Advice Needed For Interval International Trading

[bonnielynn]

What you do with your points is certainly up to you. However, points are a somewhat liquid item that you can convert to dollars if you see fit. There is a tangeable value to each and every point. Generally when we have this discussion it's in relationship to someone looking to purchase. There are FAR better options to buy to trade and cash is essentially always a better option for the Disney Collection and Concierge Collection and similar.

I am really lost.. can you do the idiots guide to how you trade for cash and all that goes with it.

 

[Dean]

I am really lost.. can you do the idiots guide to how you trade for cash and all that goes with it.

Obviously the best time to make this decision is before buying, only buy the points you need for DVC and look at other options for non DVC trips. That may include cash and/or or other timesahre options. But if you already own, you must decide how important the points are to you. Since once can easily rent for around $12 per person with little risk and cost, that is a reasonable basis to compare. Personally anything less than about $10 per point would get me to look at other options primarlily. But it partly depends on the points whether they're borrowed, banked and when they will expire. For exchanging, look to see what you get in return and remember there are risks with excahnging that are really far more than thos in renting. For cash equivilent options like DCL, it's easy to compare the cash price to X number of points.

 

[Kathi OD]

why is it not financially a good use of points.. if you paid off.?

I hope this makes some sense.

While your DVC may be paid off, each point still has a dollar value. If you take into account the dollar value of your points, the trades that are available through II, will usually have a lesser value if you obtain the trade in another way than the dollar value of the number of DVC points it will cost you to trade out.

For example, using Dean's $12/pt basis as the value per point, 1 week for a 1BR in high season will have a dollar value of $1920 (160X$12). Add in the fee for trading out and you're around $2000. If you can book the resort for less than that, and you often can, then it's not a good deal to use your points for the vacation.

 

[spiceycat]

right now there are some in Spain for Nov/Dec - can you go then?

if so then
www.getawayweeks.com

if you like what you see then go read http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1860684

these are RCI and since RCI has more in Europe your chances are better.

that say these are ones that RCI thinks no one will want - and to get one in summer - well it isn't completely impossible - but close.

this works better if you can travel in offseason.

if you need to be only off in school breaks - then just not sure if it will help you or not.

 

[bonnielynn]

I hope this makes some sense.

For example, using Dean's $12/pt basis as the value per point, 1 week for a 1BR in high season will have a dollar value of $1920 (160X$12). Add in the fee for trading out and you're around $2000. If you can book the resort for less than that, and you often can, then it's not a good deal to use your points for the vacation.

That makes sense to me.. thanks for the example!

 

[DarleneAnne]

right now there are some in Spain for Nov/Dec - can you go then?

if so then
www.getawayweeks.com

if you like what you see then go read http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1860684

these are RCI and since RCI has more in Europe your chances are better.

that say these are ones that RCI thinks no one will want - and to get one in summer - well it isn't completely impossible - but close.

this works better if you can travel in offseason.

if you need to be only off in school breaks - then just not sure if it will help you or not.

We aren't able to go in the winter this year. I will need to look at the website you mentioned. We are planning for something in the early or late spring of 2010. I think we will try a few countries we would like to visit and see what if anything comes available. It sounds like we will need to be flexible. Also, I was told that I could ask about what is availble without making a commitment when I speak to the Member Services rep who would handle II trades.

 

[Dean]

Also, I was told that I could ask about what is availble without making a commitment when I speak to the Member Services rep who would handle II trades.

Sure, you can ask about and receive an instant match subject to availability. The problem is the good stuff is almost never available when you call and the best way to match is an ongoing search.

 

[DarleneAnne]

Sure, you can ask about and receive an instant match subject to availability. The problem is the good stuff is almost never available when you call and the best way to match is an ongoing search.

When you say an ongoing ssearch, do you mean we give them destinations and resorts we are interested in and whatever comes available is what we would get?

 

[Dean]

When you say an ongoing ssearch, do you mean we give them destinations and resorts we are interested in and whatever comes available is what we would get?

First, you should research each and every resort in your desired destinations on your own. NEVER, I repeat NEVER, assume a resort is OK because it's on DVC's exchange list. Here's how the system works. You call up and ask them to search an area or for specific resorts (the method I'd recommend). If it's available you simply say OK, pay the $95 exchange fee and give up your points. But generally the good stuff is not simply sitting there for you to take so you should put in on ongoing search, preferably listing specific resorts, you pay the exchange fee and you wait. If they find a resort that is an exact match to your search, they take your points as you've already committed them up front. If you don't match or cancel prior to a match, you get your $95 fee returned and your points are left untouched. Essentially all more difficult matches will happen on an ongoing search at least until you get inside the 60 day window and thus this is the way to have a chance at more difficult exchanges. IMO, this is the way to make DVC a workable alternative for exchanges by having ongoing requests for the top items like Westin's & Marriott's in HI, top ski weeks/resorts etc.