How can I change from a Forum or private?Is it secure?

[ledigiannis Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ledigiannis]

I saw in many forums and different sites that you can exchane directlly from TS owners the weeks that I have
But how I can be sure that they are not allready given also to other people and when I go to the resort we are waiting 4-5 different famillies the key for the unit?
How can I make it sure?
Can you please explain?

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

You could call the resort in question and ask if the week has been committed elsewhere. That won't cover all the bases, but it should at least cover the exchange companies and any arrangements made through the resort.

With most resorts, if the owner gives a week to someone else to use, they must contact the resort, to let them know someone else will be showing up and they have the right to the week.

For one of ours (Escapes!), if we do that we contact them, give them a $20 Guest Fee and everything from that point on is between Escapes! and the guest, including a confirmation letter, etc.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

You can also request a basic contract setting forth the understanding between the parties, including expectations in the event of change in plans, etc... You should get the owner's contact information, which you ought to verify.

Undoubtedly, there is a certain amount of trust involved in exchanging privately. With direct exchange, you have some leverage if your week is later than the one you take in exchange; if the owner screws you, you can cancel his/her exchange. If the dates are reversed and you are checking in last, then you lack the advantage, but you can still verify that the owner actually owns the week in question, and make sure your name is at the front desk. Some resorts will issue a confirmation in your name.

References would also help. I wouldn't do a direct exchange with someone completely unfamiliar, I prefer to deal with people I know and/or who I recognize as forum "regulars" with a history.

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

There are various ways to protect yourself, as the others have mentioned.

* Contract

* Verify with resort that your name is on the reservation; call again before final payment; call again before you leave for that destination

* you can also use an escrow service - it's not free, but can provide valuable peace of mind

The transactions do have risk, but, do your homework, talk to the other party on the phone, talk to the resort, have a contract. If something doesn't feel right, investigate.

[ledigiannis Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ledigiannis]

Thanks all of you for all the important informations given

I am really glad that you gave me some informations about exchange in a private way
It sounds a bit complicated I won't try it yet....
(untill I get to know all of you....)

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

I am really glad that you gave me some informations about exchange in a private way
It sounds a bit complicated I won't try it yet....
(untill I get to know all of you....)

What kind of luck have you had with exchange companies? If you don't mind sharing, what do you own/where do you like to trade into? And I'm curious, what is your affiliation with the site/island listed in your signature?

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

I guess it goes without saying that direct exchanges are not all that common because two seldom want to go to exactly each other's resort at exactly the weeks available. The odds are strongly against a perfect, or even acceptable, match.

Hence . . . exchange companies.