[August Thread] SFX Experiences?

[melizzard]

It seems I've heard good things about SFX ... and I see they've got both free and for-pay memberships, both with different features. Does anyone have experience with them and, if so, which membership would you recommend? I'm already a paying member of RCI ...

xxoo
Melissa

 

[DeniseM]

Be sure you do a search for SFX, because you will find a ton of info. - both positive and negative.

 

[melizzard]

Search for SFX?

OK, so I went to the top to Search, entered SFX, and a boatload of everything came up with very little regarding SFX ... is there something I'm missing?

Thanks!
Melissa

 

[DeniseM]

You want to use the Search This Forum button on the Exchanging Forum rather than searching all of TUG.

 

[melizzard]

That's what I did ...

I went to Advanced Search, entered SFX, then clicked on Exchanging forum search. The result was merely the Exchange forum page: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/search.php?searchid=1514437

I'm starting to feel really stupid!

 

[DeniseM]

Try this - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=500875&postcount=2

 

[alwysonvac]

Here are some links (see below).

Please list your SFX exchanges - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19150&highlight=SFX
Can someone tell me the good and the bad about this exchange company - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64111&highlight=SFX
For the folks with years of successful SFX exchanges - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64332&highlight=SFX
Does SFX have any inventory? If so, how can you access it? - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66263&highlight=SFX
Help with using SFX weeks. - http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69208&highlight=SFX

Very Disappointed with SFX service - http://www.timeshareforums.com/forums/ask-sfx/48554-very-disappointed-sfx-service.html
The 80 /20 Rule and availability of weeks - http://www.timeshareforums.com/forums/ask-sfx/50206-80-20-rule-availability-weeks.html


I bought a three year platinum membership that expires this year but I've never used my SFX membership. I originally bought it to get a jump on the sell off list (but it really wasn't worth it) and access to II resorts for exchanges (but a year later I ended up buying a trader that works very well for me).
I don't think SFX Platinum membership is worth it.

SFX Membership Plans - http://www.sfx-resorts.com/membership.html
Note: You can upgrade from Gold to Platinum at any time.

Here's my conclusion based on the various threads I've read on TUG and TS4MS
(1) You have to request early (you want to be first in line)
(2) You have to be very flexible in choices of resorts (RCI and II are the two major exchange companies and they will receive the bulk of deposits).
(3) You have to be very flexible in your travel dates (you don't know if they have one week for the entire year at resort A or ten weeks for the entire year at resort A)
(4) If you want to go some place other than Mexico, you're better off selecting an area where the SFX directory lists many resorts (see - http://www.sfx-resorts.com/directory.html)
(5) SFX doesn't appear to get many hotel based timeshare resorts as II. They seem to get mostly Hilton.

If you have good trades with II or RCI then you're better off using them.

 

[ronandjoan]

We like them

HI Melissa
I have read over many things about SFX and IMHO, I think there are more good stories out there than bad.


We have used them for several exchanges every year since we joined (about 3 years ago.) We love the bonus weeks they offer - deposit one week and get 3 - 2 bonus weeks plus a regular exhange week, at $379 a week cost (as a Platinum) - those are the weeks I take, not the more expensive ones, granted they are becoming more expensive.

I never have to worry with them whether it will be a nice resort or now, like you do in RCI.

I would suggest trying them out at the Gold (free) level - deposit a week with them now, get the 2 bonus weeks for next year, and then try it out.

 

[falmouth3]

I've had all good experiences with SFX.

 

[melizzard]

Re: We like them

HI Melissa
I have read over many things about SFX and IMHO, I think there are more good stories out there than bad.


We have used them for several exchanges every year since we joined (about 3 years ago.) We love the bonus weeks they offer - deposit one week and get 3 - 2 bonus weeks plus a regular exhange week, at $379 a week cost (as a Platinum) - those are the weeks I take, not the more expensive ones, granted they are becoming more expensive.

I never have to worry with them whether it will be a nice resort or now, like you do in RCI.

I would suggest trying them out at the Gold (free) level - deposit a week with them now, get the 2 bonus weeks for next year, and then try it out.

Thanks Joan! I just did get a San Fran week with them for next May. Signed up for the Gold membership. Cory's pretty cool. If you email him, even if you're NOT a member, he'll tell you if he can get you in somewhere. I already knew he could get me in to Powell Place before I even joined, much less deposited.

You say the resorts are all nice? I've read some less-than-stellar resort reviews through them ... but then, there's no way to know what people expect, I guess.

Unfortunately, we're really not able to take advantage of bonus weeks ... we just don't have enough time off for that. One of these days!!!! ;(
xxoo
Melissa

 

[John Cummings]

I have used SFX exclusively for the past 11 years. Prior to that I used both RCI and II but they couldn't deliver on many of the requests I had. SFX has always delivered on everything I have asked for.

I would definitely get the Platinum membership. It is well worth it as it has many advantages and lower exchange fees. I just got back from one week at the Manhattan Club in NYC on an SFX exchange. I have a 2 week back to back confirmation at the Grand Mayan - Rivera Maya in Mexico for April 2009. This will be our fourth 2 consecutive weeks exchange into the Grand Mayans. You can't do this with RCI because of the 1 in 5 rule. You also can get a free unit upgrade which I have done several times in Las Vegas as well as the Grand Mayans, and Royal Mayan in Cancun.

I strongly suggest that you go on their web site and read how they operate as their model is not the same as II or RCI. Most people do not understand it so they get frustrated because it doesn't work like RCI or II. Once you understand how they operate then you will probably be very satisfied

 

[dude-luv]

SFX Rules

Just got back from the Manhattan Club three weeks ago using an SFX exchange (second time for this). Currently at Pahio Ka'Eo Kai Phase III
resulting from an SFX Extra Inventory Rental. Have HGVC in Orlando at Spring Break and my friend just received Mazatlan (Mayan Palace) at Spring Break. So far, so good.

PS: Have done Sloane Gardens in July through SFX

 

[pammex]

I have not had the greatest luck with SFX exchanges due to limited flexibility, but I have gotten some results. My confidence in them was waning but I recently have received wonderful customer service from them and have to give accolades where they are due.

To make a long story short, went on a bonus week exchange thru SFX this July and before going booked an exchange into same resort for November of this year.

The resort is located in PV on the south side, sounded very nice but older, no problem for us. Well the service was terrible, the staff treated us with extreme attitudes, the resort was less than a two star by any standards in any country very poor maintenance, and less than clean. I could deal with the star rating if service had been good and such. To put topping on the cake, about 6 couples, including myself got food poisoning and we only ate at resort. In over ten years of 10-12 weeks of vacation in Mexico, this was the absolute worst vacation I have ever experienced. I have never, ever been treated so poorly by staff and a resort in Mexico whether it be a 1 or 5 star rated resort or a cheap or expensive hotel.

I knew I could not ever return to this resort, not in November or ever for that matter. Was even forbidden by husband to return to this resort ( I once a year go with friends without hubby on vacation due to work scheduling etc.). ( This was the plan for November).

Anyway I figured I was out my exchange and would take a hit financially on paid MF's, exchange fees etc. But it was bad enough that no matter what, I was not returning. I emailed Mark briefly what had occurred and if there were any options etc. ( I think I may have driven Mark to craziness with emails in past, being new to SFX, so I am sure I was last person he wanted to hear from).

Well to my utter surprise and complete satisfaction I received an email the next day from Cory Phillips ( Executive Director), with an option and resolution to my problem. I am so grateful for their quick attention to my problem and their great customer service, words cannot express.

Thank you again to Mark and Cory and SFX.....

I will be reviewing this resort in near future so you can watch for that. ( Having internet issues so have to put it on hold).

I have been a tad vague as I feel without SFX giving me permission to elaborate that I have said enough and have renewed confidence in them and their service. I have to give them an A plus for customer service and satisfaction!!!!! Thanks again SFX!!

 

[luv2vacation]

I realize that SFX deals primarily with west coast and Mexico properties, so how are they at TAKING east coast properties for exchange. I would actually like to go to some west coast places, like San Francisco, but own all east coast properties.


Sorry about the duplicate post, but after posting, I thought this might be a better place to put this.

 

[calgal]

East coast for West coast

I think that would work very well for you. SFX needs what you would be depositing, and you would have access to the West coast resorts you want. I have to agree that my experience with SFX was very good. Exchanged into the Grand Mayan for holiday weeks 2 years in a row, and purchased a great Hawaii bonus week for my friends. For one of the exchanges, being platinum and matching at 18 months out may have been key.

 

[John Cummings]

I realize that SFX deals primarily with west coast and Mexico properties, so how are they at TAKING east coast properties for exchange. I would actually like to go to some west coast places, like San Francisco, but own all east coast properties.


Sorry about the duplicate post, but after posting, I thought this might be a better place to put this.

I suggest that you go to the timeshare forums web site where you can ask SFX directly. They have a "Ask SFX" forum where Mark of SFX will answer all your questions. He is a straight shooter and very responsive.

http://www.timeshareforums.com/index.php

 

[Kola]

I suggest that you go to the timeshare forums web site where you can ask SFX directly. They have a "Ask SFX" forum where Mark of SFX will answer all your questions. He is a straight shooter and very responsive.

http://www.timeshareforums.com/index.php

Oh, yaaa... his "straight shooting" too often avoids the substance of the question and sometimes employs live "ammunition" unsuitable for the purpose intended.

K.

 

[John Cummings]

Oh, yaaa... his "straight shooting" too often avoids the substance of the question and sometimes employs live "ammunition" unsuitable for the purpose intended.

K.

Whatever!!!

 

[Sandy VDH]

I suggest that you go to the timeshare forums web site where you can ask SFX directly. They have a "Ask SFX" forum where Mark of SFX will answer all your questions. He is a straight shooter and very responsive.

I too have been less than impressed with the response from Mark as well.

I posted 12/22/08. I still have not received ANY response. OK I understand that the holiday was in there, and there was likely some down time. But Mark even asked me to email him privately, which I did Jan 02/09. Still NO reply.

3 weeks for response to a post, and 9 days for response to a PM is NOT responsive in my opinion.

I am hoping Mark redeems himself, but I am skeptical.

 

[PigsDad]

I too have been less than impressed with the response from Mark as well.

I posted 12/22/08. I still have not received ANY response. OK I understand that the holiday was in there, and there was likely some down time. But Mark even asked me to email him privately, which I did Jan 02/09. Still NO reply.

3 weeks for response to a post, and 9 days for response to a PM is NOT responsive in my opinion.

I am hoping Mark redeems himself, but I am skeptical.

Have you tried calling SFX? Mark has been on vacation and I'm sure he had a ton of email to go through, as well as work to catch up on from his absence. Email can easily get lost / buried. And now you have publicly bashed him on two discussion boards. I know if I were in his place, I would be very temped to write you off as a potential customer that will be hard to please in the future -- might be better to lose the business of one customer in the long run. JMO.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Have you tried calling SFX?

Calling never works I never get a live person.

Mark has been on vacation and I'm sure he had a ton of email to go through, as well as work to catch up on from his absence. Email can easily get lost / buried. And now you have publicly bashed him on two discussion boards.

Now I am livid. I have now been officially whacked on 2 discussion boards for trying to get an idea how responsive someone generally is.

I am just trying to find out what Mark's response has normally been like. Mark said he would respond to me by a certain time and he did not.

I don't think that waiting 3 weeks for 1 question and 9 days for another questions and still not getting a response is being difficult. Impatient maybe. But not difficult.

I know if I were in his place, I would be very temped to write you off as a potential customer that will be hard to please in the future -- might be better to lose the business of one customer in the long run. JMO.

I have been a member of SFX on and off since 1998. If I didn't have 3 weeks already invested in SFX I would be tempted to dump SFX. Not the other way around, like you have suggested as I am a hard to please customer.

I am shocked at how defensive everyone seems to be about my expressing a poor experience with SFX responsiveness. Not about their trade, just about their responsiveness.

Excuse me.

 

[Pat H]

I am not an SFX fan but Mark is highly protected and defended on the other forum. Some people here and there think he is just wonderful. I think he is condescending and often snotty in his replies.

Sandy, I think you are right to expect a reply by now. When I get back to work after vacation I'm expected to reply to emails and phone calls the day I return. I'm sure he'll come up with a "good" excuse for not answering.

I think the reason you got jumped on on TS4UMS is because of the board you posted on. They don't allow any criticism of SFX on that board. If you post it somewhere else, they probably wouldn't say anything.

 

[John Cummings]

I too have been less than impressed with the response from Mark as well.

I posted 12/22/08. I still have not received ANY response. OK I understand that the holiday was in there, and there was likely some down time. But Mark even asked me to email him privately, which I did Jan 02/09. Still NO reply.

3 weeks for response to a post, and 9 days for response to a PM is NOT responsive in my opinion.

I am hoping Mark redeems himself, but I am skeptical.

Mark was on vacation during this time. He is entitled to take a vacation now and again.

 

[Judy]

I am just trying to find out what Mark's response has normally been like.

Mark has responded to my posts on timeshareforums in a timely fashion except once. I resposted and got an answer.
Also, I have always received a call back when I phoned SFX, usually within 24 hours.

 

[Ann-Marie]

When I had a situation with Mark some time ago, he was very rude and condescending to me as well. I am just waiting out my membership until it expires. Unfortunately, I will probably loose my first week of timeshare in 15 years because I decided to try SFX. The week expires in June, and there is no way that I can get what I want. I am trying to donate it instead of it just going to waste. One just learns from mistakes.