Other Timeshares Which Use Points

[Beth]

Just wondering....

It seems that so many of the other timeshares that have "point plans" all have their point levels in the 1,000's... (Like 50,000 points, 130,000 points, etc...)

What do you think the motivation was for them to structure their point schedules this way or, better yet, why did DVD choose to structure our's the way "they" did... (in the 100's)

Is it because the others have other products/services that they offer for points, and they needed to be able to break there's down much further than just accomodation expenses? (Like airfare, etc)

Hey, it's Friday - I don't feel like working.... Let's speculate....

 

[spiceycat]

most resorts have down time - the summer months were not a problem selling at most resorts - but the down time are.

so you use points then no member has a down time. and sales are easier.

points work better for DVC - it offers the best - if you want to stay in a studio, 1-bed or 2-bed you have that option with DVC.

 

[SheriB]

I'm not sure why there are different point ranges. My brother and sister-in-law have I believe a Marriott timeshare, and they have something like 30,000 points. They do have what seems like a lot more trade options and special offers, etc. But I'm happy with DVC because that's where I want to go most often. I know I'll eventually trade out, but I'm not in a hurry right now.

I'd be curious to know why there is such a difference in point allotments, though.

Sheri

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by SheriB
I'm not sure why there are different point ranges. My brother and sister-in-law have I believe a Marriott timeshare, and they have something like 30,000 points. They do have what seems like a lot more trade options and special offers, etc. But I'm happy with DVC because that's where I want to go most often. I know I'll eventually trade out, but I'm not in a hurry right now.

I'd be curious to know why there is such a difference in point allotments, though.

Sheri

Marriott does not work on points but in some cases you can trade in for Marriott Reward Points, definitely not the same. Shell, Hilton, Fairfield, Hyatt, Paradise Village, and Bluegreen are some of the more common ones but there are others.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

My guess would be marketing gimmicks. It just looks "bigger and better" to have 50,000 points vs 500.

That being said, I love the way DVC does it. It's simple, yet accomplishes the same thing. No need for marketing gimmicks with DVC, as the product sells itself.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hilton Grande Vacation Club has points in this higher range. Since they didn't give us any price information, I guessed that about 1 DVC point would equal about 20 HGVC points. And of course the price per point is much lower.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Has anyone had any experience with the Sheraton Vacation Club?

 

[Lisa P.]

...point levels in the 1,000's... What do you think the motivation was for them to structure their point schedules this way or, better yet, why did DVD choose to structure our's the way "they" did... (in the 100's)

At many Fairfield resorts (both older and newer), the points required for a single night can be broken down quite low. For example:

FF Branson, MO - Christmas week 51, 1BR Deluxe
Fri / Sat = 14,250 / nt
Midweek = 7,500 / nt
Full wk = 66,000 / week

FF Ocean Ridge, SC - Thanksgiving wk 47, 2BR Delxue
Fri / Sat = 38,500 / nt
Midweek = 22,600 / nt
Full Wk = 189,000 / week

Also, FF points may be used in very odd amounts for cruises or Ambassador credits (to pay maintenance fees or to pay for activities or merchandise). FF give a current "cash price quote," then they multiply it by a conversion factor and the specific number of points are used. This keeps the pricing current and relatively competitive, using their travel services. If they used smaller increments than 1,000's, they would have to "round" up.

Can't comment on any other programs. There are many.

 

[Caskbill]

As to point differences, IMO it's all marketing.

Kind of like money. Which would you rather have? 300 dollars or 2000 pesos?

300 dollars or 25,000 yen?

In truth, I don't have any current exchange rates in front of me so can't even tell you for sure which is more money.

 

[Beth]

Thanks for your responses... I had also considered it could have been a marketing ploy, as well...

LisaP - thanks for the details... What a "sticker-shock" that must be for a DVC member to look at nightly rates like those!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

When we did the HGVC presentation, the agent told us about his first contact with a DVC member. The member was a bank president or something and told the agent that he had 2000 DVC points. (To a DVC member that is a bundle). The agent was thinking about the HGVC points and wondered why the guy was so proud?

 

[SheriB]

I just found out my brother's timeshare is Epic (sp?). I've never heard of it. I don't know why I thought it was a Marriot (I think that might be where they stayed one time). But they have 5,000 points that they can bank and borrow, also. And they have something that they call "Getaways" that give pretty good discounts on lodging that they can use many places any time of year.

Sheri