Can MVC owner cancel my reservation - as a guest, after I’ve made a payment? [merged]

[Gav10128]

Hi, I’m not an MVC owner and I’m looking to purchase/rent points online from an MVC owner for specific dates at a resort in Hawaii.

Let’s assume that everything looks legitimate, I have a good feeling about it, the owner provides me with a deed, reservation, and I make the payment.

Can an owner cancel my reservation (under my name - as a guest of the owner) after I make the payment and get the points back?

If yes, is there a way that I could protect myself and ensure that I have the reservation when I get there?

Thank you for any advice.

 

[jwalk03]

Could an owner do this? Yes- they still have complete control of the reservation they own.

Would a legitimate owner do this? No, of course not.

A legitimate owner that can provide a real reservation is not going to do this. A scammer that is just trying to steal your money will not be able to provide a legitimate reservation upfront.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

If they don't return the money, that would be fraud.

 

[Gav10128]

Could an owner do this? Yes- they still have complete control of the reservation they own.

Would a legitimate owner do this? No, of course not.

A legitimate owner that can provide a real reservation is not going to do this. A scammer that is just trying to steal your money will not be able to provide a legitimate reservation upfront.

Thank you.

At the top of the ‘Guest Form’ for MVC, it states that the guest’s information (mine) must be received 30 days in advance of the arrival date.

Just to confirm, if I were to proceed with such an arrangement, would I need to do it at least 30 days prior to check-in?

Also, is there a cutoff date for an owner to cancel a reservation?

 

[StevenTing]

Yes they can. And no way to protect yourself unless you buy your own Points/Weeks contract.

 

[Gav10128]

Yes they can. And no way to protect yourself unless you buy your own Points/Weeks contract.

Thank you.
At the top of the ‘Guest Form’ for MVC, it states that the guest’s information (mine) must be received 30 days in advance of the arrival date.

Just to confirm, if I were to proceed with such an arrangement, would I need to do it at least 30 days prior to check-in?

Also, is there a cutoff date for an owner to cancel a reservation?

 

[StevenTing]

30 days is policy however it really only takes them a few days to process. I believe the 30 days is more of a CYA and allows them an opportunity to reach out to the guest to schedule a tour.

Unless you’re more than 30 days out, there really is no benefit for an owner to cancel a reservation. On the point side, anything less than 60 days becomes restricted.

If you’re talking about a scammer, situation would be different but once an owner has your money, no reason they would need to cancel.

 

[jmhpsu93]

If you're concerned about getting scammed, use a verified source like Redweek or Vacation Candy.

 

[Gav10128]

30 days is policy however it really only takes them a few days to process. I believe the 30 days is more of a CYA and allows them an opportunity to reach out to the guest to schedule a tour.

Unless you’re more than 30 days out, there really is no benefit for an owner to cancel a reservation. On the point side, anything less than 60 days becomes restricted.

If you’re talking about a scammer, situation would be different but once an owner has your money, no reason they would need to cancel.

Great, thank you.
So, if an owner books a reservation for me less than 60 days prior to arrival, it cannot be canceled. That works.

As a guest of an owner, is one required to do a tour/presentation, or would they reach out just to see if you’d like to schedule one?

 

[VacationForever]

Great, thank you.
So, if an owner books a reservation for me less than 60 days prior to arrival, it cannot be canceled. That works.

As a guest of an owner, is one required to do a tour/presentation, or would they reach out just to see if you’d like to schedule one?

It can be cancelled for the guest and name can also be changed out. The reservation becomes restricted for the owners. If it is points, the points become restricted. If it is a week, the week can be deposited into II.

You don't need to attend a presentation.

 

[Gav10128]

If you're concerned about getting scammed, use a verified source like Redweek or Vacation Candy.

I’m considering those options too. However, I only need 3-4 days on Maui for specific dates, so renting points works better for my situation. I already have two weeks booked on Maui; these would just be extra days.
Thank you.

 

[Gav10128]

If it is points, the points become restricted.

It’s points. Restricted?
Are you saying that if it’s canceled less than 60 days prior to arrival, they would lose points? But up until the arrival date, they could keep changing names on the reservation and keep reselling the same reservation…

 

[jwalk03]

Great, thank you.
So, if an owner books a reservation for me less than 60 days prior to arrival, it cannot be canceled. That works.

As a guest of an owner, is one required to do a tour/presentation, or would they reach out just to see if you’d like to schedule one?

A reservation inside of 60 days CAN still be cancelled by the owner- they just get restricted points back instead of full use points.

You are never required to do a tour- but they may offer. You are free to accept or decline.

 

[jwalk03]

It’s points. Restricted?
Are you saying that if it’s canceled less than 60 days prior to arrival, they would lose points? But up until the arrival date, they could keep changing names on the reservation and keep reselling the same reservation…

Theoretically an owner could do the yes. But they would be committing fraud and would very likely get caught seeing as how Marriott has all of their personal information. That is why I said a legitimate owner would not do this.

A scammer with a fake reservation hiding behind anonymity on the internet is another story. So just make sure you verify in advance that the person you are renting from is legit. Talk to them, on the phone (not just via text/email) and make sure they can provide you evidence of a legitimate reservation in their name prior to sending money.

 

[Pamplemousse]

Hi, I’m not an MVC owner and I’m looking to purchase/rent points online from an MVC owner for specific dates at a resort in Hawaii.

Let’s assume that everything looks legitimate, I have a good feeling about it, the owner provides me with a deed, reservation, and I make the payment.

Can an owner cancel my reservation (under my name - as a guest of the owner) after I make the payment and get the points back?

If yes, is there a way that I could protect myself and ensure that I have the reservation when I get there?

Thank you for any advice.

Just to be clear if you don’t own MVC/Abound points or enrolled week you can’t rent points, you are renting a reservation.
Have you checked on Marriott.com to see what the cost would be to just book the 3-4 nights there?
Eliminate your worries?

 

[Gav10128]

would very likely get caught seeing as how Marriott has all of their personal information. That is why I said a legitimate owner would not do this.

That makes sense. I’m guessing that Marriott’s system would flag an owner who keeps changing names on a reservation, or perhaps a guest would report them…

Thank you!

 

[Gav10128]

Just to be clear if you don’t own MVC/Abound points or enrolled week you can’t rent points, you are renting a reservation.
Have you checked on Marriott.com to see what the cost would be to just book the 3-4 nights there?
Eliminate your worries?

I’m not an MVC owner. I would have an owner make a reservation for me (rent a reservation).

I did check Marriott.com, and using someone’s points to make a reservation would cost less.

I’m just trying to learn for the future as well since I can’t see how the system works from the inside, and I couldn’t really find any threads/discussions that go into detail and answer all questions…

This info will be useful for others to see as well.

 

[VacationForever]

It’s points. Restricted?
Are you saying that if it’s canceled less than 60 days prior to arrival, they would lose points? But up until the arrival date, they could keep changing names on the reservation and keep reselling the same reservation…

Owners don't lose the points when canceled within 60 days.

 

[DRH90277]

A prudent renter satisfies himself - I rent out a few weeks every year using RedWeek's "Verified and Protected" to lessen the anxiety for the renter. This means RedWeek validates the reservation and does not remit the rent to me until 2 days after check-in date. I also make sure the renter has my contact information and usually talk to them, a courtesy call, as they complete the rental. Finally, I encourage the renter to call the resort about 3 weeks out and reconfirm the reservation. The result, I've never had even a hint of a dispute with a renter - I want each of them to rent again.

Another thought, someone mentioned renting points at a low price to save money on the rental. Try this but the odds are that you will not find the "better" reservations available for your dates. The points system has a deficiency in the better reservations, both dates and properties.

 

[DRH90277]

Owners don't lose the points when canceled within 60 days.

Right, but I'm sure none of us wants the risk of this position which includes forfeiture of the points, overspending on resort credits, buying a $199 insurance policy for 800 points, and a lackluster selection of available resorts.

 

[Pamplemousse]

I’m not an MVC owner. I would have an owner make a reservation for me (rent a reservation).

I did check Marriott.com, and using someone’s points to make a reservation would cost less.

I’m just trying to learn for the future as well since I can’t see how the system works from the inside, and I couldn’t really find any threads/discussions that go into detail and answer all questions…

This info will be useful for others to see as well.

If you want to know how the system works “from the inside” because you are considering buying in then read the pink stickies at the top of this forum.

If you are trying to think of every way something could go wrong when renting and safe guard against that then take the advice in post #19 by @DRH90277 and use something like redweek verified and protected or book direct with Marriott. That is what I do, what I am comfortable with.
Everyone has a different comfort level there’s nothing wrong with that- if a cost a bit more for peace of mind so be it.

 

[Gav10128]

Thank you for the input and information.

If you want to know how the system works “from the inside” because you are considering buying in then read the pink stickies at the top of this forum.

Maybe down the line. I'm new to all this but it seems very intriguing and interesting as I learn more about it.

If you are trying to think of every way something could go wrong when renting and safe guard against

That’s exactly right. Now I have more information to ask the right questions, identify if someone acts sketchy, and not just simply follow the sellers’ (owners’) directions.

then take the advice in post #19 by @DRH90277 and use something like redweek verified and protected or book direct with Marriott.

As I mentioned before, I need a specific date and resort. Redweek doesn't have anything that would work for me. That's why I'm considering this route. Marriott.com is always an option.

Everyone has a different comfort level there’s nothing wrong with that- if a cost a bit more for peace of mind so be it.

With the information I have now, I feel pretty comfortable renting points from the right owner. Thank you all.

 

[jwalk03]

Thank you for the input and information.

Maybe down the line. I'm new to all this but it seems very intriguing and interesting as I learn more about it.

That’s exactly right. Now I have more information to ask the right questions, identify if someone acts sketchy, and not just simply follow the sellers’ (owners’) directions.

As I mentioned before, I need a specific date and resort. Redweek doesn't have anything that would work for me. That's why I'm considering this route. Marriott.com is always an option.

With the information I have now, I feel pretty comfortable renting points from the right owner. Thank you all.

Where did you find this person that is willing to rent you exactly what you need? (When Redweek doesn't have any matching listing)

Are they able to provide you proof of a reservation prior to you sending them money?

Have you talked to them on the phone?

 

[Gav10128]

Where did you find this person that is willing to rent you exactly what you need? (When Redweek doesn't have any matching listing)

Are they able to provide you proof of a reservation prior to you sending them money?

Have you talked to them on the phone?

I’ve been in touch with a few owners whom I found on different threads and websites/blogs. They’ve only checked availability for me so far, sharing several screenshots that show availability, their membership cards, and phone numbers.
All the owners I’ve been in touch with are either Chairman’s or Presidential status members, and it seems like they have a ton of points.

I haven’t asked them to book anything yet since I needed to understand how everything works.

Of course, I’ll ask for proof of a reservation and will have a phone conversation with them before sending any money.
I’ll also request that some kind of contract be signed.

Is there anything else I should be asking for?

Attached are a couple of screenshots that they shared. Is this what the owner’s website typically looks like?

 

[echino]

Are they able to provide you proof of a reservation prior to you sending them money?

This only works if the reservation already exists. They are asking to make a reservation with points, close to check in. If I was the owner, I would not agree to make such a reservation without advance payment first, because if the guest changes their mind, then I will have to cancel the reservation and be left with useless restricted points. So no, there will be no proof of the reservation prior to payment.