DVC Referrals bonus cancelled?

[GretchenR]

Hi everyone,

I've read and enjoyed this site for years, but this is my first post.

I'm hoping someone can offer advice regarding the DVC referrals bonus program. We have been DVC members for 4 years and were told when we first joined that the referral bonus for us would be a $200 disney gift card. We were also told the new purchasers would receive that $200 card as well. All this info based on the closing contract of course.

We had our first referrals close on their contract two days ago. They put our names down in the paperwork. However, when I called DVC to see what the process was etc (this being our first go at it), they told me the referral bonus program had been cancelled as of 12/31/13. They said they were going to roll out a new program this summer, but had no idea if we'd be eligible for it or not.

I spoke with 2 different CS agents and a manager and no one could help or even showed regret for our dilemma.

Not the service I expect from Disney or DVC. I'm getting a bit hot under the collar.

Please forward any/all advice or if I should just walk away disgruntled.

Thanks!

 

[erionm]

You could try contacting the Member Satisfaction Team: dvcmembersatisfactionteam@disneyvacationclub.com

 

[GretchenR]

Thanks Michael. I'll try that contact.

 

[disneynutz]

Hi everyone,

I've read and enjoyed this site for years, but this is my first post.

I'm hoping someone can offer advice regarding the DVC referrals bonus program. We have been DVC members for 4 years and were told when we first joined that the referral bonus for us would be a $200 disney gift card. We were also told the new purchasers would receive that $200 card as well. All this info based on the closing contract of course.

We had our first referrals close on their contract two days ago. They put our names down in the paperwork. However, when I called DVC to see what the process was etc (this being our first go at it), they told me the referral bonus program had been cancelled as of 12/31/13. They said they were going to roll out a new program this summer, but had no idea if we'd be eligible for it or not.

I spoke with 2 different CS agents and a manager and no one could help or even showed regret for our dilemma.

Not the service I expect from Disney or DVC. I'm getting a bit hot under the collar.

Please forward any/all advice or if I should just walk away disgruntled.

Thanks!

I feel that your mistake is that you should expect this type of service from Disney and especially from the DVC. Lack or no information seems to be their norm.

Why they don't keep us better informed is anyone's guess.

Bill

 

[Breyean]

Why they don't keep us better informed is anyone's guess.

Bill

Knowledge is power.

 

[Dean]

Something I decided a long time ago is not to prostitute myself for referrals. I fear that if I worry about them, it might cloud my judgement on recommendations for potential members. Once or twice, many years ago, I gave salesman a list of a few people they might contact to see if they were interested and received T shirts or beach towels in return. I no longer do this and haven't for many years even though all of them are products I believe in from a usage standpoint. And since I essentially always recommend resale currently, it doesn't come up often anyway. I have had a few renter's and friends buy and I happened to get the referral bonus in the mail after the fact but didn't even know it was coming.

My view here though is that if it were in place at the time the agreement were signed, they should honor it. I'd definitely suggest you contact DVC satisfaction. The other possibility is that they could come from a state where it's illegal to give referral bonuses and frankly, I think you'll see that list of states grow as it's actually a kickback, now illegal in many professions anyway. To a degree some treat it like a mini multi level marketing situation.

 

[Poohs Pal]

I just this week had a friend ask me to refer her. I called my guide and he said I would get a referral bonus if she signed up. I informed him that no I wouldn't. Michigan doesn't allow for these bonus's to be given. So I agree with previous poster maybe it's the state you live in that prevented a bonus to be given. I never refer anyone to DVC unless they ask me to anyway so doesn't bother me not to get the bonus. Love my DVC just not a born salesman....

 

[Lorilais_mommie]

Something I decided a long time ago is not to prostitute myself for referrals. .

I have to agree with this.. With such a big purchase, The $200 gift card should never be reason to push someone to sign up... As a soon to be ower (fingers crossed) It would really upset me, if someone push me into it just for the $200.. On all these referrals companies offer.. If I'm ask my opinion.. I offer the facts, and tell them the down sides.. Now I do know for a fact my sister is dead set on buying in a few years.. So if we get the $200, it just icing on the cake.. That being said, if we do to buy direct we will give the referral Credit to friend of a friend we have never even met! We don't like leaving money on the table.. ;-) Plus it will be a nice surprise for them..

 

[hansel1]

I spoke with my agent on Monday and he said the referrals were discontinued and they would be working on a new program for later this year. I still plan to refer my friends this weekend even without a program in place.

 

[DeeCee735]

I agree with OP. As for me, who just referred someone who bought at VGF and expected the reward, I certainly do not "prostitute" myself for referrals or rewards, but I most certainly expect to be notified of the change instead of waiting for it to show up and then have to contact them to find out it's no longer available.

It's simply a matter of professional courtesy, of which after 14 years as a member, I'm seeing DVC doesn't have.

Where's the member magic in this?

The guide who did the sale for our friends actually gave them the form and asked them to list their referral member. This was in January. Even the guides don't know?

At least there's no more sugar coating how wonderful DVC is. Now I know better and when perspective members (fam and friends) ask about why I love it so much, I can be honest and say I love it a little bit less.

I do not appreciate being played. The professional courtesy of notification would have gone a lot further in my book than having myself and my friends be lead to believe something that doesn't exist. I know for a fact that I was one of the deciding factors in them buying now instead of later, some form of communication, besides oh sorry the program ended would be nice.

 

[disneynutz]

I agree with OP. As for me, who just referred someone who bought at VGF and expected the reward, I certainly do not "prostitute" myself for referrals or rewards, but I most certainly expect to be notified of the change instead of waiting for it to show up and then have to contact them to find out it's no longer available.

It's simply a matter of professional courtesy, of which after 14 years as a member, I'm seeing DVC doesn't have.

Where's the member magic in this?

The guide who did the sale for our friends actually gave them the form and asked them to list their referral member. This was in January. Even the guides don't know?

At least there's no more sugar coating how wonderful DVC is. Now I know better and when perspective members (fam and friends) ask about why I love it so much, I can be honest and say I love it a little bit less.

I do not appreciate being played. The professional courtesy of notification would have gone a lot further in my book than having myself and my friends be lead to believe something that doesn't exist. I know for a fact that I was one of the deciding factors in them buying now instead of later, some form of communication, besides oh sorry the program ended would be nice.

One problem/issue after another, DVC is a screwed up mess.

Bill