Here are the general rules:
You start off by going to the exchanging tab, and searching for the resort(s) and date(s) you want. If the don't come up, and they probably won't, it will offer you a chance to put in a search.
If your desired exchange does come up, you can pay the exchange fee and make an "instant online exchange."
If it doesn't come up you will be offered the opportunity to put in an on-going search:
You have to request at least 3 resorts or 3 dates.
Your request automatically defaults to the Thursday before your requested date - if you don't want it to default to Thursday, AFTER you put in your request online, call and ask the Rep. to stipulate your check-in date. Note that even when you have a Rep. put the date in, it won't show in your online Acct.
You have to pay the exchange fee to put in your request - but it's refundable, if you don't get the request.
If you get a match, II will send you an email - you have 24 hours from when the match is made (not when you get the email) to cancel with no penalty, so it pays to watch your email closely and check you Acct. daily.
After that 24 hr. period, you can get your deposit back, but you forfeit your exchange fee.