Trading in to RCI

[sissy_ib]

Is there any rule about using banked/borrowed point for an RCI exchange? Trying to decide what is bests cash vs points wise. TIA!

 

[Dean]

Is there any rule about using banked/borrowed point for an RCI exchange? Trying to decide what is bests cash vs points wise. TIA!

My understanding is that DVC actually gives a week to RCI and thus there must be availability. Any deposit less than 45 days from the start day is a short notice and for DVC, you can't deposit at under 15 days. Realistically that means that once you get to 2 months prior to the end of the UY, you likely will have few to no deposit options, esp for certain times of the year. Realize that few RCI properties are up to DVC and similar standards and that top options are rarely available (like Maui). One needs to have a plan for exchanges if you deposit first and plan at least a full year out. For request first, you still need to investigate the properties but don't leave the points sitting there just in case. Make sure you don't miss banking deadlines and realize you can always cancel a reservation to use the points for an exchange. Just don't miss the phone call.

 

[sissy_ib]

My understanding is that DVC actually gives a week to RCI and thus there must be availability. Any deposit less than 45 days from the start day is a short notice and for DVC, you can't deposit at under 15 days. Realistically that means that once you get to 2 months prior to the end of the UY, you likely will have few to no deposit options, esp for certain times of the year. Realize that few RCI properties are up to DVC and similar standards and that top options are rarely available (like Maui). One needs to have a plan for exchanges if you deposit first and plan at least a full year out. For request first, you still need to investigate the properties but don't leave the points sitting there just in case. Make sure you don't miss banking deadlines and realize you can always cancel a reservation to use the points for an exchange. Just don't miss the phone call.

Thank you for your answer. I looked online and it said you can book 10 months out and that is what I would be doing. I have a March use year and I would be booking in July or August, if I go this route. I may still rent out my points and book the trip on cash. Now I just have to decide where in the world I want to go!

 

[Dean]

Thank you for your answer. I looked online and it said you can book 10 months out and that is what I would be doing. I have a March use year and I would be booking in July or August, if I go this route. I may still rent out my points and book the trip on cash. Now I just have to decide where in the world I want to go!

RCI has 2 inventories, the weeks inventory and the points inventory. Weeks get inventory starting at 2 years out and points, for the most part, starts with most of their inventory already in place at 10 months out. The problem with being late on the weeks side is that inventory has often come and gone, the same is true at 10 months out for the points inventory. Since you can't actually have an ongoing search for points inventory, those that are direct RCI members will have access before DVC will be looking even if it's day 1 10 months out. Normally points members don't have access to inventory from points resorts that has been transferred to the weeks side. It's unclear how DVC fits into this because of their corporate and hybrid membership. I'd suggest you get in at least prior to 10 months out and far better at 12 months out. You still have time to investigate and get your request in. The UY makes no difference other than you ultimately need points that fall in the UY of the exchange so you could put in your request now if you were ready to, I wouldn't worry about that though. Of course you can initiate both (rent and exchange). Make a judgement as to the value of the exchange you want, decide what resorts meet your expectations and place the exchange request if you see a real value in the exchange. You can always cancel later if the rental options works out. There are other options including the independent exchange companies and direct exchanges.

Where, what when are you looking for?

 

[sissy_ib]

RCI has 2 inventories, the weeks inventory and the points inventory. Weeks get inventory starting at 2 years out and points, for the most part, starts with most of their inventory already in place at 10 months out. The problem with being late on the weeks side is that inventory has often come and gone, the same is true at 10 months out for the points inventory. Since you can't actually have an ongoing search for points inventory, those that are direct RCI members will have access before DVC will be looking even if it's day 1 10 months out. Normally points members don't have access to inventory from points resorts that has been transferred to the weeks side. It's unclear how DVC fits into this because of their corporate and hybrid membership. I'd suggest you get in at least prior to 10 months out and far better at 12 months out. You still have time to investigate and get your request in. The UY makes no difference other than you ultimately need points that fall in the UY of the exchange so you could put in your request now if you were ready to, I wouldn't worry about that though. Of course you can initiate both (rent and exchange). Make a judgement as to the value of the exchange you want, decide what resorts meet your expectations and place the exchange request if you see a real value in the exchange. You can always cancel later if the rental options works out. There are other options including the independent exchange companies and direct exchanges.

Where, what when are you looking for?

I am looking for May 2014. As to where I am still deciding but it will be outside the US.

 

[Dean]

I am looking for May 2014. As to where I am still deciding but it will be outside the US.

That further limits your choices and the number of resorts that would be acceptable to many. Unit size will further affect your options. The good news is that May is a great time to get something as it's almost always shoulder season for both summer and winter high seasons but it also means your getting something that's worth even less though it might not be HIGH season for DVC. Do you want to lay on the beach or have more to do? I'd generally steer people away from MX right now and I always steer people away from All Inclusive (AI) options. Aruba, St. Marteen and Cayman's are some of the best options for the Caribbean.

 

[travelbug]

I always steer people away from All Inclusive (AI) options.

Dean, could you please explain this? I was just looking around for any decent trade options, and was wondering how an exchange would work with a place that has mandatory all-inclusive stays. Thanks!

 

[chalee94]

Dean, could you please explain this? I was just looking around for any decent trade options, and was wondering how an exchange would work with a place that has mandatory all-inclusive stays. Thanks!

not dean and will defer to him if he disagrees but typically, they take your week and also charge you a cash fee that is roughly equivalent to the price you would pay without exchanging your week. you'd be much, much better off renting your pts than getting zero value in that type of exchange.

 

[Dean]

Dean, could you please explain this? I was just looking around for any decent trade options, and was wondering how an exchange would work with a place that has mandatory all-inclusive stays. Thanks!

I dislike AI's for 2 reasons. First, as Charles stated, they tend to be very expensive (I've seen as high as $4K for 2 people), in addition they can be mediocre AND they limit your other choices. For me and many others, giving up restaurants in the area is a big loss. Many are often tired buffet's, still charge you for the best options (top shelf, motorized) and don't always deliver all promised. To be fair, there are exceptions in all areas other than the loss of none resort choices (or you have to essentially pay double). For anyone considering an AI, I'd suggest investigating them thoroughly in all areas. Key points are how they're priced, what they do and do not cover, the quality of the food and other offerings plus what you could get it for directly for cash. Essentially the same process as any exchange only the stakes are higher. Another gotcha for some AI's is that they require the occupancy to pay for the AI, that means if you get say a 2 BR, you may have to pay for 4 even if there are only 2 of you.

There are people where an AI makes sense but it's generally people who get their money's worth on drinking or those who get major use out of the activity offerings. It's not uncommon to be able to buy an AI on the open market with air for around the price of the AI price itself through RCI (or II) and one should always look at this possibility even if the AI seems right for you otherwise. OTOH, resorts with optional meals plans can often be a good choice used correctly, much like Disney's Dining plans. In addition, AI's tend to be very easy exchanges and therefore beg the question of using DVC as an exchange, so even if you want to do the AI, looking for another way to approach it is best.

 

[travelbug]

not dean and will defer to him if he disagrees but typically, they take your week and also charge you a cash fee that is roughly equivalent to the price you would pay without exchanging your week. you'd be much, much better off renting your pts than getting zero value in that type of exchange.

Thanks for your reply! Yeah, that would be a crummy trade indeed.

I dislike AI's for 2 reasons. First, as Charles stated, they tend to be very expensive (I've seen as high as $4K for 2 people), in addition they can be mediocre AND they limit your other choices. For me and many others, giving up restaurants in the area is a big loss. Many are often tired buffet's, still charge you for the best options (top shelf, motorized) and don't always deliver all promised. To be fair, there are exceptions in all areas other than the loss of none resort choices (or you have to essentially pay double). For anyone considering an AI, I'd suggest investigating them thoroughly in all areas. Key points are how they're priced, what they do and do not cover, the quality of the food and other offerings plus what you could get it for directly for cash. Essentially the same process as any exchange only the stakes are higher. Another gotcha for some AI's is that they require the occupancy to pay for the AI, that means if you get say a 2 BR, you may have to pay for 4 even if there are only 2 of you.

There are people where an AI makes sense but it's generally people who get their money's worth on drinking or those who get major use out of the activity offerings. It's not uncommon to be able to buy an AI on the open market with air for around the price of the AI price itself through RCI (or II) and one should always look at this possibility even if the AI seems right for you otherwise. OTOH, resorts with optional meals plans can often be a good choice used correctly, much like Disney's Dining plans. In addition, AI's tend to be very easy exchanges and therefore beg the question of using DVC as an exchange, so even if you want to do the AI, looking for another way to approach it is best.

That all makes sense. I really wouldn't want an AI resort as it would limit my dining options and I'm sure would be pricey in an exchange situation. I wasn't sure if there would be any loophole enabling me to exchange into such a resort but "opt out" of the AI scenario. I was very doubtful, since mandatory means mandatory.

Anyway, it's not a big deal as I don't have my heart set on anything. I was just browsing around and came across a couple mandatory AI places, so I decided to ask.

Thanks for your reply!

 

[Dean]

That all makes sense. I really wouldn't want an AI resort as it would limit my dining options and I'm sure would be pricey in an exchange situation. I wasn't sure if there would be any loophole enabling me to exchange into such a resort but "opt out" of the AI scenario. I was very doubtful, since mandatory means mandatory.

Anyway, it's not a big deal as I don't have my heart set on anything. I was just browsing around and came across a couple mandatory AI places, so I decided to ask.

Thanks for your reply!

Some are AI optional or have optional meal plans. You often have to investigate to find those because because they may not be listed as such on RCI. Another route is to rent or do a private trade with an owner since they often get a cheaper AI price and other advantages.

 

[megan_in_pink]

A private would be like week for week swap?

 

[Dean]

A private would be like week for week swap?

Yes, but realistically the only way you'd be able to do that with Bahia would be combined with a significant cash addition. TUG and redweeks can be a good place to search for those who might consider a direct exchange.

 

[sissy_ib]

There are some great points made here. Thank you Dean.
I'm thinking we may just rent out some of our points and bank the rest. I still haven't decided where I want to go but I am leaning towards the Caribbean. I still about a year before I can even think of doing anything though!