RCI Red Tag - No Wyn Priority

[BellaWyn]

Sad that this kind of disparity happens (compared Grand Desert because it was easy but it's the same for other locations and dates also):

Current RCI Red Tag:
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Fri 24-Feb-2012 Fri 02-Mar-2012 Exchange Fee + 23 TPU [slashed to] 4 TPU
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Full Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 Exchange Fee + 23 TPU [slashed to] 4 TPU
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 Exchange Fee + 23 TPU [slashed to] 4 TPU
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sun 26-Feb-2012 Sun 04-Mar-2012 Exchange Fee + 23 TPU [slashed to] 4 TPU


WYN Reservations:
2 Bedroom Deluxe Fri 24-Feb-2012 Fri 02-Mar-2012 203,000
2 Bedroom Lockoff Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 287,000
2 Bedroom Deluxe Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 203,000
2 Bedroom Deluxe Sun 26-Feb-2012 Sun 04-Mar-2012 203,000


WYN RCI Portal:
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Fri 24-Feb-2012 Fri 02-Mar-2012 184,000
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Full Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 184,000
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 184,000
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sun 26-Feb-2012 Sun 04-Mar-2012 184,000

 

[bnoble]

This isn't anything new though. All of the mini-system RCI portals work this way---the point values are fixed for size, area, and season, and generally do not change.

 

[chriskre]

Bella,
I agree that can be annoying to see. That's why I'm convinced that I won't overcommit to any one system but own with many ways to skin the RCI cat.

It's the same with HGVC, DVC and some of the other mini's I'm sure. :annoyed:

On the flip side sometimes it's a bargain going thru the mini's. You definitely gotta check it with everything you own if you're wanting it the cheapest way possible.

 

[bnoble]

Exactly so. No one ownership can be good for everything, and that's why a portfolio with at least a couple options makes sense----provided you can find the time to take vacations!

 

[vacationhopeful]

....WYN RCI Portal:[/B]
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Fri 24-Feb-2012 Fri 02-Mar-2012 184,000
2 Bedrooms 8 (4) Full Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 184,000
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sat 25-Feb-2012 Sat 03-Mar-2012 184,000
2 Bedrooms 8 (6) Full Sun 26-Feb-2012 Sun 04-Mar-2012 184,000

What I think adds to the funniness is Wyndham PIC program only gives RCI 2bdr RED week units 154,000 Wyndham points.

Or is that "skim" on Wyndham's part.:rofl:

 

[rickandcindy23]

When would Wyn ever be good for RCI Points or Weeks? I like having a low-cost, high TPU week to use in weeks. Then I don't have to use Wyn points for exchanges.

 

[BellaWyn]

I knew when I posted that this is not new information but the discrepancy seemed larger than normal. My frustration was not for myself as we have ample of both TPU's and available points. It was triggered by concern for the non-TUG Point-only Wyndham owners that have only the Wyndham online system to navigate the use of their ownerships.

We [TUGGERS] are fortunate to be exposed to so much information and to have the ability to cross-check multiple sources to maximize the use of our ownerships. Granted we sought out the information but so many families are busy just staying financially afloat in today's world they don't have time to always suss out the best "deal" or have additional monies to invest in multiple ownerships. Hardworking people that could use the kind of break the RCI Red-Flag-Sale might be able to give them.

I felt sad thinking about it . . . .

... and then incredibly blessed all at the same time.....

I was reminded again that being able to holiday frequently is still a luxury purchase, no matter how much we here in TUG squeeze the turnip.

 

[learnalot]

I think Bella's profile pic suits her perfectly Very kind-hearted.

It would be great if RCI could have a clearance rack points grid in place for the mini-portal systems -maybe half the usual points or something similar on weeks where they are slashing tpu costs. Who knows...maybe that's why the system will be down.

In the meantime, if anyone has any of the older deposits (the 28k days) still at their disposal, these reduced tpu weeks are where you can use them and get the most value. Remember that you will have to call in (unless you happen to still have an old searchable deposit).

 

[rickandcindy23]

BellaWyn, beautifully stated. We do have great advantages over others because we have more information.

This is something for which I am also grateful. I found TUG because of a Wyndham salesperson, believe it or not!

The advantage of TUG membership is definitely why we are traveling more ourselves, and for a lot less money than ever before.

 

[bnoble]

When would Wyn ever be good for RCI Points or Weeks?

Very high TPU/Point units, because Wyn over-averages.

It was triggered by concern for the non-TUG Point-only Wyndham owners that have only the Wyndham online system to navigate the use of their ownerships.

Objectively, most Wyndham owners have already demonstrated that they are not capable of looking out after their own interests---after all, they bought from the developer.

Some learn, eventually, and make their way here or similar places. Most don't.

 

[chriskre]

Objectively, most Wyndham owners have already demonstrated that they are not capable of looking out after their own interests---after all, they bought from the developer.

Some learn, eventually, and make their way here or similar places. Most don't.

I think most Wyndham owners don't care either.
I've tried teaching many of my friends who own Marriotts, Wyndham, Westgates etc. how to use their ownerships more productively but if you mention purchasing another TS, then they're not interested.

Most have absolutely no idea what they purchased let alone how to maximize it. I think we're so in the minority in the TS world. It's a scary world out there for the uninformed yet they go on blissfully with what they own.

I've given up since I realize that most people cannot handle more than what they own and honestly in the end they're still doing good with their vacations compared to paying rack rates at a hotel, so they're really not doing so bad afterall. :ignore:

 

[BellaWyn]

Objectively, most Wyndham owners have already demonstrated that they are not capable of looking out after their own interests---after all, they bought from the developer.

Not sure I find that statement to be objective Brian, almost calloused and arrogant -- presume unintended. We get many MANY new point owners here in TUG that have purchased a decent resale contract via eBay or other methods that are trying to learn to navigate the WYN system, which is NOT reflective of said inability. This discrepancy effects those single-contract resale owners also.

Some learn, eventually, and make their way here or similar places. Most don't.

This I agree with.... but do not consider ourselves "unable to look after our own interests." "Uninformed" does not translate to "unable" in the purchase-from-the-developer conversation. To emphatically state that it does is borderline arrogant.:annoyed:

 

[Sandy VDH]

That is why options give you opportunities to price vacations in different currency; either Wyndham or HGVC straight up through there mini point system, or Wyn or HGVC through their RCI Portals, or Straight up RCI.

I think I am going to dump my RCI Points however. I can access points via HGVC or Wyndham if I really want to.

In some cases the RCI Portals are a better deal, especially with exchanges that would be a high point value in other systems. For instance I used my HGVC RCI portal to book an HGVC exchange in NYC. HGVC direct would have been 4 times the HGVC points (over 8K), and TPU was higher (38) for RCI straight up. RCI Points 49K. However HGVC via RCI Portal has a fixed point exchange table, so studio in NYC was only 2400 HGVC points however there is an exchange fee which I would not have with HGVC direct. However it is better at MF + Exchange = $590 cost.

I just book a Wyndham via RCI straight up as the TPU was slashed in the sale to 4 TPUs + exchange fee. That was even cheaper than I could get the unit with my VIP perks directly from Wyndham.

I got a Manhattan Club via SFX as it was lower than cost and I avoid the $25 per night Resort Fee that RCI exchangers have to pay.

So having multiple sources (and therefore currencies) to access inventories allows me to obtain exchanges for the least cost.

My HGVC Portal comes with my HGVC membership fees, my RCI Portal and RCI straight up are both paid for by my Wyndham ownership. I pay for SFX and my RCI Points accounts only.

 

[bnoble]

Not sure I find that statement to be objective Brian, almost calloused and arrogant -- presume unintended. We get many MANY new point owners here in TUG that have purchased a decent resale contract via eBay or other methods that are trying to learn to navigate the WYN system, which is NOT reflective of said inability.

In context, the sum total of Wyndham owners who are also members of TUG, TS4M, or AtoZed is a mere drop in the bucket. Wyndham claims 800,000 owners. That probably includes both Wyn and WM, so figure 400,000. How many of those 400K are here? Not even 1% of them. Probably not even 1/10th of that. And it's more or less the same set of people at all of the major sites.

Let me put it another way: what fraction of the total Wyndham ownership do you think could tell you, within even one order of magnitude, what the current resale price for Wyndham points is? I will give you long odds that it is less than 10%. Probably well under 5%. Try asking around the pool next time you're at a resort, and see what you get.

do not consider ourselves

You missed my point. I'm talking about the "average Wyndham owner", not "the average TUGger". The average TUGger is very well informed. But, the "average" Wyndham owner is uninformed---and those owners deserve their fair share of blame for that. It's no one else's responsibility to figure out whether this ten-thousand-dollar-plus purchase is a good idea or not.

I've given up since I realize that most people cannot handle more than what they own and honestly in the end they're still doing good with their vacations compared to paying rack rates at a hotel, so they're really not doing so bad afterall.

That's where I am too. Unless someone really wants the red pill, forcing it on them usually does more harm than good.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I think I am going to dump my RCI Points however. I can access points via HGVC or Wyndham if I really want to.

Yes, I had a plan to use Shell Points in RCI through the portal. My RCI Points are outrageous for RCI prime weeks.

Now Shell went to II. I don't need to spend 3,500 Shell points at about $700 MF cost to get a 1 bedroom in Orlando, or 4,500 Shell points at $900 for a 2 bedroom in Orlando. I am not happy with the switch to II at all. I cannot imagine getting any value.

What in II is worth that kind of cost? There will be no priority to the Marriotts or Westins, no more than my Blue RIdge Village, with fees of $570. And we mostly use lockoff units to get 2 bedrooms in Orlando ($600 or less in cost for fees). My cost for Orlando is always $750 or less with exchange fees included.

 

[BellaWyn]

The average TUGger is very well informed. But, the "average" Wyndham owner is uninformed---and those owners deserve their fair share of blame for that. It's no one else's responsibility to figure out whether this ten-thousand-dollar-plus purchase is a good idea or not.

So, if I follow your logic:

1) If you made it to TUG you are now above average and considered well informed or, at the very least, more informed than the normal Wyndham owner
2) If you haven't made it here you are incapable of looking after your own financial interests and are content with blue-pill thinking

You missed my point.

Which is why I presumed the arrogance reflected was unintended. I usually apply the "blue-pill" perspective to all your posts as they have historically been both credible and well stated.

Note to self: Take the purple pill first before reading posts on TUG

 

[bnoble]

You are taking this too personally and out of context. To recap:

You: "Wyndham owners are getting screwed on the RCI sale."
Me: "Nothing new for at least the last year, and not unique to Wyndham."
Christine: "That's why portfolios win."
You: "Sure, *I* get it, but the unwashed masses are screwed."
Me: "The unwashed are so, in part, due to their own (in)actions."
You: "I'm not unwashed!"
Me: "Right."

We're on the same page. You just don't think we are.

(PS: Portfolios FTW.)

 

[vacationhopeful]

Bella & Brian,

We have all been at Wyndham-land sitting poolside or riding elevators or Tiki hut stool sitting or at internet tables with the unwashed masses. I have been reported to sales that I am professing what is normal chat here ==> check eBay before you consider adding more points. Yes, I have had several informal "talked to" sessions about have I seen or heard of the female mentioning this to other owners (really, you can buy Wyndham points on eBay? Are they cheaper? Does anybody really buy an eBay TS?).

The unwashed masses cannot believe they grossly overpaid or were conned on these purchases which cost more than their first house and latest car put together. We know whether or not we overpaid; even on resale points now verses before 5 years ago, WE HAD OVERPAID. But universally, we TUGGERS have adopted the attitude to make the best out of our ownerships.

I was in the checkin at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago - yes, a TS exchange. Chatting with guy behind me about being in the Chicago for the 1st time. When the TS exchange came up, he said his wife coordinated the TS stuff; she and I chatted thru checkin and a bit afterwards. Yes, I wrote down TUG etc; but do I think she ever signed on or looked?

NOPE! What we accept as normal, it is so far fetched, that even computer literate and experienced week-to-week exchangers, can't believe. We work the different TS systems like commodities or currencies traders.

Thus, it comes down to this: TUGGERS are timeshare addicts and we have trouble in not understand why others aren't willing to become addicts themselves. We just plain out and out love our style of vacationing. :whoopie:

 

[ampaholic]

-snip- Unless someone really wants the red pill, forcing it on them usually does more harm than good.

You said a mouthful - I have never had much luck trying to hand out red pills at a resort - perhaps 1 in 5 will even consider it.

Doesn't mean we should stop trying.

I do think many don't want to have to face the "reality" of having likely been bamboozled by the developers sharks, er sales staff.

 

[chriskre]

Yes, I had a plan to use Shell Points in RCI through the portal. My RCI Points are outrageous for RCI prime weeks.

Now Shell went to II.

Quite annoying :annoyed: and totally the reason why I've become a TS commitment-phobe. The constant changes in "rules" (aka developer contracts and closing loopholes) makes spreading your eggs thru many baskets almost mandatory if you want to stay in the exchange game.

 

[rickandcindy23]

What we accept as normal, it is so far fetched, that even computer literate and experienced week-to-week exchangers, can't believe. We work the different TS systems like commodities or currencies traders.

And when the exchange we need doesn't happen for those of us in the know, we are really baffled. For the average exchanger, it's just par for the course. They assume exchanging doesn't work much of the time. Shoot! I have been there myself a few years ago.

Although, I am waiting and waiting for that Maui week for March. Seven months and counting, and no exchange forthcoming. It's the first time I have had no luck with an exchange request. I have gotten some fabulous trades for other areas, but Maui during whale season, it seems impossible right now.

 

[chriskre]

Although, I am waiting and waiting for that Maui week for March. Seven months and counting, and no exchange forthcoming. It's the first time I have had no luck with an exchange request. I have gotten some fabulous trades for other areas, but Maui during whale season, it seems impossible right now.

And these are the ressies where the mini's shine brightly and a good reason to go internally.

 

[BellaWyn]

We're on the same page. You just don't think we are.

Actually I KNOW we're on the same page. The only exception being our perspective of the masses being "unwashed." There is no question that knowledge is power and TUGgers wield that to their best advantage (do not consider myself an exception to that). I'm also not taking this personally.... but merely mocking the arrogance. I find it highly amusing to consider how the conversation would go:

"Hello unwashed-masses person. Sorry that you are an idiot and neither know or want to know how to maximize your ownership. And I'm particularly disturbed that you are completely incapable of managing your own financial interests because you didn't purchase resale but very relieved to hear that you are happy with the chosen blue-pill method."

There is no question MOST people don't care about putting effort into their ownership(s). But they MIGHT take exception to being referred to as "incapable" and part of the "unwashed masses" .... the language itself is reflective of arrogance. But don't take it personally......I blame it on the iPad and, again, presume the arrogance was unintended.

But I'm still taking the purple pill first...... :whoopie:

 

[New2time]

So...here I am...new to timesharing...and trying to learn....I DID purchase resale....IF i were to add to my existing timeshare porfolio of wyndham points, what would be another good system to buy into to maximize my potential?

 

[bnoble]

But they MIGHT take exception to being referred to as "incapable" and part of the "unwashed masses" .... the language itself is reflective of arrogance.

It's an operational definition. But, I'm willing to expand my vocabulary. How would you prefer to describe someone who, in the past N years, purchased a Wyndham deed from the developer for tens of thousands of dollars and has never bothered to do the smallest bit of due diligence?

If it's arrogant to think that spending that kind of money in that way isn't the smartest possible thing, then I'm okay with that. I don't think it's arrogant, though, I think it is "sensible."

But, hey...