Issue with DVC owner responding...what would you do?

[jodifla]

ITA



Just remember, you pay peanuts you get elephants.

.

Let's all remember this thread when we start lamenting that points only rent for $10! This kind of thing is why....people who rent are left with a lot of uncertainty, and they need to feel like they are getting enough of a deal to take the risk.

AND....all those "helpful" boards that tell folks not to buy DVC but to rent, should factor in the stress and uncertainty as well.

 

[JimMIA]

Let's all remember this thread when we start lamenting that points only rent for $10! This kind of thing is why....people who rent are left with a lot of uncertainty, and they need to feel like they are getting enough of a deal to take the risk.

AND....all those "helpful" boards that tell folks not to buy DVC but to rent, should factor in the stress and uncertainty as well.

To me, a properly-conducted rental shouldn't be an overly stressful, uncertain undertaking. If both parties understand what they're doing, and spend a reasonable amount of time (commensurate with the amount of the transaction) establishing trust, problems should be minimal. The fact that MS won't talk to a renter is really easily overcome by doing a conference call between the owner, renter, and MS.

Sure, an owner could turn right around and cancel the ressie out from under a renter...but when's the last time we heard of anyone doing that? I've never heard of that actually happening.

 

[Lexxiefern]

I would keep trying to contact the renter - hopefully you will get a response. I had this happen to me the 2nd time I rented. I never received the confirmation only the confirm #. After that I never heard from him again. I checked on the reservation a few times (I had become a member in the mean time) and thankfully it was still there. I was nervous until the moment I checked in. Although, if the reservation is still there within 30 days of arrival I think chances are good that it won't get cancelled due to the holding account.

Good luck to you! I hope you get a hold of the renter and all works out fine!

 

[disneyfan2kids]

P.S. you didn't rent from Dumbo71 did you, rumor has it he sold some of hisd points.

ROFL.....

 

[LisaS]

Let's all remember this thread when we start lamenting that points only rent for $10! This kind of thing is why....people who rent are left with a lot of uncertainty, and they need to feel like they are getting enough of a deal to take the risk.

Another way to look at it is that if you're only paying someone $10/pt then you should expect a level of customer service in line with what you paid -- minimal. There are many owners who talk about being very responsive to their renter's needs but I expect they also charge more per point, or at least they should!

It's like when I shop online. I don't just hand over my CC number to whoever is offering the lowest price. I stick with vendors I know I can trust even though they may be charging a bit more for the same item. I figure that extra money I'm paying is worth it because I know they will be responsive if there is a problem with my order.

 

[joepoe]

I would be very nervous at this point if I could not contact who I rented from. Keep trying! Don't worry about being a pest.

I understand your frustration, but the problem truly is with the owner and NOT MS. If you are not a member, you shouldn't be allowed to change anything or add anything to what a member has done for you. My guess is that your owner is on vacation and will get back to you as soon as he is home again. I would be a bit worried too, but your only recourse right now is to wait and call the resort directly about 5 days out. The problem is...WHICH resort! I guess I would start with BCV, since that was your original areement.

 

[toesmom]

We could have rented points forever but then every year I would be wondering if our vacation was actually going to take place or were we cheated out of money.

So we bought into DVC to avoid these problems like the OP is going through. I'm sure your reservation is fine, and BCV is supposed to be great.

I personally would be hesitant to book a family holiday over the internet without any real verification that it would take place only based on trust. But for the money savings involved, I know people will gladly take this risk.

I'm glad MS is no longer dealing with renters and only members. Our dues are high enough already.

Good luck, enjoy your holiday.

 

[LIFERBABE]

The owner may be on vacation.
I will be gone for 2 weeks for Christmas and will not have computer access. I normally tell those Im renting to if I will be away, but it is not necessary, and I charge more per point because I do have a high level of involvement and commitment to those I rent to.
It is early December and if the owner has satisfied their commitment, ie booked and sent confirmation they may not think they need to be accessible 3 weeks from your check in.

 

[jodifla]

To me, a properly-conducted rental shouldn't be an overly stressful, uncertain undertaking. If both parties understand what they're doing, and spend a reasonable amount of time (commensurate with the amount of the transaction) establishing trust, problems should be minimal. The fact that MS won't talk to a renter is really easily overcome by doing a conference call between the owner, renter, and MS.

Sure, an owner could turn right around and cancel the ressie out from under a renter...but when's the last time we heard of anyone doing that? I've never heard of that actually happening.

What! what about this whole thread??? It JUST happened, or am I living in some sort of alternate universe?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16040844#post16040844

 

[JimMIA]

What! what about this whole thread??? It JUST happened, or am I living in some sort of alternate universe?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16040844#post16040844

No, you're still with us! I'm aware of that situation...or actually situations...which is exactly why I often suggest conference calls.

I assume you are talking about the "bad person" telling Stacey she'd canceled her ressie because Stacey called her too many times.

That was BS. There never was any ressie for Stacey. In fact, when pressed, she gave Stacey a bogus confirmation #, further demonstrating criminal intent. The number was genuine, but the ressie was for a different family, with different dates.

But I still have not heard of a situation where a ressie was made, and subsequently canceled out from under a renter. I've heard of cases where renters who didn't pay got canceled, but not fraudulent cancellations.

 

[paults]

In May I rented points from a DVC owner for a 2 BR at Beach Club with a transfer to BW (BW View) at 7 months. I have a confirmed reservation letter. I've seen many posters say their waitlist came through at BWV a long time ago for the same time of year we're going. So maybe he never called...We'll deal with BCV if that's how it has to be. Two weeks ago I called MS myself to set up ME for the six of us. I called twice and neither time would they discuss anything with me about the ressie nor would they take my flight info for ME. I mailed the owner twice in the last two weeks, once to ask he phone them with my flight info and a second time to confirm that he did call. He doesn't respond. Is there anything else I can do? We leave in three weeks; I need to get those tags. I think it's ridiculous that MS won't take flight info from a confirmed ressie..they state they've had abuse in the past. If the number of people in the ressie match up to the number of flight reservations and luggage tags (and even the names match), what's the difference? I guess we should think about simply booking two rooms at the resort of my choice next time. It would be much simplier and I'd feel more of the Disney Magic, not like I'm some sort of criminal looking to cheat they system.

The first line in this quote I don't inderstand. Why rent from a BCV owner with a transfer to BWview at 7 months? Why not just rent from a BWV owner without doing a transfer?
Well anyway good luck with your rental.

Remember for the future that MS IS FOR MEMBERS ONLY.

 

[EnviroChick]

The first line in this quote I don't inderstand. Why rent from a BCV owner with a transfer to BWview at 7 months? Why not just rent from a BWV owner without doing a transfer?
Well anyway good luck with your rental.

The reason for that was there was no one (and I mean no one) offering 270 points at BWV the time I was ready to buy. Unfortunately, I'm a planner and read enough on the DIS to know 11 months out was the time to make contact. This is an X-mas gift, and there was much planning involved. I wanted to get the accomodation portion settled. I'm okay with BCV, just would prefer BWV preferred, since the point value is the same, for the killer views.

Thanks to all of you for your comments and help. I want to clarify that I have the original reservation in my hands. The owner made a copy and forwarded the original on to me. At one time, I did have a confirmed ressie according to MS (pre-August I guess, based on comments in the thread), and I may have one today, I just don't know and Dum frightened me a bit. He and I communicated well in the beginning, but there has been no need for other contact except at 7 months and now. You are all correct, it is the holidays and the man travels quite often for business, that's why e-mail has always been the best way to reach him.

Also, I didn't look for "a cheap price", however if the average market value was $10-$11 a point, I wasn't going to pay $20. The price difference to rent a couple of nice rooms at one of the luxury properties with AP discount vs. the villa wasn't great. The villas are just homier, and we thought it would be nice to all be together (and to have a kitchen!).

Still have yet to call DME directly, as I'm working long days out of town currently; I was wondering though, don't they ask for a reservation number? If there wasn't one, wouldn't they know? Or if the name wasn't mine, wouldn't they know?

 

[crisi]

Another way to look at it is that if you're only paying someone $10/pt then you should expect a level of customer service in line with what you paid -- minimal. There are many owners who talk about being very responsive to their renter's needs but I expect they also charge more per point, or at least they should!

Also, I didn't look for "a cheap price", however if the average market value was $10-$11 a point, I wasn't going to pay $20. The price difference to rent a couple of nice rooms at one of the luxury properties with AP discount vs. the villa wasn't great. The villas are just homier, and we thought it would be nice to all be together (and to have a kitchen!).

I think it was Robin who made the point on a thread a few weeks ago, that when renters asked her to lower her price, she made a case that her points were worth more.

Renters think of points as a commodity - the going rate is $10, why should I pay more. And the points themselves ARE a commodity, but the owner isn't. Its probably worth more than $10 to rent from someone with a good rental history, lots of posts on the Disboards, and an attitude that they are providing a service. At the same time - if the owner is going to charge a premium - they need to let the renter know "hey, you've vacation is a month out - I'm going out of town for two weeks - is there anything you need before I leave."

I guess what I'm saying is that, knowing what I know after hanging here for years, if I were going to rent points, I'd post a "points wanted" thread - and I'd name a price a few dollars higher than the going rate - maybe $12 or $13 - or if I needed special service (calling day by day, someone with access to the eleven month window) more than that. And then I'd cherrypick the responses I got - not looking for someone who said "I'll undercut the others" but looking for someone who I felt I could trust and would make a case for providing a service - particularly now that I'd be dependant on the owner for contact with MS. But for current renters, the rules changed mid transaction and I can't blame anyone for not doing this eleven months ago.

 

[LisaS]

I think it was Robin who made the point on a thread a few weeks ago, that when renters asked her to lower her price, she made a case that her points were worth more.

Renters think of points as a commodity - the going rate is $10, why should I pay more. And the points themselves ARE a commodity, but the owner isn't. Its probably worth more than $10 to rent from someone with a good rental history, lots of posts on the Disboards, and an attitude that they are providing a service. At the same time - if the owner is going to charge a premium - they need to let the renter know "hey, you've vacation is a month out - I'm going out of town for two weeks - is there anything you need before I leave."

I guess what I'm saying is that, knowing what I know after hanging here for years, if I were going to rent points, I'd post a "points wanted" thread - and I'd name a price a few dollars higher than the going rate - maybe $12 or $13 - or if I needed special service (calling day by day, someone with access to the eleven month window) more than that. And then I'd cherrypick the responses I got - not looking for someone who said "I'll undercut the others" but looking for someone who I felt I could trust and would make a case for providing a service - particularly now that I'd be dependant on the owner for contact with MS. But for current renters, the rules changed mid transaction and I can't blame anyone for not doing this eleven months ago.

Well said, Crisi. And I just wanted to add that my post re: getting the level of service that you paid for was in no way aimed at the OP. I have no idea what she paid or from whom she is renting. My post was made in response to a post about the correlation between rental rates and risk.

And to the OP: I hope everything works out OK for you. I have had to call DME directly a couple of times and they were very helpful. Good luck!

 

[EnviroChick]

Just wanted you all to know that DME was no help. He didn't ask for a ressie number, just my name (which is a pretty common one) to begin with. So, he issued luggage tags to another person with the same name, staying the same dates at the POFQ. I found this out after I asked if he had the correct resort. Then I gave him the resise number and he asked, "Is this a DVC reservation", I replied yes and he stated DVC ressies were not put in their system until 48 hours before arrival date.

Will phone my owner again in the morning. Thanks again for all the help.

 

[bavaria]

Another way to look at it is that if you're only paying someone $10/pt then you should expect a level of customer service in line with what you paid -- minimal.

Lisa, quit sharing my brain!

I was going to post the exact same thing. When I rented before I bought, I had one email communication with the owner to confirm the details; she then emailed me the confirmation.

End of communcation, period. (Granted, I did book short term before my trip so less time to worry, but frankly I didn't worry) I knew full well that my $100/night with no tax studio at OKW was bargain basement price, and I wasn't going to expect $400/night service for that price.

 

[bavaria]

To the OP, frankly the two week no response is troubling to you, and I understand that. And yes, if an owner had a rental coming up maybe they should check their email.

But I also know that right now I have several unread emails and PMs and I just haven't opened or responded to them (no, none are from renters, I have too few points for my own use )

But as many have said, sometimes life gets in the way and people do forget to check their mail.

Or maybe the owner somehow has you filtered out, or they don't recognize your email address? can you edit the subject line of your email and resend it so that it doesn't look like spam? for instance, I see the word 'urgent' in most of those highly important emails trying to convince me that I won $7 million dollars.......

 

[2Princes2Princesses]

Another way to look at it is that if you're only paying someone $10/pt then you should expect a level of customer service in line with what you paid -- minimal. There are many owners who talk about being very responsive to their renter's needs but I expect they also charge more per point, or at least they should!
.

Jeez, I have 2 short rentals to go on a cruise next fall. I will be on the Wonder in Jan and at Disney in Feb, so I even gave them my cell and told them to bother me on vacay if they want. I try to keep in email contact and will be sending them one soon to remind them I will be away and of the contact number during that time.

I only asked $10 a point and now you go and bum me out by saying I should have gotten more!

I just want this to be as stress free for everyone as possible, am I doing too much? Am I becoming ? I don't want to scare anyone.

 

[Gymbomom]

Just wanted you all to know that DME was no help. He didn't ask for a ressie number, just my name (which is a pretty common one) to begin with. So, he issued luggage tags to another person with the same name, staying the same dates at the POFQ. I found this out after I asked if he had the correct resort. Then I gave him the resise number and he asked, "Is this a DVC reservation", I replied yes and he stated DVC ressies were not put in their system until 48 hours before arrival date.

Will phone my owner again in the morning. Thanks again for all the help.

I hope you talk to them soon and are able to settle everything!!
I tell you we rented out some studios and my mother spent a long time getting all the DME stuff correct. When we check in, they had everything "messed" up on names on the reservations and she spent a good part of her morning fixing it.
A renter really needs to be available to the person who rented from them. It was lucky for our renters that we were on property to smooth everything out. They never even knew it was messed up!


ETA: We rented out for about $13.75 a point. But, I agree about the customer service thing, she spent time with each family sorting through DDP, DME, etc...

 

[LisaS]

Jeez, I have 2 short rentals to go on a cruise next fall. I will be on the Wonder in Jan and at Disney in Feb, so I even gave them my cell and told them to bother me on vacay if they want. I try to keep in email contact and will be sending them one soon to remind them I will be away and of the contact number during that time.

I only asked $10 a point and now you go and bum me out by saying I should have gotten more!

I just want this to be as stress free for everyone as possible, am I doing too much? Am I becoming ? I don't want to scare anyone.

I've never rented out any points but if I did I expect that I would be as conscientious as you have been with your renter because, like you, it is in my nature to try to be helpful. But I would also charge more than $10/pt for providing that level of reassurance and support. That would mean waiting longer for the right renter to come along but I expect there are more than just financial benefits in doing so.

I think it's great that you are offering so much support to your renter but I would draw the line at telling them to feel free to bother me while I'm on vacation! I think I would have warned them two weeks ahead of time that if they needed anything they should ask now or be prepared to wait until I got back. My vacation time is sacred to me!