eBay rentals

[jp10558]

I've seen some reasonable rental listings on eBay recently, but I'm wondering how legit they're likely to be?

Ones like https://www.ebay.com/itm/315283163238

Anything I should specifically look for? Note, this is an exemplar, not specifically something I'm looking to rent right now.

 

[DeniseM]

Here you go: https://tugbbs.com/forums/threads/h...ntal-is-legit-when-you-are-the-renter.109479/

 

[rickandcindy23]

It's annoying to me that people continue to rent Wyndham openly and aggressively.

 

[jp10558]

It's annoying to me that people continue to rent Wyndham openly and aggressively.

Oh, crap. I forgot about that and that it might get cancelled under you... Though I would expect more bad reviews lol.

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

It's annoying to me that people continue to rent Wyndham openly and aggressively.

I suspect that more of them will end up targeted by Wyndham eventually. Seems like the target letters come in waves. Renting Wyndham, as an owner or a visitor is risky business.

 

[montygz]

I have rented on eBay dozens of times, but not recently. However, many of the renters you see on eBay have been doing it for years, some decades.

You can see their completed listings, feedback and how long they have been doing it.

Many of these are likely managing the points of various owners. I rented from the same sellers a few times but every reservation confirmation was from a different owner.

I'm sure this isn't as lucrative as it used to be with the cancel-and-rebook method, but there are still plenty of people out there with points who need money to offset fees.

I figure that by now these "experts" have figured out how to manage the Wyndham rental rules.

Meanwhile, the "risky business" element helps the Wyndham sales staff and Extra Holidays.

 

[CO skier]

I've seen some reasonable rental listings on eBay recently, but I'm wondering how legit they're likely to be?

Ones like https://www.ebay.com/itm/315283163238

Anything I should specifically look for?

I would not take a chance on a new ebay seller with such limited feedback. The ebay seller may be long gone when the sucker shows up for the "vacation" in September.

Even if it is legit, it is clearly an "amateur hour" rental. Why take a chance?

 

[jp10558]

I would not take a chance on a new ebay seller with such limited feedback. The ebay seller may be long gone when the sucker shows up for the "vacation" in September.

Even if it is legit, it is clearly an "amateur hour" rental. Why take a chance?

How do you know it's "amateur hour"? I guess to me it looked as legit as postings on TUG / the last minute forum... I had one good experience with the TUG last minute wanted forum, but obviously it seems like many more people are on ebay (and redweek is just very expensive for what I'm generally looking for).

 

[montygz]

I would not take a chance on a new ebay seller with such limited feedback. The ebay seller may be long gone when the sucker shows up for the "vacation" in September.

Even if it is legit, it is clearly an "amateur hour" rental. Why take a chance?

Would I spend $5K on a rental in a foreign country with a low feedback seller? No, but I have rented a few times from low-feedback people and had success.

Before I did it I asked some questions about the rental to get a better feel for the seller. Engaging with them could uncover some red flags, like they never respond or they clearly don't understand what they are doing. Most people who rent a timeshare would know about what they are selling.

Generally, new sellers with little feedback are going to have to pay a price by offering cheaper rentals. So there is a financial incentive for people who buy those rentals.

In the end, you have to be comfortable about renting a unit and any "risk" involved in going the third-party, gray market route vs. calling the resort and making a reservation.

 

[chapjim]

I've seen some reasonable rental listings on eBay recently, but I'm wondering how legit they're likely to be?

Ones like https://www.ebay.com/itm/315283163238

Anything I should specifically look for? Note, this is an exemplar, not specifically something I'm looking to rent right now.

The thing with this specific listing is that it's hard to see how seller will make any money on the rental. September is Value Season at Palm-Aire and the cheapest 2BR unit goes for 115,000. Seller is getting $5/1,000 on this rental (minus expenses) unless he expects to book at a discount and/or get an upgrade. Not many owners can make money renting for $5/1,000 points.

I don't like the lack of detail in his listing. You have to dig to find when this rental is. Turns out it can start as early as September 1 and can end as late as September 29. He doesn't have a current reservation. Rather, he's betting that he'll be able to book whatever dates a prospective customer might want and do it at a discount and probably an upgrade.

 

[montygz]

The thing with this specific listing is that it's hard to see how seller will make any money on the rental. September is Value Season at Palm-Aire and the cheapest 2BR unit goes for 115,000. Seller is getting $5/1,000 on this rental (minus expenses) unless he expects to book at a discount and/or get an upgrade. Not many owners can make money renting for $5/1,000 points.

I don't like the lack of detail in his listing. You have to dig to find when this rental is. Turns out it can start as early as September 1 and can end as late as September 29. He doesn't have a current reservation. Rather, he's betting that he'll be able to book whatever dates a prospective customer might want and do it at a discount and probably an upgrade.

Making any money is better than making no money at all if the points are expiring.

The renter may need whatever money they can get. The market decides what they will rent for, not the maintenance fees.

This ebay seller is one year old and with almost no feedback. They can't charge a premium if they want move rentals. If they build up some positive feedback they can likely get some more money, but even that is going to be determined by how much competition is out there for their reservations.

You can sometimes get big bargains on ebay picking up rentals. I have many times.

 

[jp10558]

Making any money is better than making no money at all if the points are expiring.

The renter may need whatever money they can get. The market decides what they will rent for, not the maintenance fees.

This ebay seller is one year old and with almost no feedback. They can't charge a premium if they want move rentals. If they build up some positive feedback they can likely get some more money, but even that is going to be determined by how much competition is out there for their reservations.

You can sometimes get big bargains on ebay picking up rentals. I have many times.

Do you feel like if the person can show a confirmation it's solid? I'd hate to show up and not have something when I thought I did. Would eBay back you if the person didn't get you a confirmation with your name on it?

 

[montygz]

Do you feel like if the person can show a confirmation it's solid? I'd hate to show up and not have something when I thought I did. Would eBay back you if the person didn't get you a confirmation with your name on it?

I'd suggest asking the seller what will happen after you buy. Ask them to explain the process. If you have further questions, you can follow up. You have a big advantage over many renters because you know about the process already.

Here is the ebay money-back guarantee page. I see nothing eliminating hotel reservations.

eBay Money Back Guarantee policy

eBay Money Back Guarantee covers most transactions on eBay. It means buyers can get their money back if an item didn't arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn't match the listing.

www.ebay.com

In the end, you are going to have to be at least somewhat confident about your purchase.

Almost 20 years ago, I vividly remember buying my first timeshare rental on ebay. $400 for four nights at Old Key West at Disney. Was I nervous? Absolutely! It was quite the feeling of relief when they said "Welcome Home." when we arrived.

Then it felt like we were cheating somehow for getting such a deal. Taxes were even included.

Anyway, If it all went sideways, there were plenty of places in Orlando to stay and we only lived 3 hours away, but it was foreign territory. We went on to rent dozens of various timeshares before finally buying.

Renting timeshares from various places can save you a ton of money, but it isn't for everyone. Many people have looked at me like I am insane when I said I booked vacation rentals on ebay, Redweek, etc.

Good luck!

 

[jp10558]

I'd suggest asking the seller what will happen after you buy. Ask them to explain the process. If you have further questions, you can follow up. You have a big advantage over many renters because you know about the process already.

Here is the ebay money-back guarantee page. I see nothing eliminating hotel reservations.

eBay Money Back Guarantee policy

eBay Money Back Guarantee covers most transactions on eBay. It means buyers can get their money back if an item didn't arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn't match the listing.

www.ebay.com

In the end, you are going to have to be at least somewhat confident about your purchase.

Almost 20 years ago, I vividly remember buying my first timeshare rental on ebay. $400 for four nights at Old Key West at Disney. Was I nervous? Absolutely! It was quite the feeling of relief when they said "Welcome Home." when we arrived.

Then it felt like we were cheating somehow for getting such a deal. Taxes were even included.

Anyway, If it all went sideways, there were plenty of places in Orlando to stay and we only lived 3 hours away, but it was foreign territory. We went on to rent dozens of various timeshares before finally buying.

Renting timeshares from various places can save you a ton of money, but it isn't for everyone. Many people have looked at me like I am insane when I said I booked vacation rentals on ebay, Redweek, etc.

Good luck!

Thanks! I guess if I was confident enough to buy a timeshare on eBay, I'm probably confident enough to rent when a deal I can use shows up.

 

[CO skier]

I see nothing eliminating hotel reservations.

1) Classified ads on ebay are not covered by the Money Back Guarantee

2) Buyer Beware - Read the ad where it is clearly states "(Not eligible for eBay purchase protection programs)'

 

[brbr2424]

I've seen some reasonable rental listings on eBay recently, but I'm wondering how legit they're likely to be?

Ones like https://www.ebay.com/itm/315283163238

Anything I should specifically look for? Note, this is an exemplar, not specifically something I'm looking to rent right now.

I rented two units at Wyndham Las Vegas in April from J and M Condo Rentals on eBay, and it went well. I confirmed the reservation with the hotel when I received it from the seller, understanding that I was an owner's guest.

 

[easyrider]

To me, a seller with only 3 feed backs might be part of the reason for the low price.

Bill