What do you do when a relative wants to use your points?

[robinb]

I'm not really sure why you are hesitant to put them up in a studio for a day or two. 2 studios is the same points-wise as a 1 BR. As someone who has cheerfully shared points with family, I have to ask a couple of questions.

Are you hesitant because you don't want to spend time with these people?

Then "Just say NO!"

Or ... is it because you think they will continue to "free-load"?

Then you say, "We'll be happy to have you join us on these dates so you can decide if it's for you. If you like it, our member guide is really great and s/he can help you make a purchase."

As for payment ... I personally think requesting payment from family is tacky. If they offer to help pay then dinner is all I would ask for.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If you have enough points, I like the 'I'll get the rooms, you get the meals idea'. This could be expressed in a friendly, joking manner.

Good luck!

 

[dvc guy]

A lot of people don't get "DVC". They think you have a unit 1 or 2 bedroom for a week, and adding a few mopre people does not matter. You migth want to explain the concept so they better understand that you can't STUFF 5 people into a studio.

 

[ncligs]

Give them DVC's telephone number.

 

[DeeP]

I would just tell them the truth: that now that you go more frequently for extended weekend trips you are using up your pts and you do not have extra pts for a 2 br. Then point them in the direction of DVC rental pts or give them CRO's number and any discount codes you might have.

 

[sratay]

Frank,
You've received a lot of advice about your situation. It's up to you on how to respond weighing what you're comfortable with. Lot's of advice talks about referring your relatives to DVC, but you mention they are retired and might be older and not really be into the whole Dinsey thing. Maybe these relatives have spent a lot of time with you when you were younger and are like beloved parents to you and you feel you can't turn them down. Or maybe the other end of the spectrum is true and they're just wanting a freebie. Regardless what you decide, you must be comfortable with it if you just say no and explain why, if you "trade" with them for your accomodations or if you just welcome them along. You need to do what you want to do, not what people advise. It's hard to know the whole relationship with your family in just a web forum thread. Best of luck and enjoy your stay!
Steve in Iowa

 

[kem330]

I think Steve is on target- you really don't mention if you like these relatives, have fun with them, etc or if they are freeloaders. We bought DVC because we wanted to share with family and friends. But if you appreciate the alone time with your immediate family then by all means say no- tell them you don't have enough points for larger accomodations. But if you like them and are feeling generous, take them- just preface it with the fact that it is a one time thing because you don't have enough points to do it all the time (then you won't be stuck next time) It's really nice if they offer to buy some meals for you -can they afford to? It's funny- that's the first thing I'd do if someone invited me- however none of my relatives has offered to do so

 

[Dean]

You've gotten a lot of great advice and I'm not sure I'll add that much. I would caution you against any options that include letting them do what they are wanting to. Unless you want them to tag along, letting them pay for meals or whatever will likely just encourage the option for the future. If you offer for them to go then make the cost so high to put them off, you will likely alienate them.

Decide what's best for your family and what YOU are comfortable with. Then it's time of a heart to heart sit down adult discussion based on your families decision. Good luck, many of us have been there in one form or another.

 

[Lisa F]

If I read the original post correctly, these people have not yet asked to go on a trip with you. They have more given a non-committal "we should do that sometime" type of a comment. I wish I had a dime for every time I have said that to someone or someone has said that to me and nothing ever came of it. I personally would not go putting my foot down about something that may never happen if I care about what the people think of me. If they DO ever actually say to you "hey, let's sit down and plan something" depending on your point situation for that time period you can figure out what to do based on all of these suggestions, but personally I think it's premature to worry.

Lisa

 

[Snowgod]

Good people will understand that you have paid a fair amount of money for the DVC membership and it is rude to assume that they can take atvantage of you that way. Good friends will understand if you ask them to pay their fair share, should you be willing to part with your points or invite them along. If they will be hurt by your reply then maybe you should just brush them off them and not reply at all.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I read this post with a smile. Relatives inviting themselves along? What, in my family????

My Mom, my 2 dd's and I are joining my aunt and 5 of her girls at the Contemporary (2 rooms) this December for a last minute trip on my aunt's points (holding acct) - we were invited by her. Well actually, it was only supposed to be me and my almost 4 year old. But since I was going to FLorida, Mom thought it would be a good time for her to go too. So, then we have to bring the 1 1/2 year old. BTW, Mom will have her own timeshare at the Marriott Cypress Harbor at the same time. I also cleared this change of plans with my aunt ahead of time.

Then, Mom's other 2 sisters heard we were all going to Florida and thought some sun would be nice. So, one already has the week off and the other is checking about vacation days and airfare! And I don't think either of them even talked to my DVC aunt!!!! Don't know what will happen when my Other aunt finds out all her sisters will be in Florida!! Mom has 4 sisters.

Well, I told them that if they go, they'll have to stay at the Marriott and arrange their own transportation 'cause no more room at the Contemporary!

Funny - DH's family is totally the opposite - we've invited them numerous times to join us or plan a trip with us using our points - so far no committments.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

why not just tell them I don't have enough room, but if you would like to join us, I can try to get you a room at a discounted rate??? Or try to rent them points, can't you just explain how it works and if they want to join you, you would need to get a second room???

 

[RumpleMom]

We've been members for 2 years, we haven't told the family yet.

 

[colleen costello]

I have an in-law who doesn't KNOW we have DVC because of all the kind of stuff that is mentioned here. This person is the type who would assume s/he could "tag along" on every trip, and would then spend the week complaining about the costs of travel and food.

Yikes! Not wanting to deal with this, we haven't mentioned DVC. Sooner or later it may come out, but as we live far apart, maybe not.

Miss Manners always says it's OK to be assertive, but I am such a wimp that I find it easier to just be sneaky...

 

[anniet]

Obviously, you must not want to spend the time with these people or it wouldn't bother you so much.

If you MUST buckle however, may I suggest 2 studios instead of a 2 bedroom? It's actually cheaper in points and you wouldn't have to spend every single second with these people.

Also I WOULD charge them something. I'll be taking family down in a few years and I told them all I want $100 a night to offset my costs, and they all eagerly agreed. I don't want them to feel beholden to me for providing top notch accomodations to them for NOTHING, and they don't want a handout from me either.

Whatever you decide...Good Luck!!!!

 

[erikthewise]

Trade them in for new relatives.

 

[anniet]

Originally posted by erikthewise
Trade them in for new relatives.

Ahh, if it were only that easy. *sigh*

 

[colleen costello]

I just had to search for your note and let you know what I read on "resorts" section of the Boards. It appears that by using Priceline, a Disney fan just got back froma trip where a room at the Dolphin cost him $60 a night. That's what to do with those pesky relatives -- put them in the Dolphin!

 

[PinMan]

just laugh at them.............

 

[Laurajean1014]

Other than NO WAY - there is no tactful answer to an obliging question. It's like asking a cheapskate for money>>>>>

"I don't think so" - then give them your DVC reps' phone number and this boards site.

Thankful that I do not have relatives asking for points......