Current deposit Promo-feedback

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

I wanted to second this. I still think that SFX overall offers better overall value, and quality of resorts and things that some of the other companies do not.

That is also why I gave most of my deposits to you instead of DAE, or Platinum. I expect to get much better return, and have at least gotten offers even if it was not exactly what I was looking for, where I have gotten nothing from the competition.

Also why I have already renewed my Platinum Membership for the next 3 years.

Mark, I hope we don't sound like a bunch of ungrateful members with too many first world problems to still see that SFX offers us more than other exchange companies.
I did very much prefer the special offer a while back that included the 5 lifestyle weeks. I am a small business owner, so I understand if it was not feasible to continue, there is no reason to continue to offer it. It did motivate me to deposit more, though. Just giving more feedback.
Thanks,
Presley

[regatta333 Member Find all posts View Profile Close regatta333]

I, too, prefer the cash card/bonus weeks. SFX reward points are not something I would use.

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

According to the sfx membership chart exchanges would still be $149 vs $169 for platinum and $199 for gold.


Chriskre, did you call up to join Diamond Rewards or did they call you and did you feel it was a hard sell? I am looking forward to an unbiased opinion on the program from someone who understands multiple exchange systems.

They called me.
I do believe you are right about the regular exchanges but apparently you have a choice whether to do a straight exchange or a points exchange for no exchange fee. The guy told me to call him up and he will help me decide which way to deposit it in order to get the most reasonable fees.

Honestly I've never done any exchanging with SFX before yet I've had a free gold account for years and then got a free Platinum when I purchased Hilton. Supposedly he was calling me because of my Hilton ownership and that the program offered to me was for Hilton owners. I don't know how true that was but that's what he said.

He seemed nice enough and it really wasn't a hard sell and I've spoken to him a few times since I signed up so they do seem eager to do personalized business. He had me log into my account and we went thru several screens having him show me how to do things. I thought his approach was actually very helpful. Also Having someone assigned to you as your travel agent seems like something nice. Kind of like concierge service. I can deal with that.

Since I've spent about 2K with RCI this past year alone in exchange and combine fees, $1500 for 20 years with SFX with a few options for "free" vacations or giveaway pricing seemed like a decent deal to me if you average it out over the 20 years. I just hope SFX will be around in the next 20 years.
Maybe one day I can cut the RCI cord and be happy that I did.
Now if they would just accept Enchanted Isle deposits from others so I can exchange back in, I'd be all set.

I had 10K points in my account apparently from years ago. Since I never really understood the program I never used it but they don't expire so it was sitting there waiting for me to renew. They also gave me a 50K bonus for signing up so I've got 60K to play with and a free 4 day cruise waiting for me to take within 2 years.


Some info from the website:

Earn FREE Vacations:
YES! You can go on a cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, or sit poolside at a luxurious resort in Mexico-for free! All because you are a SFX Diamond Rewards Elite member! Free Vacations start at just 20,000 Reward Points!

This Bonnet Creek is on their getaway list for $99:

02/23 2BDRM Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort
Lake Buena Vista, FL USA
7

I'm going up the week before, maybe I'll stay over a few days.

I copied this from the website when I first signed up but now I don't see it anymore.
Either they deleted it or I'm just not able to find it but this is what the rep told me about using points for an exchange as opposed to just a regular exchange. Maybe they have changed the terms. I hope not.


No Exchange Fees or Blackout Dates:
Travel when you want - without the restrictions - and never pay an exchange fee when you deposit your resort week with SFX Diamond Rewards. If there is availability, the vacation is yours, without the hassle!

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

I also see the Diamond exchanges for $149 on the link Sally provided, Chris.

When we spoke about this last week, I was REALLY skeptical about the 'no exchange fee' as part of the program....have u clarified this is with a week to week exchange?

According to the sfx membership chart Diamond exchanges would still be $149 vs $169 for platinum and $199 for gold.


Chriskre, did you call up to join Diamond Rewards or did they call you and did you feel it was a hard sell? I am looking forward to an unbiased opinion on the program from someone who understands multiple exchange systems.

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

I found this information sheet online: http://www.sfxdiamondrewards.com/ter...term_type_id=5

"3-4 Free" Promotion

This promotion provides Subscribers with three (3) free consecutive annual SFX exchanges. Only one exchange may be made per year, and if a “3-4 Free” exchange is not made in any year, the right to that free exchange immediately expires.

It is especially confusing because the top of the page indicates that these are special promotional benefits that only apply within a 2 year time period. But how can you get 3 consecutive annual sfx exchanges (with only one per year) in a 2 year time period.

There is other terms and condition at the bottom of the link. An important one to note is:

Member may cancel the initial Membership by providing OVC written notice of cancellation to SFX Diamond Rewards, 15501 North Dial Blvd, Scottsdale AZ, 85260 within thirty (30) days of the application date set forth on the Membership application. Cancellation requests received more than thirty (30) days after the application date, and all requests from Members whose Membership fees were paid by their Resort, are not entitled to a refund

.

Hopefully you will get all the details of what you enrolled in and don't have to rely on what you were told or links that may or may not apply to you and can review everything before the time you can cancel is past if it is not what you thought.

Again if it is, I think you got a good deal (about $1000 less than old post indicated the going rate was) and you can tell us how great it is. Every time they call me I "thanks but not thanks" without letting them getting any further.

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

I also see the Diamond exchanges for $149 on the link Sally provided, Chris.

When we spoke about this last week, I was REALLY skeptical about the 'no exchange fee' as part of the program....have u clarified this is with a week to week exchange?

I believe it is $149 for regular week to week exchanges but supposedly from what I was told when I signed up, when you deposit a week into the Diamond rewards program then they give you 10K points which can be used for a resort exchange without having to pay the exchange fee.

Maybe they have some other fee they charge you not called an exchange fee but that's not the way I understood it and I even asked him several times if for sure they would accept my CMV units since SFX doesn't think CMV meets their standards which I agree it doesn't.
Hopefully it will soon when Bluegreen finishes the renovations but for now it's just a little cottage in the sticks that needs an update. But RCI and II still love it.

He said they would take ANY resort into the Diamond rewards program in exchange for 10K points, even a last minute deposit but in order for me to be able to use my CMV as a straight weeks exchange then I would have to give them 6 months to try to sell the week, so no last minute deposits for regular exchanging. Fair enough IMO if it's really the way it works. I've been giving those last minute deposits to RCI but I guess RCI doesn't care because they are masters at moving all that last minute inventory. SFX needs more time and I understand that.

I hope this works as promised because if it does, it's a great thing for me and I believe for SFX. Now if they change the rules of the game after the fact or things were promised that were not true then I'll be back to share with everyone how it is going for me. I'm hopeful though that this is a good product and will work as promised. Why not?
What do they really have to lose by accepting my week.
It's another opportunity for them to make an exchange or rental fee.

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

I found this information sheet online: http://www.sfxdiamondrewards.com/ter...term_type_id=5




It is especially confusing because the top of the page indicates that these are special promotional benefits that only apply within a 2 year time period. But how can you get 3 consecutive annual sfx exchanges (with only one per year) in a 2 year time period.

There is other terms and condition at the bottom of the link. An important one to note is:
.

Hopefully you will get all the details of what you enrolled in and don't have to rely on what you were told or links that may or may not apply to you and can review everything before the time you can cancel is past if it is not what you thought.

Again if it is, I think you got a good deal (about $1000 less than old post indicated the going rate was) and you can tell us how great it is. Every time they call me I "thanks but not thanks" without letting them getting any further.

Thanks for the links Sally.
Hopefully I won't need to cancel and this will all work as promised but I will be back to report how it goes for me.
I guess you can consider me the guinea pig for this program here on timeshareforums.

[hurnik Member Find all posts View Profile Close hurnik]

According to the sfx membership chart Diamond exchanges would still be $149 vs $169 for platinum and $199 for gold.


Chriskre, did you call up to join Diamond Rewards or did they call you and did you feel it was a hard sell? I am looking forward to an unbiased opinion on the program from someone who understands multiple exchange systems.

I called the Diamond Rewards to inquire as to the price. I spoke to a wonderful agent (I have a hard time remembering names for some reason). Anyway, it was for like 20 years or something, so I took that into consideration as I would take Platinum anyway. I got some extra goodies in addition and had a good experience overall.

I have not used the SFX Travel store (aka: diamond rewards) other than for 2 4-day cruises (with upgrades). However, I have occasionally looked at the resort list for cheap stays and found them to be decent, although not quite as cheap as if I exchanged, but that's okay. For example, I think they had a 1 bedroom Grand Mayan Riviera Maya for like $850.00 Obviously cheaper to use my bonus week at $599 or even rent on Redweek for $700 or less. But they've had better deals like the El Cid La Ceiba in Cozumel for I THINK at the time $550 or something with optional AI for $49 (the resort would charge $79 normally).

I've not used them for airfare as I've always been able to find cheaper flights elsewhere (plus no online site uses/search JetBlue or SouthWest which I find has good deals for me).

I may have the original reps info written down somewhere if I can find it.

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

Mark,

With the best price guarantee are you saying

1. You can match the best price AND then get the extra savings of the reward points (ie 10k points)

Or

2. With all discounts on the cruise it should be the best price

Keep Traveling - thank you for your post. We would match the lowest price.

The Best Price Guarantee is only for member purchases. If they find a cheaper price we will match it but the member cannot combine that with using their points. Below are the terms for the Best Price Guarantee.

Terms: Our Best Price Guarantee is applicable on cruises, resorts, tours and hotels. Airfare is not applicable. Best Price Guarantee is valid up to 48 hours after bookings. Verifiable proof is required of public availability of lower rate at time of booking and must be for identical cruise, tour or resort; cabin, type of room booked, and not be in any violation of vendor pricing policy. Valid on any price advertised and offered to the general public. Not valid on prices requiring a callback or on public pricing offered in e-mails that are not advertised on public accessible websites or otherwise available to the general public. Group, charter, incentive, meeting, convention or interline rates are excluded. If you qualify for the military rate, you must request such at time of booking. If you find a lower rate than the one originally booked within 48 hours, we will match that rate. Purchaser will be responsible for any cancellation fees. For car rental reservations, the price difference will be awarded in the form of vacation cash redeemable for future vacations in lieu of a price match.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

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

This is exactly how I have started to feel. It's like SFX has become a quasi travel agency. At this point, I just want to get my exchange request matched but I've already resigned myself to knowing it isn't likely and have looked at private rentals.

However, if you are taking votes, I vote bonus weeks/cash card.

StressCadet - Thank you for your feedback, and also advising that your exchange request is extremely restrictive.

With regards to "quasi-travel agency"... why shouldn't we offer our customers the "option" of potential money saving benefits that involve travel? It's an added benefit and you don't have to use it, but it's there for those who do. Thousands of our member use our travel department, giving them additional travel benefit other than timeshare. They get away for get a way weekends, rent cars, cruises, stay at hotels and save money.

All other exchange companies and most organizations believe in giving their customers as many options as possible. We are no different and agree with that philosophy.

We do appreciate you letting us know you prefer the Bonus Weeks and Cash-Card. With the current promotion you do still have the Bonus Weeks. If you are traveling between 1-6 months in advance, which 83% of our members do, on average you pay less than the previous pricing with the cash-card. If you are traveling 7-12 months indvance, you pay a little more, but still at an outstanding value and less money than the other exchange companies that don't allow you to request a bonus week up to a year in advance. Rentals they have that are in advance, when I log in, I see their pricing around $1,000 to $1,600 for advance rentals.

Thanks for your feedback,

Mark @SFX
Member Communications

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

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I'd prefer the cash card to these points - it reduced the cost of things I may use.

Also worth noting that the bonus weeks have gone up considerably in price for the timeframes over six months out. They used to be one low price for the entire year. I know it's a discount over the "value" assigned, but in reality, having to spend the equivalent of a full maintenance fee for a bonus week doesn't seem like much of a "bonus."

Hi Glitter - Thank you for your feedback giving your preference to the previous BonusWeeks & Cash-card promo. For those who travel within 6 months (which is about 83% of our members), in most cases you actually pay less for your Bonus Week, even allowing for the $50 off the cash-card would have given you. On average its a much better deal! For those who travel 7-12 months in advance, the are paying a little more, as our pricing was ridiculously low on advance booking quality weeks, at an unfair market rate to the company. That said, our advance booked Bonus Weeks are still less than the other exchange companies.

.........."having to spend the equivalent of a full maintenance fee for a bonus week doesn't seem like much of a "bonus."

Now this is an interesting comment...... If you go to Hawaii for a week (or where-ever), and lets say its an exchange... to get that exchange it involved you spending maybe between $10,000 to $30,000 to buy your timeshare, pay an exchange fee of close to $200.... PLUS pay your maintenance fee of around $600-$800 for the use of the week. If I am understanding you correctly, you do see the Value in paying close to $1,000 between your maintenance and exchange fee to use a week, but on the other hand you say you don't see the value on pay about $600-$700 for an SFX Bonus Week at the exact same property you would have stayed at on your exchange ???? How do you see the value in paying more for the same thing we provided for less?

Am I missing something here?

Thanks,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

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

I agree with the majority of posters here. Previous promotions are much preferable. Also I would like to see something like II's flexchange where at 59 days or less size upgrades fees are no longer applicable on the original deposit. I can use a studio with Interval to exchange into a 2 bedroom with interval for just the normal exchange fee $154 at 59 days out. With SFX a one bedroom exchanging into a 2 bedroom one week before check in would require a $399 exchange fee.

Sally - Thank you for your feedback, it is appreciated. However, the information is unfairly presented and very skewed. Allow me to clarify some facts.

Re: Exchanges.

1. I.I. You can only upgrade to a larger unit without an upgrade fee 59 days or less. Keep in mind this is a membership with an "annul fee" of I believe around $89? So your cost is approx. $243.

2. Keeping it apples for apples... An SFX Platinum (Paid membership) Member can request a one-size upgrade for an exchange 1-365 days in advance! for FREE. (Other than cities we do not accept studio's because nobody want them, so for the most part, there wouldn't be a 2-size upgrade. And if there was, it's only $199, but you can do that up to a year out, not just 59 days or less. Total cost around $268. So for about $25 more, you can request what you want a year out, instead of upgrading to leftovers 59 days or less.

3. If you are a Gold Member, which is a Free membership, then the fees are higher. But this is why most people upgrade to Platinum because the discounts on transactions and benefits are greater than the cost of the membership, so it's ultimately free plus more savings.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

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

I also see the Diamond exchanges for $149 on the link Sally provided, Chris.

When we spoke about this last week, I was REALLY skeptical about the 'no exchange fee' as part of the program....have u clarified this is with a week to week exchange?

Hi Pat - Thank you for your post. I will be happy to clarify that.

If you are doing a regular resort to resort exchange, the exchange fee for Diamond Members is only $149 domestic or international. I would like to point out, with the money this program saves on hotels, car rentals, resort stays and cruises.... is far greater than any exchange fees you pay.

If you are using your week towards a Cruise Exchange or a Tour Exchange, then there is No exchange fee.

Hope this helps...

Thanks,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

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

Mark, I hope we don't sound like a bunch of ungrateful members with too many first world problems to still see that SFX offers us more than other exchange companies.
I did very much prefer the special offer a while back that included the 5 lifestyle weeks. I am a small business owner, so I understand if it was not feasible to continue, there is no reason to continue to offer it. It did motivate me to deposit more, though. Just giving more feedback.
Thanks,
Presley

Hi Presley - thank you for your post. Acutally I don't see it as a bunch of ingrates at all. I really am glad to have the opportunity to address a number of questions, as I am somewhat surprised at a number misconceived perceptions, and incorrect information posted. As you know, promotions change from time to time with all companies. Statistically, only about 18% of all members who responded to that promotion actually used all 5 weeks. It seems that most people simply don't have the time to get away for 5 weeks. So although it sounds great to be offered 5 weeks, the reality is for most people its simply too much time!

The new offer includes two Bonus Weeks, plus you have "unlimited" access to the Sell off list with weeks staring as low as $69 for a week. So in reality, you have access to way more than 5 bonus weeks if you factor this into the whole picture.

Did you use all of your 5 Bonus Weeks?

Best,
Mark @SFX
Member Communications

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

StressCadet - Thank you for your feedback, and also advising that your exchange request is extremely restrictive.

With regards to "quasi-travel agency"... why shouldn't we offer our customers the "option" of potential money saving benefits that involve travel? It's an added benefit and you don't have to use it, but it's there for those who do. Thousands of our member use our travel department, giving them additional travel benefit other than timeshare. They get away for get a way weekends, rent cars, cruises, stay at hotels and save money.

All other exchange companies and most organizations believe in giving their customers as many options as possible. We are no different and agree with that philosophy.

We do appreciate you letting us know you prefer the Bonus Weeks and Cash-Card. With the current promotion you do still have the Bonus Weeks. If you are traveling between 1-6 months in advance, which 83% of our members do, on average you pay less than the previous pricing with the cash-card. If you are traveling 7-12 months indvance, you pay a little more, but still at an outstanding value and less money than the other exchange companies that don't allow you to request a bonus week up to a year in advance. Rentals they have that are in advance, when I log in, I see their pricing around $1,000 to $1,600 for advance rentals.

Thanks for your feedback,

Mark @SFX
Member Communications

Nothing, as long as the inventory is kept separate

I'm simply not your target audience for everything else.

Here's a question though. Does SFX still email the sell off list? If so-does it come regularly? I don't think I've seen one in years.