Is everyone on this board pretty much reputable?

[roliepolieoliefan]

Just wondering, I'm looking to rent points for a birthday trip for DS and I in May. I've never done this before and it kind of makes me nervous. But he would love to stay at the BCV and have SAB at his disposal. How do you know people aren't going to rip you off? Not trying to be rude or direct this at anyone, I'm just a newbie to the DVC board and want some of the experts to explain it to me. Thx!

 

[DVCconvert]

With over 1100 posts you're not a newbie to the boards!
Use common sense in your dealings, but recognize that the transaction requires trust on both sides of the deal. I usually look to see how many posts and how long someone has been around - proably not a bad idea to read some of their past posts.

I've rented points from at least 5 different folks via the rent board over the past 3 years with no problems whatever. If you can, it may help your confidence to speak with the people over the phone prior to the deal.

Nothing can prevent a bad person from doing bad things, but you should feel some comfort that over the years this has been going on (to the best of my knowledge) there's only been 1 or 2 deals gone bad.

HTH

 

[dspk]

I am usually pretty reputable but after a few days at the Food and Wine Festival my judgement can be "clouded".

 

[lenshanem]

Rent from someone who uses a contract. It covers both of you. I rented once before we joined and the trip went off fine, but I got very nervous after the person I rented from wouldn't answer my emails after they got their money. They would never send me a copy of the ressie and I had to call DVC myself several times to make sure the ressie was still there. I finally had to get ugly. Looking back - I should have not paid in full, but paid a deposit only until I got the confirmation in the mail. I think having a contract will give you some piece of mind. Good luck!

 

[ralphd]

Contracts are available on this website if you are not sure of how to word the contract:

' http://www.tstoday.com/default.html '

 

[Beca]

Not me....I'm definitely "shady"!!!

Sorry...I am in a wicked mood this morning!!!

I agree with lenshanem....get a contract. Also, ask for references and speak with the person on the phone. I find that your fears can be REALLY calmed if you actually talk to someone and make sure that they understand what you do/do not want.

I have transferred points both in and out of my accounts (been both the renter and the rentee). I have had people call me a year after the transaction wanting some kind of form for tax purposes. Okay....no problem....I wrote it out for them....they actually kept my phone number and were that comfortable calling me a year later.

I would not worry about whether or not you get a confirmation in your hand (although it is nice). A confirmation letter is a FALSE sense of security...an owner can cancel your trip anytime they want....whether you have the confirmation letter or not.

Get the number to MS, and call to make sure your ressie is in order. Then, when you are about 1 wk out, call to make sure it is still in order.

I think most problems on the boards are because of mis-communiciation....and, usually it is the RENTERS who cause the problems, not the owners. Renters will book a date, and then want to change the date, change the size of the room, or get a refund from the owners. Renters simply do not understand that DVC does not work like that (especially at the more popular resorts like BCV). Not only is room availability VERY scarce within 7 months of arrival, owners lose flexibility of their "points" over time. The biggest problem I see is that renters change/cancel their plans and owners feel bad for them and refund them their money, and then "lose" their points because it is too late to rent them out, and no other accomodations are available.

BTW....if you are hoping to stay at BCV....I would start looking for points 12 months out. Get that reservation made as close to the 11 month window as possible, and then understand that the ressie will be VERY difficult to change for the next 4 months, and then IMPOSSIBLE to change after that. Make sure your plans are VERY firm when you rent.



Beca

 

[greenban]

I second everything Beca said, except that I will gladly vouch for her!

(Of course NO-ONE will vouch for me!)

-Tony

 

[Beca]

I second everything Beca said, except that I will gladly vouch for her!

(Of course NO-ONE will vouch for me!)

-Tony

Beca

 

[DrTomorrow]

Look for: high number of DIS posts, uses a contract, can provide references.

Reputable? Moi? Surely you jest (and don't call me Shirley).

And I'll gladly vouch for greenban - he's as disreputable as can be.

(must be a morning for wicked moods! )

 

[JimC]

You have gotten good advice above. Read this thread to learn more about our collective thoughts about what makes an effective rental contract.

http://130.94.75.33/showthread.php?t=895654

 

[lisareniff]

I'm curious.... How important is a contract? I'm sure it is helpful for communication purposes but what recourse does someone have if the contract is broken??? Would costs incured to go to court be prohibitive to getting any money back??

I rented to a family once and did not use a contract. Stated the terms via email and sent reminders etc.

 

[JimC]

I'm curious.... How important is a contract? I'm sure it is helpful for communication purposes but what recourse does someone have if the contract is broken??? Would costs incured to go to court be prohibitive to getting any money back??

I rented to a family once and did not use a contract. Stated the terms via email and sent reminders etc.

You are probably talking small claims court if you want to pursue it. It is likely not worth the effort to do so. However, having it in writing makes it less likely for a misunderstanding while likely increasing everyone's commitment to do what they signed up for. Remember contracts are not needed when things go right -- they are needed when things go wrong.

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

I would definately read some of the person's past posts. I know there was a thread recently about a person who cries sob stories to rent points dirt cheap from other owners and then they turn around and use the points to make reservations and rent them out at a much higher price. While they might be "reputable", I know I personally would not want to do business with someone like that.

 

[RobDoc]

I'm curious.... How important is a contract?

Our DVC POS has language stating that a rental contract is required. Disney's interest is in assuring that guests realize they must accept all rules and policies of DVC in general and that resort in particular. The value of the contract from a legal standpoint may be questionable, but it certainly can't hurt and has minimal cost to create. If I were a renter, I'd insist on having one even if the member doesn't offer one - contrary to DVC policy.

 

[misslissa]

Hi there!

I recently rented points and seem to be having very good luck so far, while I did not get a contract. However, I did speak with the renter directly on the phone for quite a while, received a confirmation in the mail and also have records of the PayPal transactions that I paid with! The renter even included detailed information in several emails, which I have obviously saved.

Do you think there is anything else I should worry about? I am a first time renter! And, very excited

 

[CarolMN]

Is everyone on this board pretty much reputable?

Hmmmm. Seems like asking the posters here (many of who rent their points to strangers) is like asking a fox to guard the henhouse.

Why certainly - we're all of us reputable! And good-looking! And have lots of chickens!

If renting from a stranger you met on the internet is going to cause you undue stress/worry, don't do it. It won't be worth it.

FWIW, there have very few reports from renters saying they've been cheated or didn't have a reservatrion when they arrived to check in. (I can recall only one and I've been reading these boards since the late 90's). Just be sure to use common sense and be very sure to understand all the terms - they vary by owner.

Best wishes-

 

[CarolMN]

Hi there!

I recently rented points and seem to be having very good luck so far, while I did not get a contract. However, I did speak with the renter directly on the phone for quite a while, received a confirmation in the mail and also have records of the PayPal transactions that I paid with! The renter even included detailed information in several emails, which I have obviously saved.

Do you think there is anything else I should worry about? I am a first time renter! And, very excited

Did you talk about/have an email that describes what happens if you have to cancel or reschedule? Most owners consider renting to be a non-refundable transaction and there are limits to the ability to reschedule. The terms vary by owner.

Have fun - I'n sure you'll be pleased with your accomodations.

 

[spiceycat]

most posters to this site would be very upset if Doc took away our right to post here!!! Which he can do if we cheated the renters.

just be careful.

I would go (as had been stated) with someone who has as many posts as you do.

I have rented several times. but don't email me - I have no points until June, 2006.

Jim - thanks so much I was looking for that post!!!!