Nervous about buying points. Have there been a lot of horror stories??

[jamadelizmom]

I have just bought points for a stay in a few months. We don't own yet. The owner seems very nice, checked references, etc. However, I can't help feeling a bit uneasy. The reservation is in my name, but my concern is this, isn't it possible once you have received all the money to then cancel the reservation and put these points back into your account? Do buyers have any recourse if this happens?

We have another resort reservation that does not have to be canceled until 5 days prior to arrival. Am I better off keeping this reservation just in case???

Sorry, I realize that most people are good people, but you still have to be cautious.

 

[RobDoc]

While it is possible that what you mention could happen, we have had no reports of that occuring with any transactions.

As for recourse- you may be able to get some help if you paid with a credit card, but otherwise you will need the assistance of the legal system. Disney will provide no help.

Having a backup reservation would help only if something were to happen before your 5 day cancellation period with Disney. (If you choose to do that- just be sure to cancel prior to 5 days before!)

It sounds as though you've done everything possible to protect yourself (checking references, calling to verify the reservation). The bottom line is to question whether the potential $$ savings with the rental fits within your comfort level versus what a similar reservation would cost directly thru Disney.

Enjoy the stay!

 

[JLS]

I have rented points several times and check the rental board frequently. I have never heard of anything like this. most people, myself included, seem extremely pleased with their rental experience. I was so pleased I decided to purchase DVC. There is some trust involved on both sides of the equation, but you now have a confirmation that you can call and check on to make sure the reservation is still there before you leave. Call one week out and make sure..... then you can cancel your other hotel, if that makes you feel better. you will love it!

 

[lurontravel]

According to the 2002-2003 Member Guidebook on page 36, if a reservation is cancelled on the day of arrival, the owner forfeits all vacation points used to make the reservation. If the reservation is cancelled 1-30 days prior to arrival, all points used to make the reservation are placed in a holding account for the owner, and must be used during the owners current use year. Based on this information, I would think that an owner would be very unlikely to cheat someone who rented out their points. They are not able to use those points for anything as long as your reservation remains intact. That being said, you really just have to have a little faith that it'll work out. You certainly can call every day to be sure your reservation is still intact, and I'd call the resort you have your reservation at after the reservation office closes for business the day before you arrive and check on your reservation. At that point, you should be 99.999999% sure that you are okay.
I would just check on the reservation periodically, and the day before arrival. Who knows, you might be buying into DVC soon yourself! BTW, all the people on this board seem like great, normal people to me!
Have FUN!!!

 

[Dancind]

I rented points back in 2001, before we were DVC owners. I'm the cautious type too. I did a search on the person's DIS ID, read some of their posts, and got a feel for the type of person they are. They had a history on the DIS boards, and this made me feel better about it. I mean, they wouldn't have wanted me posting that I had been cheated! I also talked to the lady on the phone, which made me feel even better. I hope that's the case for you! Diana

 

[Lexxiefern]

I rented points for a trip in April and everything went very smoothly. I also rented points for a trip in October. I cannot for the life of me get the person I rented from to send me a confirmation or anything in writing. (I have since become a member myself) I periodically call and check on the reservation - it is there.

Doc, do you or anyone know how long you have to dispute a charge on your credit card? I paid for this rental March 31. I wonder if I only have 30 or 90 days to dispute this? (if I find out the reservation gets cancelled)

jamadelizmom, I like your idea of holding another reservation. Maybe I will do that too. I think that once I (and you) are inside 30 days of the arrival date we will be ok. Good luck to you!

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by Dancind
[B... I did a search on the person's DIS ID, read some of their posts, and got a feel for the type of person they are. They had a history on the DIS boards, and this made me feel better about it. I mean, they wouldn't have wanted me posting that I had been cheated! ...[/B]

Just FYI, and Doc please correct me if I am wrong, negative posts about a specific person will be removed from the board. Yes, you can certainly get a feel for someone's character but just because you don't see negative posts doesn't mean they don't happen.

I have rented to people several times with great experiences. One of my renters this year though, I got because I felt bad for her. She posted about not being able to confirm her ressie. I contacted her to apologize for the other DVC'ers behavior and than worked with her.


Again, not to scare anyone off, but IMHO, you do need to be cautious and comfortable with the person you are renting from. Use common sense - I give my renter my home and cellular number in case of a problem. Think twice, if someone will not give you contact info.

Good luck
Sandy