New SFX website

[Keep Traveling Member Find all posts View Profile Close Keep Traveling]

On the flip side,

If there isn't a lot of inventory available online because they are doing matching first, it wouldn't really help them but actually hurt them.

Take for example someone that wants to go to Florida East Coast or the keys. These may be hard trades anytime, but if you never see it available because its already matched to someone else you would be less likely to deposit your week.

If you truly understand the SFX model and become a member you get the best of both worlds and they get your membership fee

KT

[Bourne Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bourne]

Having traded with SFX for half a decade, I have a feeling that they do not have too much inventory lying around. I would even go out on a limb and say that Sell-off list makes up for 75%+ inventory on hand. In other words, if you but a search feature out there, there is not much to see. Maybe that's the reason why SFX has been leery of providing one.

However, the above is not a bad thing. Not having inventory in hand does not mean SFX does not have access to inventory. They have partnerships with resosts where they can "pull in" inventory from. Same goes for strategically placed promotions for specific club owners i.e. HGVC. This model keeps "weeks spillage" at the minimum.

IMHO, this model keeps SFX bigger than the other also ran independents. But, on the flip side, it holds them back to match the offering of the big boys.

The million dollar question. Do you want to be the big fish in a small pond or be a small fish in a big pond?

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

Having traded with SFX for half a decade, I have a feeling that they do not have too much inventory lying around. I would even go out on a limb and say that Sell-off list makes up for 75%+ inventory on hand. In other words, if you but a search feature out there, there is not much to see. Maybe that's the reason why SFX has been leery of providing one.

However, the above is not a bad thing. Not having inventory in hand does not mean SFX does not have access to inventory. They have partnerships with resosts where they can "pull in" inventory from. Same goes for strategically placed promotions for specific club owners i.e. HGVC. This model keeps "weeks spillage" at the minimum.

IMHO, this model keeps SFX bigger than the other also ran independents. But, on the flip side, it holds them back to match the offering of the big boys.

The million dollar question. Do you want to be the big fish in a small pond or be a small fish in a big pond?

Bourne - Thank you for your post. Some interesting points. However, I must point out the Sell-off list is a tiny fraction of the inventory we have at hand on any given day. That number of 75% is way off.

Keep in mind, as a general rule that Sell off inventory is typically what is available 60 days or less from check in, and we have thousands of weeks beyond the 60 day mark.

.........."In other words, if you but a search feature out there, there is not much to see. Maybe that's the reason why SFX has been leery of providing one".


The reason there is not much to see, is the same reason there isn't much to see with the other exchange companies too for certain resorts and seasons.

The prime better quality weeks and seasons are booked against ongoing searches and do not drop down into online viewing. In most cases, the inventory you see online with the other companies are weeks they have no requests for from their members. Not saying they are bad... just less desirable seasons and/or resorts or areas of massive over-supply.

If we were to accept that level of inventory into our system... then yes, you would also see thousands of weeks just sitting around.

You do make a good point, pointing out its not just inventory at hand, but "access" to inventory, and all the above keeps the spillage/breakage factor's down to a bare minimum, which also reflects on the "balance sheet" in the liabilities column.

Hope this helps.... Thanks for your business and wishing you a Merry Holiday Season!

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

I'd say I'm certainly not alone in enjoying instant gratification.
We are a nation of people wanting instant access to everything.
Why do you think the internet is such a hit with regular folk?

If you want to do business these days on the internet, you've gotta offer instant gratification. If I didn't put my inventory online for someone to buy it how are they going to know what great stuff I've got to offer. I've been selling on ebay for years and no one has ever called me to ask me what else I've got that's not online. That's ridiculous. People are just not going to do it. Well, maybe a few did but I can count them on one hand. I don't think it's that different with timeshares.

Sure there are those who already know how SFX works, just like those who still use travel agents. Usually those who are, are not internet savvy.
My eldery Mom would be a great candidate for business with SFX the old fashioned way, but me........if I can't see it online, then it probably doesn't exist in my mind.

I may be misssing out on alot of opportunities but that's the way it is. I know that I'm not alone or the sightings threads would have gone the way of the dinosaur by now.

We know how valuable those sightings threads have been to our enjoyment of our timeshares. Why hide this from Mark? In case you aren't aware Mark, we on the forums live and die by the sightings boards so either you can offer online access to all or you are going to lose alot of business from the very owners who will give you lots of exchange fees.

I know that I do about 10 to 12 timeshare exchanges or getaways a year. Most of my exchanges have been done online. I have called into some that don't have online access like my DVC and HGVC for the affiliates but II and RCI truly have gotten most of my business and it's all started online. I may call and book but I searched online first.

I work long days and do alot of my booking at night. Late at night when many offices are closed. That's another benefit of having access online.

So Mark, I hope you will reconsider and expand your online offerings.
Now is your chance to get all the RCI defectors.

You are making some pretty wild assumptions and you speak for the nation. First, I am definitely Internet savvy as you put it seeing as I have been using it for over 20 years and I have designed a lot of networking software. I am also a prolific on-line researcher and buyer.

A product vendor's on-line inventory is far different than a timeshare exchange company's inventory. You cannot compare the 2 businesses.

However, having said all of that, the fact is that any on-line inventory will be weeks that are not in demand. It will be little different than the sell-off list. I don't think having the on-line inventory will really add that much.

Asking Mark to expand the on-line inventory is somewhat laughable. It will be what it is after all the good weeks have gone to satisfy pending requests.

Any RCI defectors will have to qualify to use SFX. SFX is not the same business model as RCI or II and thank god it is not. Mark has said many times that SFX does not want to have a large inventory and that is fully understandable. Unlike RCI and II, which have to take ALL deposits from affiliated resorts, SFX can and is selective in what they will take.

In any event, on-line searching may be fun for window shoppers but I don't think it will make much difference in being able to get the exchanges that people want.

[barndweller Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close barndweller]

To always have every vacation perfectly planned, every moment predicted and every destination preselected, sounds like a pretty boring life. Sure, many, if not most, of us do plan ahead. But sometimes a little serendipity at the last moment can make a vacation the one that provides the most memorable experience. Returning again and again to the same destination or the same resort makes the unadventurous person feel secure, I guess. And some folks are simply too conservative to consider trying something new. But for some of us, window shopping is part of the fun and often results in ideas for resorts and destinations we had never considered before. I welcome SFX's decision to offer online access to inventory, even if it is the leftovers. What some consider leftover has often been a great fit for me.

[Bourne Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bourne]

That number of 75% is way off.

Thank you for correcting me. I wished it was the case. This data is dated(4ish years ago) and was based on a candid conversarion with one of the agents.

Just an option. Here is what SFX could provide.

If I go to Groupon.com, I see only one main deal + a few side deals. Not much but the key selling point is that there were our previous deal with huge sales.

On similar lines, if SFX can provide historical context sensitive data, it would be a great plus. Something along these lines...

A person searches for San Francisco/Hawaii and sees slim to none weeks available. If there are, the person can book it. If not, SFX could provide real data on how many weeks were booked (online or ongoing ) for that location. and throw in blurb stating that we don't have any weeks but hey, set up an ongoing search from here.

Atleast we will know what is possible rather than staring in a black hole and hoping for the best.

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

Thank you for correcting me. I wished it was the case. This data is dated(4ish years ago) and was based on a candid conversarion with one of the agents.

Just an option. Here is what SFX could provide.

If I go to Groupon.com, I see only one main deal + a few side deals. Not much but the key selling point is that there were our previous deal with huge sales.

On similar lines, if SFX can provide historical context sensitive data, it would be a great plus. Something along these lines...

A person searches for San Francisco/Hawaii and sees slim to none weeks available. If there are, the person can book it. If not, SFX could provide real data on how many weeks were booked (online or ongoing ) for that location. and throw in blurb stating that we don't have any weeks but hey, set up an ongoing search from here.

Atleast we will know what is possible rather than staring in a black hole and hoping for the best.

Hi Bourne - conceptionally that sounds reasonable. Unfortunately the reality is, even based on historical data, there is no way of predicting how much availability will become available in the future to where potential odds may be suggested. Past data flow of inventory has almost no bearing on future supply.

Here are the reasons: Exchange companies are not the source of space. The primary source are Owners who choose not to use their week/s in any given year. In addition, while developers are still in sales, a percentage of their unsold inventory is bulk banked with exchange companies. This however diminishes and goes away as the units get sold... and ulitmately the Timeshare Owner is the "source" for available space.

For example, however many weeks from Hawaii (or any location for that matter) were deposited last year, have very little relevance as to what will be deposited next year.

Point being... there is no way of knowing/predicting if and when an Owner will deposit their week/s, or use it where they own. A piece of historical data that is predictable; the higher the quality of the resort and location, the greater the propensity for the Owner to use it for themselves and not deposit it for an exchange. For example, they may exchange the week once every 3 to 5 years, versus an Owner of a lesser quality resort historically will exchange almost every year.

There are other factors as well that play into this. Even if the supply is the same or more each year, another variable will be how many other members are you competing with for that same space? what is their trading power compared to your? etc. This is data that is constantly fluid.

We certainly don't want members placing requests there is no chance of matching. If you request a Christmas week in Paris... an agent will be on the phone in moments advising of the odds!!!

Regardless of which exchange company you use, the most successful model proven over time, is to place a request with Flexibility.... 3 different locations, 3 different travel dates (if you can), and avoid major Holiday weeks. Historically the odds have been in excess of a 90% fulfillment rate. And this that is the Timeshare Exchange Business Model. (Referred to as a correctly placed request).

Hope this insight helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

To always have every vacation perfectly planned, every moment predicted and every destination preselected, sounds like a pretty boring life. Sure, many, if not most, of us do plan ahead. But sometimes a little serendipity at the last moment can make a vacation the one that provides the most memorable experience. Returning again and again to the same destination or the same resort makes the unadventurous person feel secure, I guess. And some folks are simply too conservative to consider trying something new. But for some of us, window shopping is part of the fun and often results in ideas for resorts and destinations we had never considered before. I welcome SFX's decision to offer online access to inventory, even if it is the leftovers. What some consider leftover has often been a great fit for me.

I agree with you somewhat however we don't fit into either scenario. That is because we don't tie our travels to timeshares. I am constantly researching places to visit that may interest us. When we find someplace we are interested in then I check if a timeshare makes sense or staying in a non-timeshare property is better. That is why we spend 50-60 nights a year in good hotels.

It is true that there are destinations that we do visit more than once like New York City but that is because we love NYC and don't get tired of it.

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I agree with you somewhat however we don't fit into either scenario. That is because we don't tie our travels to timeshares. I am constantly researching places to visit that may interest us. When we find someplace we are interested in then I check if a timeshare makes sense or staying in a non-timeshare property is better. That is why we spend 50-60 nights a year in good hotels.

It is true that there are destinations that we do visit more than once like New York City but that is because we love NYC and don't get tired of it.

Your comments just confirm to me why SFX can be a good fit for many travelers....you decide where u want to go - then request with SFX if there is an acceptable timeshare in the area - other like to browse and see what is available.
Based on the Sell-off list of last week, I saw that SFX had availability in NYC and London - I requested and obtained an exchange based on that information that I saw as other travel plans fell through.

I think there is room for both the 'advanced planner' and the 'browser'.

I have an expression - it is the "I didn't know that I wanted to go there but I do" phrase - after seeing Kapish's beautiful pictures here and then an II sighting - I went to Lake Tahoe and had a wonderful time.

I saw an RCI sighting of Morritts Tortuga a few years ago - booked it - visited - and purchased 4 weeks there

Some of us don't know where we want to go, but are happy we took the chance and went.

Both type of traveling is just fine.
Being able to look at availability online is important to me - glad SFX is moving in that direction and hope searching online will be open to all.

[bezerk Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close bezerk]

I did not read every post but I did see a post stating SFX bought TPI...is that correct?
If so I have something like 28 bonus or special weeks thru TPI, did or would they carry over. Boy I am way behind in my exchanges and such...

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I did not read every post but I did see a post stating SFX bought TPI...is that correct?
If so I have something like 28 bonus or special weeks thru TPI, did or would they carry over. Boy I am way behind in my exchanges and such...

Hi Pam - nope, SFX is still independent - it was a branch of II that purchased TPI.
Have a happy holiday - feel better soon.

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

Your comments just confirm to me why SFX can be a good fit for many travelers....you decide where u want to go - then request with SFX if there is an acceptable timeshare in the area - other like to browse and see what is available.
Based on the Sell-off list of last week, I saw that SFX had availability in NYC and London - I requested and obtained an exchange based on that information that I saw as other travel plans fell through.

I think there is room for both the 'advanced planner' and the 'browser'.

I have an expression - it is the "I didn't know that I wanted to go there but I do" phrase - after seeing Kapish's beautiful pictures here and then an II sighting - I went to Lake Tahoe and had a wonderful time.

I saw an RCI sighting of Morritts Tortuga a few years ago - booked it - visited - and purchased 4 weeks there

Some of us don't know where we want to go, but are happy we took the chance and went.

Both type of traveling is just fine.
Being able to look at availability online is important to me - glad SFX is moving in that direction and hope searching online will be open to all.

Pat, this has been my experience. Thank you for stating it so well. I bought my first timeshare in Orlando and couldn't trade it for much. Ended up on Hilton Head Island never having heard of it. Went back at least a dozen times. Timesharing embraces both planning and chance, it's a beautiful thing!

[taffy19 Gold Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close taffy19]

To always have every vacation perfectly planned, every moment predicted and every destination preselected, sounds like a pretty boring life. Sure, many, if not most, of us do plan ahead. But sometimes a little serendipity at the last moment can make a vacation the one that provides the most memorable experience. Returning again and again to the same destination or the same resort makes the unadventurous person feel secure, I guess. And some folks are simply too conservative to consider trying something new. But for some of us, window shopping is part of the fun and often results in ideas for resorts and destinations we had never considered before. I welcome SFX's decision to offer online access to inventory, even if it is the leftovers. What some consider leftover has often been a great fit for me.

I don't agree completely. We do not plan any vacations far in advance but we always go back to the same timeshares we own because we consider them as our "home away from home" where we would have liked to have owned a second home, if money was no object.

Window dressing is great if you can go on the spur of the moment and book a trip online without owning anything. Owning timeshares are becoming a burden if you have to belong to so many different exchange companies just to get an exchange.

John has the right idea by getting rid of his timeshares and travel on the spur of the moment.

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

I don't agree completely. We do not plan any vacations far in advance but we always go back to the same timeshares we own because we consider them as our "home away from home" where we would have liked to have owned a second home, if money was no object.

Window dressing is great if you can go on the spur of the moment and book a trip online without owning anything. Owning timeshares are becoming a burden if you have to belong to so many different exchange companies just to get an exchange.

John has the right idea by getting rid of his timeshares and travel on the spur of the moment.

I agree if you have to pay a membership fee for each one.

An SFX Gold Membership is FREE and still very appealing to thousands of timeshare owners, as it allows them to continue paying an annual membership fee to RCI or I.I. and still have access to our services without being out of pocket with an additional membership fee, as they only pay for an exchange when confirmed.

This is like having two exchange companies working for you, for the price of just one. SFX simply gives you more options in addition to what you have for no extra money out of pocket!

Happy Holidays,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications
www.sfx-resorts.com

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

I agree if you have to pay a membership fee for each one.

An SFX Gold Membership is FREE and still very appealing to thousands of timeshare owners, as it allows them to continue paying an annual membership fee to RCI or I.I. and still have access to our services without being out of pocket with an additional membership fee, as they only pay for an exchange when confirmed.

This is like having two exchange companies working for you, for the price of just one. SFX simply gives you more options in addition to what you have for no extra money out of pocket!

Happy Holidays,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications
www.sfx-resorts.com

That could work for people with more than one timeshare. If you only have one week then you will have to deposit it in one of the exchange companies first in order to get an exchange. For example, if I were to belong to RCI ( heaven forbid - been there, seen it, and done it ) and also had a SFX Gold membership, I could only use one of them. In either case I would have to deposit my week first. If I chose SFX, then I have paid an annual membership to RCI for nothing. Being able to look at on-line inventory would help the window shoppers in this case but not people that plan ahead for the tough trades.

In my almost 14 years of using SFX exclusively, I have been very happy with my exchanges and some of them were pretty tough trades. I have not noticed any deterioration whatsoever and already have 2 great exchanges for 2011 confirmed.

Back on topic. I don't think that being able to view on-line inventory is a bad thing and I am sure some people will like it. I just don't believe it will be that big an enhancement for the majority of SFX members that plan ahead for the tough exchanges. I expect better exchanges from SFX than RCI or II because of their business model and that won't change with viewing on-line inventory. The reason I switched from II to SFX was to get an exchange to a particular resort that II couldn't get.