question about TUG... Dean?

[dairyou]

Hi

I was checking to see how TUG works. I know the cost is $15.00. Can you trade on TUG or is that only through MS that you can do this?

Thanks
Deb

 

[TnRobin]

If you use TUG to trade, it is similar to our rent/trade board. The negotiations are between you and the other timeshare holder. There are no guarentees. It still involves trust for both parties. The TUG does have example exchange contracts that you may want to use in your exchange.

We used TUG to find an exchange for our upcoming Hawaii vacation. I found the TUG very useful in getting other people's opinion on the different resorts available out there.

 

[Dean]

The $15 is for a year and you get a free ad. They actually have two exchange listings. One where people say I own XXX and will entertain exchange contacts. The other more like the rent/trade board where you post what you have and what you want. These are free to members as is the database for resale prices. They have a 3 yr for $25 option for renewals but I'm not sure if this applies to new memberships. I'd definitely ask.

The main benefit to DVC members is to get info about possible exchange options. The other is for those interested in other timeshare options.

 

[dairyou]

Thanks for the info Robin and Dean. We're interested in trading for 2005, so we will be joining very soon

Thanks Again,
Deb

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by dairyou
Thanks for the info Robin and Dean. We're interested in trading for 2005, so we will be joining very soon

Thanks Again,
Deb

For 2005 you should get moving. IMO, anything less than a full 12 months out puts you behind the times. Where are you looking to go, what size unit do you need and when can you go?

 

[dairyou]

Initially I called MS and asked about the Harborside in Atlantis. Unfortunately they are no longer in II. We don't really have a set place to go. We just want to go somewhere tropical and child oriented. Our kids are 10 and 12. We homeschool, so we are open to any date. I think we can still go with a one bedroom.

After your post, I went on TUG and someone is renting their week (at Harborside) in October for 1400.00. We were going to investigate further to see if it was worth it.

Any suggestions for us?

Thanks Dean!

Deb

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by dairyou
Initially I called MS and asked about the Harborside in Atlantis. Unfortunately they are no longer in II.

Actually, the Harborside Resort at Atlantis is still affiliated with II. It still appears in II's printed and online directories.

I've read on this board that DVC dropped the Harborside Resort at Atlantis from the World Passport Collection List because it's almost impossible to trade into, except possibly by owners of other Starwood timeshare resorts using Starpoints.

Dean's advice is good. Plan ahead.

When attempting to trade into a high-demand timeshare, "get in line" early with an ongoing request, even two years out. Then, when a few owners deposit their prime weeks with II (typically 2-12 months before the check-in date), there won't be hundreds of people ahead of you.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Horace Horsecollar
When attempting to trade into a high-demand timeshare, "get in line" early with an ongoing request, even two years out. Then, when a few owners deposit their prime weeks with II (typically 2-12 months before the check-in date), there won't be hundreds of people ahead of you.

I definitely agree. I also want DVC members to understand the the line keeps getting reshuffled every time a new player joins it. You might be first in line this week and 5th next week.

 

[TnRobin]

I will add my voice to the "start looking now" option. We started looking for our June 2004 trade in January 2003. I truely think we got better offers for our trade by booking that early. I expect many of the desirable trades go fast.