Point trading/transfer protocol

[UConnJack]

Could anyone tell me what the protocol usually is when trading and/or transferring points between members? Though response to a previous thread I posted, I understand that a simple swap of points isn't allowed by DVC due to the 1 transfer per use year rule. This leaves only the option of "trading" reservations between members.

Now when a member makes a reservation for another member (or a non-member for that matter), the reservations are in the recipients name, correct? Does this give the reservation recipient any control over the reservation? Likewise, does the member who made the reservation retain full control with the ability to cancel it?

I would like to explore swapping BWV (my resort) reservations for OKW ressies inside the 11-month window, but having the reservation totally out of my control makes me nervous, especially when I would have other plans such as airfare and family schedules already set. If the person I trade with changes their mind for whatever reason, especially if its close to either of the swapped reservations, it could really mess plans up and end up costing money for the other arrangements

Any advice?

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by UConnJack
Now when a member makes a reservation for another member (or a non-member for that matter), the reservations are in the recipients name, correct?

Correct.

Does this give the reservation recipient any control over the reservation?

None whatsoever. The points still belong to the member who owns them.

Likewise, does the member who made the reservation retain full control with the ability to cancel it?

Correct again.

Both of you would retain ownership of your points, making a reservation in the name of the other.

This is basically a point rental, where both parties are renting points from the other. The same basic guidelines that apply to renting would apply here:

- Get an agreement in writing.
- As for references (if available) from your rental partner.
- Personally, I would recommend actually speaking with the individual--don't just trade email.
- If you are uncomfortable with ANYTHING--terms of the deal, the person you are dealing with, etc.--pull out immediately.
- Remember if anything sounds too good to be true (eg. I'll trade you 100 of my OKW points for 60 of your BWV points), it just might be.

There is a lot of trust involved in any point rental. However, many, many people appear to be involved in successful transactions. I've yet to hear of a transaction that truly went sour.

 

[Gary K. D.]

While you have no contol over points that are not in your account, dealing with someone who has been doing transfers, renting and swapping for years will give you some assurance that the reservations that are made on your behalf will remain in effect to and throughtout your trip. My preference is always to control the points but I have dealt with swaps in the past where both parties maintain the points in their own accounts and mutual, satisfactory reservations are made by both parties. I have even made reservations for a member and had him owe me the points at some future date.

While I cannot transfer points to your account because they would not be valid until 2006, I could certainly make a reservation for you at OKW and have you owe me your Boardwalk points through a future transfer or reservation.

Besides, you are about 1/2 hour away and I wouldn't want you showing up at my office with an enforcer. Let me know if I can help. docdds@aol.com