Ongoing searches and fees

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

NOTE: I did consider adding this to the other "ongoing search" thread, however that was related directly to RCI and this is more general to all companies as a comparison.

Since I now have some deposits with different companies, I have a couple questions, as I am lead to believe two different things.

1. When putting in a search request, is there a fee in addition to the exchange fee itself? I think the answer to this is no, but want to verify.
2. If an exchange company offers, or finds a match do I still have to pay?
3. Related to question two, how are all the exchange companies’ different if the answer to is yes and no?

When I requested with SFX, there was a blurb-saying if “an exact match” than I did even if not accepted as they “performed the service”. However in reading some of the RCI stuff, it looks like you can “throw stuff back” if it does not match. This has me a little confused.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

With both II & RCI there is no fee for putting in a request first search. However, you do need to pre-pay the exchange fee with both.

With II, you have 24 hrs to cancel, if an exchange has been made with no penalty.....Be careful with II tho. Unless you have specifically asked to be notified by phone, II will only send you an email confirming an exchange.

With RCI, you also have 24 hrs to cancel without penalty. Not sure what their notification policy is, but I've only received emails from them as well.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I have used SFX exclusively for the past 15 years. I believe it is true that if they make an exact match that you can be charged the exchange fee. However that has never occurred in my many exchanges with them. They have always contacted me when a match was found with the exchange info and asked if I wanted it. I typically request specific resorts.

An exact match would be both the exact date and resort that was requested.

You should probably ask Mark in the "Ask SFX" forum to get the official answer.

[Presley Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Presley]

In SFX, I always check the box that says I will accept and pay for exact match. I have always taken the exchanges when they come open. However, they always call me and ask if I want it. There was even a time when I wasn't home and the message left was that they would hold the reservation for 24 hours for me and to call to let them know if I want it.

So, while they have the agreement written a certain way, they seem to be more invested in making the customers happy with getting them what they want and not forcing them to take what they don't want.

[scootr5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scootr5]

I must say, I haven't used them but had corresponded with Mark - SFX seems vey customer service orientated. We are planned out through 2014 right now, but maybe I'll look to them for 2015 for a Mexico or SF property.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I must say, I haven't used them but had corresponded with Mark - SFX seems vey customer service orientated. We are planned out through 2014 right now, but maybe I'll look to them for 2015 for a Mexico or SF property.

SFX is very good for exchanges to many areas other than Mexico and San Francisco.

I have exchanged into New York City 3 times, Hawaii twice, Las Vegas several times, Sedona AZ, Scottsdale AZ, and others including many exchanges to Mexico.

One very nice benefit with SFX is I have never had to pay any resort fees which are very common with RCI.

[scootr5 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close scootr5]

One very nice benefit with SFX is I have never had to pay any resort fees which are very common with RCI.

Good to know!

[bnoble Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close bnoble]

With RCI, you also have 24 hrs to cancel without penalty. Not sure what their notification policy is, but I've only received emails from them as well.

I think I've gotten both email and phone, but the email is more reliable. You can also set up your search to auto-confirm, or not. If you do auto-confirm, after 24 hours the vacation is confirmed and can only be canceled subject to the cancel policy. If you do *not* auto-confirm, after 24 hours the match is dropped.

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

In 116 RCI exchanges, it's hard to recall any where we've had to pay a resort fee. Big Cedar Wilderness Club had one, $35, to use the amenities of Big Cedar Lodge.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

In 116 RCI exchanges, it's hard to recall any where we've had to pay a resort fee. Big Cedar Wilderness Club had one, $35, to use the amenities of Big Cedar Lodge.

They are becoming much more prevalent.

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

They are becoming much more prevalent.

Something I'll miss out on.

Just when you think it can't get uglier.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

I just exchanged into Wyndham La Belle Maison, and there's a $75 housekeeping fee for the week, for both 1 & 2 bdrms.

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

I just exchanged into Wyndham La Belle Maison, and there's a $75 housekeeping fee for the week, for both 1 & 2 bdrms.

Is it just that particular resort or is it common at other Wyndham resorts? We exchanged into Wyndham Waikiki Beachwalk resort in Hawaii through SFX and we didn't have to pay any fees.