As a renter, how can I confirm my reservation?

[InstImpres]

I think it's important to say, again, that a 3 way conference call offers absolutely no more protection for a person buying a reservation than any other method.

As soon as the 3 way conference call is over, an owner can call MS back and undo ANYTHING said during the 3 way call.

I have to agree with Granny on this. Also, since I too would put the other person on hold while getting the MS agent, there is nothing to say that a dishonest person doesn't have their friend on the line not MS.

I think as has been said over and over, it is a matter of trust and comfort - also that I would guess that over 99% of thousands of transactions have not had a problem on the boards or we would hear more. Just be careful and do your "homework"

 

[saschab]

Oooppps....wrong thread.

 

[Lewisc]

Allowing the renter to confirm a reservation with MS or the current option of setting up a three way phone call doesn't do anything to prevent fraud. I suspect outright fraud isn't that common.

It does allow both parties to catch somewhat more innocent mistakes. An owner that's behind in paying dues. A situation in which the DVC property is jointly owned and one of the owners changed a reservation that didn't look right, not realizing it was rented. An owner that is selling and doesn't realize that will cancel all reservations. Even a Disney computer error.

I have to agree with Granny on this. Also, since I too would put the other person on hold while getting the MS agent, there is nothing to say that a dishonest person doesn't have their friend on the line not MS.

I think as has been said over and over, it is a matter of trust and comfort - also that I would guess that over 99% of thousands of transactions have not had a problem on the boards or we would hear more. Just be careful and do your "homework"

 

[jodifla]

Again, every time someone says, "I don't buy DVC, I rent points because it's a better deal" I think of posts like these.

Renting DVC points is a real deal, and the "cost" is the chance you take.

It's also what keeps points at $10 or so, instead of the higher value many members want.

 

[salmoneous]

It does allow both parties to catch somewhat more innocent mistakes. An owner that's behind in paying dues. A situation in which the DVC property is jointly owned and one of the owners changed a reservation that didn't look right, not realizing it was rented. An owner that is selling and doesn't realize that will cancel all reservations. Even a Disney computer error.

But doesn't sending the renter a copy of the mailed reservation with reservation number accomplish the same thing?

 

[Lewisc]

But doesn't sending the renter a copy of the mailed reservation with reservation number accomplish the same thing?

It tells me a reservation was made. A renter looking for a popular resort may have rented the points, technically the reservation, 7-11 months in advance.

Confirming the reservation, previously through a phone call to MS and now via a three way phone call, verifies the reservation is still in effect.

As per my previous post this doesn't do much to prevent fraud but might catch a mistake. I'm thinking of a DVC owner that doesn't realize selling their points cancels existing reservations. I'm thinking of a contract that's owned by more than one family member. Another family member doesn't realize the reservation is rented and cancels it. Must be a mistake since Dad is on vacation in Europe that week. Disney is upgrading the computer systems. It might even catch a computer error.

Renting DVC points is a real deal, and the "cost" is the chance you take.

It's also what keeps points at $10 or so, instead of the higher value many members want.

Exactly. The members selling reservations on e-bay compare the cost of the rental to Disney rack rate. Aside from possible risks renters also face dramatically different cancellation and payment policies than renting directly from Disney.

 

[darylcote]

Thanks to all for the great comments and suggestions. They are all very useful tips. I will pay using paypal. My gut feeling on this transaction is that the renter is on the up and up. I've checked out the Orange County website to confirm that ownership exists. I have all of their personal information. I have the original confirmation in hand that she has mailed to me. But it is true that the cost of getting a great deal via rental is the risk that you take.