Reduced points reservations

[michaelsmalley]

Madge: I am fairly new to RCI and am a Points member. I have used the 45 day window a couple of times in the weeks program and it is a great program. My wife and I like to travel on short notice because we are unable to plan a year in advance.

However, it doesn't appear the points requirements goes down any in the standard program, even if we are looking only 30 days or less ahead. Doesn't RCI Points have anything similiar to the 45 day window for weeks units where we could use less points on short notice. Thanks.

Mike S.

 

[Madge]

Mike S.

When RCI Points was new, we needed to ignite the program so that Points members would "give it a try." We did just what you're suggesting and offered a discounted points option for closer dates. During the three months this offer was available, we saw more activity from our Points members. However, we also found that more of our members were waiting until 45 days or less to conduct their activity. From the start, this was designed to be a promotional offer. We may offer it again in the future, but it would likely be temporary.

 

[SBK]

Mike S.

When RCI Points was new, we needed to ignite the program so that Points members would "give it a try." We did just what you're suggesting and offered a discounted points option for closer dates. During the three months this offer was available, we saw more activity from our Points members. However, we also found that more of our members were waiting until 45 days or less to conduct their activity. From the start, this was designed to be a promotional offer. We may offer it again in the future, but it would likely be temporary.

I am trying so hard to contain myself.

May I translate.

Dear Points People:

Congratulations for participating in our double-edged scam. You thought we were killing weeks, but all we were doing was luring YOU into believing that we had a wonderful deal for you. Shame on you for thinking that we had any intention of maintaining the come-on that you fell for. Once weeks are dead, you have no options.

Yours truly,

RCI

I do have a question for Madge -- if people were already Points members, why did you have to "ignite" them to "give it a try?" If they were Points members, they had to use Points. Unless you let them raid weeks.

 

[Madge]

SBK,

When our Points member base and the number of Points-affiliated resorts were still very small, the overall activity level was also quieter. Members were simply not sure how to drive this new vehicle. It is hardly unusual for promotions and specials to be used to stimulate business.

The discounted points for close dates promotion was offered to existing Points members by Guides. I am not aware of the role it may have played at the sales tables; however, it should have been identified as a promotional offer.

 

[bogey21]

Also remember that if you access a Weeks Resort (rather than a Points Resort) using your Points Account during the 45 day window, you can reserve a Week for between 7,500 and 9,000 Points.

GEORGE

 

[rickandcindy23]

I have only been able to see those for two weeks out, not further than that, so that is of no value to me because I cannot get airfare deals that close to travel.

It used to be that with a blue week you could get anything in the system within a certain window close to check-in, all trading power (VEP) was set aside and everything was equal. They took that one away a long time ago. There are no guarantees, sadly, and we are the ones who believe the sales sleazes' lies.

How many things can RCI take away before we all turn to other options. Now the price increase.

 

[Madge]

It used to be that with a blue week you could get anything in the system within a certain window close to check-in, all trading power (VEP) was set aside and everything was equal. They took that one away a long time ago. There are no guarantees, sadly, and we are the ones who believe the sales sleazes' lies.

rickandcindy23,

Trading Power restrictions are still waived at 45 days or less in the Weeks system. However, downward VEP is always in effect.