Anyone experienced with Skyauction

[katallo]

I hope this is on the correct board. We have finally reached the time when we can travel last minute. Anyone have pros and cons about Skyauction? We've never used it and would appreciate your advice.

 

[spiceycat]

I love it - especially for those last minute trips - it is wonderful. You can get some good bargins!!!

however - remember there are people who will bid against you for the fun on it.

so make sure you are register - then wait until the last 5 minutes to bid!

 

[katallo]

Thanks so much. I wasn't sure how "safe" it was to use it.

 

[spiceycat]

very safe

the parent company owns both Skyauction and RCI - it is RCI it gets the timeshares from -

for reviews on the timeshares

www.rcicommunity.com

 

[janets]

and lost out at the last minute because I couldn't get my computer to put the bid in fast enough. Lost out at the last second. Going to try again tomorrow and see if I can change my strategy a bit.

Lots of people use Skyauction and have great success with them.

 

[katallo]

Hope this isn't a stupid question, but once you register and can bid, do you see the highest bid on the vacation. Are there set increments for raising the bid??

 

[spiceycat]

You can raise it as little as $1 - unless the bid demands another number.

you need to remember on timeshares (7 days only) to add the $195 + $15 to your bottom line.

the problem with the highest bid - is the use of the autobid.

someone could have a bigger bid in the autobid and you won't see it until after you bid.

so I generally start the bid with a 1 in bid amount then in the set max bid amount (with autobid) I put the max I will bid - generally $50 to $100 - depending upon how badly I want it.

 

[katallo]

Thanks spiceycat...this has really helped.

 

[swincha]

some resorts say 7 days while others say 2-10 days. so the price that is being bid on is for how many days? how can i make this clear? then there are all of the other costs. then some let you upgrade but add on summer charges ect.... how do i know how much it will cost before i bid?

 

[Mudd77]

some resorts say 7 days while others say 2-10 days. so the price that is being bid on is for how many days? how can i make this clear? then there are all of the other costs. then some let you upgrade but add on summer charges ect.... how do i know how much it will cost before i bid?

Swincha,

There are generally three types of auctions you will find (7-Day, Ready Set Go and Bid per Night). The best deals are usually found on the following two:

*7-Day Auction - Total price = $195 (tax) + $15 (process fee) + your bid + any upgrades. (Note: Some 7-Day auctions have a surcharge for the more popular times of year. If so, add that too.)

*Ready Set Go Auction - Total price = $195 (tax) + $15 (process fee) + your bid (Have not seen any surcharges associated with RSG auctions)

 

[spiceycat]

the ones for 2-10 days are generally hotels - these are not (in my opinion) a good buy - although some people here have gotten nice rooms for the money.

for the best buys you want the timeshares - they always say 7 days.

I saw a Silver Lake go by yesterday without any bids .....

oh one day I won't have to work....

 

[janets]

when you travel, if I remember correctly from a previous post.

I would love to try Silver Lake on your recommendation, but I haven't seen any up for our travel dates (11/5-11/12) and I can't change the dates at this point as air is already purchased.

However, I'm looking at Vistana and they have my week available as of the start of the auction. IF I win one, and they don't have the week available when I do, I will then request SL as an option. Perhaps they will let me have that. If not, I'll just get a refund and try again.

Since I have a bit of time before we're going, I figure I can try this first and if not, I'll do CP through HotelKingdom or see if the Marriott offer comes through (also working on an RCI exchange or bonus vacation with a friend's mother). I'll let you know if that works out. Do you mind if I PM you if I have RCI questions?

 

[Disney Debbie]

My parents have gotten some AWESOME cruise deals with SkyAuction. I believe they've used them twice now and haven't had any problems.