anything, and said they wouldn't unless there was damage. (there wasn't, they didn't)

the thing i didn't like was that at check-in they wanted me to sign the BLANK imprint. i said i wouldn't and a manager told the clerk that it was ok, i didn't have to sign it.

i can understand them wanting cash if you don't have a credit card that you want to give them. i agree--i'd want to be real clear on when you get the cash back!

thanks for bringing this to our attention.

-dj