Change to Redweek process and all those extra fees... And not in a good way....

[NTP66]

IMO, if it's free and just takes time to list on sites, nobody who is serious about renting their units has an excuse. I have basically copied and pasted the text for my ad continuously, so it's not like you have to rewrite it all, either. At worst, I've wasted 15 minutes of my time once per year doing this. Or, to look at it another way, I've spent 15 minutes being paid by work to list my unit on multiple sites.

 

[richardm]

I, like I'm sure others, had the hope that Redweek would reverse their "no more do it yourself" change. But they haven't done so. So it looks like they'll stick to always being involved in the rental payment which means, for the owner, the initial listing fee ($49 or $59) PLUS $99 for a successful Redweek rental. For the person renting the unit (i.e., the guest), it means paying the weekly (or whatever time period) rental rate PLUS lodging taxes of multiple hundreds of dollars PLUS Redweek service fees of multiple hundreds of dollars. Big change from DIY whereby the owner paid only the modest listing fee and the guest paid only the weekly rental rate...period.

So I understand why their change is attractive to Redweek. It might not be if Redweek had some real competition and lost a good bit of business but nobody's on their level of "familiarity by the consumer". Redweek stands alone at the top of the mountain.

My question is this, though. The weakness of DIY listings was always that it was a tremendous leap of faith by the prospective guest to send a check or make a Zelle payment to a stranger who might be a scammer. So let's theoretically assume, for the sake of argument, that we all helped myresortnetwork gain searches through our supporting posts on facebook, etc. Is there any way that we can receive payment for a DIY listing whereby the guest would have complete confidence that their money was indeed being paid to a legitimate owner? And not just make a payment to a legitimate owner, but be sure that the legitimate owner would create a guest certificate on that guest's behalf? Because I've racked my brain trying to figure out a way to have that certainty, without success. Paypal will apparently not cover commercial real estate transactions, so timeshare rentals are not covered for fraud (or so I understand). Zelle similarly provides no fraud insurance to the buyer.

Is there any way to satisfactorily respond to a prospective guest if he/she asks, "How can I be sure I will actually get what I'm paying for?".

I just had a thought. How 'bout ebay? I believe that ebay has fraud protection for anything "purchased" from their website. Might that include timeshare rentals?

No. eBay's fraud protection does not cover anything they consider to be a real estate transaction. If you go into their terms and conditions, you'll find a list of things that are excluded.

 

[richardm]

I had no idea Seth Nock partnered with MRN. I haven't gotten a single inquiry for my listings.

I did know that Sam Rodriguez, salesperson with sellingtimeshares.net, Seth's website, advertises heavily on MRN. I see his listings.

Koala takes seconds to put up a listing. It's not a waste of time. More listings drives more renters. That's how Google works, is my understanding. Key words in a search produce results.

I think Koala should organize listings better. RW is easier to navigate. Koala could fix it.

Adriana Prata (Premier Timeshare Resales of Colorado, then Red Timeshares) is the one handling most day to day interactions there. Mike Barton is still handling tech stuff on the back end. Craig Carty seems to be one who is not involved any longer. I haven't spoken to him though, so I can't confirm if he is gone or has just taken a back seat with the others now involved.

I hope they do put some investment into it. The industry needs to have multiple viable options for classified engines if for no other reason than to keep each other competitive.

Koala has been good so far.. Only thing I didn't appreciate about their process to this point is the "timeshare salesmanship" that got involved when I tried to get pricing for their premium level interface to cross post on the VRBO/AirBnB platforms. That ended up being one of those "Well the price depends..." sales calls...

Nice to hear your daughter is involved. I've communicated with a number of people there so I may have spoken with her already. Always amazes me how truly small the timeshare demographic is- and all the old guard's kids that are now in the industry reminds me that I'm finally turning into an old man.....

 

[rickandcindy23]

Redweek needs competition. And they are not a mom and pop company anymore. Koala is not a big conglomerate. Redweek should not be the lone player of the timeshare rental websites. Listing with Koala will drive more renters to the website because that is how searches work (I think).

TUG classifieds have only worked (for me) when I have something cheap to rent. TUG members and the renters here tend to not want to pay $500 over my MF's for a Sheraton week. I don't know if that can be improved.

TUG members are just cheap, and TUG lookers are also cheap. I think the Last-Minute Rentals is a big mistake to have on TUG at all. People ask for the price to be adjusted up to account for inflation, but it's really such a terrible guide to what timeshares are really worth. It gives a false sense of value.

For example, there was a person who said she wanted a 2 bedroom on one TUG member's last-minute rental ad. I sent her a PM and told her the price on a 2 bedroom for the same dates as the one bedroom listed on that forum. She was pretty offended that I would actually tell her my rental price for a 4th of July week in Myrtle Beach. Oh well! She needed a 2 bedroom in a popular place for 4th of July. I rented it on RW for my price.

 

[TUGBrian]

I think all owners share the same desire to pay as little as possible for a vacation. the line between bargain and unreasonable obviously shifts from person to person.

direct owner rentals lack many things that most vacation travelers today will pay a premium for and thats having some sort of 3rd party offering SOME sort of guarantee that they will get what the paid for and or offer an option for recourse/refund/etc if things dont pan out. even if those policies aren't terribly effective when a dispute on one side or the other arises, just the fact that those policies exist gives both sides a piece of mind. especially since the majority of transactions all take place without any issue at all!

 

[jp10558]

Redweek needs competition. And they are not a mom and pop company anymore. Koala is not a big conglomerate. Redweek should not be the lone player of the timeshare rental websites. Listing with Koala will drive more renters to the website because that is how searches work (I think).

TUG classifieds have only worked (for me) when I have something cheap to rent. TUG members and the renters here tend to not want to pay $500 over my MF's for a Sheraton week. I don't know if that can be improved.

TUG members are just cheap, and TUG lookers are also cheap. I think the Last-Minute Rentals is a big mistake to have on TUG at all. People ask for the price to be adjusted up to account for inflation, but it's really such a terrible guide to what timeshares are really worth. It gives a false sense of value.

IDK, I think us TUG people are going to be comparing to RCI and II and DeX Cash stays for the similar times and locations. And comparing to our own MFs. Of course it depends on a lot of factors, but I'm going to guess that many TUG people will have used their ownership already for high, in demand times/locations that they also really need to go to. This leaves IMHO the last minute stuff where they weren't able to plan ahead for whatever reason, and the bargain hunting for low enough rates that being a great deal is why they're going at that time. And for us people who aren't renting or planning on making money on renting, the lat minute rentals is a huge benefit I think.

For TUG in general, I get the feeling that most members here aren't trying to rent out any timeshares, so I think skewing the design for the smaller number trying to do rentals to others doesn't make a lot of sense.

On the other hand, I do feel pretty comfortable sending money blind to established TUG members as I trust them to not defraud me.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

I get the feeling that most members here aren't trying to rent out any timeshares

With "most" meaning >50%, I think you are technically right, but I'd bet you greatly underestimate the #

 

[WaikikiFirst]

because that is how searches work (I think)

I haven't kept up on the latest SEO trends, but complicating your view is that advertisers buy certain keywords, so if 3 or 4 other companies buy a keyword (such as the name of a resort + "rental"), then koala won't be in the top 3 or 4 listings. Won't happen. I actually did a few tests to see if / where / when koala shows up on 1 search engine, and the short answer is "It Doesn't", even when I know there are rentals on koala for those words

I think the Last-Minute Rentals is a big mistake to have on TUG at all. People ask for the price to be adjusted up to account for inflation

I see a few of the LMRs and my first reaction is "haven't they raised the price for inflation yet?" I don't get it.

 

[rickandcindy23]

No TUG member will pay me $2,900 for a studio at Westin Ka'anapali, even it's oceanfront. That's just how it is. Redweek members pay even more than that after Redweek adds their fees.

 

[TUGBrian]

bet one would if it were priced less than all the other options to stay there!

 

[sng85]

TUG classifieds have only worked (for me) when I have something cheap to rent. TUG members and the renters here tend to not want to pay $500 over my MF's for a Sheraton week. I don't know if that can be improved.

I think you’re on to something. Rant begin:

We can all agree that RW is now become a money grab with service fees on both sides of the transaction - at the financial detriment of owners and renters.
TUGBBS LMR is a valuable outlet, but as-is it really only works as a “last resort” for owners, especially folks that own nicer resorts where the MFs are now well above $800. Admittedly I fall into that category with many many weeks now nearing $4,000 in MFs. When I have those weeks to rent, I list them on every other channel (RW, Koala, Airbnb, etc) since I’m not limited by the $800 LMR limit. If the limit were flexible, where an owner could at least list at their MFs or some more reasonable limit that’s not $800, within 60 days of travel - I would be listing a lot more at 60 days in the LMR section. Currently, I end up in listing in LMR, if/when something hasn’t rented and it’s 7-10 days before check in. Even in those situations, I’ve found more success on Airbnb (believe it or not), where I end up getting below MFs last minute, but well above $800.

Rant complete. So @TUGBrian can we make LMR great for owners and renters alike? The market is efficient when you have sufficient liquidity - if you allow owners to list last minute at MFs, it’s a win-win for owners and renters. What it does is helps increase the number of listings and drive eyeballs to opportunities, and then let the market work out the final rental price.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I am not talking about LMR, I'm talking about the TUG Classifieds.

 

[pchung6]

I start listing on Koala because I really want another company to compete with Redweek. But all of my listings never rented on Koala even I will receive less. Also it’s more difficult to rent on Redweek these days I had to lower price to barely break even. I’m exploring my other options now like EBay, Craigslist or Tug. I plan to give VRBO a try next year. I hope Koala can consider to lower their fees, i think it will help Koala’s business with better pricing structure. Koala is just not competitive right now.

 

[TUGBrian]

I think you’re on to something. Rant begin:

We can all agree that RW is now become a money grab with service fees on both sides of the transaction - at the financial detriment of owners and renters.
TUGBBS LMR is a valuable outlet, but as-is it really only works as a “last resort” for owners, especially folks that own nicer resorts where the MFs are now well above $800. Admittedly I fall into that category with many many weeks now nearing $4,000 in MFs. When I have those weeks to rent, I list them on every other channel (RW, Koala, Airbnb, etc) since I’m not limited by the $800 LMR limit. If the limit were flexible, where an owner could at least list at their MFs or some more reasonable limit that’s not $800, within 60 days of travel - I would be listing a lot more at 60 days in the LMR section. Currently, I end up in listing in LMR, if/when something hasn’t rented and it’s 7-10 days before check in. Even in those situations, I’ve found more success on Airbnb (believe it or not), where I end up getting below MFs last minute, but well above $800.

Rant complete. So @TUGBrian can we make LMR great for owners and renters alike? The market is efficient when you have sufficient liquidity - if you allow owners to list last minute at MFs, it’s a win-win for owners and renters. What it does is helps increase the number of listings and drive eyeballs to opportunities, and then let the market work out the final rental price.

the TUG marketplace has no limits on price. only the last minute rentals section on the forums.

ive contemplated bumping that up to 1000/wk as 140 a night (for me anyway) still seems like a bargain as a MAX price and id also likely make posting in the LMR section a member only feature if I went that route though. (not to view, just to post)

 

[pinetree1]

I strongly agree with SNG85 that TUG LM should increase the price to perhaps to $1500 or allow owners to decide the LM price, not arbitrary set price. Let renters and owners to negotiate a final mutual agreed upon price.

 

[dioxide45]

I strongly agree with SNG85 that TUG LM should increase the price to perhaps to $1500 or allow owners to decide the LM price, not arbitrary set price. Let renters and owners to negotiate a final mutual agreed upon price.

This has been a long ongoing discussion. The LMR forum isn't meant to be a catch all. It is there as a method for people to capture something from a week they really can't use. The TUG Marketplace exists if you want to rent at a higher price.

 

[RENTER]

 

[jp10558]

I strongly agree with SNG85 that TUG LM should increase the price to perhaps to $1500 or allow owners to decide the LM price, not arbitrary set price. Let renters and owners to negotiate a final mutual agreed upon price.

Personally, I think the TUG Marketplace is the right place to have more expensive renting options. I already think $800 is kinda the high end for last minute rentals as I'm going to be comparing to RCI Last Calls (as I said before). If you feel like it should be $1,500 - the TUG Marketplace will let you do that. I kinda don't think that people who are looking to pay $1,500 are going to be browsing LMR... Again, it's not the main marketplace.

 

[klpca]

the TUG marketplace has no limits on price.

only the last minute rentals section on the forums.

ive contemplated bumping that up to 1000/wk as 140 a night (for me anyway) still seems like a bargain as a MAX price.

id also likely make posting in the LMR section a member only feature if I went that route though. (not to view, just to post)

Both suggestions seem reasonable to me (party of one ). As we can see in the comments, some think that $1k is too high and others see it as too low, so it's probably about right. Also, making membership a requirement for posting will hopefully keep out some of the scammers and those who are renting exchanges. I would also suggest a minimum post count before they are able to post in the LMR forum. This message board operates on trust, community knowledge, and community participation. It is a privilege to post in the forum.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I won't list anything we own for $800/ week on LMR anymore. I get tired of the low-balling, the insults, the expectations from the LMR forum. As I stated before, a regular TUG poster here wanted to rent a small 1 bedroom for $800 and someone said they needed a two bedroom. I sent a PM, and they were expecting $800 for a 2 bedroom, Myrtle Beach, during prime summer. What I wanted to say to them, I didn't say.

There are many people who peruse that board for bargain rentals, and it undercuts the value of what we own. How are TUG classifieds supposed to work, when people expect they can get anything they want for $800/ week. It's mind boggling.

 

[DeniseM]

This is a common misconception: The Last Minute Rental forum is NOT intended to be a place for profitable or higher priced rentals. It's a place where you can list your reservation at the last minute to recoup some of your cost, if you suddenly find you can't use it within 45 days of check-in. That certainly doesn't fit every rental, so if it doesn't work for your rental - don't post it there.

 

[rickandcindy23]

This is a common misconception: The Last Minute Rental forum is NOT intended to be a place for profitable or higher priced rentals. It's a place where you can list your reservation at the last minute to recoup some of your cost, if you suddenly find you can't use it within 45 days of check-in. That certainly doesn't fit every rental, so if it doesn't work for your rental - don't post it there.

Misconception, yes, I agree. Misconception on the part of the people looking for last-minute rentals that this is the normal price. I don't appreciate the behavior of the people who regularly use that site for renting something last-minute. I am talking about renters, not the owners.

There was a TUG person named Holysmokes, something like that name. They were wanting a LMR and I answered the request with a higher price, and they were rude and nasty and said that the LMR boards were for (at the time) $700 or less. That was the rule. I told them that PM conversations don't have a "limit" to the price. I will never offer anyone anything on the LMR wanted board. I don't care if they are nice or not. One guy, a supposed "fireman" was quite shocked, when I told him a 2 bedroom by Disneyland was not going to be the price he wanted. He said he could do better than my price.

When I had a person on RW lowball a rental, because they saw the week for sale and knew the MF cost, I told them I would rather deposit the week. It's a great trader, so why would I rent for MF's? I am not going to give them the idea that they can rent cheaply because they did it last year, or the year before.

Besides that, I had a guest last November that did damage to one of the units because I rented to her "cheaply," and she is never allowed to rent anything with Marriott again. If you ever get a rental request from Cindy Brockhoff, don't rent to her. Marriott/ Sheraton will deny her use and you might be out some big money. If you rent cheaply, expect people to not take care of your place.

Koala does provide insurance for every timeshare listing of up to $1 million, so that if your renter is careless, like leaves a stove on all day and burns the place down, you won't be liable. RW doesn't offer that.

 

[TUGBrian]

not for nothing, but if i posted a request in the LMR section, id expect any private offers to at least be in the ballpark of the LMR limit and while we dont have any way to monitor private messages, that is still expected as the "spirit" of the rule, if not the letter.

while I personally am more of a "thank you for the offer, but I am not interested at that price" sort of person, I can see how someone who got an offer for 2 or 3x the LMR limit would have a similar reaction to that offer that you likely had when they responded expecting the offer to be at the LMR limit.

at the end of the day noone wants to waste their time or someone elses. however the internet has made such interactions so impersonal that people on both sides will act WAY different than they would in person.

 

[TUGBrian]

I do like the idea of a minimum post count yes for posting listings in the LMR section yes.

 

[DeniseM]

Cindy - You are trying to make the LMR forum into what you want it to be - not what it is. If I had so many problems there, I'd stop using it... In fact, I never respond to posts, because I know that it's not going to fit my rentals. But it does serve a purpose, just not the purpose you want.