Nervous about renting points

[tinkwishes]

I have been to Disney World more than 40 times in my 30 year life. I am ashamed to say that I am just now reading about the renting points at DVC. I cannot believe how much cheaper it would be to stay at some of these resorts by renting a club member's points. Is it too good to be true? I am thinking of renting points and would like some feedback from those of you that have done this before. What is the best way to do this so that both parties feel very comfortable with the transaction? What are your suggestions dealing with any aspect of renting points? Thanks so much for your replies!

 

[Beca]

In some ways it is kind of "too good to be true"...only, there really is NO catch!! I have been on these boards a LOT in the last 10 months, and I haven't heard of any renter who has had any problems.

The only things to keep in mind are:
1) The earlier you get the room reserved, the more likely you will be able to stay where you want, when you want
2) Remember, you don't get maid service every day
3) The cancellation policy is NOT like that of a hotel. The owner has serious limitations placed on the use of their points when you cancel less than 30 days out...so, it is a little harder to "can" your trip as you get closer.

If I were renting (something I have actually never done, although I have transferred my points into another member's account). I would require a signed contract, plus 1/2 deposit at the time the ressie is made, and the rest 90 days out. Even at 90 days out, if you are booking like 9 months from now, that would STILL make my points very difficult to re-use if you decided to back out.

I would also say NO refunds...but, that's just me. I LOVE my points and are paranoid about losing them. I have heard of a lot of people who are MUCH more flexible than that. So, these are really good questions to ask BEFORE you rent.

I know you are nervous about renting, but realize that people who list on the boards are often "first time renters" of their points. Sometimes, they are new people who bought a contract with banked points, and sometimes they are just unable to use their points this one year. So, people who list their points are often nervous as well.

They really want you to have a WONDERFUL vacation, and will often work with you on terms, but they also have a need to protect their investment. I think 99% of the time, these deals work out WONDERFULLY for both parties.

Good luck,



Beca

P.S. Wow!!! 40 times in 30 years? YOU sound like a candidate for DVC yourself!!!!

 

[bongo59]

dont be nervous because it is very easy to do.........as long as you have a paypal account to pay and a willing DVCer to make your ressies it is easy...........i have done a ton of them and just did 3 this past month

 

[tinkwishes]

Thanks guys for giving me suggestions and encouragement. I will use them all! I feel like a kid at Christmas for figuring out this renting points thing!

 

[dianeschlicht]

You'll really feel like you've been let loose in the candy store when you find out about buying DVC through a resale!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Given the frequency of the OP's visits, perhaps she should think about becoming a DVC member herself. Renting points is probably a good way to get her feer wet, but owning will allow her to do it all herself, and "Own a piece of the Magic" as the sale literature goes.

Good luck with the process, tinkwishes.

 

[spiceycat]

don't feel bad at all!

I had even brought DVC before I found this board and heard about renting points.

Although there was someone in the paper that rented points.

but the disboards is much easier and generally quicker.

 

[snyderla]

We just bought last week, but we have rented points once before. We rented from a very understanding and flexible DVC member in Oct 2003. We stayed in a 2BR and a studio at OKW. I was nervous about the whole thing until the moment we put the "key" in the door and opened! WOW! It was so cool and really easy. We paid part of the money when we received our confirmation and the rest was due before 60 days out from the arrival date. I wouldn't hesistate to rent again if I needed to, but be sure to check out the owner a little.

It really is the best deal for staying in those places, short of owning yourself!
Lori

 

[StormalongKay]

I only rented points once, and it was for my sister & her family (made me even more nervous about possibly losing her money than mine). I rented on these boards and telephoned the owner and talked to her to get a comfort level before sending her any money. Turned out she had just had a baby and wouldn't be able to use her points for the year. There are plenty of DVC owners with circumstances like that.
Of course, just by talking to someone doesn't mean the transaction might not go bad. But remember, most DVCers are already die-hard Disney fans so the idea of ruining another's Disney vacation is repugnant to them. Just be sure to read up a little on these boards to understand the owner's risks and you'll be in a better position to go through with a rental. It definitely takes a bit of trust on both sides.

Good luck!