What prices makes it worthwhile?

[sspropguy@gmail.com]

Help, please. We just finished second sales presentation at the Maui Ocean Club, and incentives lowered the price to $8.7 per point for 2500 pts. This seems like a "great" deal, but of course is only good for today, with the take it or lose it clause.

Is any price 'right' for a new person to buy into the system? Should I complete the paperwork today? Is this really a commitment for MF 'forever'?

It seems there is broad opinion that buying in directly from Marriott is the most expensive way to get into the timeshare program....

Thanks for your consideration!

 

[jimf41]

Help, please. We just finished second sales presentation at the Maui Ocean Club, and incentives lowered the price to $8.7 per point for 2500 pts. This seems like a "great" deal, but of course is only good for today, with the take it or lose it clause.

Is any price 'right' for a new person to buy into the system? Should I complete the paperwork today? Is this really a commitment for MF 'forever'?

It seems there is broad opinion that buying in directly from Marriott is the most expensive way to get into the timeshare program....

Thanks for your consideration!

2500 points will get you into a mountain view studio for one week at off-peak times. The MFs are $1025 every year for as long as you own the points. Spending $22000 with a $1025 annual fee for what is essentially a hotel room with a bad view is not what I'd consider a good deal.

If you want to go places other than Hawaii it's a little more palatable. You could go to Ocean Pointe in a 1bdm OF unit for that amount of points.

You have to do your own math to see if it's worth it. Don't worry about it only being "good for today only". If you want it two weeks from now I'm sure they'll take your money at the price quoted.

 

[FractionalTraveler]

Wow!

That offer is less than the $9.2 price point at initial offering back in 2010.

I would definitely go for it, but that's just me. You need to evaluate your current situation as see if it works for you.

Good luck!

 

[FractionalTraveler]

2500 points will get you into a mountain view studio for one week at off-peak times. The MFs are $1025 every year for as long as you own the points. Spending $22000 with a $1025 annual fee for what is essentially a hotel room with a bad view is not what I'd consider a good deal.

If you want to go places other than Hawaii it's a little more palatable. You could go to Ocean Pointe in a 1bdm OF unit for that amount of points.

You have to do your own math to see if it's worth it. Don't worry about it only being "good for today only". If you want it two weeks from now I'm sure they'll take your money at the price quoted.

Jimf41, I tend to agree but you are assuming that these are the only points available to the OP. The OP may own legacy units which could be combined with Trust points for more options. If this is the OP's only investment, then I agree.

 

[jimf41]

Jimf41, I tend to agree but you are assuming that these are the only points available to the OP. The OP may own legacy units which could be combined with Trust points for more options. If this is the OP's only investment, then I agree.

I assumed that since it was his first post and the nature of his questions that the OP was not a legacy owner. I think it's still a good guess but you're right I shouldn't have "assumed"

 

[capjak]

That is a good price, best I have heard.

If I needed a few extra points to go with my legacy that price would be tempting...

Does that include closing fees, do you get 2012 use or the points in 2013, do you get any marriott points as an incentive, do you get bonus points???

 

[sspropguy@gmail.com]

I assumed that since it was his first post and the nature of his questions that the OP was not a legacy owner. I think it's still a good guess but you're right I shouldn't have "assumed"

That is a good price, best I have heard.

If I needed a few extra points to go with my legacy that price would be tempting...

Does that include closing fees, do you get 2012 use or the points in 2013, do you get any marriott points as an incentive, do you get bonus points???

I'm new to any timeshare program, so this is a first for me.

The 8.7 price includes is a gross total, including closing for points use May 2012 -May 2013.

 

[sspropguy@gmail.com]

I'm new to any timeshare program, so this is a first for me.

The 8.7 price includes is a gross total, including closing for points use May 2012 -May 2013.

The 8.7 had cash incentives, no additional points are in that price.

 

[FractionalTraveler]

That's the lowest price I have ever heard as being offered. The original launch price was $9.2.

 

[GregT]

The 8.7 had cash incentives, no additional points are in that price.

Quarter-end is approaching.....maybe this is a promotion to try and close business this month.

It's hard to recommend buying Trust Points (sorry to be the wet blanket). The $0.41 MFs approach the cash rental price for the reservation (from an owner -- not from Marriott) so you're paying the up-front for the right to make reservations. That's valuable, but is it $8.70 per point valuable? And as JimF pointed out, 2,500 points is just the start -- you'll need more in the future to really utilize the system. DVC does this, they sell you modest packages to start and are confident that you'll add more points in the future (and it works).

The good news is that you can rent points for $0.50 - $0.65 per point from other owners. If you do buy points, I would hope you would buy the smallest number of points possible and then rent what you need (until Marriott closes the points rental door -- or restricts it at least as Disney has done).

I may still be jaded from what I feel was some distinctly owner-unfriendly decisions that Marriott made -- and I just feel that this is the new pattern in the future. I would be reluctant to buy points in a system where I suspect its going to change in the future to my detriment. I don't mind modest changes or reasonable fees -- but fundamental usage changes are a concern.

One of the moderators here (Timeos2) is a huge believer that people should just rent the reservation they want from an existing owner (for not much more than the MFs) and not be sucked in to buying the week (or points) and being committed to the MFs. With Trust Points having such high MFs, I think that is doubly valid here. And I don't trust Marriott to be owner-first in the future. I'm very glad that I have my weeks -- and that I'm already in the DC system because it has value -- but I wouldn't buy Trust Points to join it.

Please let us know what you do -- and good luck to you, this is not a fun deliberation to have while on vacation (how is MOC looking??)

Thanks very much!

Greg

 

[Docklander]

Just as a Datapoint:

I was on the phone to Marriott Sales today just to ask some questions about how DC works vs the old weeks program. All I really wanted was to make sure I have all the facts but with no real intent of buying any trust points. These were the prices I was quoted:

Purchases of 1,500 (min purchase allowed) - 2,499 points @ $10.94/point
Purchases of 2,500+ points @ $9.30/point

And I got the usual patter that the agent "just got an email this morning that prices were going up as of April".

 

[sspropguy@gmail.com]

Quarter-end is approaching.....maybe this is a promotion to try and close business this month.

It's hard to recommend buying Trust Points (sorry to be the wet blanket). The $0.41 MFs approach the cash rental price for the reservation (from an owner -- not from Marriott) so you're paying the up-front for the right to make reservations. That's valuable, but is it $8.70 per point valuable? And as JimF pointed out, 2,500 points is just the start -- you'll need more in the future to really utilize the system. DVC does this, they sell you modest packages to start and are confident that you'll add more points in the future (and it works).

The good news is that you can rent points for $0.50 - $0.65 per point from other owners. If you do buy points, I would hope you would buy the smallest number of points possible and then rent what you need (until Marriott closes the points rental door -- or restricts it at least as Disney has done).

I may still be jaded from what I feel was some distinctly owner-unfriendly decisions that Marriott made -- and I just feel that this is the new pattern in the future. I would be reluctant to buy points in a system where I suspect its going to change in the future to my detriment. I don't mind modest changes or reasonable fees -- but fundamental usage changes are a concern.

One of the moderators here (Timeos2) is a huge believer that people should just rent the reservation they want from an existing owner (for not much more than the MFs) and not be sucked in to buying the week (or points) and being committed to the MFs. With Trust Points having such high MFs, I think that is doubly valid here. And I don't trust Marriott to be owner-first in the future. I'm very glad that I have my weeks -- and that I'm already in the DC system because it has value -- but I wouldn't buy Trust Points to join it.

Please let us know what you do -- and good luck to you, this is not a fun deliberation to have while on vacation (how is MOC looking??)

Thanks very much!

Greg

Greg,

Truly appreciate your input. Here's our conclusion:
We cancelled the MVC buy-in. If we just compared the MF's to retail rates, even conversions across channels (MVC to cruise) looks something like 25-30% cheaper. But most people can find better-than-retail rates in any travel channel, with a little travel flexibility, seriously searching for discounts, renting MVC points (your great suggestion), etc. Access to premium travel experiences at discounted costs doesn't appear to require the Trust Point buy-in.

Also, we weren't willing to commit to the 'lifetime' commitment to MF's. I say lifetime, because the points certainly are not a liquid asset that can be sold without a heavy loss.

I won't bash the MVC --if one needs max flexibility and is willing to pay for it, it certainly delivers. If you have other ways to access the program or the properties, you can get close or cheaper than the same value (cost to vacation) as just the MF's without the buyin.

Thanks again for the great input.

 

[MOXJO7282]

Do you need 2 BDRM units? Do you need to travel during winter or very prime weeks?

If either of those questions are no then I would reconsider buying because you can easily rent 1BDRM units or off season units for a small uplift from maintenance costs.

The reason I purchased and continue to purchase MOC weeks is because I needed 2BDRM units and need them during prime time. The reason I will continue to own 2BDRM units even when I don't have to travel in the prime season is 2 BDRM prime OF/OV weeks units rent very well.

 

[sspropguy@gmail.com]

Do you need 2 BDRM units? Do you need to travel during winter or very prime weeks?

If either of those questions are no then I would reconsider buying because you can easily rent 1BDRM units or off season units for a small uplift from maintenance costs.

The reason I purchased and continue to purchase MOC weeks is because I needed 2BDRM units and need them during prime time. The reason I will continue to own 2BDRM units even when I don't have to travel in the prime season is 2 BDRM prime OF/OV weeks units rent very well.

Acknowledged. Marriott is top-of-the-line experience and glad it's working for you. I also appreciate your comments, since the decision to get into a program is a very personal experience.

 

[FractionalTraveler]

Just as a Datapoint:

I was on the phone to Marriott Sales today just to ask some questions about how DC works vs the old weeks program. All I really wanted was to make sure I have all the facts but with no real intent of buying any trust points. These were the prices I was quoted:

Purchases of 1,500 (min purchase allowed) - 2,499 points @ $10.94/point
Purchases of 2,500+ points @ $9.30/point

And I got the usual patter that the agent "just got an email this morning that prices were going up as of April".

Docklander, very interesting information!

I Just got done with sales presentation at Newport Coast yesterday and that is exactly what was offered. They wouldn't even budge when I counter offered to buy either more points than 2500 at a lower price point or less than 2500 at a slightly higer price point.

They seemed very content to just let me walk away empty handed.

I did notice though that the preview center was packed all day with Promo customers. Very little actual owners.

 

[m61376]

Just to add- Marriott may only be selling the points, but what are your vacation goals? Do you want to repeatedly return to Maui, for example? If so, there are other options which may (or may not) be worth considering, such as buying a resale week for less money than the points would cost, that will guarantee you the right to reserve a 2BR in your view category every year, and that 2 BR could be split into a 1 BR and a studio to give you 2 weeks, either in Maui or by trading to an alternative location.

You'd be saving money, getting either 2 weeks in a better view (assuming you purchase an OV or OF) or 1 week in a 2BR unit, and save yourself thousands to boot. Depending on your ultimate vacation goals, that might be something worth considering.

Welcome to Tug, btw

 

[readyalready]

We also went through the sales presentation at MOC this week.

As nice as it would have been to be able to book next year's trip on the spot (which would have required the purchase of a bazillion points), it made no financial sense. I'm with the rent when you want to go camp. It isn't always ideal, but there are also lots of people who own and don't get exactly what they want. Our tastes also change, and while Marriotts are very nice, some years we want to go places that Marriott isn't an option.

I'm a bit sceptical of the continued ability to get good reservations through points. Perhaps the demand premium will help level things, but I wonder.

 

[pwrshift]

Why consider paying for useless points when there are great deals available on eBay ... Just be patient. Here's an EOY oceanfront 2 bdrm suite that sold for $8500.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARRIOTTS-M...=Timeshares&hash=item20c32a791d#ht_1272wt_948

 

[4Reliefnow]

WAIT! Why are you talking $9 points instead of secondary purchase weeks?

Look at this Ebay auction http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARRIOTT-MA...90675601097?pt=Timeshares&hash=item43ad9daec9

This Platinum 1Br 2BA just sold for under $4,000. It is the same as 3,000 points which would cost you $25,000.

You save $20,000 which will let you rent an extra one bedroom platinum anywhere you thought you might trade for the next 20 years.

Why is everyone talking about if $9 is a good price for points instead of if points are outrageous price compared to secondary?

 

[MOXJO7282]

WAIT! Why are you talking $9 points instead of secondary purchase weeks?

Look at this Ebay auction http://www.ebay.com/itm/MARRIOTT-MA...90675601097?pt=Timeshares&hash=item43ad9daec9

This Platinum 1Br 2BA just sold for under $4,000. It is the same as 3,000 points which would cost you $25,000.

You save $20,000 which will let you rent an extra one bedroom platinum anywhere you thought you might trade for the next 20 years.

Why is everyone talking about if $9 is a good price for points instead of if points are outrageous price compared to secondary?

I tell anyone who is considering purchasing MOC that if at all possible buy a 2BDRM OV/OF resale because the overall value and flexibility with the LO is so much more while MFs are only slightly more.

 

[Fastpc2020]

I use eBay for our current stay at moc and it's a nice resort. I've been looking resale at Ko Olina for a while but wanted to see what Maui had to offer.

Did my first presentation ever yesterday and was offered trust points at 9.30 a point. I was told its last years pricing because of their anniversary. If you purchase more than 5k in points you get one time use of extra points or Marriott reward points.

My thought was buy 3k at 27900 so I could do a 2bed in Hawaii eoy or a 1bed every year( yes it would depend on the time of year but I'm flexible)

I was also told trust point owners can transfer points to one another for free? So I thought I could "rent" points from someone else if I needed more.

The real question I have is the salesman told me Marriott has a buyback program for trust points and that they would purchase my points for the original cost (27900 in my case) less a 10% commission fee. I haven't done any thing yet or seen this policy in writing but if it's true are trust points worth it?

Basically you'd be taking vacations for the mf's and when ready could sell the points back. The only reason I can think of why Marriott would do this is they can then take those points and resell them at the new rate. Since it's already been established there really won't be a resale market for points.

If I can get this buy back policy in the contract is it a good deal?

 

[larryallen]

Wow!

That offer is less than the $9.2 price point at initial offering back in 2010.

I would definitely go for it, but that's just me. You need to evaluate your current situation as see if it works for you.

Good luck!

Which property do you sell at?

 

[m61376]

If I can get this buy back policy in the contract is it a good deal?

This is the first time I have seen anyone post here about such a program being offered. IF it is that's news. Ask for it detailed in writing and see what response you get.

To say that I'd be very surprised if the salesman was willing to put it in writing is an understatement. As far as we know here, there is no definite buy back program. There have been a few posts about Marriott supposedly allowing resale points into the DC with a fee, but even that has not been tested so I wouldn't even take that with certainty. They have never offered a buy back program with a 10% commission; when they were buying back resale weeks there was a 40% commission. For them to buy back points at a guaranteed 10% commission with a guaranteed buy back would be very surprising.

 

[gblotter]

Wow!

That offer is less than the $9.2 price point at initial offering back in 2010.

I would definitely go for it, but that's just me. You need to evaluate your current situation as see if it works for you.

Good luck!

Which property do you sell at?

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Davidr]

When we were at Oceana Palms in Aug the saleswomen told us that there would be a buy back program in place for points soon. It must be a common lie. Marriott will never buy them back for 90% since their marketing costs must be close to 40-50% of the sales price.