Questions about DVC contract strategies

[Takeitforgranite]

Here's the thing. You're talking to them about a potential future purchase - they want to close the deal now. So, they're not going to agree to do that in January today. They want to lock in the sale now. They know that if they give you the green light to wait until January, statistically, you probably won't be back then to buy.

I had a little bit back and forth with my guide when I bought back in April. I remember a conversation where I said, well, what if I wait until the end of the next round of incentives and avoid a couple extra months of dues? My guide was like, well, I can't guarantee we can get you an October UY then because I'm already giving you an exception that requires manager approval. This is like DVC's softest version of sales pressure.

I'd be willing to bet money if you call the same guide back in January and say, I'm ready to give my deposit today and sign the paperwork, but I want an April UY, they'll say, done. Here's your points, please sign.

Yeah, maybe I reached out too early. I was just curious to see what he would say.

Of course, he had to mention that current incentives expire in December, but it's not like the Poly incentives are that great at the moment.

 

[PolyRob]

Yeah, maybe I reached out too early. I was just curious to see what he would say.

Of course, he had to mention that current incentives expire in December, but it's not like the Poly incentives are that great at the moment.

Will you be visiting WDW before you plan on purchasing? You could also speak with a new guide in person. Could be better, but could be worse

 

[airjay75]

Yeah, maybe I reached out too early. I was just curious to see what he would say.

Of course, he had to mention that current incentives expire in December, but it's not like the Poly incentives are that great at the moment.

At the end of the day, they're still sales people. They can't negotiate anything on price - the incentives are what they are, and either you're eligible for the current discounts or not. But, they're not generally going to say anything that will make you feel comfortable waiting a few more months to buy because they know, if you don't put that deposit down today, it is highly unlikely you'll be back (not you specifically, but any potential buyer they're dealing with).

 

[Takeitforgranite]

New guide time. I wouldnt settle for a UY you dont want without trying multiple other people if necessary.

Seems weird that different guides would play by different “rules”.

 

[Cfabar1]

Seems weird that different guides would play by different “rules”.

some guides understand how to translate what you want into what Disney wants. Or at least do their best to help those two things line up whenever possible.

Some misunderstand policies, are unwilling to inform you of certain flexibilities, or are unwilling to ask their leaders for the "exceptions"...

 

[Girlstar30]

Seems weird that different guides would play by different “rules”.

Just wait till you deal with Members Services then you'll really discover the meaning of "it depends on who you get."

 

[Cfabar1]

Just wait till you deal with Members Services then you'll really discover the meaning of "it depends on who you get."

Yes, you really need to know your stuff, and not be afraid of asking to speak to a supervisor... especially if you're asking for tricky stuff...

 

[Takeitforgranite]

At the end of the day, they're still sales people. They can't negotiate anything on price - the incentives are what they are, and either you're eligible for the current discounts or not. But, they're not generally going to say anything that will make you feel comfortable waiting a few more months to buy because they know, if you don't put that deposit down today, it is highly unlikely you'll be back (not you specifically, but any potential buyer they're dealing with).

Yeah, I realize I don’t have much appeal by telling them I will buy in a couple months, but I figured if I was clear about what my intentions were and what I wanted that, maybe, they would be straightforward with me. Oh well. I’ll wait until I’m ready.

 

[airjay75]

Seems weird that different guides would play by different “rules”.

I think it's probably a combination of differing levels of experience and guides taking liberties with the small amount of sales pressure they are allowed to apply. Unlike a lot of other timeshares, there isn't really that much DVC guides are able to do to influence you to purchase. UY, 7-day tour offer expirations, and incentive period end dates are probably the 3 things they have to use whatever form of sales pressure they'd like. As a resort near "sold out" status, they can probably use that too.

"Well, after 7-days, I can't guarantee you these prices anymore - they're only locked in until day 7."
"Yes, the current incentives are set to expire on X date, but they can be pulled at anytime, so you really should lock it in now if you're ready. And, if they're better, we'll just re-write the deal!"
"Oh, we're not selling that UY right now. I can probably get an exception for it if you want to commit right now, but if you wait until next month, it might be tough to get it."

 

[VGCgroupie]

I found that guides you get when calling in aren't as knowledgeable as many of the seasoned guides. If you find yourself at Poly ask for Chris Spindler. He even knows what the 1000 point club is.. he is very knowledgeable and owns some resale himself. He is not my guide since we met him after I already had one, but if I lost my guide I would choose him in a heartbeat.

 

[Takeitforgranite]

Just wait till you deal with Members Services then you'll really discover the meaning of "it depends on who you get."

I experienced that last summer with guest relations. I purchased discounted 10-day MYW tickets through SOG a few months before our trip. We ended up wanting to get APs when we got to the park. We go to guest relations at MK on the first day and were told we could not upgrade because we got tickets for a “significant discount”.

The next day, we go to guest relations at EPCOT and walk out with APs.

 

[eticketplease]

I experienced that last summer with guest relations. I purchased discounted 10-day MYW tickets through SOG a few months before our trip. We ended up wanting to get APs when we got to the park. We go to guest relations at MK on the first day and were told we could not upgrade because we got tickets for a “significant discount”.

The next day, we go to guest relations at EPCOT and walk out with APs.

Will your AP still be valid in January? Sometimes they have additional discounts for AP holders

 

[Takeitforgranite]

I found that guides you get when calling in aren't as knowledgeable as many of the seasoned guides. If you find yourself at Poly ask for Chris Spindler. He even knows what the 1000 point club is.. he is very knowledgeable and owns some resale himself. He is not my guide since we met him after I already had one, but if I lost my guide I would choose him in a heartbeat.

Can you recommend someone by name?

We won’t be back before Jan.

 

[Takeitforgranite]

Will your AP still be valid in January? Sometimes they have additional discounts for AP holders

Yes.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Can you recommend someone by name?

We won’t be back before Jan.

Chris’ office is at Poly but he also will help you by phone. He was great when we met him.
Chris Spindler
407-827-5282
christopher.spindler@disneyvacationclub.com

My guide is an OG and all the other guides know him by name. He is virtual only so no meeting up with him in person. But he is very straight forward and knows all the rules front and back.
Bill Koontz
Senior Vacation Club Guide
Direct 407-827-5172
Bill.Koontz@DisneyVacationClub.com

 

[Girlstar30]

I experienced that last summer with guest relations. I purchased discounted 10-day MYW tickets through SOG a few months before our trip. We ended up wanting to get APs when we got to the park. We go to guest relations at MK on the first day and were told we could not upgrade because we got tickets for a “significant discount”.

The next day, we go to guest relations at EPCOT and walk out with APs.

Ah ha. Sounds about right

 

[Brian Noble]

• If I buy in Jan, the furthest they can go back is a June UY. I would have to buy in Nov to get April 25 points.

I am certain that if you call them in January and tell them you are ready to sign right then for an April UY, they will make it happen. @airjay75 is 100% correct:

But, they're not generally going to say anything that will make you feel comfortable waiting a few more months to buy because they know, if you don't put that deposit down today, it is highly unlikely you'll be back (not you specifically, but any potential buyer they're dealing with).

If you give the prospect time to think about it, very often they think "Maybe I don't need this after all" thoughts, and once that happens you lose the sale. Get the fish on the boat as soon as the hook is set!

Seems weird that different guides would play by different “rules”.

What the Guide is telling you is not a rule. It is a fib. An embellishment. A lie, even. The Giude is worried about hitting their monthly/quarterly sales targets. That's all.

Can you recommend someone by name?

You can get a new Guide if you want, but I will bet you ten Mickey Bars that this very same Guide will write you an April UY contract in January if you call ready to sign right then. They might not even bring up the past conversation, though I will not be surprised by "Let me see if I can do you a big favor!"

There will be no favor. They won't even have to ask. They will just write it up after waiting an hour to give you the impression they had to ask.

 

[Brian Noble]

There is a joke in the timeshare industry:

Q: "How do you know the sales agent is lying?"
A: "Their lips are moving."

DVC is better than most, but they are not perfect, only better.

 

[Genie+]

They are called Guides after all. They will guide you toward making that direct purchase asap

Between now and Jan leaves a big risk that someone will lose interest or discover the world of resale blogs.