Newbie Question on RCI Points Purchase... ?

[StarFerry62]

Hi

Just joined TUG after sitting through a HGVC presentation - luckily, because of learning about TUG a few years ago, I was already aware of the Resale market and have managed to avoid getting burned in the past...

Currently doing my research on buying HGVC resale.

In reviewing the [Marketplace] area, I have come across a couple of ads just selling RCI points that are valid for a certain time period.

Can someone please help me understand how this works ?

1. How would I be able to use these points if I am not yet a member of RCI (looked at their site and looks like you can only become a member, IF you already own a TS) ?

2. Is this kind of purchase advisable - are there any caveats/restrictions I would need to be aware of ?

3. What fees would be involved in making a booking through RCI (assuming there was a way to do so) ?

Thanks
Mike

 

[DeniseM]

*All RCI points have an underlying deed for an actual timeshare week. The timeshare has been converted to RCI points, and you use the points to make reservations. You can only use the points, if you join RCI.

You will have to pay a yearly maintenance fee for the points, usually a yearly RCI membership, and an exchange fee for each exchange.

There are never any guarantees with RCI points - you are competing with all other owners for reservations and what you want may or may not be available. To get a reservation, some other owner has to have deposited it, you must have enough points, and you have to beat other owners to it.

I am not sure I would jump into RCI points as my first purchase.

*There are some vacation clubs which basically charge a membership fee and rent RCI points to you. But you don't really own anything.

 

[breezez]

It’s actually against RCI’s policy to sell your RCI points or barter them. You can not use RCI Points unless you have an RCI Points account.

If you are a flexible traveler RCI Points is a cheap way to get into TS, with a lot of access to different systems. A 98K Grandview all in can be had for $300-$1000 on eBay and you can easily get 2-3 weeks vacation a year out of it for about $765 in MF plus exchange fees each year.

If you are not very flexible or have specific resorts you always want to be at or a specific time you always want to go. Then buy into that system.