New Ideas for SFX

[PortableTech Member Find all posts View Profile Close PortableTech]

Hey Mark,

I had a few ideas on some things SFX could do to make the experience a little better for everyone, as well as doing something (that to my knowledge) no other exchange company does (since you seem to like that so much).

1. In regards to the Online Search feature on the site, let me start by saying, I LOVE IT!!. But, it could be better... First, while I am sure many people love it, I have no intention of going to Mexico, and having to pick between searching a very small area for a resort, or searching the whole world is a little annoying since the first page or two seems to always be taken up by Mexico Resorts on a global search. I know doing many additional combined areas would likely be a pain, but could we at least have a USA option to limit the results to only locations within the USA? That would certainly make things much cleaner for those of us looking locally.

2. Now, here is the idea that I think you might like. It is a cool thing no one else does, and would only help you meet even more customers wishes. Lets ask ourselves, what is the hardest part of the exchange business? Well that seems easy, meeting their specific requests for specific weeks at specific resorts. If only you had a large user-base of loyal customers whom owned at various resorts worldwide who could help you, oh wait, you do!

How about give users the ability to opt-in to receive an email when when a request is put in for a resort (or resort network such as HGVC) that they own at and SFX does not have the ability to currently fill. You could them offer some little extra incentive to people to deposit the specifically requested week, thus making the depositor even happier and the requester overjoyed.

SFX, in my view, has the great advantage of not being the 8000 lb gorilla that some exchange companies are. You are a very personal, hands on, premium exchange company. Your customers are your family, and an idea such as this helps bring the whole family together to help the family.

Anyways, just some thoughts that were rambling through my head earlier. Let me know what you think.

--PortableTech

[celperf Member Find all posts View Profile Close celperf]

yes i like the idea # 2 because many have floating weeks and can book the dates that some one need but because he does not witch he only book any and them deposit, so maybe you can have a sign form to the people that can be ask to book in a specific week (also you can give a incentive) and you will have many happy costumer for both sides

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

Actually, they have done something like that in the past. A while back, they were giving incentives for HGVC owners to deposit specific weeks. But I like your idea of sending out targeted emails to owners of a week that is being requested. I think that would have a reasonable chance of being a very successful program.

Kurt

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

Hey Mark,

I had a few ideas on some things SFX could do to make the experience a little better for everyone, as well as doing something (that to my knowledge) no other exchange company does (since you seem to like that so much).

1. In regards to the Online Search feature on the site, let me start by saying, I LOVE IT!!. But, it could be better... First, while I am sure many people love it, I have no intention of going to Mexico, and having to pick between searching a very small area for a resort, or searching the whole world is a little annoying since the first page or two seems to always be taken up by Mexico Resorts on a global search. I know doing many additional combined areas would likely be a pain, but could we at least have a USA option to limit the results to only locations within the USA? That would certainly make things much cleaner for those of us looking locally.

2. Now, here is the idea that I think you might like. It is a cool thing no one else does, and would only help you meet even more customers wishes. Lets ask ourselves, what is the hardest part of the exchange business? Well that seems easy, meeting their specific requests for specific weeks at specific resorts. If only you had a large user-base of loyal customers whom owned at various resorts worldwide who could help you, oh wait, you do!

How about give users the ability to opt-in to receive an email when when a request is put in for a resort (or resort network such as HGVC) that they own at and SFX does not have the ability to currently fill. You could them offer some little extra incentive to people to deposit the specifically requested week, thus making the depositor even happier and the requester overjoyed.

SFX, in my view, has the great advantage of not being the 8000 lb gorilla that some exchange companies are. You are a very personal, hands on, premium exchange company. Your customers are your family, and an idea such as this helps bring the whole family together to help the family.

Anyways, just some thoughts that were rambling through my head earlier. Let me know what you think.

--PortableTech

Hi PortableTech - Thank you for your post, and just really appreciate all suggestions and ideas of how we can improve our Member experience. Improving service should always be a never ending journey for any business.

Both ideas are good, and are amongst dozens of other ideas we have already on the drawing board. The top item may be implemented some time next year in the next version of our website. One point we do try to get across to Members with regards to online immediate availability, and that is... what you see online represents a "fraction" of the inventory that comes into our system each year. These are only weeks we currently have no requests for from our Members. The premium inventory is rarely seen online, and this is because the demand is far greater than the supply of space (industry wide), and when these weeks are deposited they are immediately "matched and booked" to those who have pending requests, and not seen online.

Most exchanges industry wide are booked via a search process, and not immediately online. This is the typically the same methodology with all exchange companies.

The second item you mention, we already do, as we are very pro-active with searches. Rather than being a passive system waiting for member deposits to come in to match against pending requests, in addition to that, we are constantly pounding the pavement through our network of strategic alliances negotiating space and communicating with members.

There is always a delicate tightrope to walk with respect to not "over sending" emails to members. Even with the best intentions, too much email will drive people crazy and they can block further emails from you.

Please don't hesitate to mention further ideas on how we can improve our service.

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

I must agree with what Mark said about being pro-active. Three years ago I needed a 2 BR unit in Las Vegas to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday. Apparently they had nothing available, but the reservations person I spoke with asked if I would accept Polo Towers. She said she would make some calls. Within a couple of hours, I had my week. I was very pleased with her proactive response to my request.