Grand Luxxe Exchange

[missiletoe Member Find all posts View Profile Close missiletoe]

Mark, can you tell me why an exchange to the Grand Luxxe is offered for $299 and a "premium" deposit? Since these are from member deposits why aren't they available for everyone and at the regular exchange price?

Bob

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

Why do you think these are from member deposits? Mark has made it clear several times here that SFX gets inventory from multiple sources. Grand Luxxe units are definitely a step above most other timeshare units, so having a premium on theme seems logical. If you don't want to pay the premium (or you don't think Grand Luxxe units are premium units), why don't you just exchange into the Grand Mayan instead?

Kurt

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

Why do you think these are from member deposits? Mark has made it clear several times here that SFX gets inventory from multiple sources. Grand Luxxe units are definitely a step above most other timeshare units, so having a premium on theme seems logical. If you don't want to pay the premium (or you don't think Grand Luxxe units are premium units), why don't you just exchange into the Grand Mayan instead?

Kurt

I received the promo email and i found the language confusing.
It states in the email that these are member deposits.
I read it that u did not need to exchange a week, that u would get it for $299????? But how could that be true?
When I clicked thru the email I got a general page about the resorts, not the promo.
I know they are a step above....maybe Mark can explain the promo a little more clearly for us all.

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

I received the promo email and i found the language confusing.
It states in the email that these are member deposits.
I read it that u did not need to exchange a week, that u would get it for $299????? But how could that be true?
When I clicked thru the email I got a general page about the resorts, not the promo.
I know they are a step above....maybe Mark can explain the promo a little more clearly for us all.

Hi Pat and others - Thank you for your posts. Sorry about any confusion, so I will be happy to clarify the offer.

First, we do have a limited number of Member deposits for this property. The reason its priced slightly higher than our regular exchange fees, is because this is a Private Residence Club, and of a much high trading/power value than GC or 5 star. So for a little higher exchange fee, you get to trade into a much higher level of property you wouldn't normally get to exchange into. For those who have no interest, then there is still the Grand Mayan and the Grand Bliss, which are wonderful properties for a regular exchange fee. We are simply offering something that is more outstanding for a little bit more (FYI... you can use your cash card toward the exchange fee).

I have stayed at the Grand Luxxe; believe me a slightly higher exchange fee is a almost nothing to stay in these resorts. In RCI's Registry Collection, I believe the exchange fee is about $299 for that level of property?

In the near future, we will be launching "SFX Private-Reserve", which will be a premium level of Private Residence clubs and Fractionals, of which this is the caliber of. We are just giving a small percentage of our Member base, by invitation only, a great opportunity to experience this level of quality, as a promotional limited exchange offer. I have seen these units advertised by owners in rental sites for between $6,000 to $8,000 per week, so our offer is an outstanding exceptional value.

PS: If you have a credit in your SFX account of a previously deposited Prime Time deposited week, you can use this for your Grand Luxxe exchange, for the above stated exchange fee. If you have no available credits, you can deposit a 2012 Prime Time deposit for your exchange. (Not all deposits may qualify for this offer).

PPS: If its within around 60 days of arrival, then these units can be booked at the regular exchange fees Gold: $189, Platinum: $159. There are some available online right now!

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

The rentals for $6000- $8000 are from owners that include the free massages and free golf packages. Do the SFX exchanges offer these perks. They are also into the 2 bedroom units and often during holiday times. The flyer didn't mention size and since much of SFX seems to be geared to one bedrooms I assumed it was for one bedroom and studios (jr suites).

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

The rentals for $6000- $8000 are from owners that include the free massages and free golf packages. Do the SFX exchanges offer these perks. They are also into the 2 bedroom units and often during holiday times. The flyer didn't mention size and since much of SFX seems to be geared to one bedrooms I assumed it was for one bedroom and studios (jr suites).

Sally - thank you for your post. Not sure about the free massages and golf. I didn't see that in the offer in the ads in Redweek and other places. If we were charging $6000-$8000 for a week, we too would throw in some golf and a spa!! (maybe even a limo).

No exchange company includes free golf or a spa for an exchange, let alone when exchanging from a GC or Star rated timeshare into a premium Private Residence Club, that sells for around $100,000 per week. Getting an exchange into such property through us, or any other exchange company is a privileged exchange. It's a completely different level.

Not quite sure where you heard "much of SFX is geared to one bedrooms", as that is not correct. Most of our inventory in our system is one and two-bedroom units. We don't even accept timeshare inventory that are studio's unless they are in SF, NY, London etc.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[hurnik Member Find all posts View Profile Close hurnik]

Hi Mark,

Do I read the promo correctly (I didn't get the email, I just saw it online after I logged in).

There's a limited # of rooms you guys have, and it's $299 to book it? And you do NOT have to also exchange a week?

(ie, it's not "exchange a week + $299"?)

[hurnik Member Find all posts View Profile Close hurnik]

Hi Mark,

Okay, so now I read through all the posts and my question is answered.

But now I have a few more.

1) Why is this even a "promo"? I mean it's still costing an exchange, plus $299 and why is that any different than if you tried to exchange into the Grand Luxxe normally?

2) Is the $299 fee something new? I predicated my Diamond Plus Lifetime membership based upon the SFX website listing $149 for exchange fee. I don't see any asterisk or disclaimer stating that GL exchange fees are double that, nor do I see this disclaimer on the resort directory for GL either. (I DO see a disclaimer about upgrade fees needing to be charged for GL so you don't get your "free" upgrade).

3) There are apparently no 2 bedroom units available (at least in 2013 for the 2 months I was looking for), but you can't even book (2) 1 bedrooms (which ARE available) because the promo limits you to 1 bedroom exchange per member family per year. So is THAT limitation just for the promo or is that also a limitation for "normal" exchanges?

Again, I'm a bit confused as to why this promo is even a promo and how it differs from "normal" exchange request procedures. Or if the limitations of the promo are now the new "norm/standard" for GL Exchanges.

Thank you

--Kevin

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

Hi Mark,

Okay, so now I read through all the posts and my question is answered.

But now I have a few more.

1) Why is this even a "promo"? I mean it's still costing an exchange, plus $299 and why is that any different than if you tried to exchange into the Grand Luxxe normally?

2) Is the $299 fee something new? I predicated my Diamond Plus Lifetime membership based upon the SFX website listing $149 for exchange fee. I don't see any asterisk or disclaimer stating that GL exchange fees are double that, nor do I see this disclaimer on the resort directory for GL either. (I DO see a disclaimer about upgrade fees needing to be charged for GL so you don't get your "free" upgrade).

3) There are apparently no 2 bedroom units available (at least in 2013 for the 2 months I was looking for), but you can't even book (2) 1 bedrooms (which ARE available) because the promo limits you to 1 bedroom exchange per member family per year. So is THAT limitation just for the promo or is that also a limitation for "normal" exchanges?

Again, I'm a bit confused as to why this promo is even a promo and how it differs from "normal" exchange request procedures. Or if the limitations of the promo are now the new "norm/standard" for GL Exchanges.

Thank you

--Kevin

Kevin - Thank you for your post.

1) Why is this even a "promo"? I mean it's still costing an exchange, plus $299 and why is that any different than if you tried to exchange into the Grand Luxxe normally?

This level of property is a Private Residence Club that sells for around $100,000 per week. It is a much higher level that GC or so called 5 star timeshares. You would be staying in a property that has a far greater trading power value than the week you deposited, therefore there is slightly higher exchange fee because you are getting a huge upgrade.

Typically (and there maybe exceptions) you wouldn't have the ability to trade a timeshare into a Private Residence Club or a high end Fractional property, therefore it is "promotional". In the near future we are launching "SFX Private-Reserve" which will be an exclusive high end network of Private Residence Clubs and Fractional properties, of which we will include Grand Luxxe member deposits.

If you have a qualified deposited week with us, and want to stay at that resort around 60 days or less, then our regular exchange fees apply. (Gold members, $189.... Platinum $159 for the Grand Luxxe).

2) Is the $299 fee something new? I predicated my Diamond Plus Lifetime membership based upon the SFX website listing $149 for exchange fee. I don't see any asterisk or disclaimer stating that GL exchange fees are double that, nor do I see this disclaimer on the resort directory for GL either. (I DO see a disclaimer about upgrade fees needing to be charged for GL so you don't get your "free" upgrade).

Your Diamond Membership entitles you to a free upgrade "unit-size" if available, at no extra charge from our timeshare inventory. As mentioned earlier, this upgrade exchange fee, is based on a much higher rated level of property, not traditionally offered for conventional timeshare exchange. Once SFX Private-Reserve is launched, it will only be available at that level.

For those who do not see the value in paying a tiny amount more for a much higher level of property, then there are many other properties of high quality we can gladly book you into for just the regular exchange fees. If you are getting a far greater value for your exchange than the week you deposited, then it is "reasonable" to pay a little extra for it, and we give you this option.

3) There are apparently no 2 bedroom units available (at least in 2013 for the 2 months I was looking for), but you can't even book (2) 1 bedrooms (which ARE available) because the promo limits you to 1 bedroom exchange per member family per year. So is THAT limitation just for the promo or is that also a limitation for "normal" exchanges?

Again, I'm a bit confused as to why this promo is even a promo and how it differs from "normal" exchange request procedures. Or if the limitations of the promo are now the new "norm/standard" for GL Exchanges.

2013 it very far in advance for inventory. Most timeshare inventory availability is within a 12 month in advance window. The one unit limitation in this instance is based on the promo and limited availability. We want to give as many qualified members an opportunity as possible. Also... in most cases developers do not allow you to have exchange access to their resorts more than once in four years. Its called the one in four rule.

This offer is an exception, and not the norm. It is based just on this resort for the reasons explained above, and any other exceptional properties that are of a much higher level than timeshare norms, will also have a special rate because you are withdrawing more than what you are depositing.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

Grand Luxxe rentals

There are 30 Grand Luxxe rentals listed on Redweek. The rents run from $1225 - 6300 /wk. There are just 2 that are over $5,000 and they are both 3BR Oceanfront units. There are also some 3BR Oceanfront units from $2,200-2500. Some of these are in prime time.

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

There are 30 Grand Luxxe rentals listed on Redweek. The rents run from $1225 - 6300 /wk. There are just 2 that are over $5,000 and they are both 3BR Oceanfront units. There are also some 3BR Oceanfront units from $2,200-2500. Some of these are in prime time.

John - That's a hell of a deal compared to what the resort rents them for. I recently got back from both their properties, Riviera Maya and Nuevo Vallarta. My personal favorite is the one in Nuevo Vallarta. It's just incredible what they are building there. There will be a train from the main gate that will bring you into the new Welcome Center (Check-in) which is built on a lake. From there, a boat will take you to your building! It's a completely different place than just a couple of years ago!

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[hurnik Member Find all posts View Profile Close hurnik]

Kevin - Thank you for your post.

1) Why is this even a "promo"? I mean it's still costing an exchange, plus $299 and why is that any different than if you tried to exchange into the Grand Luxxe normally?

This level of property is a Private Residence Club that sells for around $100,000 per week. It is a much higher level that GC or so called 5 star timeshares. You would be staying in a property that has a far greater trading power value than the week you deposited, therefore there is slightly higher exchange fee because you are getting a huge upgrade.

Typically (and there maybe exceptions) you wouldn't have the ability to trade a timeshare into a Private Residence Club or a high end Fractional property, therefore it is "promotional". In the near future we are launching "SFX Private-Reserve" which will be an exclusive high end network of Private Residence Clubs and Fractional properties, of which we will include Grand Luxxe member deposits.

If you have a qualified deposited week with us, and want to stay at that resort around 60 days or less, then our regular exchange fees apply. (Gold members, $189.... Platinum $159 for the Grand Luxxe).

2) Is the $299 fee something new? I predicated my Diamond Plus Lifetime membership based upon the SFX website listing $149 for exchange fee. I don't see any asterisk or disclaimer stating that GL exchange fees are double that, nor do I see this disclaimer on the resort directory for GL either. (I DO see a disclaimer about upgrade fees needing to be charged for GL so you don't get your "free" upgrade).

Your Diamond Membership entitles you to a free upgrade "unit-size" if available, at no extra charge from our timeshare inventory. As mentioned earlier, this upgrade exchange fee, is based on a much higher rated level of property, not traditionally offered for conventional timeshare exchange. Once SFX Private-Reserve is launched, it will only be available at that level.

For those who do not see the value in paying a tiny amount more for a much higher level of property, then there are many other properties of high quality we can gladly book you into for just the regular exchange fees. If you are getting a far greater value for your exchange than the week you deposited, then it is "reasonable" to pay a little extra for it, and we give you this option.

3) There are apparently no 2 bedroom units available (at least in 2013 for the 2 months I was looking for), but you can't even book (2) 1 bedrooms (which ARE available) because the promo limits you to 1 bedroom exchange per member family per year. So is THAT limitation just for the promo or is that also a limitation for "normal" exchanges?

Again, I'm a bit confused as to why this promo is even a promo and how it differs from "normal" exchange request procedures. Or if the limitations of the promo are now the new "norm/standard" for GL Exchanges.

2013 it very far in advance for inventory. Most timeshare inventory availability is within a 12 month in advance window. The one unit limitation in this instance is based on the promo and limited availability. We want to give as many qualified members an opportunity as possible. Also... in most cases developers do not allow you to have exchange access to their resorts more than once in four years. Its called the one in four rule.

This offer is an exception, and not the norm. It is based just on this resort for the reasons explained above, and any other exceptional properties that are of a much higher level than timeshare norms, will also have a special rate because you are withdrawing more than what you are depositing.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

Thank you again, Mark.

I hope I didn't come across as rude or anything, I'm just trying to understand if the $299 fee is JUST for this promo (again, let's say last month I had booked/exchanged into GL--would I be charged the $299 exchange fee or the regular Diamond fee)?

And if I book in the future and NOT through the promo, do I pay the regular exchange fee or the $299?

(It sounds like the promo you have EXISTING member deposits and are opening those up to SFX members-which is fine, I have no problems with that). Vs. my situation where I'm requesting an exchange that nobody has yet deposited (and again I am okay with that).

Now, for the new upcoming Private Residence thingy. That sounds neat. When you mentioned:

"Once SFX Private-Reserve is launched, it will only be available at that level."

What did you mean by "at that level"? (sorry to be stupid, but just trying to figure things out). At the Diamond level? If the details aren't yet finalized, that's okay.

So far, I AM enjoying my new SFX membership. The reps have always been very helpful and courteous (hello Oscar!), and the Diamond Rewards reps have been very helpful as well (Hello Barbara).

I am very much looking forward to future exchanges and taking advantage of my cruise.

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

Thank you again, Mark.

I hope I didn't come across as rude or anything, I'm just trying to understand if the $299 fee is JUST for this promo (again, let's say last month I had booked/exchanged into GL--would I be charged the $299 exchange fee or the regular Diamond fee)?

And if I book in the future and NOT through the promo, do I pay the regular exchange fee or the $299?

(It sounds like the promo you have EXISTING member deposits and are opening those up to SFX members-which is fine, I have no problems with that). Vs. my situation where I'm requesting an exchange that nobody has yet deposited (and again I am okay with that).

Now, for the new upcoming Private Residence thingy. That sounds neat. When you mentioned:

"Once SFX Private-Reserve is launched, it will only be available at that level."

What did you mean by "at that level"? (sorry to be stupid, but just trying to figure things out). At the Diamond level? If the details aren't yet finalized, that's okay.

So far, I AM enjoying my new SFX membership. The reps have always been very helpful and courteous (hello Oscar!), and the Diamond Rewards reps have been very helpful as well (Hello Barbara).

I am very much looking forward to future exchanges and taking advantage of my cruise.

Hurnik - didn't think you came accross as rude at all. You had a lot of good questions in trying to understand what our methodology was for an exception with an exchange promotion.

The $299 exchange fee is specifically just for this promotional exchange offer to the Grand Luxxe. For all other exchanges you only pay the regular exchange fee. In your case as a Diamond Member, its only $149 for both domestic and international exchanges.

If it were available a month ago, you would be paying same $299 for this exchange, except .... if its available within 60 days or less, then it would be at the regular exchange fee of $149. Typically all exchange companies consider inventory to be high risk if its not booked by around the 60 days in advance mark, and typically reduce the rate to incentivize customers to book the space.

At some time in the future, this kind of property will be available in our new upper tier brand, "SFX Private-Reserve". When referring to "this kind of level" in my earlier post, I meant an exchange system of Private Residence Clubs and Fractional Interests. These are the highest level of Vacation Ownership within our industry. They typically sell for around $75,000 to to $350,000 for a week or interest in the real estate. Details are not ready for announcement at this time.

We do appreciate your feedback from your experience with our agents. We are looking forward to sending you on many great vacations !!

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

Mark,

Does this mean in the future the Grand Luxxe will not be available to Gold Members such as myself? Being new to exchanges, I would like to "sample the wares" so to speak before upgrading my level of membership with any of the independent exchange companies. I was very interested in this type of exchange, despite the $299 additional exchange fee.

The $299 exchange fee is specifically just for this promotional exchange offer to the Grand Luxxe. For all other exchanges you only pay the regular exchange fee. In your case as a Diamond Member, its only $149 for both domestic and international exchanges.

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications

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

Mark,

Does this mean in the future the Grand Luxxe will not be available to Gold Members such as myself? Being new to exchanges, I would like to "sample the wares" so to speak before upgrading my level of membership with any of the independent exchange companies. I was very interested in this type of exchange, despite the $299 additional exchange fee.

Gandalf - thank you for your reply. No, it has nothing to do with your membership level. Being new to the timeshare world, you may not be aware of the concept of "trading-power". This is a formula that is used by exchange companies to determine a degree of your ability to trade what you have for something that is reasonably comparable in quality and size. Forgive me if this is a poor analogy.... but if you deposit a Mercedes, it wouldn't be fair to give you a Rolls-Royce in exchange.

For example, RCI has their regular exchange program, and they have another company called the Registry Collection. The concept of this collection was to have a separate network of Private Residence Club and Fractional Interests, which for the most part are a much higher level of quality and price than timeshares. I believe they charge about $299 for an exchange?

Well... Our SFX Private-Reserve brand will also be a pool of Private Residences and Fractional property, therefore it will be a separate exchange pool.

Please don't get too hung up on this Grand Luxxe offering. It is not a core part of the regular SFX exchange model. It is a unique separate exchange offer from Member deposits, in only two places in Mexico, that is offered by invitation only until the new brand is launched.

Please stay focused on what the SFX model is, and that is a network of the highest rated "timeshare" resorts that are listed in both major networks, for lower costs and more benefits... it's that simple.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @sfx
Member Communications