Rental Activity on R/T Board After Feb. 1 Changes

[Chuck S]

When the new rules were announced I initially felt hurt because I had been a member since 2001 and had spent a lot of time reading here, mostly research and entertainment related. I didn't have many posts because I didn't feel I had much to share past what had already been said.

I had used the R/T board for a few transfers and knew I would miss the opportunity if it were to go away.

I made the decision to try and meet the posting minimums and am trying to get there in case we have unneeded points in the future. I never thought about how the actual R/T board would be affected so quickly. It will be interesting to see how things go.

I do have a question though......piqued by the statement of a previous poster in this thread. Is the eventual demise of the R/T forum a goal for the future? I have never heard that anywhere, but wondered if these steps were being taken in a way to phase it out.

There are no plans to phase out the Rent/Trade board. The goal, as has been stated repeatedly, is to have the Rent/Trade board posters that profit from the board to be active particpating posters on the DIS. And for them to create a posting history that can be reviewed. No hidden agenda.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Hi Kathy! There were some significant differences that I noticed with this last post. Most all of the inquiries were looking for low prices per point. Under $10/pt. My points were not distressed. Also most of the inquiries were looking for unreasonable reservations ( akv value 2 mos. out, individual dates, not consecutive days requests). Many requested dates one month to three months out. All of these requests were not feasible, so much so I needed to post " No requests for" and listed three months after just one day of unrealistic requests. Previosly, before the changes, my other posts had more realistic requests, many more frequent renters inquiring, and most were willing to pay at $10/ ppt or higher.

My personal observations from my last rental posting is that there was a reduced activity from realistic, frequent renters who were very famiar with how DVC works. This last " group" seemed either very new to the process, had unrealistic expectations, and/or were bottom feeding.

How did your rental experience go this time Hope? Was it easier to rent since there are fewer people renting (by a lot I've noticed!)? Or did it seem comparable to previous times that may indicate less people looking to rent here?

How did your rental experience go this time Hope? Was it easier to rent since there are fewer people renting (by a lot I've noticed!)? Or did it seem comparable to previous times that may indicate less people looking to rent here?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I have had wonderful past experiences renting my points prior to the change. I was so inundated with low rental price requests and unrealistic requests this last rental posting. I am trying to figure out why my activity was so different this last time.

Was it because there were so few owners renting thus none needing or willing to drop their prices? Where did the seasoned renters go?

I'd suggest taking a wait-and-see approach instead of looking for speculative answers. At this time we are 5 weeks into the new policy and I believe it's a bit early to predict the demise of the Rent/Trade Board since, as noted here, the policy seems to have caught many off-guard in spite of having been prominently posted on 4 boards over the past 4 months. My expectation is that many more posters will be able to meet the requirements as time goes on and the board will again be much more active.

My own observation is that it has been a seller's market in the past 5 weeks and those who have chosen to offer to rent points have been able to rent reservations in a relatively short period of time and for higher rates compared to the past. Your own "Points for Rent" thread was only on the board for 2 days before you marked it as CLOSED. Have your prior experiences been any better than that? It looks like your last rental thread in November took 8 days before you closed the thread, the one you posted in October only took 4 days and the one you posted in March, 2010 took only 2 days.

Stay tuned!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Thanks Doc for your reply. Being a doctor/dentist you can appreciate data driven comments!

 

[vicki_c]

Hi Kathy! There were some significant differences that I noticed with this last post. Most all of the inquiries were looking for low prices per point. Under $10/pt. My points were not distressed. Also most of the inquiries were looking for unreasonable reservations ( akv value 2 mos. out, individual dates, not consecutive days requests). Many requested dates one month to three months out. All of these requests were not feasible, so much so I needed to post " No requests for" and listed three months after just one day of unrealistic requests. Previosly, before the changes, my other posts had more realistic requests, many more frequent renters inquiring, and most were willing to pay at $10/ ppt or higher.

My personal observations from my last rental posting is that there was a reduced activity from realistic, frequent renters who were very famiar with how DVC works. This last " group" seemed either very new to the process, had unrealistic expectations, and/or were bottom feeding.

I spent a lot of time on the Resorts board and it seems (anecdotally) that there have been a LOT more posts there in the past few months from people asking about renting - those that have never heard of renting before and asking how it works. And the vast majority of those mention wanting a reservation that is entirely unrealistic - 2 months out, 3 months out for a peak crowd time, etc. So I'm not sure if that part of it has any connection to any changes to the R/T board as much as it is that word seems to be spreading more about points rentals. I used to rarely read about that on the Resorts board, or other Disney boards I participate in, now not a day goes by that I don't see someone recommend renting points, or ask about renting points. Again, just my own assessment - and not related to the price per point, although I did see a post today where someone said that $9 was the going rate.

 

[Chuck S]

We seem to also have more people asking rental questions on the Mousecellaneous board. I know I've edited out more dates and resort info from those types of posts that I have for a while. I wonder if this is more a function of the current economy, driving more people to take look at renting as an option for a cheaper trip?

Many also seem to want to know the "refund policy" of owners as compared to cash reservations. Which kind of implies to me that they want the best of both worlds...inexpensive trip and no risk. That could also be related to the current economy.

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I have had wonderful past experiences renting my points prior to the change. I was so inundated with low rental price requests and unrealistic requests this last rental posting. I am trying to figure out why my activity was so different this last time.

Was it because there were so few owners renting thus none needing or willing to drop their prices? Where did the seasoned renters go?

Could it be that the seasoned renters in the 'know' now know about the contract changes from Disney and decided it was their time to jump in and buy?

We seem to also have more people asking rental questions on the Mousecellaneous board. .

Is there or has there been any discussion amongst the mods or anyone for that matter to making another subsection of board about renting discussion. It seems that every third question is renter related. Am I out of touch on this one? It really seems to clutter up the DVC pages to me.

 

[RobDoc]

Is there or has there been any discussion amongst the mods or anyone for that matter to making another subsection of board about renting discussion. It seems that every third question is renter related. Am I out of touch on this one? It really seems to clutter up the DVC pages to me.

A rental discussion forum has been discussed, but when you look at what type of rental questions are actually being asked most are "What are my chances ... ? " questions that we expect to be on the DVC Planning Forum anyway. There are really few questions about the mechanics of renting.

 

[mac_tlc]

I find this thread fascinating.. Just read through all 6 pages. I have rented a couple of times -- many years ago -- both through the Rent/Trade board, also did one transfer last year (needed more points for my DD's wedding).

Not sure how my post history would work -- my sense is that I have long "non-active" periods. But, I have no problem with the changes. Seems to me the R/T board was almost out of control with no restrictions. I don't think the requirements are overly restrictive, although I do sense a little "defensiveness" on behalf of the mods.

I wish I had more time to contribute -- after 55+ forays to the World, there must be something I could say.....

mac_tlc

 

[jekjones1558]

Could there be confusion about the new post requirements and that is part of why the activity is down on the rent/trade board? I wonder if some folks are thinking that the new post requirements apply to REPLYING to a points for rent thread rather than starting a thread, so they don't even try to post a reply?

 

[Deb & Bill]

I find this thread fascinating.. Just read through all 6 pages. I have rented a couple of times -- many years ago -- both through the Rent/Trade board, also did one transfer last year (needed more points for my DD's wedding).

Not sure how my post history would work -- my sense is that I have long "non-active" periods. But, I have no problem with the changes. Seems to me the R/T board was almost out of control with no restrictions. I don't think the requirements are overly restrictive, although I do sense a little "defensiveness" on behalf of the mods.

I wish I had more time to contribute -- after 55+ forays to the World, there must be something I could say.....

mac_tlc

You don't need 50 posts for six months to post a reply, just to post a new thread.

 

[kdzgon]

You are not forbidden from using the R/T board, only from posting a new thread. If you are seeking a transfer of points and don't meet the posting criteria, you may reply into a "Points for Rent" or "Points for Transfer" thread offered by another DVC owner.



No one is being penalized, you are free to use all the other assets of the DISBoards. But the original purpose of the Rent/Trade board was for active members of our community to have a way to rent their unneeded points and reservations, not to be a huge clearing house for all DVC Rentals on the internet.

Again, there are other sites available, many of them charge for the privilege of renting out your points. The DIS only requires a pattern of active participation over the previous 6 months.

I visit much more often than I post . Message boards are much less effective without readers - even on an interesting thread I see no reason to post for the sake of posting. Simply reiterating info that has been posted numerous times seems senseless - all it accomplishes is create space-sucking chatter. The other concern is being considered "argumentative" should I post something contrary to the voiced opinions. However, it appears if I wanted to rent through here again in the future, I would need to change my ways.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I visit much more often than I post . Message boards are much less effective without readers - even on an interesting thread I see no reason to post for the sake of posting. Simply reiterating info that has been posted numerous times seems senseless - all it accomplishes is create space-sucking chatter. The other concern is being considered "argumentative" should I post something contrary to the voiced opinions. However, it appears if I wanted to rent through here again in the future, I would need to change my ways.

Well, in line with your thoughts I would also have to say that message boards are also much less effective without people posting. Nothing to read if nobody bothers to post..

But, my grandmother always said "If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all..."

 

[zebsterama]

That is correct, the Rent/Trade board no longer accepts "Reservation Wanted" type threads. It does accept Point Transfer Wanted threads, if the poster meets the new posting criteria.

However, anyone seeking a reservation or a point transfer may reply into an existing Points for Rent or Points for Transfer thread. Such replies do not require a minimum posting history.

And any owner willing to transfer points may reply into an existing "Point Transfer Wanted" thread. But they may NOT post replies soliciting renters in someone else's Points for Rent or Points for Transfer thread.

Wondering - if a user is in good standing (i.e. meets the post restriction criteria) what was reasoning behind restricting a "Reservation Wanted" request on the Rent Trade board?

Can any of the moderators please explain?

Thanks,
Zebsterama

 

[bristodr]

[

I have been a member here for a few years and have contributed occasionally. Up until fairly recently I never posted to the rent/trade board and don't see myself doing so again for quite a while. Yet, with the current rules if I want to post to rent/trade I won't be able to since I don't submit enough posts to qualify. When I did use rent/trade it was to obtain a transfer of points, so there was no desire of seeking profit.

Agreed. Maybe there's a very small portion of the population looking to 'profit' by running a points business, but I think the bulk of us are family people who, for whatever reason, have points that we cannot use. Havng lost many hundreds of points over the years due to emergent schedule changes & limitations on availability, all I look to do if find a place to fairly exchange my pts to someone who can get a great value for their family.

 

[bristodr]

That is correct, the Rent/Trade board no longer accepts "Reservation Wanted" type threads. It does accept Point Transfer Wanted threads, if the poster meets the new posting criteria.

However, anyone seeking a reservation or a point transfer may reply into an existing Points for Rent or Points for Transfer thread. Such replies do not require a minimum posting history.

And any owner willing to transfer points may reply into an existing "Point Transfer Wanted" thread. But they may NOT post replies soliciting renters in someone else's Points for Rent or Points for Transfer thread.

Wow, this seems to be getting pretty complicated for the average Disney fan & DVC owner. Seems to me the people looking to rent should be able to post, even if it's on their own Board. I love Disney & DVC, but I also have many, many things that compete for my time. I may check in occasionally, does that mean - as a DVC owner who has bought in twice directly from Disney - that I should be limited in my options and risk losing points due to all of these rules?

 

[bristodr]

Nice post Rhett; all that you say is logical. I agree with you 100%.
Unfortunately as we've been finding out as of late, logic is becoming somewhat passé.

Well - I guess that's post number 2 for March.

Very insightful wasn't it? --- only 6 more to go to meet my quota for this month!



Cheers,
Zebsterama

Great post!!! I am also a normal professional family guy - I love Disney but do not live on the Boards, or anywhere online for that matter, nor am I the type that posts a lot of my thoughts. I guess we'll see what happens.....

 

[Deb & Bill]

Wow, this seems to be getting pretty complicated for the average Disney fan & DVC owner. Seems to me the people looking to rent should be able to post, even if it's on their own Board. I love Disney & DVC, but I also have many, many things that compete for my time. I may check in occasionally, does that mean - as a DVC owner who has bought in twice directly from Disney - that I should be limited in my options and risk losing points due to all of these rules?

Disney doesn't own this board. It doesn't matter who you bought from. When you own the board, you get to make the rules.

 

[Chuck S]

Wow, this seems to be getting pretty complicated for the average Disney fan & DVC owner. Seems to me the people looking to rent should be able to post, even if it's on their own Board. I love Disney & DVC, but I also have many, many things that compete for my time. I may check in occasionally, does that mean - as a DVC owner who has bought in twice directly from Disney - that I should be limited in my options and risk losing points due to all of these rules?

As Deb & Bill said, the DISBoards are not owned by or controlled by Disney or DVC, or any of their affiliated operating companies. Nor is it subsidized by DVC dues.

We are a privately operated fansite.

 

[Chuck S]

Wondering - if a user is in good standing (i.e. meets the post restriction criteria) what was reasoning behind restricting a "Reservation Wanted" request on the Rent Trade board?

Can any of the moderators please explain?

Thanks,
Zebsterama

Because owners who did not have an approved R/T thread were using such threads as a back door to renting their points. This particular rule is not new.