[2006] SVO Resale: Yes you can requalify/retro [MERGED]

[Joshadelic]

If you actually do this, you should buy an Explorer Package. Also, you should ask them to "fix" the week you're buying. They charge more money for a fixed week and that should be enough to put you over $20k.

 

[pathways25]

If you actually do this, you should buy an Explorer Package. Also, you should ask them to "fix" the week you're buying. They charge more money for a fixed week and that should be enough to put you over $20k.

Are fixed weeks available EOY? Also, how/where do you buy Explorer packages?

 

[SDKath]

If you actually do this, you should buy an Explorer Package. Also, you should ask them to "fix" the week you're buying. They charge more money for a fixed week and that should be enough to put you over $20k.

Great advice. If you are close to the $20k mark, just ask them to "fix" the week for you (here is great chance to fix a week that is in high demand for rentals, ie NY, Xmas, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, etc). They charge 10% more for that feature and not only will it push you above the spending limit, it will also allow you to avoid calling to make reservations year after year. You can still "float" the week but you are guaranteed to have the fixed time available. I had to do this on an SVV week I bought so I fixed a late March timeframe. I know it rents well during that time but so far I have been using the StarOptions for it instead.

And no, you cannot "bank" SOs in any way. Bummer, huh? One of the biggest advantages to being 5* I just noticed though is that you can convert to SPs until October of the year! So if for some reason I don't get around to using all my SOs one year, I can convert them to SPs up to Oct. and use for up to 7 years in hotels, airlines, giftcards, etc. This little perk has come in handy this year already!

Katherine

Katherine

 

[SDKath]

Are fixed weeks available EOY? Also, how/where do you buy Explorer packages?

Yes, they are available to fix.

EPs are tricky. You need to get all the details. There seem to be West Coast and East Coast EPs. You need to ask the sales person when you purchase the EP if it would be applied towards your EOY purchase (if that's what you are planning) or for that particular resort (ie WDW EPs are different than EPs issued on the East for the FL properties...). Also, there is supposed to be a "wait time" from when you buy the EP and when you can use it. Many sales staff ignore this last rule. If you are informed, you can as a last resort pull the "if you sell me and EP and give me all these extra points, I will do this deal right now" type of a line.... More than likely they will wave the rule to make the sale in the end. This I found harder to do over the phone! It's easier to negotiate face to face. Some rules can be bent (and some cannot no matter what you do -- the $20k limit seems to be firm right now).

Katherine

 

[DavidnRobin]

I'm starting the process of buying a developer week from Starwood to requalify a resale. I'm interested in getting an EOY Platnum week at WDW. The current price list shows $25,300, but the salesman indicated that as an existing owner in Starwood, I qualify for 1/2 of the EY price which is $19,450 ($38,900 / 2). Unfortunately, that is below 20K so he said I would need to forgo the discount in order to requalify the resale.

My question is, has anyone managed to work something out where you get most of the discount, say 5K leaving you above 20K or gotten Starwood to let something close to the limit slide by for requal purposes? I'm having a lot of heartburn paying 6K more for being $550 short of 20K.

Everything is negotiable - I assume that you already have a resale that you want to requal (and are within ~$500 of the SVO established target) - call the salesperson's bluff - turn it around - state that you will buy this EOY WDW only if you can requal your resale - if they say 'No' - then threaten to walk away. I bet that they will change their mind... why? Because TS sales are seriously hurting - and it is no issue for them to allow your resale into SVN. If this is a M resort that you are trying to requal - then even more reason to allow that requal because it is alredy in SVN (lesson learned...).

In addition - tell them you want to use a same-day EP - or get additional incentive SPs - to close the deal. YOU control the negotiation - do not let THEM control it.

I think those who have done this will agree - if they come back with SVO Corp won't let it go thru - then walk away and see how quickly they change their stance for $500 (tell them you will walk away).

Whether you should be doing this in the first place (buying WDW and requaling) is another topic...

 

[pathways25]

Great advice. If you are close to the $20k mark, just ask them to "fix" the week for you (here is great chance to fix a week that is in high demand for rentals, ie NY, Xmas, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, etc). They charge 10% more for that feature and not only will it push you above the spending limit, it will also allow you to avoid calling to make reservations year after year. You can still "float" the week but you are guaranteed to have the fixed time available. I had to do this on an SVV week I bought so I fixed a late March timeframe. I know it rents well during that time but so far I have been using the StarOptions for it instead.

And no, you cannot "bank" SOs in any way. Bummer, huh? One of the biggest advantages to being 5* I just noticed though is that you can convert to SPs until October of the year! So if for some reason I don't get around to using all my SOs one year, I can convert them to SPs up to Oct. and use for up to 7 years in hotels, airlines, giftcards, etc. This little perk has come in handy this year already!

Katherine

Katherine

That is an excellent idea! I've read many complaints about WMH owners never being able to get in on weeks 51 and 52 so perhaps I'll just buy a WDW fixed week in that period to get me over the 20K threshold.

Regarding your comment about exchanging to SP's, are you allowed to exchange any amount of SO's to SP's or does it have to be exactly the amount of a 2BR lockoff or one of its subdivisions? That is, can you just convert whatever amount you have leftover at the same ratio? For example, at WMH, 148,100 SO's = 72,000 SP's, does that mean you can convert a left over 10,000 SO's to 4,861 SP's?

 

[pathways25]

Everything is negotiable - I assume that you already have a resale that you want to requal (and are within ~$500 of the SVO established target) - call the salesperson's bluff - turn it around - state that you will buy this EOY WDW only if you can requal your resale - if they say 'No' - then threaten to walk away. I bet that they will change their mind... why? Because TS sales are seriously hurting - and it is no issue for them to allow your resale into SVN. If this is a M resort that you are trying to requal - then even more reason to allow that requal because it is alredy in SVN (lesson learned...).

In addition - tell them you want to use a same-day EP - or get additional incentive SPs - to close the deal. YOU control the negotiation - do not let THEM control it.

I think those who have done this will agree - if they come back with SVO Corp won't let it go thru - then walk away and see how quickly they change their stance for $500 (tell them you will walk away).

Whether you should be doing this in the first place (buying WDW and requaling) is another topic...

I realize that the timeshare market is in the dumps, but I'm not that good at this type of negotiation. I should send you in as my agent!

 

[SDKath]

That is an excellent idea! I've read many complaints about WMH owners never being able to get in on weeks 51 and 52 so perhaps I'll just buy a WDW fixed week in that period to get me over the 20K threshold.

Regarding your comment about exchanging to SP's, are you allowed to exchange any amount of SO's to SP's or does it have to be exactly the amount of a 2BR lockoff or one of its subdivisions? That is, can you just convert whatever amount you have leftover at the same ratio? For example, at WMH, 148,100 SO's = 72,000 SP's, does that mean you can convert a left over 10,000 SO's to 4,861 SP's?

Nope. It's all or nothing. No partials unfortunately.

Oh, and WE ALL should send David as our agent!

Katherine

 

[DeniseM]

That is an excellent idea! I've read many complaints about WMH owners never being able to get in on weeks 51 and 52 so perhaps I'll just buy a WDW fixed week in that period to get me over the 20K threshold.

Regarding your comment about exchanging to SP's, are you allowed to exchange any amount of SO's to SP's or does it have to be exactly the amount of a 2BR lockoff or one of its subdivisions? That is, can you just convert whatever amount you have leftover at the same ratio? For example, at WMH, 148,100 SO's = 72,000 SP's, does that mean you can convert a left over 10,000 SO's to 4,861 SP's?

With both Starpoints and Staroptions, you have to convert a whole week. There is no transfer between points and options.

So if you own a 2 bdm. lock-off, you can convert one side or the other, or you can convert both sides to Staroptions, every year.

You can convert to Starpoints every other year, but that kind of defeats the purpose of buying a TS...

With left over Staroptions you have to use them by the end of the year or lose them. Starpoints can roll over to the next year.

What are your goals for requalifying?

 

[pointsjunkie]

when i was ready to buy from starwood to requalify i tried to offer them the extra money to come up to the $20000 and they wouldn't do it.

 

[LisaRex]

when i was ready to buy from starwood to requalify i tried to offer them the extra money to come up to the $20000 and they wouldn't do it.

Did you walk away?

My father walked away over $100 when buying a truck. Then he went to another dealer and bought a truck from them. By the time he got home, the salesperson, and his manager, had called and left several msgs offering not only the $100 difference, but free carwashes for a year.

 

[pathways25]

With both Starpoints and Staroptions, you have to convert a whole week. There is no transfer between points and options.

So if you own a 2 bdm. lock-off, you can convert one side or the other, or you can convert both sides to Staroptions, every year. You can convert to Starpoints every other year, but that kind of defeats the purpose of buying a TS...

With left over Staroptions you have to use them by the end of the year or lose them. Starpoints can roll over to the next year.

If you are an elite SVN member, can you convert the same half of a 2BR lockoff ever year? I see myself using the 81K half of a 2BR lockoff every year and wanting to convert the 67K half. Is that allowed?

 

[DeniseM]

If you are an elite SVN member, can you convert the same half of a 2BR lockoff ever year? I see myself using the 81K half of a 2BR lockoff every year and wanting to convert the 67K half. Is that allowed?

Elite members can convert every year. Here is the Elite Member Chart.

Is your ultimate goal to reach 5 Star Elite? Because it's not worth buying from the developer just to reach 3 Star.

 

[tlpnet]

Everything is negotiable - I assume that you already have a resale that you want to requal (and are within ~$500 of the SVO established target) - call the salesperson's bluff - turn it around - state that you will buy this EOY WDW only if you can requal your resale - if they say 'No' - then threaten to walk away. I bet that they will change their mind... why? Because TS sales are seriously hurting - and it is no issue for them to allow your resale into SVN. If this is a M resort that you are trying to requal - then even more reason to allow that requal because it is alredy in SVN (lesson learned...).

In addition - tell them you want to use a same-day EP - or get additional incentive SPs - to close the deal. YOU control the negotiation - do not let THEM control it.

I think those who have done this will agree - if they come back with SVO Corp won't let it go thru - then walk away and see how quickly they change their stance for $500 (tell them you will walk away).

Whether you should be doing this in the first place (buying WDW and requaling) is another topic...

Guaranteed - they WILL let you walk away for the $500 difference. They will not make an exception to this rule. I tried to do the same thing, and my difference was only $5 - $40,000 vs. $39,995 (WSJ). You can try it, but don't expect a phone call from them making a special exception. On the flip side, you'll be able to get the same deal in a few weeks when you conclude that they're not going to call you back and offer it up. You can then fix the week as Josh and Katherine suggested if you still want to do the purchase/retro. If you can get a great fixed week, this is all that much better of a plan, and it is the least expensive way to do what you are attempting to do.

Starwood does not negotiate prices, only incentives. There are also a few rules that they will not break, and this is one of them. I've heard that retro/requalifications are being scrutinized more than ever by SW Corporate. I agree that seems silly given the current economic condition, but Starwood and logic don't always seem to be on the same path.

-tim

 

[SDKath]

I am almost certain you cannot convert only 1/2 of a 2br LO to Starpoints. Or are we talking about SOs now? Lost track... K

 

[DeniseM]

I am almost certain you cannot convert only 1/2 of a 2br LO to Starpoints. Or are we talking about SOs now? Lost track... K

You definitely can convert one side of a 2 bdm. lock-off to either Starpoints or Staroptions.

 

[Henry M.]

I am also certain you can convert either half of a lock-off to Starpoints. For WKORV, for instance, it is something like 33,000 Starpoints for the Studio and 47,000 for the 1BR. I don't know the exact number of Starpoints, but I do know it can be done.

 

[LisaRex]

I am also certain you can convert either half of a lock-off to Starpoints. For WKORV, for instance, it is something like 33,000 Starpoints for the Studio and 47,000 for the 1BR. I don't know the exact number of Starpoints, but I do know it can be done.

You are correct. Acc. to the User Guide:

https://www.mystarcentral.com/reference/userguide/starpoints/sp_ex5.jsp

When to Convert Your Week

Lockoff Owner: Non-consecutive Use Year
You can convert your week to Starpoints in non-consecutive use years. This means that after converting your week to Starpoints, you must wait at least 1 use year before converting again.

However, since you own a 2-Bedroom Lockoff Villa, you have the unique ability to utilize the Starpoints conversion feature every year by alternately converting a 1-Bedroom side of your villa.

For example, in the use year 2004, you could vacation in the 1-Bedroom side of your 2-Bedroom Lockoff Villa and convert the 1-Bedroom Premium side to Starpoints. Then in 2005, you could vacation in the 1-Bedroom Premium side and convert the 1-Bedroom side to Starpoints.

 

[pathways25]

Yes, they are available to fix.

EPs are tricky. You need to get all the details. There seem to be West Coast and East Coast EPs. You need to ask the sales person when you purchase the EP if it would be applied towards your EOY purchase (if that's what you are planning) or for that particular resort (ie WDW EPs are different than EPs issued on the East for the FL properties...). Also, there is supposed to be a "wait time" from when you buy the EP and when you can use it. Many sales staff ignore this last rule. If you are informed, you can as a last resort pull the "if you sell me and EP and give me all these extra points, I will do this deal right now" type of a line.... More than likely they will wave the rule to make the sale in the end. This I found harder to do over the phone! It's easier to negotiate face to face. Some rules can be bent (and some cannot no matter what you do -- the $20k limit seems to be firm right now).

Katherine

I just spoke with a SVO sales rep and he told me they categorically do not fix weeks for EOY intervals. They offer fixed weeks for EY intervals only. :annoyed:

Are there any other ideas on how to raise the price of a EOY WDW from $19,450 to 20K plus for a retro (without going all the way to $25,300)?

 

[gravitar]

However, since you own a 2-Bedroom Lockoff Villa, you have the unique ability to utilize the Starpoints conversion feature every year by alternately converting a 1-Bedroom side of your villa.

If you happen to be elite at any level, the requirement to alternate what side you convert goes away

 

[grgs]

Are there any other ideas on how to raise the price of a EOY WDW from $19,450 to 20K plus for a retro (without going all the way to $25,300)?

I sent you a PM.

Glorian

 

[DavidnRobin]

Sorry to hear - I would inform them that it is too bad that you will need to walk away over this over a few dollars and that in today's economy you are surprised that SVO wouldn't step forward to accomadate you - and wait for a response - if not - then walk away - IMO

 

[SDKath]

I just spoke with a SVO sales rep and he told me they categorically do not fix weeks for EOY intervals. They offer fixed weeks for EY intervals only. :annoyed:

Are there any other ideas on how to raise the price of a EOY WDW from $19,450 to 20K plus for a retro (without going all the way to $25,300)?

You need a different sales rep. PM me and I can give you info for the 2 I have worked with who both have fixed EOYs for me without a problem.

Avoid the Orlando (mail 800#) sales office. Lots of newbies there who drown from all the little rules...

Katherine

 

[philyphan]

According to a friend of mine, the reps that you have worked with are no longer with the company and you only have 1 eoy and it IS NOT fixed. You need to be more responsible when posting. Your 5 Star Elite process is also outdated and cost many people lots of money who are now stuck with resale weeks that can't be upgraded.

The company is no longer playing games with people trying to beat the system, and it is because of this site. I hope you are all happy.

 

[tomandrobin]

I hope you are all happy.

I am Happy! :whoopie: