How I lost 134 points in one easy trade

[LIFERBABE]

I agree about the original intent of the post, but that is only half of the warning.

Others would be remiss in not offering options that could prevent the loss of those points because everyone else would go away thinking there were no other options and if they trade out and get in a bind, they would lose their points just like the OP.

So these options may not be suitable for the OP, but for the rest of us, it has been extremely useful to know that the loss of these points is more of a choice than a limitation of trading out.

 

[pilferk]

Unfortunately, donations of "use" are not deductible.
http://www.tug2.net/advice/TUG_Taxes_and_Timeshares.htm

But still possible, right?

I wasn't thinking of using the donation as a deduction.....though I suppose that would have been nice.

Just that...all things being equal...it might be a nice way to use the points, rather than lose them completely.

 

[pilferk]

I don't think the original poster (Slakk) intended this thread as, "I have a World Passport Collection credit I haven't been able to use; please give me suggestions on how to use it." I think Slakk intended this thread as, "I've learned that using your points for a World Passport Collection trade means you give up a lot of flexibility. I'm really frustrated by this, and I wanted to give you all a heads up."

I think that's a perfectly legitimate thing to say. If the available options aren't all that appealing, then they're not appealing. And I agree that the accommodations are only a small part of the expense. I know that people will often stay at a timeshare that doesn't really interest them just to avoid losing the timeshare credit, but given the cost of food, transportation, etc., that is often just throwing good money after bad.

I think this thread serves as a useful warning about the risks of using DVC points for II trades. As for me, after I bought my BWV contract, I bought another timeshare to use just for II trades. (And then I bought another, and another, and another, but that's a very different "problem" )

I agree.

However, I also think it's useful and productive to discuss the options available. While they might not work for the OP, pointing them out also lets potential readers know there ARE options out there. They might not meet the OP's needs, but they do exist. It paint's, IMHO, a fuller picture of the situation when theose options are pointed out and the OP explains why they won't work for them (and their personal schedule/preferences).

I read this thread and actually come away with a bit of the opposite impression the OP seems to convey...but that would be for my schedule, personal situation, and how comfortable I am with being flexible.

 

[Dean]

No choices local enough to me. HHI is really my only local choice and it is unavailable. The coast of NC is really far (our highway system here gives you no direct path) it is funny that HHI is easier to access then my own coast.

The single HH choice is not bad, Gatlinburg has several great choices that's what, 2.5 hours away, Williamsburg is a little further but still within a driving distance for a 4 day weekend. The MB option is not bad either, right by the new Hard Rock park. Several good choices Virginia Beach. And as I tried to indicate, if you list some of the places, there is a good chance they'll offer you larger unit at other places in the areas you'd accept at at even better resorts. It's certainly your choice, I just want you to know that are are very reasonable options that will work out if you choose to avail yourself of them.

 

[Dean]

But still possible, right?

I wasn't thinking of using the donation as a deduction.....though I suppose that would have been nice.

Just that...all things being equal...it might be a nice way to use the points, rather than lose them completely.

While not deductible, it is possible if the donator pays the exchange fee AND guest certificate. Same for family or friends.

 

[Slakk]

I will say this again I appreciate all the suggestions but as I have said I am not interested in any of the options. I really needed Spring Break or summer - I don't have the option of summer and nothing close by me thrills me enough for spring break that accepts a studio.

I am thrilled that I have given people something to laugh about, I have reiterated over and again I am not looking for options I was pointing out how trades may not be best for someone in my circumstance with a child in school and you have to cancel before summer so you lose that option.

And furthermore when you do a studio trade you limit your options.

That's it.

If I could figure out how to donate it to someone I would but I need to make sure I am not liable should something happen. It is not an issue with II, it is not and issue with DVC it IS an issue when you trade between them and something happens.

For me the only option I was interested in was HHI for Spring Break - I cannot have that so I am done. I am not interested in any of the other options - DVC really has limited choices. If I had the summer months then a TON of the options would work for us - but not for spring break. Our choice.

I have not asked for anyone to fix the situation for me - the fact that a few people think this is funny I am glad you get joy from it.

Honestly what I learned was that I like a lot of what is in II but I need to buy into a timeshare like Marriott to best utilize the features of II.

Now..feel free to make light of the situation and flaunt your superior intellect...

 

[Slakk]

I don't think the original poster (Slakk) intended this thread as, "I have a World Passport Collection credit I haven't been able to use; please give me suggestions on how to use it." I think Slakk intended this thread as, "I've learned that using your points for a World Passport Collection trade means you give up a lot of flexibility. I'm really frustrated by this, and I wanted to give you all a heads up."

I think that's a perfectly legitimate thing to say. If the available options aren't all that appealing, then they're not appealing. And I agree that the accommodations are only a small part of the expense. I know that people will often stay at a timeshare that doesn't really interest them just to avoid losing the timeshare credit, but given the cost of food, transportation, etc., that is often just throwing good money after bad.

I think this thread serves as a useful warning about the risks of using DVC points for II trades. As for me, after I bought my BWV contract, I bought another timeshare to use just for II trades. (And then I bought another, and another, and another, but that's a very different "problem" )

I don't know about the rules for renting WPC trades, but if Doc says the rules allow renting it, I'd guess they allow it. (I know that VRI*ety trades can be rented, even though VRI*ety hires RCI to administer their trades and regular RCI trades can't be rented.) Of course, it would be a good idea to try to verify this with II directly, or at least with several WPC reps. Slakk, I take it you have already canceled the Hawaii trade? If you haven't, or if you can get something else desirable, then the place to offer timeshare rentals is eBay, if you want the best chances of finding a renter, and aren't looking for top dollar. (I have rented several timeshares that way -- not trades, of course, but fixed deeded weeks that I own.)

Thank you for *getting it*. No I cancelled Hawaii in hopes someone else will get to use it. I listed it with TUG and got no response so I cancelled.

I am looking into purchasing a better II trade type of timeshare since we do like to travel and not just to Orlando. I had hoped that World Passport would have been an option for us but it looks that for our traveling style it is not a good choice.

 

[Dean]

Thank you for *getting it*. No I cancelled Hawaii in hopes someone else will get to use it. I listed it with TUG and got no response so I cancelled.

I am looking into purchasing a better II trade type of timeshare since we do like to travel and not just to Orlando. I had hoped that World Passport would have been an option for us but it looks that for our traveling style it is not a good choice.

You might do better with one of the mini points systems like Bluegreen or Wyndham or even RCI points given your location and limitations though the higher weekend points could get you. BG with bonus time could be a great option at $49-69 cash for a studio to a 2 BR unit including weekends. All have good options in MB and Gatlinburg, none much at HH. BG also has a resort in Charleston. Both have plenty of resorts in places like Lake Lure as well though Wyndham has more in NC & TN rural or secondary locations. BG can trade with II if you know how but you get a free RCI weeks account as part of your dues. For my recent HI trip I traded two BG weeks for HI, one through RCI and one through II. There are more combinations and options than one could possibly utilize, just spend the time finding what's best for you.

 

[DocDis]

I don't think this is funny. I am pretty sure that I understand the initial intent of this thread.

However, you state that DVC has pretty limited options here. I disagree, respectfully. It is you that has limited options. You are not willing to pull your child out of school (certainly your choice); you are not willing to fly (also your choice); you cannot go during the summer (again, this one is on you).

I think the reason that you are getting these types of responses is because you sound like you are "complaining" (for lack of a better term) that you are losing your points. But it is due to your inflexibility that you are losing your points.

I completely understand that you are not looking for suggestions here, but I will add mine (in case it may be helpful for others reading this thread)--I would pull my kid out of school. This is one week of 5th grade, not Harvard Law. Again, that would be MY choice...you are certainly welcome to yours.

 

[Laxmom]

Shame on us for being compassionate and trying to help. Won't happen again.

 

[rinkwide]

...we basically have no options and lost our points...

...I am not interested in any of the options...

In the news business they call that burying the lede.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

am looking into purchasing a better II trade type of timeshare since we do like to travel and not just to Orlando. I had hoped that World Passport would have been an option for us but it looks that for our traveling style it is not a good choice.

Slakk,

Many of us on this board have at least one other timeshare in addition to DVC, and many of us enjoy trading through II.

However, based upon what you've written in this thread, I'm not sure you'd be any happier with conventional II trades than with II trades through DVC's World Passport Collection.

Successful trades into desirable resorts at desirable travel times require planning, patience, flexibility, and a certain amount of luck. And if you have to cancel a trade you'll face the same issues that you're facing if your cancelled trade into Ko Olina. (By the way, trading into Ko Olina is an excellent achievement for someone who is not a Marriott owner.)

As Dean has often described, there are genuine differences if you're trading directly with II as an II member (Getaways, Accommodation Certificates, trading up or down in size, FlexChange, and so one). But, fundamentally, you're still dependent upon what owners (or resort systems) deposit with II. There's serious competition from other owners at peak times, such as spring break and other weeks when children are out of school. And there may be limited timeshare availability (or no timeshare resorts at all) in places you might want to visit.

I'm sorry that you have chosen to lose your points rather than to consider the many possible options within driving distance of where you live. It appears you want an II exchange into a studio at Hilton Head -- or nothing at all. Hilton Head has great timeshare resorts, but the accommodations are typically 2-bedroom villas without lock-off capability.

 

[Slakk]

I don't think this is funny. I am pretty sure that I understand the initial intent of this thread.

However, you state that DVC has pretty limited options here. I disagree, respectfully. It is you that has limited options. You are not willing to pull your child out of school (certainly your choice); you are not willing to fly (also your choice); you cannot go during the summer (again, this one is on you).

I think the reason that you are getting these types of responses is because you sound like you are "complaining" (for lack of a better term) that you are losing your points. But it is due to your inflexibility that you are losing your points.

I completely understand that you are not looking for suggestions here, but I will add mine (in case it may be helpful for others reading this thread)--I would pull my kid out of school. This is one week of 5th grade, not Harvard Law. Again, that would be MY choice...you are certainly welcome to yours.

.

I have said part of it is my own INFLEXIBILITY. I agree. But I cannot use it THIS summer and have to use it by 4/20/09 so I cannot use it NEXT SUMMER.

If I could believe me no issues.

My son has significant learning disabilities. When he was 2 his doctor said he would never speak - now after years and years of therapy, tutoring etc he is working at grade level. For a child without struggles sure - what is one week.

When you have a child who requires extra, missing even an hour is a lot - a day is tough and a week is unreasonable. And adding to that fifth grade is a gateway year for EOGs and when your child tests like crap you do not want to give a school system ANY opportunity to hold them back.

Again, I am not looking for a fix to the situation - I lost 134 points and it sucks but in the grand scheme it is a rounding error. I know my current situation adds to the issue - I get that. I appreciate people trying to help but as I said because I got a STUDIO and a ticking clock to use the week and I really do not want to be at the mercy of the airlines MY options are really limited. And the choices I have left frankly I would prefer to stay at a regular hotel than use the timeshare.

It was not the intent to say anything but be careful when you trade and really pay attention to your situation - thats it.

 

[luna99]

n/m

 

[dianeschlicht]

FYI, the "laughing" was at the comment of another poster and that post was directed at the "complaining" and the fact that you appeared to be inflexible with the suggestions. Sorry if you took it the wrong way, but certainly you must admit the tone of your early posts was "poor me" when you were the one not wanting to accept the advice offered.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'll admit it: I feel a little bad about the lemons joke, but not a lot bad about it. Your requirements are not dissimilar to someone complaining that DVC is an inflexible system because they own at OKW, but wanted to book a specific sized unit at BCV for exactly one week during Food & Wine, and won't accept anything else.

As to getting another II trader: I'd second the idea of buying into a points mini-system rather than a standalone II trader. In the east coast, Bluegreen or Wyndham are probably the best options, as Dean has mentioned.

The easiest way to think about this is to think about the difference in booking DVC as an owner, vs. trying to exchange in with a good trader. As an owner, booking on points, the full inventory of the system is available to you, points are very flexible in booking different lengths of stay, points can be banked or borrowed subject to certain limitations, and the cancellation policies are relatively flexible as well. When there is sufficient 7-month inventory, you often have your choice of which resort you want to book.

To exchange into DVC with the highest chances of success, you have to plan at least a year out, be flexible in which dates, resort, and unit size you will accept, must take things in full-week increments, have little flexibility if your plans change, etc.

My experience with Wyndham is in line with this thinking: booking internally is much easier than trying to use an exchange system to accomplish the same thing. It's not perfect---some very high-demand times/places in Wyndham require the home resort advantage, but those are pretty few and far between. I also have a few fixed weeks for trading, but I use those for very specific things: exchanging into top-shelf resorts in Orlando and Williamsburg, or getting to areas where my mini-system ownership has no resorts in place.

As an addendum: if Wyndham is interesting to you, it can be gotten for literally pennies on the dollar resale. DO NOT buy it from the developer, no matter what.

 

[JudyS]

I agree with Brian's comments that exchanging requires much more flexibility than does making a reservation using DVC points. I haven't tried using DVC points for II trading, so I don't know how well Disney explains this to members.

.

I have said part of it is my own INFLEXIBILITY. I agree. But I cannot use it THIS summer and have to use it by 4/20/09 so I cannot use it NEXT SUMMER.

If I could believe me no issues.

I've thought of two things that haven't been mentioned here so far.

First, regular II deposits can be extended for one year by paying a fee, although the extended week will have weaker trade value than it originally did. Still, that could be an option, if extending is allowed for DVC deposits.

Secondly, if it is really true that you are allowed to rent DVC deposits, then you could try booking another premium studio, and renting it. I think the problem with renting the Ko Olina week was where you advertised.

Also, you asked if there would be liability issues if you donated an II exchange to charity. In theory, there could be a problem if the person who got it from the charity trashed the room. As a practical matter, though, I think it is exceedingly unlikely.

 

[Slakk]

This has become the thread that will not die.

I said in the first post I was not asking anyone to feel sorry for me - also said it is my own inflexibility that is making a bad situation worse. I know this, understand this and accept this.

The thing is I am not willing/interested in driving *somewhere* just to not lose the week. Honestly we are 1BR people - I took the studio in Hawaii because that was my choice and the Ko Olina is tough to get. The choices that I have to me, while interesting to some, are not to me - especially for a week and three of us crammed in a studio (yes I am a 1 BR snob). DVC will not allow me to extend a year as a normal II can, I cannot travel for this exchange except next spring break.

I tried to sell it (and it IS legal) I tried to trade it (right here legally) and it did not work - I am over it at this point.

My only hope was that by posting it someone else may think twice or REALLY think hard before doing II exchanges. I know now I will NEVER do a studio again (not that I ever will).

 

[Dean]

I tried to sell it (and it IS legal) I tried to trade it (right here legally) and it did not work

No, it is not legal to rent it. You were told you could by an ill informed DVC MS rep. Here is the info from the yearly II-DVC accounting.

5.4 No rental. Each Corporate Member and each Owner who receives an Exchange Reservation through a BVTC Program is prohibited from renting to, or otherwise receiving consideration from, any third party for any Vacation Interval reserved, received and confirmed through the BVTC Program.

Even if not listed this way, The agreement says members are otherwise bound by II's rules which would also prohibit renting.

 

[Caskbill]

No, it is not legal to rent it. You were told you could by an ill informed DVC MS rep.

Actually, DVC has always allowed members changing the names on an exchange reservation in the past, and continues in the present. If DVC changes that policy in the future we will certainly review the Rent/Trade board posting rules.

What is prohibited is to make an II exchange and then rent it directly to a 3rd party yourself.