Phone calls from Interval

[calberry]

Just wondering if other Tuggers have been going through this...

Over the past several weeks we have been been getting calls from II 3-4 times a week. The phone rings, by the time I reach it, check caller ID and answer it (like 2 rings) there is no one there. And based on the missed call 'log', there have called when we weren't home and no message was left (and there have been no emails from them either).

I ignored this at first, but then this week decided to start calling them back (twice now). I was told the 'computer' was calling us and if we answered then a 'real' person would pick up the call. If not then no message would be left.

We have two pending exchanges with II. One for any 2BR Disney resort in Orlando a year from this Dec., and the other for a 1BR in (almost) any Marriott in Hawaii next fall or spring. We are firm on location and dates, and will patiently wait (until flex period if necessary).

The first time I called they asked if we knew they had a 'hold' for us on a non-Disney 2BR in Orlando. I said no, I did not, and that we were firm on our desire to only stay in a Disney resort (our daughter got engaged on a Disney cruise, was married at the Disneyland Hotel, honeymooned at DW, and their 1 year old has been to DL about 8 times already.) They politely said OK, and removed the hold.

The 2nd call I was somewhat irritated as I had just talked with them 3 days before, and then had two other 'missed calls' from them after. They said they were just calling to discuss our pending exhanges. What's to discuss...we know what we want and when we want it, and now are just playing the waiting game. I told them I was getting a little frustrated with them calling and hanging up so quick and/or not leaving a message. They apologized and said they would report the quick hang-ups, but that we could still expect to get calls (monthly updates I think they said). I said I didn't mind them calling, but at least give me a chance to answer the call!

We have exchanged in the past and never got these calls, why now? Do they have a new system?

No big deal, just a little burr under my saddle.

Steve

 

[GrayFal]

Call them back and ask them to put you on their "Do Not Call for 90 days" list unless they get a match for your requested resorts(DVC)/location(Hawaii).

They HAVE to call u if they have ANY resort in Orlando to offer to you (and they have them EVERY day!) ...it must be torture for the II reps as well.

 

[dougp26364]

We had a very specific request first exchange request. They called twice offering an unacceptable exchange. The second time my wife pointed out it was a request first, we had reserved a week at our home resort that would fit our needs and that they were wasting our time and their time by calling. Please stop calling an offering us anything other than what we had requested. We didn't get additional calls from that point forward.

 

[sls1003]

I'm not sure if they have to call you if they have anything in Orlando. We had a similar request to yours for any Disney 2Br and we're planning on waiting and expanding our dates until we got one. We too got the call with non-Disney possibilities which we politely declined and told them we only were interested in Disney properties. We didn't get a call from them again until our exchange came through. This was about two years ago though so maybe they have different policies now.

 

[thinze3]

I have had those same type of calls in the recent past, and each time it seems they occured just weeks before my trades came through.

I got my first call since my last trade in early July yesterday. I do have an ongoing search, so we will see what happens.

Terry

 

[dr.debs]

I have had those same type of calls in the recent past, and each time it seems they occured just weeks before my trades came through.

I got my first call since my last trade in early July yesterday. I do have an ongoing search, so we will see what happens.

Terry

I have an exchange request for an Oregon ski week in place and received a similar call, II on caller ID but no message. I logged into II but saw no notes, or changes on my exchange request page. If a hold was in place, would there be a notice on my account? I thought they would send an email if a match or hold was in place.

 

[davis6]

I thought they would send an email if a match or hold was in place.

At least with a request first they will send you a confirming email and you have 24 hours to reject the confirmation. If you do not reject it then it is yours.

I have 2 4th of July weeks 2009 on a request first status 1 for Aruba in Feb 09 and one for new years in Park City UT for 2009-2010 just getting ahead of the list on the Park City. Is it likely That these trades will happen??

 

[winger]

and i thought i was getting these calls right before they close...

four times they offered me the same 'alternate resort', each time i declined. i finally got fed up and said please take that 'alternate resort' off my list of consideration

 

[mightywyrm]

The hangups are apparently due to II's automated call system (hangs up on a lot of people, apparently). We're going through this again, and they're still calling every other day or so - despite the fact that our request indicates we're not interested in being substituted into another resort.

Here's a similar thread:

http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79460

 

[CatJ114683]

We placed a single week request after deposit just yesterday for 3 resorts with a 2 week time frame for September of 2009. I have already received 2 calls from Interval for alternate site availability, (which were previously posted as available when I put in for my request-resulting in the request and not the instant confirmation). I agree it is annoying, but it only stands to reason that they want to unload available inventory ASAP. I'm sure that should those calls come within several months of our travel window, I would be more receptive! On the flip side, several years ago we were getting bombarded with alternate choices very early into the request time frame. As it turns out, one of the new "alternatives" was a new resort to the Interval Program . We asked to have the week on hold for 24 hours so we could review it properly, and as it turned out, it was a terrific place that served our needs at the time and we returned the next year! The previous responders advise about being placed on "Call Hold" is a good tip if the calls are that bothersome!

 

[calberry]

We placed a single week request after deposit just yesterday for 3 resorts with a 2 week time frame for September of 2009. I have already received 2 calls from Interval for alternate site availability, (which were previously posted as available when I put in for my request-resulting in the request and not the instant confirmation). I agree it is annoying, but it only stands to reason that they want to unload available inventory ASAP. I'm sure that should those calls come within several months of our travel window, I would be more receptive! On the flip side, several years ago we were getting bombarded with alternate choices very early into the request time frame. As it turns out, one of the new "alternatives" was a new resort to the Interval Program . We asked to have the week on hold for 24 hours so we could review it properly, and as it turned out, it was a terrific place that served our needs at the time and we returned the next year! The previous responders advise about being placed on "Call Hold" is a good tip if the calls are that bothersome!

Just to be clear (as the OP of this thread), my annoyance was not at all that they offered an alternative property, or even that they called. The issue is that the 'computer' dialing system would let the phone ring twice and then hang up thus not giving us time to even answer the call, and if not home no message was left. They could call every night as far as I'm concerned as long as I get to talk to someone instead of being left in the lurch wondering if there is an issue thus requiring me (curious minds) to call them back.

Steve