A friend of my recently came across a company called IBD Marketing and was in contact with them regarding selling an RCI affiliated timeshare unit in Orlando, Florida. After offering them a sum about 3k higher than what they had assumed they would be able to sell their timeshare for, they called me for assistance. I was unfamiliar with their organization and decided to do some investigating before giving my friend the go ahead to try to list and sell with them. My first search was a simple Google query for “IBD Marketing”, and I have to say I was mildly shocked when I realized that the first 10 listings were all negative commentary on the company, and not one of the links was to the actual company website itself! That was only the beginning of the bad omens…
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Timeshare has come a long way since the slick, fast-talking time-share salesman. While he may no longer wear a plaid leisure suit, he remains focused on the sale, and will do everything in his power to convert your interest into a hearty commission. Some salespeople talk, talk and talk, and never listen to the client - this way they can give their pitch without getting too close. There’s no shortage of dishonest tactics, some posing questions like “Don’t you think your children deserve better?” or other first-class guilt trips involving family, work, and your personal life. To avoid falling for a trick, pay close attention, never let a salesperson tell you what you want, and beware of the “puke price”.
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The breakdown of penalties for canceling RCI Points timeshare vacations is based on how close to the departure date the reservation is canceled.
- Grace Period (1 day after making transaction) 100% restoration of points and no loss of transaction fee for reservations made 21 days or greater in advance.
- 120 days or greater 100% restoration of points and full loss of transaction fee.
- 119 days to 61 days75% restoration of points and full loss of transaction fee.
- 60 days to 30 days 50% restoration of points and full loss of transaction fee.
- 29 days or less 25% restoration of points and full loss of transaction fee.
Built within the RCI exchange program is the option for timeshare owners to purchase cancellation insurance in the event that the owner needs to cancel the reservation prior to the stay or the vacation reservation is canceled by RCI prior to the stay (i.e. natural disaster, construction, etc.). RCI’s term for this insurance is Cancellation Protection. Cancellation Protection may be purchased up to 14 days before the travel date for $49 in addition to the exchange fee per exchange. In the event you change your mind about needing this additional protection, you may request a refund up to 14 days after it is purchased; however, no refunds will be given if it is canceled 14 days or less from the travel start date.
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Ever thought of trading your timeshare week for a cruise, or using your RCI points toward a week long adventure at sea? As many of you may already know, RCI owners are able to book cruises through RCI timeshare exchange by applying unused points, borrowing points from a future year, or banking and trading a weeks time share. RCI will generally use the option for cruise vacations as a selling point for their program, but are they really a good deal? This article will explore the ways to book a cruise through RCI, and look at whether or not trading your timeshare for a cruise is a worth it.
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