Online list of SFX Resort Selections

[katie Member Find all posts View Profile Close katie]

Hi Mark

I’m trying to create a master list of directories as a reference for possible SFX selections. I would greatly appreciate any help/suggestions you can offer

From what I’ve read SFX has access to the following resort categories

• Interval International Five Star - http://www.intervalworld.com
• RCI Gold Crown - http://www.rci.com/
• Royal Holiday - http://www.club.royal-holiday.com/
• Fractional Ownerships – ??
• Studios in Major International Cities – ?? (does Royal Holiday fall under this category)
• Hotel/Inns – ??

Are any of the Fractional Ownerships, Studios and/or Hotels/Inn part of any major company or chain (so can I can access their online directory)?

Do the resorts on the SFX website represent a historically list of resorts with the most availability at SFX?

Thanks

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

Hi Mark

I’m trying to create a master list of directories as a reference for possible SFX selections. I would greatly appreciate any help/suggestions you can offer

From what I’ve read SFX has access to the following resort categories

• Interval International Five Star - http://www.intervalworld.com
• RCI Gold Crown - http://www.rci.com/
• Royal Holiday - http://www.club.royal-holiday.com/
• Fractional Ownerships – ??
• Studios in Major International Cities – ?? (does Royal Holiday fall under this category)
• Hotel/Inns – ??

Are any of the Fractional Ownerships, Studios and/or Hotels/Inn part of any major company or chain (so can I can access their online directory)?

Do the resorts on the SFX website represent a historically list of resorts with the most availability at SFX?

Thanks

Hi Katie - thank you for the post. As a general rule most fractional ownerships are reluctant to participate in exchange programs, for various reasons I will not get into at this time. There has been the World's Finest Resorts that made some headway. They were recently bought out by RCI, who is structuring their own brand version of a fractional exchange.

In doing our own due diligence a couple of years ago, our research showed most fractional interest owners have no to very little desire to exchange their prime time space. They spend so much money on their purchase, plus the desirability value of their ownership, their value proposition is to use or rent what they own rather than exchange. Many said were willing to exchange for example "mud-season" if they owned in a ski resort.... that means not the ski season... nor the beauty of Summer season. That is the season no one wants.

And although you can always find the exception... however we found that to be the general rule.

We do on occassion receive prime time deposits from fractional owners, but that is in very limited supply. Our business model is based on Crown and 5 Star rated resorts, where there is more critical mass of space for fulfillment opportunities.

............."Do the resorts on the SFX website represent a historically list of resorts with the most availability at SFX?......."

Unfortunately that list is out of date, and will not be updated until the new web is launched soon. It doesn't specifically represent a list of resorts with the most availability. Availability is not a constant in the exchange world, just as it isn't with airlines or hotels etc. It is constantly changing with the ebb and flow of demand vs. supply factors. Keep in mind.... exchange companies never know if members will be depositing their time or using it in any given year. Member deposits constitute a major part of supply-side for exchange fulfillment.

Hope this helps...

[whodat Member Find all posts View Profile Close whodat]

"Unfortunately that list is out of date, and will not be updated until the new web is launched soon."

Another mention of a new website launch 'soon'? Starting to wonder if this is true. I began seeing the mention of a 'new' website last June. That's, what 8, 9 months ago? If it hits a year (June 06), SFX should give all members a free bonus week for being so patient!

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

"Unfortunately that list is out of date, and will not be updated until the new web is launched soon."

Another mention of a new website launch 'soon'? Starting to wonder if this is true. I began seeing the mention of a 'new' website last June. That's, what 8, 9 months ago? If it hits a year (June 06), SFX should give all members a free bonus week for being so patient!

A new website was completed and ready for launch about a year ago, but the President of the company didn't feel it was good enough.

[katie Member Find all posts View Profile Close katie]

Yikes !!

YIKES – SFX told my sister they only handle the resorts listed on the website.

I was raving about SFX to my sister and sent her a quick email with various links to information on the SFX website.

Of course, she became concerned about the lack of resorts/locations listed at the website and called the number on the website today between 1pm and 2:30pm ET. She told the SFX rep that she normally exchanges with RCI and was considering SFX but was concerned about the lack of resort options listed on the website. The SFX rep told her that the website listed all of the resorts that SFX currently handles. My sister called me and told me she wasn’t interested in SFX due to the limited selection. I told her what the rep said simply wasn’t true. I’ll probably send her links to this website to undo what the SFX rep did.

My goodness, it’s already bad that the information on the website is outdated but for the SFX rep to tell this to a potential customer doesn’t help to increase the number of new members and potential exchanges.

Mark – just thought you might want to know what the SFX reps are saying……

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

YIKES – SFX told my sister they only handle the resorts listed on the website.

I was raving about SFX to my sister and sent her a quick email with various links to information on the SFX website.

Of course, she became concerned about the lack of resorts/locations listed at the website and called the number on the website today between 1pm and 2:30pm ET. She told the SFX rep that she normally exchanges with RCI and was considering SFX but was concerned about the lack of resort options listed on the website. The SFX rep told her that the website listed all of the resorts that SFX currently handles. My sister called me and told me she wasn’t interested in SFX due to the limited selection. I told her what the rep said simply wasn’t true. I’ll probably send her links to this website to undo what the SFX rep did.

My goodness, it’s already bad that the information on the website is outdated but for the SFX rep to tell this to a potential customer doesn’t help to increase the number of new members and potential exchanges.

Mark – just thought you might want to know what the SFX reps are saying……

Katie - thank you very much for bringing this to our attention. The information stated to your sister simply is incorrect. Subject to availability SFX can access any "quality" resort in any exchange system. The resorts don't own the space... the Members do.

We have several new trainees, but they are well versed with the product. It may well have been a misunderstanding or miscommunication during the course of conversation.

Does your sister recall the name of the person she spoke with? If so you can p.m. me the information. We apologize for any misunderstanding or miscommunication, and again thank you for bringing this to our attention.

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

Mark,
I had a similar situation to Katie's. I touted SFX to a friend who owns Marriott in Palm Desert. When she called SFX, she was discouraged from depositing (or from joining) because she wanted to trade to Florida next winter. She was told SFX does not have much luck in getting FL exchanges.

On a similar note, I was also disappointed in a recent call I made to SFX. I was trying to get some information on the likelihood of a quick exchange to Mexico using my bonus week. I was told, by a trainee, that SFX guides have no way of determining if anything is currently available. I find this hard to believe. I hung up and left a message, hoping to get someone more knowledgable, but I never got a return call. So I had to make a quick decision with RCI - now my Mexico bonus will probably expire, unused.

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

Mark,
I had a similar situation to Katie's. I touted SFX to a friend who owns Marriott in Palm Desert. When she called SFX, she was discouraged from depositing (or from joining) because she wanted to trade to Florida next winter. She was told SFX does not have much luck in getting FL exchanges.

On a similar note, I was also disappointed in a recent call I made to SFX. I was trying to get some information on the likelihood of a quick exchange to Mexico using my bonus week. I was told, by a trainee, that SFX guides have no way of determining if anything is currently available. I find this hard to believe. I hung up and left a message, hoping to get someone more knowledgable, but I never got a return call. So I had to make a quick decision with RCI - now my Mexico bonus will probably expire, unused.

Bellesgirl - Thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Re Florida inventory for premium demand time Jan through Easter... we get a lot of space in most areas. The only areas "no" exchange companies get much of is the Gulf Region (Sanibel, Captiva and Marco Island) during this season as most Owners live in the N.E. and use their time.

I will have management review any recordings to make sure the agent involved was explaining the information correctly. Or it may have been a case where simply the caller misinterpreted what was being stated.

With regards to ...." I was told, by a trainee, that SFX guides have no way of determining if anything is currently available".

Trainees and receptionists are trained to state "they are not allowed to view and advise on current inventory, only an an agent can do so". If an agent is available at that time, they will gladly transfer you so you may further discuss with an agent. If a message with clear contact information is left in the message center, the call is returned within 24 business hours and usually the same day.

Hope this helps, and again thank you for bringing this to our attention.

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

Mark

How is your availability for the last 2 weeks of Nov. in SW Florida?

Lynn

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

Mark

How is your availability for the last 2 weeks of Nov. in SW Florida?

Lynn

Lynn - thank you for your post.

If you would like to login and place your request online at www.sfx-resorts.com Member Login, we can initiate the process and advise accordingly.