Points transfer questions????

[ErinC]

We just purchased a 150 point add on at VWL. We should be closing in a couple of weeks. We are planning to rent out our '05 points to help pay for our cruise in Sept. I really would prefer doing a transfer to another member, it just seems easier to me.

How do I go about doing a points transfer? How many times can I transfer points, in case someone doesn't want the entire 150 points. How do I handle the exchange of money? Should I use paypal, or just ask for a check to avoid the fees (how much are they anyway?)? Do I require the entire amount upfront? How have you handled these situations in the past. I will think about renting them if I am not able to transfer them, but the transfer seems so much less time consuming and less risky. Any one have any thoughts on the subject?

 

[JimMIA]

I think if you go to the DISboards Rent/Trade board and read the Frequently Asked Questions and "A word to the wise," they will answer many of your questions.

Generally, if you transfer points to another DVC member, it is a much easier and better transaction for both parties. They get the points and have complete control over their use of them, and you don't have to worry about reservations, cancellations, date changes, etc.

Remember that you can only transfer in one direction in one use year - so if you transfer points out of your account, you would not be able to transfer points back into the account in that same use year.

 

[tjkraz]

How do I go about doing a points transfer?

It's just a call to MS. You can either get the ID number of the member to whom you want to transfer (some may be reluctant due to security issues) or arrange a 3-way call.

How many times can I transfer points, in case someone doesn't want the entire 150 points.

You can do as many transfers as you need to, but they can only be in one direction per year. If you transfer points out, you then cannot receive points from another member in the same year. I assume this is to prevent people from circumventing the Home resort booking guidelines (i.e. you transfer me your BWV points and I'll transfer you my BCV points.)

How do I handle the exchange of money? Should I use paypal, or just ask for a check to avoid the fees (how much are they anyway?)? Do I require the entire amount upfront? How have you handled these situations in the past. I will think about renting them if I am not able to transfer them, but the transfer seems so much less time consuming and less risky. Any one have any thoughts on the subject?

Not all PayPal accounts charge fees. They have Personal Accounts with annual transaction limits that do not deduct handling fees. Check their website for details.

If neither of you are in a hurry, you might just want to go the cashier's check route. No service charges to you and you don't have to wait for the check to clear. If someone is in a hurry to get the points, let them pay to send the check overnight or 2-day mail (about $4).

 

[mochabean]

When I transferred, I didn't want to use Paypal so I had them send me a cashier's check. They were comfortable with this because we had both signed a contract in advance. If you want to look at a sample contract, mine are at www.diffendal.us/dvc

 

[ErinC]

Thanks for your replies.

TJ- I'll have to check out paypal different accounts and see what I can come up with.

Mochabean, thanks for the copies of the contracts.

Jim, I'll check out the FAQ's again. I think a I read them awhile back, but I'll look through them again.

Do transferred points generally rent for the same amount as a points rental?

 

[tjkraz]

Do transferred points generally rent for the same amount as a points rental?

I have seen people try to charge a premium for transferring points ($1-2 per point more) since it causes them to lose the ability to receive any points for the remainder of the year. Not sure how successful these attempts generally are, but I think it's a valid approach to take.

 

[ErinC]

I have seen people try to charge a premium for transferring points ($1-2 per point more) since it causes them to lose the ability to receive any points for the remainder of the year. Not sure how successful these attempts generally are, but I think it's a valid approach to take.

I never even thought about it in that respect. I'd just be happy to get the going rate. Thanks again for your response. It's nice to know that you don't hold any grudges towards me about the whole Donald Duck theft thing!!