Member point rental-how many posts?

[hsmamato2]

i've been reading here, about points rental/transfers etc- I am considering renting points - how do I know if person i'm working with is trustworthy? all advice says to check other postings,see how long they've 'been around' how many posts is 'long enough?' what should I look for?
thanks for any advice-

 

[RobDoc]

That's a great question.

The length of time on the DIS is irrelevant, IMO, if there are few posts to get a feel for who they are. In some cases, those with hundreds of posts may not give you as much information about their trustworthyness as someone with only a few posts. I'd look at the content of the posts rather than the raw numbers. Personally, I'd rather see someone with a few posts where they have shared their Disney experiences than someone with many posts - with most saying "Have a great trip" or "Congratulations". I'd look for the quality of the posts rather than the quantity. There also are many with both on the Rent/Trade Board.

In some cases, their only posts may be on the Rent/Trade Board- where they have contributed nothing to the site, but have just sought to take advantage of what the DIS has to offer.

In addition to the quality of the posts made in the past, I'd also ask for (and check) references from past renters or others who can personally vouch for the person renting.

Good luck!

 

[rinkwide]

A lot of people have eBay feedback these days. Ask if your renter has a username.

 

[hsmamato2]

so it's ok for me to have a dialogue? ask a few questions for reference? I don't want to be difficult, and I know I have to be trusted also-

 

[castleri]

If you wanted to rent points from me I would welcome all the questions you have. It is much better to get everything sorted out and understood in the beginning than to wait until after you have agreed to rent and the member has made the reservation to start asking for all the little details you might want to know. There definitely needs to be a good level of trust on both sides of these arrangements.

 

[skibum]

I think the whole transaction comes down to trust.

We have rented out our vacation home, as well as other timeshares and DVC. We have also rented a timeshare from somebody.

To make people comfortable, we keep an open dialogue. The people we deal with, after they say they are interested, get our home phone number as well as our cell numbers. E-mail is great, but there is nothing like talking to somebody - you can get a good feel for them over the phone.

We share info with them on an ongoing basis - updates on the reservation, ideas of things to do and places to eat around the resort. We like to share in their excitement.

Bottom line - if it doesn't feel right, don't do it! There are lots of good people out there to help you out.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I would say "quality vs. quantity". Just look at the person's previous posts and specifically look for threads that pertain to the person's knowledge of DVC and their integrity. Plus, I think it's pretty easy to tell from the initial contact whether or not you'll be able to work with the person offering their points.

 

[Duckieluckey]

I have rented a lot of points to pay for cruises and never had a problem getting paid. I do not reply to requests to rent points from someone who only has a few posts. These people usually do not understand how the system works and think that you have unlimited time to keep checking for reservations that are next to impossible to get.

I ask for their name, address and telephone number. If I find a match on switchboard.com I know that I have a real person with a real address. I make the reservation in their name, send them the reservation number and they send me a personal check. Their signature is on the front of the check and mine is on the back. For a small amount, this is as good as any contract. I always get full settlement at least 60 days out so that if there is a problem with the check I can cancel the reservation. I have never had a problem.

 

[bongo59]

I make them pay 100% upfront via paypal..............then i make the ressie's.....................and i usually only deal with people i have dealt with before.

 

[Cinderpals]

I think the whole transaction comes down to trust.

We have rented out our vacation home, as well as other timeshares and DVC. We have also rented a timeshare from somebody.

To make people comfortable, we keep an open dialogue. The people we deal with, after they say they are interested, get our home phone number as well as our cell numbers. E-mail is great, but there is nothing like talking to somebody - you can get a good feel for them over the phone.

We share info with them on an ongoing basis - updates on the reservation, ideas of things to do and places to eat around the resort. We like to share in their excitement.

Bottom line - if it doesn't feel right, don't do it! There are lots of good people out there to help you out.

I like your style!! I have been on both the receiving end and giving end of point transfers and renting points. Just as I have trusted others, I've been trusted too. If I didn't enjoy sharing in the excitement of planning a WDW DVC vacation, and the exchange of Disney, vacation and cruise information, I wouldn't bother.

 

[Kick Save]

Once you open a dialogue, see if they've rented before and are willing to share the email addresses of some past renters as references. I always offer that up front when I'm renting to somebody, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Good luck...only one rental is all it takes to hook you.

 

[Plutofan]

I would recommemd that you talk to them to get a good feeling of their knowledge of DVC and also check their posts. For my rentals I provide a signed copy of a rental ageement so that we both understand the terms. Upon making the reservation I provide them with the 800 number and confirmation number so that they can confirm the reservation. I also provide them with my home, cell and work phone number, home and work email address and a listing of when I am on vacation along with the resort phone numbers so they can reach me. I enourage all my renters to call me with any renting or Disney questions anytime. They are the customer and I want they to consider renting from me again.

 

[TCPluto]

- how do I know if person i'm working with is trustworthy?

Ask a lot of questions, ask for references, and don't be afraid to ask for a phone number to talk in person.

 

[Barak's Disney]

I'm not a DVC member, but I have rented points. You probably won't feel 100% confident in your first reservation - I know I was somewhat uneasy until I had the room key in my hand (even though the member sounded very trusworthy, was an experienced "landlord" and was very easy to contact). It worked wonderfully and I rented from the same member again. Good luck making your decision.