Why You Should Charge Your Friends/Family to Stay on Your Points!

[jlewisinsyr]

I'm not looking at statistics, I'm looking at human behavior, which can be generalized and extrapolated easily across different specifics, like, how you would behave towards a discounted theater ticket and how you would behave towards a discounted vacation are remarkably similar.

Game theory would indicate there are an infinite amount of variables one could attempt to apply, therefore it's pointless to even try and apply variables when looking at human behavior and instead look at incentives and punishment. Lot simpler.

They are not similar though, implied cost is very different and people's perception is very different.

 

[Boardwalk III]

I am a fan of charging friends/family a portion of the cost. This has worked really well for us for over 10 years. We have been going to WDW with the same close friends (another family) since before we bought DVC. We share a 2BR villa and they pay approx $10 per point for 1/2 the points . In fact , we are going with them again at the end of this month and for a 5-night trip (to SS and BWV) they are saving over $1000 vs WDW room rates - they truly appreciate the discount we get for them and usually cover the rental car cost as a thank you. For family I usually chrage less, but again, they are thrilled to be staying in such nice resorts, ones that they would not do on their own if paying cash. Everyone commits when we need them to, and they pay a portion early in the process, so there is no backing out.

As an added bonus, I get to use that $$ to help pay my dues. Doing it this way has allowed us to own 500 points vs 250 pts and gives us lots of flexibility in planning great trips!

I wouldn't do it any other way (however, now that my own boys are 17 and 20 I would consider gifting them a trip for free every so often

 

[Niki Andiokno]

I have taken friends and family often, and have had cancellations twice. Once my best friend had a cancer recurrance. I cancelled within plenty of time, and was able to re-schedule a couple of months later with other friends at OKW.

Last year was not so successful. We exchanged for Branson, Mo. We got a 2BR, as friends and their dog were going with DH, I and our dog. A month or so before we were to go, they suggested a weekend getaway to go horseback riding at a "dude ranch." We accepted and had a great time. This was not a cheap weekend, as it also included golf. Then 2 weeks before the trip, they cancelled, saying they didn't have the $ to go to Branson after their weekend at the ranch. It was too late to change our reservation to a studio or 1BR. I was miffed, as our entire trip, including gas to Missouri, golf, theme parks and food cost less than the one weekend at the ranch.

I just don't understand that. We try to help our friends by using the timeshare and not charging them. But why spend so much money on a long weekend, then call 2 weeks later and cancel the vacation that was planned 8 months ago because you spent your budget on the short trip. Why did they even suggest the expensive weekend trip if that was the case? Anyway, I won't be asking them again any time soon.

 

[MinnieLee]

A friend of mine gave his mom and aunt a week on his points for Christmas. He made ADR's, covered everything. Drove his mom and aunt to the airport and dropped her off. After he headed off to work, Mom decided she didn't really want to go so she left! The aunt got on the plane, had a great time. Mom is not afraid of flying so that was not the issue. It wasn't "money" as she looked at it and she just didn't want to go. He was so angry!

 

[elderfam]

I have had a problem with friends and family backing out last minute. After I wasted points on an extra two bedroom (we had a one bedroom) and they all canceled last minute, I started asking for a non-refundable "Kitchen Fee". When it comes time to pay up, they will/have cancel or show up. I use the money to stock the communal kitchen and put together goodie bags.
That being said, I just don't understand why people keep asking to come, get excited when we do invite them and wait until the last minute to cancel.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

They are not similar though, implied cost is very different and people's perception is very different.

I would suggest that the length of this thread and the number of replies would argue that they are, in fact, very similar.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I would suggest that the length of this thread and the number of replies would argue that they are, in fact, very similar.

4 Pages hardly justifies a consensus adding to the fact the DIS represents a VERY small percentage of actual DVC members. If you want to talk about a thread, look at the 2010 point chart thread, now, something could be said about that.

 

[gtrist4life]

This has been an interesting thread. There have been other threads discussing cancellations and inviting – treating family friends, but I like the discussion on whether to charge or not. I also agree with the social – market contract concepts, but each has varying commitment levels based upon individual and cultural perspectives.

We have had mixed experiences.
2005 – Had a large gathering (my side of the family) planned for 4th of July to meet several people’s schedules; we booked a 2BR and 2 studios. Had several back out in plenty of time, so we were able to cancel one of the studios. Worked out okay, but we specifically booked the dates around the people that cancelled, so that was not received well. Did not charge for points, but after the trip my sister did send us a nice Disney gift worth a couple hundred dollars.

2007- Another large gathering (DW side of the family). We booked 3 Inn rooms at VB for 4 nights for the full crew, and 1 2BR at BW for 2 nights with almost the full crew. No cancellations, but we did accommodate scheduling (Reservation started on a Sat night) and it caused more point usage than I had originally planned. Again, did not charge for points, but guests did treat us to several nice dinners.

2008 – Travelled with and treated good friends to a 1BR for 5 nights – No cancellations, they were first timers and did okay. Did not charge for points and they did not do anything financially to thank us. They were very gracious and truly appreciative of the lodgings.

In the future, I don’t know how we’ll handle inviting/bringing guests. We bought the DVC to share, but with current economic times, not sure if we can “afford” to be so generous.

Good luck and Peace,

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

4 Pages hardly justifies a consensus adding to the fact the DIS represents a VERY small percentage of actual DVC members. If you want to talk about a thread, look at the 2010 point chart thread, now, something could be said about that.

Seriously, dude, are you arguing just to argue? Whatever. If you were my kid you'd be in a time out by now.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Seriously, dude, are you arguing just to argue? Whatever. If you were my kid you'd be in a time out by now.

No, I'm having an active discussion, refuting your post. That is the concept behind a message board, to share experiences, thoughts, etc, building upon others expertise and opinions.

As for being your kid, even I was, trust me I wouldn't be in time out.

 

[elderfam]

Seriously, dude, are you arguing just to argue? Whatever. If you were my kid you'd be in a time out by now.

No, I'm having an active discussion, refuting your post. That is the concept behind a message board, to share experiences, thoughts, etc, building upon others expertise and opinions.

As for being your kid, even I was, trust me I wouldn't be in time out.

OMG! You two trying to Out-intellectualize each other is taking on a mean tone. Play nice kiddies.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

OMG! You two trying to Out-intellectualize each other is taking on a mean tone. Play nice kiddies.

Yah, I did, I didn't reply to his last shot. I think that was last week.

I don't think I can out intellectualize my shoe...