If we bought a 'used' contract, can't we still receive referral bonuses?

[DisneyMomJen]

Hi everyone!

We bought a 'used' BC contract last fall through Jaki which we LOVE and have since added-on to BC this past fall through The Timeshare Store. I referred a friend to our DVC Disney Salesperson who bought at Saratoga and closed yesterday. My friend said that the Disney DVC Salesperson stated that since I did not buy directly through Disney that I am not entitled to the $200 bonus. This DVC salesperson than said that my sister-in-law who did buy though her could receive this bonus instead. Very upsetting to me!

I did receive the package this past Spring or Summer with all of the cards for $200 for each person that I referred. I plan on callling my 'saleperson' this morning but I want to make sure that I am correct in thinking that I should be able to receive these bonuses whenever I refer someone.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! Jen

 

[dianeschlicht]

I've never heard that one! That doesn't seem right. I think ANY member who refers is ellible for the bonus. That being said, I have refered several folks who have purchased (I purchased directly from DIsney) and I was not elligible for the bonus because our state doesn't allow it.

 

[jel0511]

Is it possible that you and your sister live in different states? Some states allow the referal bonus and others do not allow their residents to "profit" from recommending a timeshare. Maybe the salesperson was mistaken and you can't get the bonus because you live in a state that doesn't allow it.

 

[DisneyMomJen]

We all live in New Jersey and I know other people who live here who have received the bonus, so it is not a state issue. It seems that the issue is that I did not buy directly through Disney and my sister-in-law did. Our sales person knows we are related.

 

[rocketriter]

This doesn't sound right. In your shoes I'd call member DVC myself and, being careful to speak to someone other than this salesperson, get a second opinion.

By the way, I've never heard of a resale contract being called "used." It's simply a membership or ownership. You bought it. You're an owner. Period.

 

[jel0511]

O.k. since you do live in NJ, you should receive the referral bonus. I'd definately give DVC a call and speak to another guide about this. This sounds like grounds for guide switching. It seems like she's trying to make things better for her client who bought through her.

 

[Doctor P]

Could it have to do with where the original owner of the contract lived?

 

[jel0511]

Could it have to do with where the original owner of the contract lived?

Excellent point. It is possible that your contract is "flagged" as one that can not participate in incentives, due to the residency of the previous owner. I'd definately give your guide a call and get to the bottom of it. If his/her answer is still that you don't qualify for the incentive because you weren't the original owner, I'd either ask for his/her supervisor or get in touch with another guide.

 

[PamOKW]

I don't see any reason why you wouldn't be eligible. Could it be that your friend mentioned both your name and your sister-in-law to the guide at the same time? They might have picked your SIL to receive the bonus and joked about how you came to have your memberships.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

honestly, sounds like the "friend" lied and just gave the bonus to her SIL and not you. I don't think they can split bonuses. But I would tell the "friend" you are going to contat the guide and see what she says!

 

[DisneyMomJen]

Thanks for everyone's reply so far. NO ONE is supposed to know that my sister-in-law owns at DVC due to a recent divorce. So this 'friend' was surprised to hear that my sister-in-law even owned DVC.

I called DVC yesterday and talked to two different accouting people who said that they think this is correct - if you bought resale you are not entitled to any incentives. I left a message for Member Services but have not heard anything as of yet since there was some kind of special event going on yesterday.

I'll keep everyone posted and thanks again!

 

[DebbieB]

The purpose of referrals is to encourage your friends and family to buy DVC. What does it matter if you bought DVC direct or through a resale? That doesn't seem right.

 

[DisneyMomJen]

Update: I just talked to a Colandra at DVC who is in charge of the Referral Program. She said that yes, I should receive the referral - it does not matter if we bought through Disney or a Resale. Sometimes there is confusion among the Salespeople how this works.

Thanks for everyones help!

 

[goldilocks_63]

I bought 2 resales (live in IL), and was told that my FIL couldn't get referral because he lived in PA.

But then my friend bought resale, and I called twice, one CM, and again supervisor, and was told the referral didn't count because IL friend bought resale. This was a while ago, friend bought VWL.

If it turns out you can get a bonus for doing this, I'd like to know because I felt I was ripped off!

Thanks, goldi

goldilocks_63@yahoo.com

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks for the update! I was sure something was wrong with that information. So glad you will be getting the referal afterall!

 

[RobDoc]

I bought 2 resales (live in IL), and was told that my FIL couldn't get referral because he lived in PA.

But then my friend bought resale, and I called twice, one CM, and again supervisor, and was told the referral didn't count because IL friend bought resale. This was a while ago, friend bought VWL.

If it turns out you can get a bonus for doing this, I'd like to know because I felt I was ripped off!

Thanks, goldi

goldilocks_63@yahoo.com

The referral program is ONLY for those members who refer a friend to make a direct purchase from DVC. Disney offers no referral incentives for a resale purchase. Some states have chosen to not allow any reward at all (the state's decision- not DVC's).

In addition, in order to qualify for the referral reward, the first contact with the buyer must be as result of the member's direct referral. If the buyer has already contacted DVC for information, taken a tour, etc. - no reward will be applicable.

If you know of someone who might be interested in DVC, just contact your own guide with the information and have them contact your friend. Don't depend on your friend to make sure your name is given credit.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I bought 2 resales (live in IL), and was told that my FIL couldn't get referral because he lived in PA.

But then my friend bought resale, and I called twice, one CM, and again supervisor, and was told the referral didn't count because IL friend bought resale. This was a while ago, friend bought VWL.

If it turns out you can get a bonus for doing this, I'd like to know because I felt I was ripped off!

Thanks, goldi

goldilocks_63@yahoo.com

Goldi,

No need to feel ripped off. You can only receive the referral bonus if your FRIEND bought directly from DVC - NOT if they bought resale.

However, as in the case of the OP, it shouldn't matter if the DVC member (already) MAKING the referral bought resale or directly from DVC.

See the difference?

If you bought from directly from DVC, then your FIL should be entitled to a referral bonus IF his state allows it AND if you mentioned his name when you toured or first requested info from DVC. But since you bought 2 resales, your FIL doesn't get the referral credit.

Same circumstances for your friend. Since they didn't buy directly from DVC, you don't get any referral credit.

The DVC referral bonus is from the DVC developer for NEW business that the member sends over to to them. They make no NEW money from DVC resales.

 

[Dean]

The referrals have nothing to do with resale other than if the guide wants to screw you over. It is related to HOW DVC got the contact. If you're referral is their FIRST contact with the system, you should and usually will get the referral credit. I have gotten a number over the years from friends, acquaintances and those that rented then bought.

But you will not get a referral for someone who buys resale. This program is essentially a kickback program to the DVC members to supply a streak of fresh meat to the timeshare sales staff.

 

[DebbieB]

Looking at the original post, the new member bought direct from DVC, so the current member should receive a referral bonus:

>>>>I referred a friend to our DVC Disney Salesperson who bought at Saratoga and closed yesterday. My friend said that the Disney DVC Salesperson stated that since I did not buy directly through Disney that I am not entitled to the $200 bonus. This DVC salesperson than said that my sister-in-law who did buy though her could receive this bonus instead. Very upsetting to me!<<<<

 

[goldilocks_63]

Okay,

I have 2 resales.... and a couple of newbies.... BCV and SSR....

almost a total of 1,000 points.

Obviously, a good customer. Would it have killed them to give me something?

My FIL owns, my best friend owns, we own,..... and always a reason why we can't get anything.

When my best friend owned, she did give me as her first contact, and bought originally (directly) from DVC for VWL, and I was told.... oh, at this point you only own resales (a couple of OKWs), so this won't count either for me.

and then when I bought direct from DVC tried to give referral back to friend, but they said that I'm an existing customer (via resale).

Seems like they want it both ways to me.

I just think they are cheap, and have no intention of fufilling the promise.

IHMO

Goldi