I hope I saved some people some money

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Just vacationed at the HGVC on the Strip in Las Vegas. One morning we were headed out to our car with another couple in the elevator. As we were walking to our cars, the man asked if we were owners. I told him that we owned other TSs and were there on an exchange. I asked if they had bought. They said no, but they were thinking about it. We talked for a while and I told them about TS4MS and Tug and resales. I also gave them my email address. They thanked me because they learned more in those few minutes than they ever thought when they asked if I was an owner. Hopefully they will log in and learn even more. So far they haven't written with any questions, but I hope they do.

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

That is really awesome. I wish I ran into someone like you back when I first wanted a TS and really couldn't afford it.

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

You can lead a horse to water...

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

Over the past 10 years, I have met several people that were confused about what they owned, or how to really use it, or seriously thinking of buying.
Out of all the people I gave my e mail and/or phone number to (seriously, at least 20), only one person took me up on my offer to help.

[rapmarks Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close rapmarks]

last year while at a pool at VV in Weston I met a woman who was a BG owner and wanted to buy more points. I told her about how many times I had seen posts about giving away Vacation club points. Told her about Boca Bum and about these sites. She found me out the next day for more information. When i told her she would probably have to pay closing costs, she looked at me like I was an idiot. "Don't you know those are scams" you are really a fool" she said. I doubt if she ever followed up and went and paid full price for more points.

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

Yep - I'm one of those folks who for many years kicked around buying into a points system...even went to the Hilton presentation - which was the closest we've ever been tempted. So now on here (off-on) for about a week or so, just reading... trying to learn what is best for us...

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Welcome Chris. Feel free to ask questions. You may get a lot of different opinions, but you'll certainly get answers. On some things I'd say we all agree - like don't buy anything until you're educated.

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

Help!!

I'm glad I searched and somehow got to this forum. I need advice because I'm very confused. We went to the Starwood presentation this weekend and almost bought. They suggested to go to the owners around the pool to see if they were happy and all were, but someone told us they bought theirs on ebay for $1. So of course we are now questioning what to do because the sales rep tells us that we will not have access to the Starwood Network which gives us access to "anytime, anywhere" and access to things like their hotels and not just their resorts, etc...In looking at the listings on ebay, I was confused even further. For a smart person I feel like an idiot! I don't understand what transfers and what doesn't. I don't want to be pinned to the same week or the same place every year. I also don't want as I was told by the sales rep if I buy on ebay that I'll never get what I want and where I want and when I want. Please, I need advice from people who know this stuff! Also, they are saying Starwood is the best because of the flexibility and other things but how does it compare to the others since this is the only one I've ever seen? Are others better? Any guidance would be appreciated as we did put down a deposit and have only 9 days to cancel!

[Ridewithme38 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ridewithme38]

I'm glad I searched and somehow got to this forum. I need advice because I'm very confused. We went to the Starwood presentation this weekend and almost bought. They suggested to go to the owners around the pool to see if they were happy and all were, but someone told us they bought theirs on ebay for $1. So of course we are now questioning what to do because the sales rep tells us that we will not have access to the Starwood Network which gives us access to "anytime, anywhere" and access to things like their hotels and not just their resorts, etc...In looking at the listings on ebay, I was confused even further. For a smart person I feel like an idiot! I don't understand what transfers and what doesn't. I don't want to be pinned to the same week or the same place every year. I also don't want as I was told by the sales rep if I buy on ebay that I'll never get what I want and where I want and when I want. Please, I need advice from people who know this stuff! Also, they are saying Starwood is the best because of the flexibility and other things but how does it compare to the others since this is the only one I've ever seen? Are others better? Any guidance would be appreciated as we did put down a deposit and have only 9 days to cancel!

Cancel quick! That same deal will always be available from the developer AFTER you've done all the research you need to do and its better to buy when you are better informed

the SVN is kinda a tricky thing, there are some resorts that are Mandatory, in which the star options transfer with an ebay/resale purchase like Harborside at Atlantis, Vistana Villages (Bella and Key West phases only), Westin St. John (Virgin Grand - Hillside only), Westin Ka'anapali & Westin Ka'anapali-North and Westin Kierland Villas and you are able to use the SVN exchange system and others that are voluntary that don't......

THERE IS ALOT TO LEARN, Cancel your purchase quick and get to studying! I hate to put a link to a different forum but this is a good basic faq on starwood
http://tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63224

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

Thanks!!

Thanks so much for that info! I will cancel tomorrow. they said that the points won't transfer to their hotels, which I would use. How do I know when looking at resale listings which ones are for specific weeks and Specific places and which are for the ones that aren't and how do i know if ill get what I want, where I want and when I want?

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

Also...

How do I know whether Starwood is better as compared to the others? Any opinion? Do the others have better options for resale, such as being able to use at their hotels? The other issue is we generally go away for only 4 nights at a time , not a full week. If we buy direct we can split up the week just using the points that we need , is the same true of resale ? Wow if you are new to this it's very confusing!