Question about Reservations

[crowekim]

We're going to rent points.
I've enevr rented points before. After the seller rents you the points, how do you verify the reservation?

Also, After you do verify it, is it possible for the DVC member to cancel the reservation?

We're going to rent points for May 4- 8, 2008.
If they make the reservation for that in about a week or two, is it too soon for them to cancel it?

We're in the process of renting from someone who has only rented one time before and since they don't know the person they rented to very well, they might not be able to provide references.

Thanks for any help and advice....

Kim

 

[Lynne M]

The member can send you a copy of the confirmation that they receive from Disney. You will not be able to contact DVC to confirm the reservation; they will only speak with the member. If you call the resort a few days prior to check in, they may be able to confirm the reservation for you at that point.

It is possible for the member to cancel the reservation at any time up until you check into the resort. The member owns the reservation and retains full control of it. Fortunately, the great majority of members who rent points are quite honest, it's only very rarely that we hear of a problem with a rental.

You will save money by renting a reservation from a member, but the tradeoff is that it requires a lot of trust on both sides.

 

[CarolMN]

We're going to rent points.
I've enevr rented points before. After the seller rents you the points, how do you verify the reservation?

The owner will send you a copy of the confirmation letter from DVC that shows the reservation is in your name. After the reservations are downloaded to the resort (2-3 days prior to arrival), you can call the resort to confirm. Other than that, there really isn't a way for you to independently confirm.

Also, After you do verify it, is it possible for the DVC member to cancel the reservation?

Yes. The owner controls the reservation until you check in. A dishonest owner could take your money and cancel at any time. That said, we've only heard of 1 or 2 reports of that happening to anyone who has rented via the DIS.

We're going to rent points for May 4- 8, 2008.
If they make the reservation for that in about a week or two, is it too soon for them to cancel it?

Not sure what you mean by too soon? The owner can cancel at any time.

We're in the process of renting from someone who has only rented one time before and since they don't know the person they rented to very well, they might not be able to provide references.

Thanks for any help and advice....

Kim

Get their name, address and telephone number if you don't already have it. Talk to them real time on the phone. Ask for some type of written "contract" or memo of understanding. Be sure it talks about what happens if you have to cancel or make date changes as well as payment terms. (Most owners consider renting to be non-refundable, but some will allow you to reschedule subject to availability and the status of the points used to make the original reservation).

If you are going to worry excessively about losing your money after doing the above , then don't rent. Go through CRO/WDWTC - it's not worth it.

 

[Chuck S]

There is no way for the non-member to verify the reservation. The only thing you'll receive from the owner is a copy of the reservation confirmation that is sent to them by member services. Other than that, you may be able to call the resort directly, only a few days (3 or 4) prior to check-in date when the reservations are downloaded to the resort computers.

The DVC Member always has total control of the reservation , and can cancel at anytime. Renting hold risks for both the owner and the renter, and is largely a transaction of rust, that is hopefully based on a written agreement between the two of you. Disney/DVC will NOT step in on your behalf if the transaction goes sour.

Also, if you need to add the Dining plan or Magical Express to you reservation, the Member will need to contact Member Services to do that, they will not speak to non-members. You will pay for the Dining Plan when you check-in, but it must be added to your reservation at least 48 hours prior to arrival.

Though reported problems are very rare, some have been reported. Be aware that rental transactions rarely contain provisions allowing for refunds or date changes. Most transactions are considered final.

Also, start off by reading the threads that are linked into this post on the Rent/Trade board.

 

[DVC Mike]

Please be sure and educate yourself on how "renting points" is very different from a regular hotel reservation.

See: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1669863

 

[Dean]

A member technically could cancel out from under you up until the day of arrival.

 

[crowekim]

this may sound like a silly question, but how do you get the seller to sign a contract if yall are in two different places and never meet?
Do you or them draw up a contract and they just mail it?

Also, if the seller doesn't say anything about using a contract...would you bring it up and ask if they would consider signing one that yall both agree on?

thanks for the info....

 

[Chuck S]

You can certainly ask. Some owners have contracts that they use routinely.

 

[SanDeeKath]

this may sound like a silly question, but how do you get the seller to sign a contract if yall are in two different places and never meet?
Do you or them draw up a contract and they just mail it?

Also, if the seller doesn't say anything about using a contract...would you bring it up and ask if they would consider signing one that yall both agree on?

thanks for the info....

I rent a non-DVC timeshare routinely. I have a PDF rental contract I email to the renter and then they fax it back. I have them pay with paypal since it's easy and can take CCs. I have had people ask me for references so that's not unreasonable. I also have a longtime eBay account with good feedback (not for renting TS but selling things) and I give that info out. I even have a business website (not related to TSing or renting) that I point people to. I think these sorts of things give comfort to the people I rent out to.

I have no problems doing on line transaction (I bought my last car on line!) so I guess it depends on your comfort level. Seek out references that prove the person trustworthy and it should be fine.

Kath

 

[dianeschlicht]

If you have some personal information from the owner like thier name, address, and phone, and have verified they are real, there is probably little to worry about. Well, unless you don't pay on time, and then they have every right to cancel a reservation. Most folks who rent out their DVC use some sort of contract or at least have a firm policy of cancelation and payment etc. Remember that there are risks for the owner too.

 

[crisi]

We're going to rent points for May 4- 8, 2008.
If they make the reservation for that in about a week or two, is it too soon for them to cancel it?

DVC rooms usually book further out. I don't think you will have a lot of luck renting a May mid-week reservation in mid-February - you really needed to start looking for that reservation last summer - you possible could have put it off until late Fall. You can try and you might get lucky. There is a post from someone who has plane tickets for April and there is no room available. So I don't think you need to worry about the member canceling - your first worry is going to be booking it.

 

[Blahnde]

DVC rooms usually book further out. I don't think you will have a lot of luck renting a May mid-week reservation in mid-February - you really needed to start looking for that reservation last summer - you possible could have put it off until late Fall. You can try and you might get lucky. There is a post from someone who has plane tickets for April and there is no room available. So I don't think you need to worry about the member canceling - your first worry is going to be booking it.

I'm glad someone else finally said this, but I want to agree wholeheartedly! I have been waitlisted for a studio at AKV for a total of 12 nights in May since mid-November! I've managed to get 8 of the 12, but I'm still waiting for the other 4 nights. And while I have faith in the waitlist fairy, I wouldn't want to be trying to sit on a waitlist in a rental situation especially at this late a date! If you want to continue to try with the rental that is your choice, but I would have a backup plan!

Blahnde

 

[kimberh]

DVC rooms usually book further out. I don't think you will have a lot of luck renting a May mid-week reservation in mid-February - you really needed to start looking for that reservation last summer - you possible could have put it off until late Fall. You can try and you might get lucky. There is a post from someone who has plane tickets for April and there is no room available. So I don't think you need to worry about the member canceling - your first worry is going to be booking it.

I completely agree, unless the owner has a reservation already booked. They may have one they booked for themself and can't use. I would certainly ask the owner if I were the renter.