Anyone use an escrow agent when renting DVC points?

[dianeschlicht]

It would seem there are multiple ways of going about it but each entails some risk by the non-member.

The member would be involved in any 3-way call with DVC and would thus hear whatever card numbers are provided for the DDP payment. Minutes after the conclusion of the call the member could theoretically call DVC back, cancel the DDP and ask for the charges to be reversed. The funds eventually go back onto the prepaid card / gift card. And since the member heard the card numbers at the start of the process, he/she could proceed charging against the card balance.

Far fetched perhaps but if we're looking for potential areas of abuse, that's certainly one.

Tim, that's not exactly correct. When a friend of mine (also DVC members) and I made a reservation for a week in a GV last year, we used points from both contracts and had them linked. We did a 3 way call, and the MS castmember clicked over to each of us individually so we could give our member numbers in private. We told her it wasn't necessary, since we both already know each other's numbers, but she insisted she needed to do it that way. I don't see why they couldn't do the same for the DDP. Unless they refuse to even speak to a non member for that reason either.

 

[tjkraz]

Thanks, Diane. That's interesting. Seems like the MS rep would have to initiate the 3-way call in order for that to work. I wonder if they are all trained and willing to do that.

My thinking was that the member would call the non-member (renter) first and then conference-in Member Services. Under that setup, I cannot see how MS could exclude the member (call initiator) from any part of the conversation.

 

[Williamjdisney]

Tim, that's not exactly correct. When a friend of mine (also DVC members) and I made a reservation for a week in a GV last year, we used points from both contracts and had them linked. We did a 3 way call, and the MS castmember clicked over to each of us individually so we could give our member numbers in private. We told her it wasn't necessary, since we both already know each other's numbers, but she insisted she needed to do it that way. I don't see why they couldn't do the same for the DDP. Unless they refuse to even speak to a non member for that reason either.

That would go a long way in solving the issue if you could do that for the DDP. Could you give more details on how the cast member was able to speak to you individually during a three way call? I am assuming you or your friend initiated the call...

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks, Diane. That's interesting. Seems like the MS rep would have to initiate the 3-way call in order for that to work. I wonder if they are all trained and willing to do that.

My thinking was that the member would call the non-member (renter) first and then conference-in Member Services. Under that setup, I cannot see how MS could exclude the member (call initiator) from any part of the conversation.

Actually, in our case, I called the other member and did a 3 way, but the MS agent called her back to make it private. We thought it was all kind of crazy since we have shared our member numbers with each other anyway. My friend was used to relying on her now diseased husband to take care of the DVC stuff, so before he passed, he asked me to make sure she learned how to do it and to make sure she made her banking deadlines, etc.

I don't see any reason why MS couldn't call the non-member to do the same thing.

 

[Sammie]

Actually, in our case, I called the other member and did a 3 way, but the MS agent called her back to make it private. We thought it was all kind of crazy since we have shared our member numbers with each other anyway. My friend was used to relying on her now diseased husband to take care of the DVC stuff, so before he passed, he asked me to make sure she learned how to do it and to make sure she made her banking deadlines, etc.

I don't see any reason why MS couldn't call the non-member to do the same thing.

Why would MS want to go to the trouble and time to help a non-member that is renting? I don't see that happening and personally don't think they should.

As TJ said regardless of how you set up payment, the Member still has control and could cancel it all.

To the OP, if you are not comfortable enough with the person you are renting from to work out payment for the DDP, I honestly do not think you are a good candidate for renting.

I rent beach condos all the time from VRBO, total strangers, no posting count on any forum like this. I send them all of my payment in advance. You either trust them or you don't.

 

[Williamjdisney]

Why would MS want to go to the trouble and time to help a non-member that is renting? I don't see that happening and personally don't think they should.

As TJ said regardless of how you set up payment, the Member still has control and could cancel it all.

To the OP, if you are not comfortable enough with the person you are renting from to work out payment for the DDP, I honestly do not think you are a good candidate for renting.

I rent beach condos all the time from VRBO, total strangers, no posting count on any forum like this. I send them all of my payment in advance. You either trust them or you don't.

Whoa Sammie! I thought the point of this forum was share and learn about the vast subject that is Disney. How do you find out the best way to do things without asking questions? If an opportunity exists to learn more before a decision, then I am going to explore and understand as much as I can before "trust" is even considered. I started this thread to identify and find solution to the one of the most obvious risks associated with the "rental" process. I would think that is good information even if a solution does not curently exist.

 

[mousefan1972]

Whoa Sammie! I thought the point of this forum was share and learn about the vast subject that is Disney. How do you find out the best way to do things without asking questions? If an opportunity exists to learn more before a decision, then I am going to explore and understand as much as I can before "trust" is even considered. I started this thread to identify and find solution to the one of the most obvious risks associated with the "rental" process. I would think that is good information even if a solution does not curently exist.

Actually, I was thinking the same thing. You don't seem like a good candidate for renting a DVC reservation. I rented twice before buying in, and never once thought of using an escrow service. It has nothing to do with asking questions and understanding the process. It has everything to do with trust, as Sammie said. You seem like you are going out of your way to come up with scenarios in which you could be scammed. Not a good way to start the "rental process" as you call it.

 

[Sammie]

Whoa Sammie! I thought the point of this forum was share and learn about the vast subject that is Disney. How do you find out the best way to do things without asking questions? If an opportunity exists to learn more before a decision, then I am going to explore and understand as much as I can before "trust" is even considered. I started this thread to identify and find solution to the one of the most obvious risks associated with the "rental" process. I would think that is good information even if a solution does not curently exist.

Where did I say you could not share and learn. Public forums are open for opinions, I shared mine. You don't have to agree and that is great.

To me the most obvious risk is not being able to cancel.

If you go back and read this forum, you will see many people giving opinions as to whether they think someone is a good candidate for rental or purchase. People rent very often on these forums, they also get the DDP. They use methods you have voiced not being comfortable with. My point is I am not sure there is going to be any way to make you completely comfortable in this situation.

Your best bet is to use someone like David's Rental.

 

[Dean]

Why would MS want to go to the trouble and time to help a non-member that is renting? I don't see that happening and personally don't think they should.

I know it's not a popular position her on DIS but IMO, when an owner rents out their time, it's the same as the owner using it themself. This is how most timeshares approach it and IMO, a better attitude than trying to make it difficult for the owner and subsequent guest.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I know it's not a popular position her on DIS but IMO, when an owner rents out their time, it's the same as the owner using it themself. This is how most timeshares approach it and IMO, a better attitude than trying to make it difficult for the owner and subsequent guest.

 

[howardlee2]

you should do your own DD and feel comfortable with the person you are renting from. references from past renters can help if they are supplied. not aware of many rentals going bad as long as the check clears, etc..

 

[Sammie]

I know it's not a popular position her on DIS but IMO, when an owner rents out their time, it's the same as the owner using it themself. This is how most timeshares approach it and IMO, a better attitude than trying to make it difficult for the owner and subsequent guest.

If a member is unable to use their points and books for a guest at "no profit" then yes I would agree it is the same as the member using it.

However if the guest is booking for someone and making a profit on that booking, or making multiple bookings, then no it is not the same as the member using it.

Members voiced concerned in the thread about extending MS hours and dues, I can't imagine that using MS to assist rentals is a good use of their time and don't think DVC would do it anyway since their policy is no involvement in rentals.

I am not anti rental, I am however against anything that violates any guidelines that DVC has set forth, which would include rentals for profit, not telling MS at the time of booking it is a rental, occupancy levels, etc. etc. etc.

 

[Dean]

If a member is unable to use their points and books for a guest at "no profit" then yes I would agree it is the same as the member using it.

However if the guest is booking for someone and making a profit on that booking, or making multiple bookings, then no it is not the same as the member using it.

Members voiced concerned in the thread about extending MS hours and dues, I can't imagine that using MS to assist rentals is a good use of their time and don't think DVC would do it anyway since their policy is no involvement in rentals.

I am not anti rental, I am however against anything that violates any guidelines that DVC has set forth, which would include rentals for profit, not telling MS at the time of booking it is a rental, occupancy levels, etc. etc. etc.

Rental for profit is not a violation though one could argue it's difficult to actually make a true profit, it's expressly allowed within the commercial provisions set forth which is NOT related to profit. As I said, I know it's not popular with the social engineering that seems to go on here but it's the way most timeshare approach rentals and IMO, the way it should be done. You're welcome to disagree. The next time a member exchanges out and posts about being treated as a second class guest, think about this issue as it's the same basis.

 

[Williamjdisney]

After a lot of research I am going to use a rental agency. The value outweighs my concerns, especially if we can get into BLT either the week before or after Thanksgiving.