Marriott changes and SFX

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Sometimes the weeks overlap into the exchange pool, sometimes not. A search yesterday at my home resort turned up weeks that were in Getaways but not available for exchange, whether via A/C or a regular unit surrender (deposit or request first). There were also some weeks which appeared on both functionalities. I search my home resort with my high season week as a control measure.

Camachinist - thank you for the information.

...."There were also some weeks which appeared on both functionalities".

In trying to better understand this... If you are have an A/C for let's say $249, and you see a week in Getaways that is $900... will they let you book that week using the A/C for $249? (I think I know the answer, but don't want to assume anything).

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

I've never personally been able to do it, but imagine some people have by calling in and talking to a human. Online functionality at II is more rigid than human functionality, in general. The same would apply to Getaways and regular exchanges. If the week is showing up in Getaways and not exchanges, the online system won't allow a reservation, but a phone call *might*. My understanding is II and Marriott 'negotiate' for special developer inventory for Getaways. Based on my knowledge of my home resort, which still is in active sales, this makes sense.

With the changes coming with the new internal system, there may be wholesale changes in how all this works, along with, generally, less Marriott inventory transparent in II, meaning visible online in Getaways and/or exchange opportunities. We won't know until the process is underway. My instinct, based on what I'm seeing so far at my home resort, is that Marriott is diverting their unsold inventory to points and I'll be curious to see, with substantial unsold inventory built-out, how hard it will be to reserve my high season interval this year. IMO, there are a confluence of factors which will operate together to give an impression of what is to come and how I'll feel about it as a developer owner. If I get soured on Marriott's system and, by proxy, II, I'll actively look for alternatives moreso than in the past, with SFX being one of those alternatives. A lot of Marriott owners I've talked to know nothing of independent exchange companies or places like Redweek (rentals/resales). Education is a valuable thing

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I've never personally been able to do it, but imagine some people have by calling in and talking to a human. Online functionality at II is more rigid than human functionality, in general. The same would apply to Getaways and regular exchanges. If the week is showing up in Getaways and not exchanges, the online system won't allow a reservation, but a phone call *might*. My understanding is II and Marriott 'negotiate' for special developer inventory for Getaways. Based on my knowledge of my home resort, which still is in active sales, this makes sense.

With the changes coming with the new internal system, there may be wholesale changes in how all this works, along with, generally, less Marriott inventory transparent in II, meaning visible online in Getaways and/or exchange opportunities. We won't know until the process is underway. My instinct, based on what I'm seeing so far at my home resort, is that Marriott is diverting their unsold inventory to points and I'll be curious to see, with substantial unsold inventory built-out, how hard it will be to reserve my high season interval this year. IMO, there are a confluence of factors which will operate together to give an impression of what is to come and how I'll feel about it as a developer owner. If I get soured on Marriott's system and, by proxy, II, I'll actively look for alternatives moreso than in the past, with SFX being one of those alternatives. A lot of Marriott owners I've talked to know nothing of independent exchange companies or places like Redweek (rentals/resales). Education is a valuable thing

Camachinist - thank you for your reply and advisements.

Also, I couldn't agree more with you regarding "Education is a valuable thing".

Most Owners have no idea there are alternative exchange companies and other services available to them. At the sales presentations, they are lead to believe you can only use the exchange company the resort is affiliated with, and typically are too busy in their day to day lives to do some research and find out there are about great options that available to them.

We have found that when the HOA is in control, they are typically more open to having dual or tri-affliations. It's so important for Owners to have as many different options as possible.

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[dmiller1 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dmiller1]

I agree with what has been said in the above posts. We were members of SFX when II couldn't get us an exchange to Hawaii with our Marriott Harbour Point week (week 24). SFX got us there in 2 days. The only thing is that the exchange fee is higher with SFX and the cost of using the bonus weeks are also higher. I would also like to see more places (other than Mexico) to be able to use the bonus weeks. We have spoken with other timeshare owners that have never heard of SFX.

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I agree with you 100%. Marriott resorts are not the only resorts in town and should NOT get special privileges. I welcome Marriott deposits but they should not be treated any differently as the others. If you go that route then why not HGVC, Grand Mayan, etc.

I have used SFX exclusively for the past 13 years and it has worked very well. I see no reason to change the model. People just have to learn how it works.

Hi John - thank you for your post. You have our assurance there will be no changes that compromise the integrity of our exchange process.

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I came here from a TUG link. I am looking into SFX for future exchanges. I only have one property (platinum Barony Beach), but I think it would be a good trader. I only try to trade every 3 years as I enjoy where I bought.

But all that said, if you are looking for future enhancements, I would be willing to try SFX if there was a request first feature. I would hate to give up my week unless I knew what I was getting...

David - thank you for your post. SFX Platinum does have a request first feature.

We certainly understand the thinking of, "I don't want to bank my week first, unless there is something there I want to book for my exchange".

The big "however" is... if everyone or most members Requested first, then there would be little to no space for you to book!

Space is not created by exchange companies... it's primarily created by Members depositing their weeks first, thus creating a "pool" of space of which you can be confirmed for an exchange

And yes, we do realize in addition to Member deposits creating exchange space, there is also Bulk-Bank deposits from developers, but you need to realize this is a short-term fix, because this diminishes and depletes over time as the developer sells out of units! So ultimately... in the big-picture, long-term... Owners create the space by depositing first.

Hope this helps and thank you kindly for your input.

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Let me re-word my post then. Targeted Brand Promos....

StressedCadet - thank you for your reply. Special offers for certain targeted Brand promos is a stanard practice with "all" companies in this industry... and many other industries too.

May we ask what you think the reason is for us doing this is?

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

StressedCadet - thank you for your reply. Special offers for certain targeted Brand promo is a stanard practice with "all" companies in this industry... and many other industries too.

May we ask what you think the reason is for us doing this is?

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

Mark,

I used poor or incorrect terminology when I said "special features" I guess I considered Brand targeting a "special feature" of owning said Brand. I never meant to imply that SFX gave Brand to Brand Priority like II does. I meant to imply (to John) that Brand targeting does come with "special offers" or "addtional offers" that an "off brand" or "vanilla" timeshare might not be offered.

My answer to your question is : To generate quality deposits and/or to fill a need or niche.

Do I win a bonus week

[jjking42 Member Find all posts View Profile Close jjking42]

I have exchanged in the Hgvc and Wyndham mini systems with points. Both work very well. In both systems I got enough points to book back in to my home resort and season.

Marriott should never have created a spread for thier new points system.

As far as external exchanges I have had great luck with SFX.

Used to have good luck with RCI using tiger trader and wyndham points. Won't use Wyndham points in RCi anymore. The tiger trader sees everything but not much there anymore. ( rentals ???)

I mostly need gold crown 2 bedroom units during schools out holiday seasons. Pretty hard to get. I have never had much luck with II. Although I only tried ongoing searches a few times mostly like to look online.

I recently purchased a platinum Marriott week (resale) to see what trading is like with Marriots preference in II. Lucky for me I bought where I like to go.

Whenever the big guys let me down SFX had got me a trade.

Looks like SFX will start getting my Marriott week too

as far as perks
Lower fee for internal
I think a cool idea would be fee based on how soon you deposit
Deposit 12-11 months 109.00
Deposit 10-9 months 129.00
etc

Platinum membership for multible week owners ( any Brand). Once they have actually deposited two different resorts with SFX they are upgraded to SFX Platinum

Reward two bedroom owners for not locking off and depositing the complete two bedrooms. They can trade for a 2 bedroom ,or a 1 bedrooms and studio.

If they trade for a 2 bedroom 1 exchange fee if they trade for two units then only charge them 1-1/2 . I think we would all like to see more two bedroom units. I always disliked that about II . Nothing but one bedrooms and studios.

Optional Internal exchange priority
Give Marriott owners an optional 14 day internal priority if they are willing to only trade to other Marriotts for the first 18 month after deposit.

If they want access to all sfx inventory than no priority.

They have to make this choice when they deposit. If the choose priority they can only book other priority deposits not non priority Marriott deposits

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Mark,

I used poor or incorrect terminology when I said "special features" I guess I considered Brand targeting a "special feature" of owning said Brand. I never meant to imply that SFX gave Brand to Brand Priority like II does. I meant to imply (to John) that Brand targeting does come with "special offers" or "addtional offers" that an "off brand" or "vanilla" timeshare might not be offered.

My answer to your question is : To generate quality deposits and/or to fill a need or niche.

Do I win a bonus week

StressedOne -- No problem. And yes, your are correct. For example... If there is a strong demand for a certain area and/or resort that typically has very limited exchange availability eg. London, New York, Maui etc etc... Our goal is to fulfill exchanges requests, and in instances like this, need to create more availability to book your exchange. So from time to time we will offer certain incentives to get those owners to trade out, creating space for you to trade in.

You haven't won a Bonus Week yet... but we are getting close!

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I have exchanged in the Hgvc and Wyndham mini systems with points. Both work very well. In both systems I got enough points to book back in to my home resort and season.

Marriott should never have created a spread for thier new points system.

As far as external exchanges I have had great luck with SFX.

Used to have good luck with RCI using tiger trader and wyndham points. Won't use Wyndham points in RCi anymore. The tiger trader sees everything but not much there anymore. ( rentals ???)

I mostly need gold crown 2 bedroom units during schools out holiday seasons. Pretty hard to get. I have never had much luck with II. Although I only tried ongoing searches a few times mostly like to look online.

I recently purchased a platinum Marriott week (resale) to see what trading is like with Marriots preference in II. Lucky for me I bought where I like to go.

Whenever the big guys let me down SFX had got me a trade.

Looks like SFX will start getting my Marriott week too

as far as perks
Lower fee for internal
I think a cool idea would be fee based on how soon you deposit
Deposit 12-11 months 109.00
Deposit 10-9 months 129.00
etc

Platinum membership for multible week owners ( any Brand). Once they have actually deposited two different resorts with SFX they are upgraded to SFX Platinum

Reward two bedroom owners for not locking off and depositing the complete two bedrooms. They can trade for a 2 bedroom ,or a 1 bedrooms and studio.

If they trade for a 2 bedroom 1 exchange fee if they trade for two units then only charge them 1-1/2 . I think we would all like to see more two bedroom units. I always disliked that about II . Nothing but one bedrooms and studios.

Optional Internal exchange priority
Give Marriott owners an optional 14 day internal priority if they are willing to only trade to other Marriotts for the first 18 month after deposit.

If they want access to all sfx inventory than no priority.

They have to make this choice when they deposit. If the choose priority they can only book other priority deposits not non priority Marriott deposits

jjking42 - Thank you for your post and kind words. Your suggestions are well thought out with interesting points. We are reviewing all feedback from our Members and Viewers on this site in preparation for our Q1 announcement.

We welcome any additional thoughts you may have and thank you for your business.

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

I agree with what has been said in the above posts. We were members of SFX when II couldn't get us an exchange to Hawaii with our Marriott Harbour Point week (week 24). SFX got us there in 2 days. The only thing is that the exchange fee is higher with SFX and the cost of using the bonus weeks are also higher. I would also like to see more places (other than Mexico) to be able to use the bonus weeks. We have spoken with other timeshare owners that have never heard of SFX.

dmiller1 - thank you for your post.

Actually when you look at all the costs you are currently paying with your other exchange company... With SFX Gold, we are less money not more.

An SFX Bonus Week can be requested any location in the system, not just Mexico. And as better explained in an upcoming post, our Bonus Weeks are not necessarily higher. Hope we can help you with another exchange soon.

Hope this helps...

Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[Mark @SFX Industry Representative Find all posts View Profile Close Mark @SFX]

Excerpts take from original post: The II AC is good for 1 year from issue and are quite limited but offer extremely good value if one is able to travel off/shoulder season. The price usually ranges from $199 to $299 depending on size of the unit, much less than SFX bonus weeks. There is no restriction to size based on deposit so no added fee for an upgrade.....

....... The exchanges have always been off season so wouldn't work for some people but were fantastic bargains for us.

In comparison, the SFX bonus weeks are twice as much. We have used them during prime season just to feel that the higher price was justified.

..... I'd love to have SFX bonus weeks be priced lower for those of us who prefer off season travel.

One of the things we'd love to see SFX and other independents do is to fill the huge void in urban accommodations. II offers nothing for those of us who want to visit some of the big city destinations.

Barndweller - thank you for your post and feedback. Sometimes there isn't always an exact science as to what "Value" is. Many times it is "Subjective", as value is seen differently by people. However, for the most part I must disagree with you, because when the whole picture is looked at and analyzed, I don't see where our bonus week prices are "twice as much".

Please refer to the price comparison chart below, because when you take in all actual costs you are paying with another exchange company, as an SFX Gold Member your overall exchange costs are "Lower", not higher.

With regards to the Bonus Weeks being higher... in some cases they can be a little higher, but not all. For example, our 60-90 day or less space can vary between $99 - $399 for a week. (There may be exceptions).

With SFX you can request your Bonus Week up to one year in advance including Prime-Timeand and Prime-Locations, which according to previous posters you cannot do with your current exchange company. And an SFX Bonus Week certificate can be good for up to 18 month depending on how soon you bank your week, not 12 months as per the comparison.

So although we all see value differently and sometimes its “subjective”, our Members have no problem paying a reasonable amount for a High or Prime Season Bonus week. That's only an average of $57 to $71 per day !! And let's not forget, there is a value having access to both major systems rather than just one, and being able to request a Bonus Week a year in advance including the Prime-Season.

For Hawaii there is a nominal $199 surcharge for the whole week, and only $299 for New York and London. ($698 for week in Kensington London or NY, is only $99 per day which is outstanding value.

There will always be instances where one is a little more than the other, but overall there is good value for money, even if paying a little more on occasion.

Take a peek at this chart. It is based on a 5 year membership plan comparison, except for I.I. as we couldn't find their 5 year pricing, just 1 year. So it may not be a science... but it will put everything into a "realistic" perspective. If there is any inaccurate pricing, please let me know and we will promptly correct it.

With regards to more Urban properties... We only wish. The reality is simply economics. In major urban cities eg. San Francisco, NY, London etc. the cost are too high and prohibitive to timeshare.

CLICK for more details

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

Mark,

I meant to imply (to John) that Brand targeting does come with "special offers" or "addtional offers" that an "off brand" or "vanilla" timeshare might not be offered.

My answer to your question is : To generate quality deposits and/or to fill a need or niche.

Do I win a bonus week

My point is why should Marriott get any special offers. They are no better than many others. I have stayed at Marriott, HGVC, Royals, Grand Mayans, and several others. I would put Marriott at the bottom of that list. The whole value of any timeshare is how much does demand exceed supply. A Manhattan Club or HGVC West 57th Street week is worth a lot more than any Marriott week.

All deposits at SFX are good quality resorts. That, and other things, is what sets SFX apart from other exchange companies. If they start giving special favors to certain owners then the system has changed and not for the better. Trading power is always a factor as it should be but not special favors.

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

One of the things we'd love to see SFX and other independents do is to fill the huge void in urban accommodations. II offers nothing for those of us who want to visit some of the big city destinations. Marriott and Starwood clubs offer their members trades into hotel accommodations in the cities. That is an option we ordinary timeshare owners don't have. Maybe SFX can work on something in that category. Cruises don't really offer trading value since there are many discount cruise options. Maybe major city exchanges would be more enticing.

Marriott and Starwood are both Hotel chains and as such can offer hotel accommodations. You can get urban timeshare exchanges to city destinations that have timeshares. I got an exchange into the Manhattan Club in New York City in the summer of 2008. I have a confirmed exchange for this August at the HGVC West 57th Street in New York City. Both of these exchanges are with SFX. I have stayed in San Francisco via SFX. I own in downtown San Diego which is deposited with SFX so obviously somebody is getting that exchange.