Why do owners sell?

[ebenmax]

I was just wondering why DVC owners sell? Of course there are many obvious reasons - children outgrow Disney, divorce, tire of Disney (how can that be??) Anyway, I was just wondering what some of the other reasons might be.

Any thoughts?

Thanks -

Ellen and Brian

 

[utahkennedys]

It seems like other than the reasons you mentioned, many sell because they can no longer afford it and/or need some quick cash for something else.

 

[PamOKW]

I think the primary reason is life changes as you suggest -- marriage, divorce, death, family dynamic changes. There are also probably people who buy and find it isn't really right for them. Or people's financial position changes and they have to cut back. At this point, we also probably have people inheriting DVC ownership who may not want to continue.

 

[MsSharkBait]

There are plenty of good reasons to buy into DVC, especially when you love Disney and come to Walt Disney World often. The price of DVC really is a great deal for the amount of time and trips that you can take with it.

But, My husband and I are considering selling for the following reasons:

- You're pretty much restricted to the 7 DVC resorts, so you really can't stay at any of the others unless to pay the rediculous point difference.
- I'm sick of hearing the excuse from cast members: "well, that is what the members voted on." ::BEGIN RANT:: For example, we have to pay $9.99 a day for internet - why isn't it included (see quotes above). Our most recent upset was when we arrived here (yes I am in WDW now) on December 2nd. We arrived at 5pm or so and were checking in and they had NO ROOMS available for us. I requested a Non-Smoking Studio 7 months ago, and none were available. Again, see quotes for their response. The "members" voted on first come first serve, so my asthmatic self would have had to deal with a Smoking room. After an hour or so of waiting and them trying to find a room anywhere in the WDW resort that was similar (Saratoga Springs as well as most of WDW was max capacity), they say to come back in a couple hours. They have a Studio in "maitenence" and will get it ready for us. So we are in here now and it is fine but was a terrible start to our trip. And no they didn't compensate us in any way for the bad experience. ::END RANT::
- You only get new towels on the 4th day. At home I use 1 towel a day and I'd like to do the same on vacation. This is a luxury I liked on vacation.
- You feel obligated (in a way) to go to WDW *at least* every year. I love WDW, but it does get old. I'm already ready to go home. Plus, you just end up spending more money.
- You miss out on specials like FREE DINING for your stay. Yes, I know that that is small compared to the years that you would have free in the long run with DVC, but if you didn't feel *obligated* to go to WDW every year or whatever you could just wait and go on the specials every 2-3 years.
- Studios don't have a DVD player. (Bare with me, we are angry right now..) Another situation where I feel adults without children are punished for not having children. We don't even have the option of renting a DVD player! What are we supposed to do at nights when all the parks close a 7pm? Watch the 10 channels on the TV that are all owned by Disney? They don't even have Pay per View Movies.
- Yes, you do get special pins or events, which is cool. But I think Passholders also feel this - With DVC I don't feel as important or *special* to the Cast Members. They already have my money and are pretty much gaurenteed a ton more from me when I come in the future to purchase everything.

None of this may deter you from purchasing DVC and that is fine. These are just little things that are irritating my husband and I right now and I feel at least half of them I wouldn't have to deal with if I was just a normal guest. I seem to have higher expectations now being in DVC, and Disney is not living up to them.

 

[Granny]

These are just little things that are irritating my husband and I right now and I feel at least half of them I wouldn't have to deal with if I was just a normal guest. I seem to have higher expectations now being in DVC, and Disney is not living up to them.

MsSharkBait...thanks for taking the time to outline your frustrations and concerns with DVC. It is fairly rare to get feedback on this forum from a dissatisfied customer who is thinking of selling. On these boards, those people just tend to disappear.

I hope you don't get flamed for your perspective. I don't have a personal issue with many of the items you listed as concerns, but it is always good to get opinions from all angles on a question.


And as to the original question:

"Why do owners sell?"

The answer is, unlike other timeshares......because they can !!!

 

[Dean]

MsSharkBait...thanks for taking the time to outline your frustrations and concerns with DVC. It is fairly rare to get feedback on this forum from a dissatisfied customer who is thinking of selling. On these boards, those people just tend to disappear.

I hope you don't get flamed for your perspective. I don't have a personal issue with many of the items you listed as concerns, but it is always good to get opinions from all angles on a question.


And as to the original question:

The answer is, unlike other timeshares......because they can !!!

Actually many timeshares bought for the appropriate prices are just as easy if not easier to sell than DVC and for a profit as well.

As I've stated a few times lately, we plan to sell all our holdings except we will add on a SMALL contract prior, likely AKL. We'll then do other timeshare trips and trade in occasionally to DVC. By still being members, we'll get most of the perks of ownership even when we trade in. This strategy won't work for everyone but it will work well for us for at least the next 8-10 years. The only monkey wrench would be when we have grandkids and they get to be school age enough they can't be taken out of school.

 

[tor]

There are plenty of good reasons to buy into DVC, especially when you love Disney and come to Walt Disney World often. The price of DVC really is a great deal for the amount of time and trips that you can take with it.

But, My husband and I are considering selling for the following reasons:

- I'm sick of hearing the excuse from cast members: "well, that is what the members voted on." ::BEGIN RANT:: For example, we have to pay $9.99 a day for internet - why isn't it included (see quotes above). Our most recent upset was when we arrived here (yes I am in WDW now) on December 2nd. We arrived at 5pm or so and were checking in and they had NO ROOMS available for us. I requested a Non-Smoking Studio 7 months ago, and none were available. Again, see quotes for their response. The "members" voted on first come first serve, so my asthmatic self would have had to deal with a Smoking room. After an hour or so of waiting and them trying to find a room anywhere in the WDW resort that was similar (Saratoga Springs as well as most of WDW was max capacity), they say to come back in a couple hours. They have a Studio in "maitenence" and will get it ready for us. So we are in here now and it is fine but was a terrible start to our trip. And no they didn't compensate us in any way for the bad experience. ::END RANT::
- You only get new towels on the 4th day. At home I use 1 towel a day and I'd like to do the same on vacation. This is a luxury I liked on vacation.
- You feel obligated (in a way) to go to WDW *at least* every year. I love WDW, but it does get old. I'm already ready to go home. Plus, you just end up spending more money.
- You miss out on specials like FREE DINING for your stay. Yes, I know that that is small compared to the years that you would have free in the long run with DVC, but if you didn't feel *obligated* to go to WDW every year or whatever you could just wait and go on the specials every 2-3 years.
- Studios don't have a DVD player. (Bare with me, we are angry right now..) Another situation where I feel adults without children are punished for not having children. We don't even have the option of renting a DVD player! What are we supposed to do at nights when all the parks close a 7pm? Watch the 10 channels on the TV that are all owned by Disney? They don't even have Pay per View Movies.
- Yes, you do get special pins or events, which is cool. But I think Passholders also feel this - With DVC I don't feel as important or *special* to the Cast Members. They already have my money and are pretty much gaurenteed a ton more from me when I come in the future to purchase everything.

None of this may deter you from purchasing DVC and that is fine. These are just little things that are irritating my husband and I right now and I feel at least half of them I wouldn't have to deal with if I was just a normal guest. I seem to have higher expectations now being in DVC, and Disney is not living up to them.

Let me see if I understand the majority should pay for internet because you want it?? would you feel better if everybodies dues were raised 9.99 a year for internet access or do you just want those of us that don't use or need it to subsidize your internet use?
Second we should reserve the best room for you whenever you may stroll in or do you just want to reserve the right to throw someone else out of their room. Compensate you? They took a room out of maintenance and cleaned it just for you, do you feel entitled to the CM's first born as well?
New towels every 4th day, you want the luxury of new towels every day I agree you should have new towels so PAY FOR THEM call the front desk and tell them you want daily towel service.
The DVD player can be bought at walmart for $29 so buy one and throw it out on your way out the door it will be just like renting it. Or maybe just have fun with your spouse alone in the room maybe that will make it a better vacation.

You're in Disney I would suggest you try to enjoy yourself

 

[Pennyguy23]

I kind of have to agree with tor on some level. We bought in because we LOVE disney and it doesn't get old to us. I trully could go there 10 times a year and not get bored with it. There is always something to do. Go to the pool and relax. Sit and read a book, your at disney on VACATION!!! I don't think you really are very happy to be in the DVC so selling is probably the best idea for you. I am not trying to be rude in anyway so please don't take it like that, But you are suppost to feel like you are going home, not to your old grandma's house that you hate. You should want to be there rather then want to go home. I hope you enjoy the rest of your vacation a little bette then the beginning.


Just my 2 cents

 

[Sammie]

DVC is not for everyone. Obviously MsSharkbait has realized that and is now selling. Sorry you were not able to realize what you want in a vacation location, DVC does not offer before buying.

It is not for everyone, I would suggest anyone considering really ask questions and even go to Disney and experience it first hand.

However just so you are aware everyone pays for Internet at Disney not just DVC. Getting a NS unit can also occur at any hotel and if they are booked solid then they don't have much recourse. Sorry to say we have even gotten NS units that had been smoked it. Disney is addressing the television problem by adding additional channels soon. I agree it needed improvement. As to free dining, remember you have to pay rack rate and purchase tickets to get it, so it's not as free as it seems.

 

[Lenc324]

Perhaps a change would do. Go to VB or HHI instead of WDW. I like short trips to WDW and spending the rest of the time at VB.

 

[tjkraz]

MsSharkBait:

No flames intended, but I have to agree with Sammie et al in saying that it does sound like DVC is not right for you. Given your comment about being ready to go home already, it doesn't sound like you fit the profile of the typical DVC member.

I will say this, though: If Cast Members are actually telling you "well, that is what the members voted on", then I think they are merely demonstrating ignorance of how DVC works. I'm sure you know we don't collectively vote on policies and procedures. Instead we've named the entity called "Disney Vacation Club" as our proxy and given them authority to make decisions deemed to be in the best interest of the whole. Some of those decisions will be unpopular with members and folks are welcome to voice their displeasure to DVC--that's the first step toward change. But in all fairness, DVC does not make knee-jerk changes to its policies. All of the things you mentioned (room guarantees, housekeeping, studio amenities, non-DVC point costs) have gone unchanged since you purchased.

When it comes to things like housekeeping, the reality is that if we all received daily service, the housekeeping component of our dues could easily be 4-5 times higher than it is now. We pay all of those costs ourselves.

I hope you agree that the system in place now is the most equitable--infrequent service with members able to pay for additional cleanings if needed. DVC truly is a timeshare, and weekly room cleanings between guests is pretty much the norm in the timeshare industry. Even if you chose to pay extra for daily cleanings, I know for a fact you will still come out way ahead compared to cash room rates.

As Sammie pointed out, I think you're exaggerating to think that half of your listed issues wouldn't exist if you were staying at a cash resort. You would still be paying for Internet access. You would still have the same TV channels and no DVD player (BTW, DVC announced recently it is adding DVD players to all Studios.) You would still have the same potential for problems with the smoking room since S/NS is not guaranteed at all Disney resorts. And even during promotions, the dining is far from "free" after you've paid thousands for the room and park tickets.

I'm glad to hear that the resort was able to get you into an acceptable room even though it took 3 hours. I hope you are listing the NS request as being a "medical need" if such is the case. That usually gives priority status during room assignment over those who request it as a personal preference.

More than anything, I hope you aren't letting check-in trouble four days ago ruin your trip. Enjoy yourself and deal with the future when you return home.

 

[JLitfin]

We also own at several Marriotts and it's the same as Disney. Housekeeping comes in once a week and if you want additional services than you will need to purchase them. Timeshares are suppose to be like going home, we don't have maid service everyday at home. So if you would like daily maid service than you will need to stay in a hotel/resort and not in a Timeshare.

You can also request a current room at Marriotts, but there's no guarantee you will receive that room since rooms are asigned when you check-in. Now if you let them know it's a medical issue than they will do their best to honor your request. I have requested several times and didn't receive what I requested, but hey we're on vacation so I don't worry about it. We're not in our room much anyway. While at Disney I'm hardly ever in my room.

DVC has wonderful resorts, but they are still considered timeshares where you don't have the same services as a full service hotel resort. Timesharing isn't for everyone, we enjoy timesharing for the larger rooms/space, the kitchens and I really don't like having the maids come into my room everyday, I don't like to be rushed out of our room so the maids can come in.

My point is that DVC is just like the other hotel based timeshares with some wonderful resorts in order to make your vacation magical.

 

[dis-happy]

MsSharkBait--
the next time you are in a hotel room without a DVD player just take your laptop (the one that isn't getting high speed internet access) and watch movies on it. If you bring an extra cable you can hook it up to the TV. And don't forget---with DVC and your room key you can borrow movies for free at the resort.

My dh usually has some work things to attend to when we travel. Almost always he is able to get by using dial-up in the WDW hotel rooms (which is still free, maybe a 35-50 cent charge for the phone call). So don't forget about that option.

DVC isn't for everyone. It's too bad that some of these issues (TV, internet, towels, best point usage) were a suprise to you before you purchased. The best advice I got here on the DIS when we considered purchasing was: "do your homework." Most of us who really like DVC are first and foremost lovers of going to WDW and find the larger rooms a really big plus (at least I do for my family of of 5). Some of things you listed are actually a plus in my mind---we prefer not having daily housekeeping, and no pay per view concerns. We hang up towels at home....if everyone in my family used a new towel each day I'd be washing 35 towels a week---yikes! Do you really do that?

Anyway, hope a change by selling works out better for you and your family's needs.

 

[sean-1966]

I can't see us ever selling. We love DVC and still enjoy visiting every year. But, as mssharkbait said I wish we got more recognition for being DVC members. More events like the Merry Mixer would be very cool. Make us feel special. Maybe one a month. I would probably plan our trips around that date. A roped off area in front of the castle with soda fountains for fireworks. Maybe a character or two. No need for a big splash. Just a little thank you for owning DVC.

 

[Terry S]

We are selling and it is absolutely heartbreaking for us. Beach Club is our home and we could and would have stayed there every trip to WDW as often as possible. Unfortunatly, we have incurrred some debt and I lost my job in January, so the best thing for us to do was sell the DVC so we would not have that payment and we could use the remaining profit to pay off our debt. It was a very hard decision for us but really the only option.

 

[CarolA]

- Studios don't have a DVD player. (Bare with me, we are angry right now..) Another situation where I feel adults without children are punished for not having children. We don't even have the option of renting a DVD player! What are we supposed to do at nights when all the parks close a 7pm? Watch the 10 channels on the TV that are all owned by Disney? They don't even have Pay per View Movies.
- Yes, you do get special pins or events, which is cool. But I think Passholders also feel this - With DVC I don't feel as important or *special* to the Cast Members. They already have my money and are pretty much gaurenteed a ton more from me when I come in the future to purchase everything.

None of this may deter you from purchasing DVC and that is fine. These are just little things that are irritating my husband and I right now and I feel at least half of them I wouldn't have to deal with if I was just a normal guest. I seem to have higher expectations now being in DVC, and Disney is not living up to them.

1. I am sitting in a Studio at BCV. It has a DVD player. I don't think it was left by someone as this is not the first studio I have been in with a DVD player. I think they may be rolling them out as they got cheaper.

2. Attitude is 90%. Trust me, there have been TONS of threads started by AP holders that sound just like your complaint. AKA "Disney doesn't love us" And you are right, Disney is a corporation out to make MONEY. Corporations by thier very nature are not "loving" creatures! You have to make your own magic in life and that is just as true at Disney as anyplace else.

Also, the fee for internet... it's the same at ALL Disney resorts. Just an FYI.

 

[crisi]

TerryS, sorry to hear about your hard times. Take comfort in knowing that this is the right thing for the long term - if everything gets a better, you can buy back in.

MsSharkBait - If you don't mind me asking -

How long have you been a member? Do you feel mislead by the purchase process? How much research did you do before buying? How many previous Disney trips had you taken pre-purchase? What was your motivation for purchase in the first place (i.e. save money, regular enforced Disney vacations, ability to book fairly cheap multiroom units)?

 

[dsneygirl]

2. Attitude is 90%. Trust me, there have been TONS of threads started by AP holders that sound just like your complaint. AKA "Disney doesn't love us" And you are right, Disney is a corporation out to make MONEY. Corporations by thier very nature are not "loving" creatures! You have to make your own magic in life and that is just as true at Disney as anyplace else.

Also, the fee for internet... it's the same at ALL Disney resorts. Just an FYI.

Well said.

I think a lot of people sell because they bought on impulse and didn't fully realize it. DH and I went to WDW at least twice a year for the last 8 years. We figured that was a good indication of our travelling habits so we knew what you were getting into. I have read many posts by people who bought DVC before even making their first trip to WDW. Maybe it worked out for them but maybe not.

 

[LoveToDisney]

I don't know why but I'm sure glad they do or we would have never been able to add on at BWV this year!!

 

[NCRedding]

We considered selling when we were looking for a beach house, just to have extra money to put down for the house. In the end, we decided not to buy the beach house, so we wanted to hang onto our DVC.

We've also considered selling our small BCV contract: It is marketable; we only bought 50 points and that just isn't enough to do much with, and we haven't gone on the waitlist to add more points. We haven't sold it, and really don't plan to, but I am itching to pick up the phone, and get on the waitlist for more BCV points.