Sad Story from One Who Trusted without Checking!

[paults]

Cindi0511

Yes, I paid more for the points than they were worth, but we were new to DVC and didn't realize how hard it would be to get a reservation in December.

what did you pay for the pts that they were not worth the cost?
a cash ressie for a DVC studio cost over $300 nt to $400 nt in DEC at OKW or SSR and a lot more at VWL/BCV/BWV.
Just curious why you think you paid to much.

 

[Sammie]

That's a very valid point, especially since this situation is an extremely rare occurrance. The overwhelming majority of rental transactions go off without a hitch, and we should remember that

Jim, I would be interested in knowing the source for this statement. I would be willing to agree that the odds are in favor of no problems, but not sure I would agree that this is an extremely rare occurrance or that it is an over whelming majority go off without a hitch. Even if we base it on DIS transaction that is still only a part of the total picture. I don't think we have facts to state either way actually.

 

[JimMIA]

Jim, I would be interested in knowing the source for this statement. I would be willing to agree that the odds are in favor of no problems, but not sure I would agree that this is an extremely rare occurrance or that it is an over whelming majority go off without a hitch.

The source is comments by Doc that there have been very few bad situations since the inception of the DIS R/T Board. In fact, out of the hundreds (probably thousands) of transactions each year, I have only heard of two situations where anyone got hurt prior to the situations which are the subject of this thread. To me, that's quite a remarkable record.

Even if we base it on DIS transaction that is still only a part of the total picture.

The DIS transactions are all I was talking about. I'm really not concerned about the experiences at places like eBay.

 

[Sammie]

The source is comments by Doc that there have been very few bad situations since the inception of the DIS R/T Board. In fact, out of the hundreds (probably thousands) of transactions each year, I have only heard of two situations where anyone got hurt prior to the situations which are the subject of this thread. To me, that's quite a remarkable record.
The DIS transactions are all I was talking about. I'm really not concerned about the experiences at places like eBay.

I agree that the DIS probably does have this type of record and Doc would certainly know. I just don't think we can exclude other rentals outside the DIS was my point. For I know for sure some of them have not gone well and they weren't on Ebay. There are many rental listings available from other sources.

 

[Jim from Jersey]

"That's a very valid point, especially since this situation is an extremely rare occurrance. The overwhelming majority of rental transactions go off without a hitch, and we should remember that" - JimMIA

I'm not sure about others, but it was pretty clear to me that Jim was referring to transactions on the DIS. Being that this thread is based on a DIS transaction, mentions throughout by other posters, including a webmaster, that this kind of issue is very rare, and is taking place on a DIS discussion forum, why would anyone think that his statement would include outside transactions.

Sorry, but again, the intent of the statement seems to be pretty obvious and without putting words in JimMIA's mouth, I understood it to be noting the outstanding track record of transactions that have taken place on the DIS rent/trade forum.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree that the DIS probably does have this type of record and Doc would certainly know. I just don't think we can exclude other rentals outside the DIS was my point. For I know for sure some of them have not gone well and they weren't on Ebay. There are many rental listings available from other sources.

But here on the DIS, we have no knowledge of or control of any kind over those. I think the point is to make sure renting on the DIS is a safer bet than elsewhere, and I certainly agree that we have heard very little about problems with transactions here other than the ones mentioned in this thread.

 

[JimMIA]

I just don't think we can exclude other rentals outside the DIS was my point. For I know for sure some of them have not gone well and they weren't on Ebay. There are many rental listings available from other sources.

I also know Sammie well enough to know that if they posted this, there indeed have been significant problems in other venues. Sammie has much better contacts with DVC than I do, and I know a comment like this wouldn't just pop up if it weren't true.

[ETA: As a matter of fact, I pointed out during "The Great MS Call/Transfer Debate" that one rationale for the changes might have been rental problems that we didn't see here on the DIS. I'm sure someone showing up at a resort, thinking they have a ressie only to learn that they don't, is a Front Desk Manager's worst nightmare. (or at least one of their nightmares) Disney normally would not have any liability in that situation, but it would certainly present a difficult challenge for them.]

To me, that is yet another argument for those folks to discover the DIS. There's really nothing we can do to help them until they find their way here.

 

[Cindi0511]

Cindi0511


what did you pay for the pts that they were not worth the cost?
a cash ressie for a DVC studio cost over $300 nt to $400 nt in DEC at OKW or SSR and a lot more at VWL/BCV/BWV.
Just curious why you think you paid to much.

I paid $104 each for two nights, I think. My saying it was not worth the cost was based on my already HAVING enough points to cover my stay but being unable to get a reservation and also on the basis that most points rent out for $10 each. Again, I am not trying to reraise the cost-per-point is too high/too low debate. Just stating my reasonings as an owner with points to use. Also, we stayed at OKW, and the room was very run down, multiple lights weren't working, fans not working, etc., and my kids were really sick so I didn't have the energy to deal with maintenance at the same time, as there were allegedly no other studios open. Not bashing DVC at all. I own and I love it.

 

[tor]

Well, there are a lot of ways to look at that.

For one obvious point, what one customer wants may not be what the vast majority of customers want.

Secondly, what we want as customers may not be compatible with running the business. Customer desires are only one factor a business has to consider. They also have to consider legal issues, whether the idea meshes well with the strategic objectives of the business, and many other things. You've obviously been around the DIS long enough to know that they HAVE considered allowing what you suggest and have rejected the idea.

Third, the situation we have here with Dani and Stacey is one case where maybe there would be some small benefit to "naming names." But that benefit would be very transient, and this is a very rare situation. The truth is, this thread will fade into oblivion someday soon, and any temporary benefit of naming someone would be lost. You don't change established policies just because one bizarre exception occurs in which there might be some marginal and temporary benefit to deviating from the policy.

And finally, it's not necessary. There are no mysteries about identity in this particular situation, and we can confirm identity to anyone with a need to know without changing or violating DIS policies that make good sense in the first place.

If you feel strongly about this, I'd recommend that you PM WebmasterDoc and express your opinion.

You are right I just assumed the vast majority did not want to get ripped off by the same person but I could be wrong.

I am not a lawyer and I do not understand the legal issue in stating that this particular screen name had not held up their end of the rent/trade agreement as it appears from earlier posts that all parties agree she did not deliver.

Maybe there could be some method of feedback similiar to that of EBAY or Amazon to make it easier to figure who is an honest broker?? I am not sure as to the work and cost something like this would create.

As far as confirming for the people with a need to know. What if the person that needs to know doesn't know they need to know because they haven't stumbled on this thread? This is truly an amazingly large information portal and something could be missed?

Also I do not have the solution to prevent this or I would pm the webmaster with it I was merely expressing concern to be debated in hopes of finding a way to avoid this in the future

 

[dianeschlicht]

More prayers and hugs, Dani, and Stacey! Hope something happens soon for you guys. Any news on the PP coming forward and doing the right thing yet? On second thought, I doubt that person has the integrity to do that, so strike that last question.

 

[Frankiesmom]

Has there been any update or some form of resolution to this sad tale? This just sickens me...

 

[StaceySaulino]

Hi All,

Just reading the posts and wanted to check in and let everyone know that I don't have any news yet. Sorry, I keep wishing for an update so I can put your minds at ease, but I just don't have any news.

On a brighter note, my two year old is all set to be a puppy tonight and my seven year old will be a zombie. They are so excited they can't stand it. I live in PA and the weather is supposed to be nice (70 degrees). Everything working out to be a wonderful Halloween, despite our little mishap a few weeks ago.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi All,

..
Everything working out to be a wonderful Halloween, despite our little mishap a few weeks ago.

That's nice to hear.

Bobbi

 

[chris1gill]

Hi All,

Just reading the posts and wanted to check in and let everyone know that I don't have any news yet. Sorry, I keep wishing for an update so I can put your minds at ease, but I just don't have any news.

On a brighter note, my two year old is all set to be a puppy tonight and my seven year old will be a zombie. They are so excited they can't stand it. I live in PA and the weather is supposed to be nice (70 degrees). Everything working out to be a wonderful Halloween, despite our little mishap a few weeks ago.

That's wonderful! Have a great time tonight Kids just love Halloween don't they???

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

70 degrees? That's awesome! It's only supposed to get up to 50 here in WA. Sorry Stacey...don't live close enough, so here's a virtual treat for the kids:

 

[Lewisc]

I would hope DIS would make an exception to their policy regarding banning and naming names if a problem case like this results in some type of legal resolution such as a verdict in small claims court.

 

[mikesmom]

So all they have to do then is come on here with a new name - they've used 2 names obviously already. And as for posting the real name, it wouldn't do much good. The perpetrator already got around that one by telling Dani they "didn't have any ID" and convinced her to send a code word over to Western Union so the money could be picked up without ID.

There is no real barrier against a determined scammer except to take personal precautions and if something doesn't "feel" right to step away. Kudos go to Dani for putting herself out there to tell this story - it will help others (I hope) to be more cautious.

 

[BurkeTribe]

So all they have to do then is come on here with a new name - they've used 2 names obviously already. And as for posting the real name, it wouldn't do much good. The perpetrator already got around that one by telling Dani they "didn't have any ID" and convinced her to send a code word over to Western Union so the money could be picked up without ID.

There is no real barrier against a determined scammer except to take personal precautions and if something doesn't "feel" right to step away. Kudos go to Dani for putting herself out there to tell this story - it will help others (I hope) to be more cautious.

Plus, at this point anyone following this thread and looking at renting could spot this probable renter-turned-scammer a mile away even if the names she posts with are fake.

If someone (maybe in NY) with either of those first names from the screen-names tries to rent you a relative's points, run

This thread has been helpful to me because I didn't realize one could look up the ownership at
http://www.comptroller.co.orange.fl.us/

That is a pretty good FIRST step for a rentee to feel good about a rental

PS- Does anyone have a link to a listing of the total number of points sold by Disney for each DVC resort? I could probably calculate it by searching deeds and old rentals but don't have the hours to spend
(EDIT) Aha, found it-- http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1187161

 

[StaceySaulino]

It's unusually warm here in PA today. It's usually at least 50 degrees. Thanks for the virtual treats. I'll be sure to show the kids when school is over

 

[NARM Forever]

Stacey, hope you guys had a great Halloween. My guys were Darth Vader and Power Rangers - had to keep that Disney theme Don't know about you but we got a ridiculous amount of candy, guess they want to fatten us up to cope with the Canadian cold. I'm still lurking hoping to hear some good news for you and Dani, still keeping 'em toes crossed.

Bev