Renting DVC Points Website

[Chuck S]

dear chuck. yes, i think your concern is why there were no rooms
available. [ several dvc officals were shocked about this situation
from what they told us ]

Holiday reservations, specifically Christmas to New Years, have always been rather difficult, even during the 11 month window...DVC should not be shocked about that. In the early years of DVC there was a lottery system, with no regard to home resort advantage. Look through your documents for references to the Holiday Preference List.

If the advertiser's site is not booking advance reservations for later rental, then that site has no impact on availability at 11 months. And I have no reason to believe that they are booking in advance, from everything I've heard about them. In fact, everything I've heard points to them making reservations only after requested to do so.

But that doesn't mean that other owners aren't independently doing so, we saw a lot of evidence of that on our own Rent/Trade Board. Many other sites, like ebay and craigslist allow the practice, as well as some other Disney fan sites. Surely Disney and the guides are not "surprised" by this, it is not a new occurrence.

The problem is, how can Disney enforce a policy against individual owners to stop the practice? There are ways, such as not allowing name changes on a reservation, but wouldn't that inconvenience more members? For instance, I've changed members of my group after I've made reservations. I don't always know who I'll actually be traveling with at 11 months out. Sometimes people cancel, and I'll invite someone else. Should I lose the reservation entirely?

And given that renting is specifically allowed in our documents, it would be tough to enforce.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...while the other point, whether or not guides should tell potential buyers what they are facing? we went over these
points for over 4 hours. this was repeated over & over. and
our guide made it clear, "we have no worries when making
a booking @ 11 mos..& if ever so...call him & he'll fixed it."
we are still waiting for the fix. ....

Unfortunately, once you buy, your guide can't really do anything for you other than give you a call or send you an e-mail. They will often see what they can do about getting you a certain reservation if you base getting that on whether or not you will purchase those DVC points. But afterwards, they are all just salespeople. Many of them are very nice. Some of them not so experienced in selling DVC and some are just unethical.

 

[RobDoc]

well if he is not an owner [ i read he is unable to do transfers ],

Only actual deeded members may transfer points. Associate members do not have that ability. However, David is a DVC owner himself.

& buying points to resell in order to make a profit then i don't need
disney to tell me he is a broker.

DVCrequest does not buy points to resell. The service makes reservations using another owner's account. That other owner still controls the points and could even cancel the reservation - except that the owner would not receive any payment since that is held in escrow by the service and not paid until the arrival date for the reservation.

and to me, this isn't right, or the same as the owners selling points
they are not using for a year....rather he is making a "pool" that
can ties up mutiple rooms where there should have been available for
the others "real" owners. and especially the important "times" ,
like christmas ...where he can resell for more $. phooey! ...

No speculative reservations are made by DVCrequest. Reservations made are only in response to a request made by the renter and even then only after a deposit has been paid by the renter.

 

[marx]

That other owner still controls the points and could even cancel the reservation - except that the owner would not receive any payment since that is held in escrow by the service and not paid until the arrival date for the reservation.

When I heard about DVCREQUEST (on another board) I had two questions. How much would the owner get back and what stops the owner from cancelling the reservation. (This was not on the dvcrequest site and I was too lazy to send an email and ask). This thread was an interestiing read as it answered both questions.

Holding payment is escrow is a great idea - though dvcrequest does make $$ on the interest. Also, what a great idea to help owners and renters alike and offer what I think is a fair deal to both.

That said, I can't see myself renting out my points anytime soon. I always seem to be wanting more. And if I do arrange a transfer of points into my account, I think I'd look to get that direct from another owner for less than $13/point.

 

[Scotch]

Just to clarify - nothing in the terms with owners say anything about money held in "escrow." That term implies the existence of a client trust account, and I don't believe one exists; nor does the site claim it exist. The terms described by the site's associate agreement just mentions that 50% of the funds due to the points owner is transmitted to the point owner's Paypal account at time of reservation. Then the remaining 50% due to the point owner is transmitted to the owner on the day of guest check-in.

 

[z28wiz]

I think David should post to clarify this instead of moderator stating something.

 

[vicki_c]

To dj~merlin --

I am an owner who has never rented my points out, thru David's site or anywhere else.

I did however rent 38 points this year when I was short -- but did it through the rent/trade boards here on the DIS.

So please don't imply I have some vested interest in any of this - I don't - just explaining the facts as I see them.

I just didn't/don't understand what you are so upset about, but based on later posts it seems I am missing part of your story about not getting reservations or something. As the others have said, my understanding of David's site is the same -- they don't "tie up" reservations on a speculative basis, so it should have no impact on your reservation.

On the wear and tear issue, well Disney rents the rooms out for cash as well, so I don't see how that's any different.

 

[RobDoc]

I think David should post to clarify this instead of moderator stating something.

Why don't you contact him directly and ask any questions you may have about using his service. You can contact him directly thru his site - www.DVCrequest.com .

 

[z28wiz]

I have no reason to. I was just saying because everyone is asking questions maybe he should come on this thread and post since he is an advertiser. You always see TTS posting.

 

[bavaria]

I don't have a dog in this fight at the moment, other than I do like having a simple option to get rid of excess points should I need it. (This year I actually gave my points away for no cost to someone from this website; in future I will most likely sell my contract if I cannot continue to use my points) My lifestyle doesn't really provide me the time or ability to do my own renting of points, collect monies, etc. That just isn't viable for many overseas owners.

Having the option of someone doing it for me should I need it is a resource I value - others may not need it, and so be it - we all have choices, and at the moment it would appear that this service is still being permitted.

And frankly, David has spoken up here many times in the past, even when he was not always treated with much respect. Any time I read his posts he handled himself with grace and tact.

 

[Chuck S]

Posters may reply to the thread with differing opinions, and respond to specific comments from other posters, as long as the comments do not violate our DIS Posting Guidelines.

Another factor that likely plays a greater role in the unavailability at 11 months is walking a reservation, as DVC now allows you to book at 11 months for up to 7 nights. Members may be calling and extending their holiday reservations, locking out others calling right at 11 months, then cancelling unwanted nights at the beginning of the reservation. And again, while I've never needed to do so, and don't particularly like the practice, it is allowed under the current booking rules.

And again, as long as David's site does not book speculative rentals, I don't see how his site has an impact. The individual owners that rent would also be calling to book for their renters they may have lined up, so it is a wash.

The biggest problems at 11 months are going to be walkers, that have no intention of using all of the dates they reserve, and owners booking speculative rentals. But I still think if DVC enforced some rules that would totally stop speculative rentals, it would also have devastating consequences to members that do not book speculative rentals by not allowing any changes to room occupants or the ability to add/drop vacation days. As we've seen with some other changes...the solutions may be far worse than the problem it is designed to correct.

 

[vicki_c]

Thank you Chuck.

 

[Anjelica]

Posters may reply to the thread with differing opinions, and respond to specific comments from other posters, as long as the comments do not violate our DIS Posting Guidelines.

Another factor that likely plays a greater role in the unavailability at 11 months is walking a reservation, as DVC now allows you to book at 11 months for up to 7 nights. Members may be calling and extending their holiday reservations, locking out others calling right at 11 months, then cancelling unwanted nights at the beginning of the reservation. And again, while I've never needed to do so, and don't particularly like the practice, it is allowed under the current booking rules.

And again, as long as David's site does not book speculative rentals, I don't see how his site has an impact. The individual owners that rent would also be calling to book for their renters they may have lined up, so it is a wash.

The biggest problems at 11 months are going to be walkers, that have no intention of using all of the dates they reserve, and owners booking speculative rentals. But I still think if DVC enforced some rules that would totally stop speculative rentals, it would also have devastating consequences to members that do not book speculative rentals by not allowing any changes to room occupants or the ability to add/drop vacation days. As we've seen with some other changes...the solutions may be far worse than the problem it is designed to correct.

I am wondering how many folks are taking advantage of the "walking" - myself I'm not sure it's worth the hassle BUT we haven't booked a peak season for a while. Now we will most likely book Christmas week for 2011 at one of our home resorts - I wonder how that will effect our booking.

 

[nunzia]

I agree, a guide is not likely to mention anything about this...and really it isn't their place to do so.

My only concern about the site would be booking speculative reservations for rental at a later time. If the site does indeed only book reservations as they are requested, then I'm pretty neutral on it, as it would function much like our own board.

If the limit on associates is retroactive, then I can see it having an impact. If they grandfathered out existing associates, then it would only prohibit the site from doing business that way with new owners. But there are other alternative, like having the owner book the reservation, and the site acting as an escrow agent.

Right, but if I have to book the reservation and deal with all the checking etc that goes along with it, I'd just as soon rent out my points myself. I have no problem with the whole thing, I just don't like the idea of putting a stranger on my ownership as an associate. I actually looked into using him when I needed to rent some points out, but that associate thing stopped me. I'd use him to rent points if I needed some though.
Very interesting about the 4 associate limit thing..would like to know how that will work for him..
and to the OP, yes, he is the very same who had all the ******** way back when

 

[RobDoc]

... I have no problem with the whole thing, I just don't like the idea of putting a stranger on my ownership as an associate. I actually looked into using him when I needed to rent some points out, but that associate thing stopped me. ...

DVCrequest.com no longer wants or needs to be added as an associate on any account. They will contact members interested in renting with information about requested reservations (based on timing, number of points and Home Resort status) and, if interested, the first member to reply will be provided the needed reservation information (dates, resort, guest names) to call MS to make the reservation.

After making the reservation and sending confirmation information to DVCrequest, that member will receive part of the payment with the balance on the arrival date. Instead of the need to sort thru numerous potential renters, DVCrequest will still do all of the preparatory work needed to make the reservation.

So now, instead of contacting MS to add DVCrequest as an associate, the member need only call MS to make the pre-screened reservation itself.

No need to add a stranger as an associate to your account any longer.

 

[nunzia]

DVCrequest.com no longer wants or needs to be added as an associate on any account. They will contact members interested in renting with information about requested reservations (based on timing, number of points and Home Resort status) and, if interested, the first member to reply will be provided the needed reservation information (dates, resort, guest names) to call MS to make the reservation.

After making the reservation and sending confirmation information to DVCrequest, that member will receive part of the payment with the balance on the arrival date. Instead of the need to sort thru numerous potential renters, DVCrequest will still do all of the preparatory work needed to make the reservation.

So now, instead of contacting MS to add DVCrequest as an associate, the member need only call MS to make the pre-screened reservation itself.

No need to add a stranger as an associate to your account any longer.

Wow..nice to know! That does make it a better thing IMO..b u t...I still have to call and check if the room type/dates/views etc are open, right? So, it really just saves me the sorting through the interested renters thing. I'm sorry, but it does seem like quite alot of hassle for the owner. Of course, you can't have it both ways..piece of cake with the associate thing, but uncomfortable with it, now not uncomfortable, but more leg work for the owner..
Well, since I am borrowed into heavens knows where I don't think I'll have to worry about it

 

[mikron]

DVCrequest.com no longer wants or needs to be added as an associate on any account. They will contact members interested in renting with information about requested reservations (based on timing, number of points and Home Resort status) and, if interested, the first member to reply will be provided the needed reservation information (dates, resort, guest names) to call MS to make the reservation.

After making the reservation and sending confirmation information to DVCrequest, that member will receive part of the payment with the balance on the arrival date. Instead of the need to sort thru numerous potential renters, DVCrequest will still do all of the preparatory work needed to make the reservation.

So now, instead of contacting MS to add DVCrequest as an associate, the member need only call MS to make the pre-screened reservation itself.

No need to add a stranger as an associate to your account any longer.

So why do I need Dave. I can just charge $12.00 and save guest money and get all my money at once.

 

[RobDoc]

Wow..nice to know! That does make it a better thing IMO..b u t...I still have to call and check if the room type/dates/views etc are open, right? So, it really just saves me the sorting through the interested renters thing. I'm sorry, but it does seem like quite alot of hassle for the owner. Of course, you can't have it both ways..piece of cake with the associate thing, but uncomfortable with it, now not uncomfortable, but more leg work for the owner..
Well, since I am borrowed into heavens knows where I don't think I'll have to worry about it

Nope. He will have already verified availability before he sends the note to the members on his list. If nothing is available for the renter, the member won't even know about the request.

All the member needs to do is call MS to make the reservation with the information provided by dvcrequest. Instead of needing to call MS to add an associate, you'd just need to call MS to make a reservation and then send the confirmation information along to dvcrequest so you'd just trade one phone call for another and I think it will be even easier once online booking begins (whenever that might be).

 

[Indiana Rose Lee]

So why do I need Dave. I can just charge $12.00 and save guest money and get all my money at once.

As a renter, I am on your side.

 

[Daddio]

So why do I need Dave. I can just charge $12.00 and save guest money and get all my money at once.

Your point is well taken and to the majority of DIS posters who are experienced in renting their points, I am not a good business model and bring nothing to the table for them.

However, for those members who:

Are intimidated by posting
Don't want to sift through replies every hour or so
Don't want to check availability for a rash of responders who may never reply to their answers, PMs or e-mail
Don't have a rental agreement in place
Don't have any rental experience
Don't have time to banter back and forth with responders
Don't have the time or want to chase a renter for payment


I am the perfect fit for these members. With my service, the member will spend approximately 7 minutes in total to complete a reservation. That's it. The reservation details are sent to them, the availability is already checked, a deposit is already secured, and there is no collection of funds or rental contracts to complete. It is just quick and easy.

As a renter, I am on your side.

And so am I. My service is not for everyone. Heck, there are points available on this board for $8.00 (well below what I pay the members). I cater to guests who are looking for the alternative. So does mikron at $12.00. We all have the same goals, just different ways to acheive them.

David


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