Sticky - Interval International: Unit size upgrade for 'pending' or OGS exchange requests

[taterhed]

The purpose of this thread is to inform you of the current policy for 'pending' or ongoing search (OGS) exchange requests with II in relation to the new "upgrade fee" for unit size increase.
This thread is not intended to debate or complain about the policy (there's another thread for that) so I suggest ranting in the other thread vs this one....... :ignore:

There has been some anecdotal information concerning 'what happens to pending/OGS matches in II when a unit size upgrade is offered?' I contacted II via the TUG email and received a very prompt and courteous reply from Mark: (paraphrased)

• This policy does not apply to flexchange
• II does not currently allow you to request a larger unit than your underlying deposit, but may offer you the opportunity to confirm a match with a unit size upgrade--for a fee
  • In the past, you couldn't request a larger unit, but 'unit size upgrade' matches were automatically confirmed without a fee or prior-authorization
  • Now, a "unit size upgrade' fee must be authorized prior to completing the match and confirmation (via telephone)
• If an OGS matches to a larger unit than the underlying deposit, II will call the member (up to 3 times?) to approve the upgrade/confirmation and get payment authorization for the upgrade fee.
  • The agent will leave a voice message for the member if they can not reach them.
  • The member will have (approximately?) 1 business day to respond.
  • An OGS will NOT be confirmed to a unit larger than the underlying deposit without payment authorization from the member
  • Members can NOT pre-approve size upgrades via email or phone
• Email notification of 'confirmation' will not be sent out on a possible 'unit size upgrade' match--because the confirmation will not be generated until the member authorizes payment for the upgrade fee. i.e. NO emails for possible 'size-upgrade' matches (just as no emails are currently generated for 'similar/alternative property' offers that Interval will occasionally suggest by phone)

• Interval is working to implement a system which will allow members to 'pre-authorize' or 'pre-pay' the 'unit upgrade charge' before the potential match (allowing automatic confirmation?)--no details on implementation dates etc...

I'll update if I get any additional information or details.
Word to the wise: If you use II and OGS, make sure they have the correct contact information and that you can receive calls/voicemails from Interval as needed. It'd be a shame to miss a good match because of this.


cheers.

 

[tschwa2]

I had heard that they will call only once and leave a message if that was an option and you only had until the close of the same business day to confirm.

 

[taterhed]

I had heard that they will call only once and leave a message if that was an option and you only had until the close of the same business day to confirm.

Obviously, the policy is not in writing and is subject to variance. Anyone who has called about 'XYZ' can certainly attest to this.

The intended (intended; my emphasis added) method is calling (up to 3 times), voicemail, up to 1 business day to respond.

I asked about 'late in the day matches...' and was reiterated the same policy. Obviously, YMMV.

Let's hope for the website/software change to allow pre-approval sooner rather than later.

And yes, your point is taken

 

[Serina]

The purpose of this thread is to inform you of the current policy for 'pending' or ongoing search (OGS) exchange requests with II in relation to the new "upgrade fee" for unit size increase.
This thread is not intended to debate or complain about the policy (there's another thread for that) so I suggest ranting in the other thread vs this one....... :ignore:

There has been some anecdotal information concerning 'what happens to pending/OGS matches in II when a unit size upgrade is offered?' I contacted II via the TUG email and received a very prompt and courteous reply from Mark: (paraphrased)

• This policy does not apply to flexchange
• II does not currently allow you to request a larger unit than your underlying deposit, but may offer you the opportunity to confirm a match with a unit size upgrade--for a fee
  • In the past, you couldn't request a larger unit, but 'unit size upgrade' matches were automatically confirmed without a fee or prior-authorization
  • Now, a "unit size upgrade' fee must be authorized prior to completing the match and confirmation (via telephone)
• If an OGS matches to a larger unit than the underlying deposit, II will call the member (up to 3 times?) to approve the upgrade/confirmation and get payment authorization for the upgrade fee.
  • The agent will leave a voice message for the member if they can not reach them.
  • The member will have (approximately?) 1 business day to respond.
  • An OGS will NOT be confirmed to a unit larger than the underlying deposit without payment authorization from the member
  • Members can NOT pre-approve size upgrades via email or phone
• Email notification of 'confirmation' will not be sent out on a possible 'unit size upgrade' match--because the confirmation will not be generated until the member authorizes payment for the upgrade fee. i.e. NO emails for possible 'size-upgrade' matches (just as no emails are currently generated for 'similar/alternative property' offers that Interval will occasionally suggest by phone)

• Interval is working to implement a system which will allow members to 'pre-authorize' or 'pre-pay' the 'unit upgrade charge' before the potential match (allowing automatic confirmation?)--no details on implementation dates etc...

I'll update if I get any additional information or details.
Word to the wise: If you use II and OGS, make sure they have the correct contact information and that you can receive calls/voicemails from Interval as needed. It'd be a shame to miss a good match because of this.


cheers.

Thanks for the information and update!

 

[VacationForever]

But with a studio or 1BR, I believe you can still put in an OGS for a resort where the small size is a 2BR. It is only when a match happens, that the agent will contact the requester to authorize payment of the upgrade. Is this understanding correct?