They're Back!!

[canwegosoon]

I hope I dont offend, but I have the final words to this debate (of course, as I see it), and please..... I understand circumstances forcing owners to sell. I also comprehend the market, even DVC. 7 bucks is ridiculous and insulting! I agree, we all worked hard for the $$ to buy our DVC interest. As I see it, DVC belongs to my family and I just would not sell parts to a stranger or non-member!

So, here goes my final thought:

I bought DVC to offer my family a special place. I never had these opportunites as a child, and my children, hopefully will remember the great family vacations at Disney. Family is everything, so I did DVC for my children. I did not buy to sell. I bought the memories, in advance!! I will not sell. DVC is our special place. I will give points to family or friends in the event we can not attend. We will never ever consider a cheap fix! Dvc is called home. Would you rent a couple of rooms to strangers in your home that cheap? Think about it....As I am new to the board, please forgive this outburst!

I think you have the right to your opinion. I am a little embarassed to say I am not one of the members who feels that DVC is their second(or third) home. I think of it as pre-paid vacations not more, no less. As a former hotel owner I can not get attached to it in the way some people seem to, but do respect and value DVC property as a shared resort. Dvc is a great opportunity. Having said that...I never have any points left, since I am always tring to squeeze in another trip(can we all say addonitis), so I can not speak as a rentor or rentee. But I do agree that $10 a point seems very very reasonable to rent to strangers/non-dvc(IMO 2-3 dollars undervalue). I can see why some Dvc members might want to transfer points to other dvc members at a slightly reduced rate(ease of transaction/use or loose/fellow dues paying member/what goes around comes around etc). The beauty is you as a DVC member have control, and not the purchaser. There is supply and demand, but either plan and rent at a fairmarket price, transfer to DVC member or plan to bank.

I honestly think that when these new value suites open up it would be a prime time for renters to stick to a new firm price (12-13 what every you decide) as there will be other options available for budget minded vacationers. Remember the price of points has gone up as have dues, and who knows what January will bring. And as buildings continue to age dues will go up and up.

Do what WDW does...you don't see the price of GF, BW or B/YC bottoming out in the slower seasons...there is demand, and with proper planning and marketing you should be able to get your price. The flux in points needed takes care of reasonable cost for room.

Good luck DVC owners.

 

[rocketriter]

I just can't get excited about this. Americans have lost the fine art of bargaining (although our grandparents knew how to do it). Of course some people will start out with a sob story or a low-ball offer. Of course some owners who need to move their points quickly will offer low prices. That's how the rules of engagement work in bargaining. It misses the point to get huffy about whether a sob story is "dishonest" or a low price "devalues" the market. In a free market bargaining situation, the price is whatever a buyer and seller say it is, not what a third party wants it to be. And when a group agrees to fix a price, well, that's exactly the definition of price fixing and it's tempting but inappropriate.

Years ago I watched my father bargain for an antique in Honk Kong. He visited the store every day. He cajoled. He wept. He shouted. He told jokes. He cried some more. On the last day, he and the merchant agreed on a price, after which they laughed companionably and shared shots of whiskey. It was a wonderful spectacle that both men conducted with enthusiasm and real joy, and both men were happy afterward.

So I agree that the sob stories on the rent/trade board should not be believed. They're baloney from the first word to the last. But I'm not offended by them.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I had a BCV ressie for New Years Week and one interested party wanted me to accept escrow, pay the escrow fee, and lower my price! (from $11ppt)

I politely replied that I would not be able or willing to accept those terms.

He replied to basically contact him as the ressie date approached, thinking I would be desperate enough to rent to him later. NOT!! Some people think they are the only game in town or that you are desperate. I did find a suitable renter for the ressie and they paid in full immediately.

Don't fall for the Okie-Doke! Noone was fleeced in that transaction and we were both more than happy with each other. Walk away from subpar offers!

 

[cobbler]

I don't think I would ever rent out my points. Of course a situation may come up.

Personally though I would rather transfer them to an existing member. I wouldn't mind giving a break of 9 a point to another DVC member but I think 12 would be great for non-members.

JMO.

 

[DVCPAT]

I just can't get excited about this. Americans have lost the fine art of bargaining (although our grandparents knew how to do it). Of course some people will start out with a sob story or a low-ball offer. Of course some owners who need to move their points quickly will offer low prices. That's how the rules of engagement work in bargaining. It misses the point to get huffy about whether a sob story is "dishonest" or a low price "devalues" the market. In a free market bargaining situation, the price is whatever a buyer and seller say it is, not what a third party wants it to be. And when a group agrees to fix a price, well, that's exactly the definition of price fixing and it's tempting but inappropriate.

I agree. It really is a game. If someone asks to buy my car, house or any other possession for less than I’m willing to sell it for, I simply say “no thank you”. I love getting a bargain and I feel stupid when I overpay for anything. I bought BWV points in 1999 @ $57.00 per point by simply asking how can I get the best deal.

 

[FreeTime]

I agree that the renting price needs to go up. I used to take family for free. But guess what? They now expect it! Also, with the kids starting school, I need the majority of my points so that we can go during peak periods. I know I am a terrible family member now, but when a relative wants to come along, I now tell them, "sure at $10 a point." They say that is way to much for them. Even though they have had countless free accomodations. I would love to still give them away for free, but would use the money from the lost points to take my kids elsewhere. Am I selfish?

I would never rent my points for $7. I would donate them to our church for an auction or give to Make a Wish.

 

[Dean]

I think the biggest issue to "devaluing" points by letting them go so cheaply is the that those folks who pay a pittance for great accommodations treat them like they would the All Stars or worse yet, the Holiday Inn! Maybe that's why we see folks not taking care of the resorts. They don't have a vested interest, and they are paying ridiculously low prices.

Diane, I don't think there's any evidence that renters are worse than members. The only specifics I have is a friend who is a Marriott manager on HH and the people I've rented to over the years. My friend said he had no hard data but his impression was no different for owners or renters, he did feel age made a difference. And those I've rented to over the years have been so thrilled that I suspect they took far better care than most owners. There are all different type of people in this world whether renters or owners. And, IMO, DVC members are using the resorts much like they would a rental car anyway. Now if we owned fixed units it might make more sense. And all of the incidents I've seen over the years of questionable behavior where I've know the status, has either been members or crashers.

The one thing that I'd think renters don't do as well as members is prepare for the next group. We strip the beds, pile the sheets and towels, take out the trash, etc. Renters would usually not even think about this issue.

 

[Dean]

Personally though I would rather transfer them to an existing member. I wouldn't mind giving a break of 9 a point to another DVC member but I think 12 would be great for non-members.

JMO.

If you got payment up front, this is the best option. If you don't get payment up front, it is a very risky option.

 

[newcomer52]

The one thing that I'd think renters don't do as well as members is prepare for the next group. We strip the beds, pile the sheets and towels, take out the trash, etc. Renters would usually not even think about this issue.

Dean, you're right, I've rented a few times and I didn't think about preparing the rooms for the next group. We are going again in a week and I will be sure to do that. I am very appreciative of being able to rent the points and want to be a 'renter in good standing'. Thanks for the tip.

js

 

[Dean]

Dean, you're right, I've rented a few times and I didn't think about preparing the rooms for the next group. We are going again in a week and I will be sure to do that. I am very appreciative of being able to rent the points and want to be a 'renter in good standing'. Thanks for the tip.

js

That's what we do, not everyone takes the same approach. It's my general timesharing background as some resorts expect it.

 

[fofinia]

The one thing that I'd think renters don't do as well as members is prepare for the next group. We strip the beds, pile the sheets and towels, take out the trash, etc. Renters would usually not even think about this issue.

Just wondering, but why do you feel obligated to strip the beds? I wouldn't think to do that. That's what housekeeping is paid for. I will pile my towels and clear out the kitchen putting everything in the trash that needs to be. But our dues pay housekeeping and I tip them very well for doing their job at the end of my stay. Again just wondering, I would never have thought stripping the bed would be necessary.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Sometimes we'll strip the beds before we go, too. Just depends. I know we always like to get our room as soon as possible and this might help the next guest.

 

[Dean]

Just wondering, but why do you feel obligated to strip the beds? I wouldn't think to do that. That's what housekeeping is paid for. I will pile my towels and clear out the kitchen putting everything in the trash that needs to be. But our dues pay housekeeping and I tip them very well for doing their job at the end of my stay. Again just wondering, I would never have thought stripping the bed would be necessary.

As I noted, it's my choice, I don't truly feel obligated. Some timeshares require it and I'm in the habit. Hopefully it will make some housekeepers day and ultimately save a little on dues.

 

[pmcpmc]

 

[disneydays4us]

...............I am not one of the members who feels that DVC is their second(or third) home. I think of it as pre-paid vacations not more, no less. As a former hotel owner I can not get attached to it in the way some people seem to, but do respect and value DVC property as a shared resort. Dvc is a great opportunity.

We agree. We like our DVC membership very much and gladly use all our points for 3-4 trips per year, but do not feel as though it is a second or third home. We do own more than one home, but they are real homes not a timeshare contract. We are always amused when someone refers to DVC as their home. Never heard of owning a home that limits when you can live there and how long you will own it. I guess we are just irreeverent DVC owners because we find the whole "Welcome Home" thing corny at best.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Well I think its way too low, why shouldn't these people do this, you shouldn't be mad at the buyers(renters), its the sellers(owners) that you should be mad at!! If there willing to onload theirepoints for 8.00 a point, then they are the ones devauling DVC, all they have to say is NO, and eventually they will find a buyer for 10, 12 or 14 a point! But this is a NOW society, and people don't have patience to wait things out.

ITA...The owners are the problem. Pretty soon you'll see posts: "will pay you to take my points...I'd hate for them to go to waste".

$12-15/pt is very appropriate price for S-Th stays.

 

[TCPluto]

Checking through the Rent/Trade Board it seems as though the "can't afford more than..." - "help my kids get a wonderful vacation" bunch is at it again.

Subsidize my vacation, please???!!!

Interestingly, the woman who posted the sob story/sick child which prompted your original thread is back on today looking for BWV reservation for 1/4-6/06. This time at least, she hasn't posted asking for pity and $8 points.

Also, this will be about her FIFTH trip to WDW since begging for points on the cheap on 9/26/05. Hopefully, nobody falls for the "poor me" story if she goes into that in private.

 

[kaw1106]

I think the biggest issue to "devaluing" points by letting them go so cheaply is the that those folks who pay a pittance for great accommodations treat them like they would the All Stars or worse yet, the Holiday Inn! Maybe that's why we see folks not taking care of the resorts. They don't have a vested interest, and they are paying ridiculously low prices.

VERY WELL SAID!!! If I wanted to visit a members only golf course, I couldn't just rent a spot from a member. I could only go if I accompanied that member. For the very reason you said!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just checking out the R/T Board again. It's getting worse!! And these people want you to almost be a travel agent for them. Get them the dining plan, get them member perks, how about $7.50 a point because we can't afford more? Who said a Disney vacation was a right?

 

[cobbler]

Yes, there even is a post on the budget board on what is the cheapest you have ever been able to rent points.

We almost should make it like "The good 'ol boys club" you don't pay, you don't play