Svacationman just disappeared off ebay!!

aliikai2 · Mar 2, 2007

All his listing are gone, and I had a snipe set on one of them :bawl:

Wonder what happened. Greg

GrayFal · Mar 2, 2007

Gee, that's too bad.......

Bill4728 · Mar 2, 2007

He maybe gone or he maybe just closed for a short time.

Sometimes EBay will be asked to close an account by the owner if the account gets hi-jacked. And we all know that sometime that does happen. This happened to BigFrank about a month ago.

johnmfaeth · Mar 2, 2007

Hi All,

The user Svacationman is alive and well. He account is still on ebay with his 474 feedbacks and 98.4 percent positive. Pretty impressive - everyone can't have 100% like I do :whoopie:

It appears that all his auctions have ended with the exception of item #320088370152

He may be taking a vacation and not doing any listings?

But his ID is alive and well as of this moment.

John

aliikai2 · Mar 2, 2007

I just talked to Tammy with Timeshare Freedom

and he called her to let her know that they had a network computer failure and that had caused all his ebay stuff to crash.
They are working on the problem and hope to have it solved soon. fwiw, Greg

BocaBum99 · Mar 2, 2007

My guess is that eBay cancelled his ads because of some intellectual property attorney at one of the resort groups he sells submitted paperwork for VERO infractions of their intellectual property rights of images, trademarks and/or copyrights.

Whenever that happens, eBay simply removes the ads. With eBay, you are guilty until proven innocent.

After they delete your ads, you must seek approval from the IP owner before you relist or your account can be terminated.

The "tell" for me is that his account isn't frozen. That means he can still post ads. But, his current ads are gone which means that eBay terminated them early.

BocaBum99 · Mar 2, 2007

aliikai2 said:
and he called her to let her know that they had a network computer failure and that had caused all his ebay stuff to crash.
They are working on the problem and hope to have it solved soon. fwiw, Greg

And you believed her? Why would her computer crashing have anything to do with eBay? eBay servers run independently of listing software.

My scenario is much more likely. But, I'll admit, I don't know how bulk listings are managed. If such a crash were possible in deactivating so many ads, then there is a serious flaw in eBay.

johnmfaeth · Mar 2, 2007

Hi Boca,

Ebay give you the option of having photos hosted on your own server and it goes out to that server each time the auction ad is accessed.

Many of the frequent sellers do their own picture hosting as uploading the pictures is a hassle and it gives you more control, expecially if your pages consist of custom HTML (web design language) program code.

Plus they save picture hosting expenses.

So that is possible. Ebay usually suspends the account first and asks questions later. He doesn't appear to have been suspended. So the truth remains a mystery of sorts.

John

AwayWeGo · Mar 2, 2007

Buy Low, Sell High.

johnmfaeth said:
Hi All,

The user Svacationman is alive and well. He account is still on ebay with his 474 feedbacks and 98.4 percent positive. Pretty impressive - everyone can't have 100% like I do :whoopie:

It appears that all his auctions have ended with the exception of item #320088370152

He may be taking a vacation and not doing any listings?

But his ID is alive and well as of this moment.

John

It turns out the eBay Floating Diamond 3BR lock-off Orlando timeshare that same guy sold us for $1,925 is 1 he managed to buy for only $100. (That's according to the on-line deeds, etc., viewable at the Orange County FL registrar's web site.)

That tracks with the advice my late father gave me about how to make money. Buy something at a ridiculous price, re-sell it at an exorbitant price, & pocket the difference.

However that may be, we don't cosider $1,925 to be exorbitant for that timeshare. Seemed like a major serious bargain at the time (2003) & still OK today.

-- Alan Cole, McLean (Fairfax County), Virginia, USA.

BocaBum99 · Mar 2, 2007

johnmfaeth said:
Hi Boca,

Ebay give you the option of having photos hosted on your own server and it goes out to that server each time the auction ad is accessed.

Many of the frequent sellers do their own picture hosting as uploading the pictures is a hassle and it gives you more control, expecially if your pages consist of custom HTML (web design language) program code.

Plus they save picture hosting expenses.

So that is possible. Ebay usually suspends the account first and asks questions later. He doesn't appear to have been suspended. So the truth remains a mystery of sorts.

John

I don't think that will do it. Wouldn't your ad just come up with a red "x" where the picture is supposed to be?

What happens if you host it on your PC and you shut your PC off? Your telling me that the ads get delisted? I would be very surprised if that were the case. That would be a HUGE design flaw.

T_R_Oglodyte · Mar 2, 2007

BocaBum99 said:
I don't think that will do it. Wouldn't your ad just come up with a red "x" where the picture is supposed to be?

What happens if you host it on your PC and you shut your PC off? Your telling me that the ads get delisted? I would be very surprised if that were the case. That would be a HUGE design flaw.

You're not going to host the pictures on your own PC unless you also have your PC set up as a server. You put the pictures on the server that hosts your own domain, if you have one, or on the personal web pages almost everybody has that is part of their ISP account. Those servers are on all of the time, but if they crash, then the listing should still be there, but with broken image icons appearing instead of the pictures.

I agree that if the listings have been removed en masse, but the user wasn't NARUed, it's likely that there was a problem such as a copyright infrinmennt claim.

GrayFal · Mar 2, 2007

He is back with MUCH HIGHER PRICES!!!!

http://stores.ebay.com/SVACATIONMAN-TIMESHARE-AUCTIONS_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amewaQ3amesstQQtZkm

philemer · Mar 2, 2007

GrayFal said:
He is back with MUCH HIGHER PRICES!!!!

http://stores.ebay.com/SVACATIONMAN-TIMESHARE-AUCTIONS_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amewaQ3amesstQQtZkm

And, they're all Buy It Now. Quite a marketing shift.

calgarygary · Mar 3, 2007

svacationman and ttimeshareman are both Dharmesh Patel of Resorts Access Network (you can review deed transfers to confirm this info.). He listed this item on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270089518154&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017 that I own the title to. I would never recommend Resorts Access Network or their timeshare/closing company - Timeshare Freedom Inc.

johnmfaeth · Mar 3, 2007

Hi All,

I can't say that 1 cent per point for Fairfield points is exhorbitant, that's at the low end of the going rate.

Now that his name is posted, I remember this guy, Patel. I bought one or two from him with no issues. Howver, my limited experiences with him are anecdotal, I do not know him well enough to give a solid opinion.

Perhaps CalgaryGary can elaborate on what experience(s) led him to have a negative opinion on this guy. An opinion expressed with no details or facts is just heresay and is self-discounting INHO. Please share some more meat with us.

I have had good experiences with Timeshare Freedom, they are resonably quick and Amanda (closer working there) is a friend from her last employer. I know Tammy V. less well but she has recently received positive comments here in recent times from other Tuggers.

John

urple2 · Mar 3, 2007

I've purchased from him, 2 different times. The first was flawless. The second time,there were issues that dragged on a bit... The problem I thought with this guy was, pushes everything on to the transfer agent and takes no ownership for resolve or get involved-himself.

Tammy did a good job, but they appear to be overwhelmed with transfers and I had to make several calls to remind, to straighten out and to expedite.

eal · Mar 3, 2007

I purchased a unit from him in November and the transfer was quick and smooth.

calgarygary · Mar 3, 2007

John, I had reported my problems with ttimeshareman on this thread: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40937
My research discovered that ttimeshareman and svacationman at ebay are the same individual - Dharmesh Patel. To recap, I purchased on ebay and received a contract for a timeshare at Vistana Villages, Orlando. A deed for Sheraton PGA, St. Lucie unit 4201 wk 38 even years was substituted for the contracted timeshare. When I brought this to the attention of Timeshare Freedom and D. Patel, an inferior property was then offered as another substitution. Upon my refusal, a partial refund was sent without my agreement or acceptance. Throughout this process I remained adamant that if my timeshare was unavailable then I would accept a timeshare of equal or greater value which Resorts Access Network had in inventory but never offered. Tammy who was sent the contracts and Amanda who handled the registration were at the very least negligent in allowing a timeshare in St. Lucie to be registered for a contract in Orlando. Finally, as I earlier mentioned, while I hold the deed for the Sheraton PGA, D. Patel then listed that exact property, week, etc. on ebay knowing that he did not have that deed in his possession to sell.

The deed can be viewed at St. Lucie County records here: http://oncore.slcclerkofcourt.com/oncorewebpublic/default.aspx, the listing on ebay can be viewed here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=270089518154&rd=1&rd=1 I believe the fact that D. Patel listed a property that he had no rights to would speak volumes.

johnmfaeth · Mar 3, 2007

Hi Calagary,

I just read that entire thread and I agree with TR as to your trusting the escrow/closing company to process the refund.

Hiowever, I would first ask Timeshare Freedom to send a quick letter confirming the plan for you to return the unit using a deed they supply and them to refund your money within X days of receiving the properly executed deed from you.

This way your "new" transaction is fully understood and documented, the past is done, this is where you want protection.

The place to complain is the Georgia Secretary of State who issues their business licenses. They also may have other regulatory agencies (namely a real estate commission) with oversite as an escrow agent (all kind of laws apply in most states).

However, they will write it off as an unfortunate series of innocent mistakes, which it likely is.

Anything else demanded is over-reaching IMHO.

John

calgarygary · Mar 3, 2007

John I do appreciate the advise that I have been given but I really do believe that we are not looking at a series of unfortunate mistakes and as the amount involved is not substantial, I am willing to do what is necessary to first have the contract honoured but more importantly to teach both of the companies involved a strong lesson for future reference. The reasons I believe that this is not an unfortunate mistake:

Attorney review was advertised but obviously could not have been provided

Resorts Access Network has participated in over 200 transactions in the Orange County market, processing a deed for Orlando in St. Lucie County had to be a huge red flag

Timeshare Freedom Inc. indicated that there were no comparable or better properties available when in fact there were several

The ebay listing was allowed to stand at a time when R.A.N. knew we would not be returning the deed.

I believe in the end that I will be successful not just because unlike what some have suggested, there was a contract. Although I will likely be placing a complaint about the business practices of TF with Georgia and the failure of Tammy to perform her due diligence as a NP (usually wouldn't have been an issue but Tammy received the contract) will be noted with White County; the real leverage I have is the relisting of the timeshare where I believe that involves a $10,000 fine with the State of Florida. Some might consider this fighting windmills, I think of it as entertainment and justice.

BocaBum99 · Mar 3, 2007

There is a ton of unlicensed activity occurring on eBay in timeshares. I have bought a lot of timeshares and the only time I have had an issue is through eBay purchases.

I hope that these types of events and complaints help to clean up the acts of the timeshare resale industry.

olliemom · Mar 12, 2007

Need advice...svacationman...

Hello
I've been lurking for a couple of months, trying to learn about the TS sale/resale.
I do need some advice. I bid and won an ebay item listed by svacationman for a TS at the Club Regina/Raintree Vacation Club Silver level. I got a good price, but since it's my first TS purchase, I wanted to do my due diligence and followed up with the closing company to send me verification that the item was indeed what I purchased.
The problem is that after going back and forth with them a few times, I cannot get them to fax me anything from RVC that says anything about the account. I did get an Account Number from him, so I called RVC and they confirmed the active status, level, points, MFs, etc. However, the big flag was that it is not in Mr. Patel's name. I called the escrow company about this, and they said that RVCs take a while to transfer and that they probably still haven't recorded it. I then called Mr. Patel, asked him to fax me proof of ownership and account. He sent me some form from the escrow company with the same info, but nothing from RVC. I then told him that the account is not in his name to sell, after going back and forth he said that the TS would go directly to me from the old owner. And that he has Power of Attorney to sell his TS. I then asked him to send me a copy of that, and he would not. At this point, he started getting huffy and said that he would not go to these lenght of "compromising his business" for the profit that he's making on this deal!!! He also mentioned that he's been in the business for a long time, done hundreds of sales, and has not had any problems, blah, blah. I got flustered with his almost aggresive response and told him I would send the payment through paypal.

At this point, I still would like to own the TS, but I'm leary of his attitude. Also, the changing story from the escrow company and him. I think that I want to send payment to see if the deal goes through, but would hate to be out of the money and not be legitimate.
BTW, He also has a $195 cancellation fee. What would you do?
Patty

Bill4728 · Mar 13, 2007

olliemom said:
I then told him that the account is not in his name to sell, after going back and forth he said that the TS would go directly to me from the old owner. And that he has Power of Attorney to sell his TS.

olliemom,
This is how these guys make their profit. They buy a TS but don't transfer it into their names therefore saving on a closing, just get power of attorney to transfer it. Then sell it and charge the new buyer to close. It is legal but isn't clean because your buying from someone who doesn't really own it and the true owner thinks he sold it to the guy with power of attorney. Since they never pay a closing (like you must) they have a built in advantage.

T_R_Oglodyte · Mar 13, 2007

olliemom said:
Hello
I've been lurking for a couple of months, trying to learn about the TS sale/resale.
I do need some advice. I bid and won an ebay item listed by svacationman for a TS at the Club Regina/Raintree Vacation Club Silver level. I got a good price, but since it's my first TS purchase, I wanted to do my due diligence and followed up with the closing company to send me verification that the item was indeed what I purchased.
The problem is that after going back and forth with them a few times, I cannot get them to fax me anything from RVC that says anything about the account. I did get an Account Number from him, so I called RVC and they confirmed the active status, level, points, MFs, etc. However, the big flag was that it is not in Mr. Patel's name. I called the escrow company about this, and they said that RVCs take a while to transfer and that they probably still haven't recorded it. I then called Mr. Patel, asked him to fax me proof of ownership and account. He sent me some form from the escrow company with the same info, but nothing from RVC. I then told him that the account is not in his name to sell, after going back and forth he said that the TS would go directly to me from the old owner. And that he has Power of Attorney to sell his TS. I then asked him to send me a copy of that, and he would not. At this point, he started getting huffy and said that he would not go to these lenght of "compromising his business" for the profit that he's making on this deal!!! He also mentioned that he's been in the business for a long time, done hundreds of sales, and has not had any problems, blah, blah. I got flustered with his almost aggresive response and told him I would send the payment through paypal.

At this point, I still would like to own the TS, but I'm leary of his attitude. Also, the changing story from the escrow company and him. I think that I want to send payment to see if the deal goes through, but would hate to be out of the money and not be legitimate.
BTW, He also has a $195 cancellation fee. What would you do?
Patty

I'll be blunt. If you can find a reason to get out of this deal and get all of your money back (or not send any money - I'm not clear from above if you actually sent money via PayPal) I would do so.

A silver Raintree Vacation Club membership has pretty close to zero value. Any money you would spend on a silver membership is better spent on obtaining a minimum Gold membership, and even gold memberships aren't worth very much.

Carolinian · Mar 13, 2007

This outfit appears to operate like the postcard companies.

calgarygary said:
svacationman and ttimeshareman are both Dharmesh Patel of Resorts Access Network (you can review deed transfers to confirm this info.). He listed this item on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270089518154&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017 that I own the title to. I would never recommend Resorts Access Network or their timeshare/closing company - Timeshare Freedom Inc.

Svacationman just disappeared off ebay!!

aliikai2

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

GrayFal

TUG Review Crew: Expert

Bill4728

johnmfaeth

aliikai2

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

BocaBum99

BocaBum99

johnmfaeth

AwayWeGo

TUG Review Crew: Elite

BocaBum99

T_R_Oglodyte

GrayFal

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philemer

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

calgarygary

johnmfaeth

urple2

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eal

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calgarygary

johnmfaeth

calgarygary

BocaBum99

olliemom

Bill4728

T_R_Oglodyte

Carolinian