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Give me SFX or give me (exchange) Death!

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  • Give me SFX or give me (exchange) Death!

    I just need to sing SFX's praises again. I have had such good experiences with them, that when I deal with other exchange companies, I always feel let down, or even irritated. Vacation planning should be fun and not irritating.

    My first contact with SFX was here on this board with Mark. I was in the process of buying GPP, already owned DVC and posted some questions. Mark was very helpful. I got a lot of information before I was even considering do any exchanges.

    My first SFX deposit was done a few days before the current special. When I told Mark that I had deposited a few days before, he told me he would make sure that I would get credit under the new special. And, he did.

    I have heard over and over again about how we need to be flexible and choose as many locations/dates as we could in order to make a match. I placed a search for 2 of the Hawaiin island with a few dates (all school holidays). I actually didn't have much hope about any of it coming through, based on what everyone says about exchanging with any company. A few weeks later, I got the call - an exchange came through and it was large enough that I was able to invite extended family who have never been to Hawaii. I still have my 5 lifestyle weeks.

    Since then, I have deposited more and booked a lot more. I've also looked into the other exchange companies. While I am also fond of PI and GPX, SFX is much better deal for me. RIght now, GPX is having a very good sale on bonus weeks. I'd be tickled pink by it if I didn't already know I could get those cheaper by using Lifestyle weeks in SFX. A lifestyle week I just booked at SFX for Carlsbad Inn cost me $299. The big sale at GPX (and it is a good price) would be $499. While I don't plan on cancelling, I know SFX would let me rebook that week for another exchange fee, while GPX says there is no option if the week needs to be cancelled.

    I've been toying with RCI points, since I have that linked to my newest TS purchase. I cannot believe the FEES! Basically, just to turn on my ability to book, I need to pay over $200. Then, an exchange fee of $189., another $89. if I want cancellation protection, another $59. if I want to book for a friend or family member and if needed, a combo fee if I need to combine points. Getting my exchange start with SFX has pretty much ruined any chance of me being happy with paying all those fees to RCI.

    PI and GPX certainly have excellent customer service, great rates and inventory that I continue to use. SFX just blows everyone else away in what I get back when I make a deposit.

  • #2
    SFX seems to get good word of mouth over here, as opposed to the other board. Can I ask what you deposited and what you got in exchange?
    Scott

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    • #3
      I just did my first trade with SFX, and got a 2BR in London. I totally agree. They are a great company. I like using DAE Europe as well, which gets me a different range of inventory, and between the two of them, who needs RCI?

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by scootr5
        SFX seems to get good word of mouth over here, as opposed to the other board. Can I ask what you deposited and what you got in exchange?
        Sure. I love to brag!

        Deposit: One bedroom WM Birch Bay July 4th week
        Exchange: 2 bedroom Wyndham Kona Resort Thanksgiving week
        + 5 Lifestyle weeks

        Deposit: One bedroom WM Solvang July week
        Exchange: One bedroom Powell Place San Fran, July week
        + 5 Lifestyle weeks

        Deposit: One bedroom Capistrano Surfside Inn, April week
        Exchange: 2 bedroom Marriott Palm Desert, August week
        + 3 Lifestyle weeks

        Lifestyle weeks already used:
        March, Riviera Beach and Spa
        May, Carlsbad Inn
        December, Villa L'auberge
        January, Manhattan Club
        all one bedrooms

        I am just now finally realizing that I can book a weekend away on a Lifestyle week pretty much each month. I'm not saying that I will, but it is looking that way.

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        • #5
          I have used SFX exclusively for the past 15 years. Prior to that I used both RCI and II. I dumped RCI because they lied to me. I didn't really have any problem with II but they couldn't get me the particular resort I wanted. I switched to SFX and got the resort I wanted. Since then I have done many exchanges with SFX, some of them were very tough trades like Scottsdale AZ in March during MLB spring training. SFX has gotten every request I made including HGVC, Marriott, Grand Mayans, Royals, etc. I have exchanged into New York City 3 times at 3 different timeshares, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Sedona AZ, Scottsdale AZ, Branson MO, Cancun, Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Fort Lauderdale, etc.

          I almost always specify the resort I want. Most of the exchanges were during prime time. I haven't noticed any difference in being able to get good exchanges over the past 15 years. Needless to say, I am a very happy camper.

          I love the fact that there are no restrictions on how often you can visit the same resort.

          I don't know why so many complain about RCI yet continue to use them. The simple solution is to dump them and find an alternative which for me was SFX.

          For those wanting to exchange into New York City with SFX, there are other timeshares there other than the Manhattan Club. We have exchanged into the Manhattan Club, HGVC West 57th Street, and Hilton Vacation Club on Avenue of the Americas. Our favorite by far if the Hilton Vacation Club.
          John

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          • #6
            Originally posted by JWC View Post

            I almost always specify the resort I want.
            I still haven't done that, primarily because I have always assumed it would need to be requested over the phone. I do most of my transactions online because my dogs always seem to bark when I am on the phone.

            This last week when I put in my search online, I did specify particular areas in the comments field. I know I'd be happy with any of those TS in those areas. Since it came through the next day, I now feel comfortable being specific in the comment field.

            I am going to try asking for specific resorts next time that I put in a search, if I know the area that I am traveling to.

            I really don't know why SFX works so well for some of us and others, not so much. All I can think of is that people maybe aren't doing what they are told as far as deposits go. I only deposit Prime weeks and I only deposit resorts that I see on their website.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by Presley View Post
              Sure. I love to brag!
              Thanks for sharing! It's tough to evaluate the exchange companies without some example trades to compare.
              Scott

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              • #8
                I would love to try SFX but they won't accept anything I own. Guess I will just have to be happy with the "big two."

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Presley
                  I still haven't done that, primarily because I have always assumed it would need to be requested over the phone. I do most of my transactions online because my dogs always seem to bark when I am on the phone.

                  This last week when I put in my search online, I did specify particular areas in the comments field. I know I'd be happy with any of those TS in those areas. Since it came through the next day, I now feel comfortable being specific in the comment field.

                  I am going to try asking for specific resorts next time that I put in a search, if I know the area that I am traveling to.

                  I really don't know why SFX works so well for some of us and others, not so much. All I can think of is that people maybe aren't doing what they are told as far as deposits go. I only deposit Prime weeks and I only deposit resorts that I see on their website.
                  You just specify the particular resort in the comments field. Bear in mind that specifying a particular resort can lessen your chances of getting your request.

                  People need to contact SFX to see if their resort is acceptable. You can ask Mark on the SFX forum. They don't have all the resorts they deal with listed on their website.
                  John

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                  • #10
                    Presley - did you have to pay upgrade fees to go from the 1 bedroom deposit to the 2 bedrooms, or are you platinum/diamond level?
                    Scott

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                    • #11
                      Originally posted by scootr5 View Post
                      Presley - did you have to pay upgrade fees to go from the 1 bedroom deposit to the 2 bedrooms, or are you platinum/diamond level?
                      I purchased Platinum level, but my first exchange was during my free Platinum trial. For the 2 bedroom in Hawaii, I paid around $150. for the exchange and that included me paying extra for insurance. The cash card credits that they give make a pretty big difference. So, my room upgrade was free and I had cash card credit for the exchange fee and the insurance.

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                      • #12
                        When we did our last owner update he was telling us about the low percentage of Bluegreen owners that used RCI. I told the guy that we don't exchange often, but we use SFX when we have. Much easier to work with and nice people there too.

                        But I guess like all exchanges, you need to be flexible. That is our problem, as a teacher, the DW has specific weeks and sometimes that doesn't work for exchanging.
                        Don

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by vintner
                          But I guess like all exchanges, you need to be flexible. That is our problem, as a teacher, the DW has specific weeks and sometimes that doesn't work for exchanging.
                          I've got the same issue - my wife is a teacher, and we have two kids in grade school. Still though, I was able to exchange into Marriott Manor Club this June through II.
                          Scott

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                          • #14
                            Try spring break sometime.

                            Another time I needed a week away for a conference. I couldn't get that week, I could get a different week, but not the one I needed.
                            Don

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                            • #15
                              I had a week confirmed at Marriott Desert Springs Villas Thanksgiving week and this week I got the second week I wanted as well. I also confirmed two back to back weeks at Hacienda del Mar in Cabo for Jan/Feb 2013. I am happy with SFX as well.

                              Lynn

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