RustyS
TUG Member
With RCI dumping on those of us with weeks to trade, I'm looking for options. I'm seriously considering RedWeeks (redweeks.com). But I have some concerns.
First, availability. From what I can tell there is a fair amount in there, though nothing like the RCI inventory. Even today's RCI inventory. But there is a decent amount, and a lot of "provisional" which means people are willing to deposit if they find something of value first (I think). They are offering me a point number that exceeds most of what I can see out there, though I won't be getting a Marriott in HI out of the deal. That's OK, I understand fair value. At least I'll be able to ski someplace when the kids are on break.
Second, liability. My home resort is tied in with RCI, so when they get a fax saying someone else will be using my week, they recognize it as a valid transaction, have faith any wrongs will be made right, and I don't need to worry about it. How do they know this RedWeek exchanger is legit? Do they get a piece of paper that any scammer could reproduce? Is there any protection that if the recipient trashes the joint I won't be getting a call? Anyone have experience in this sort of thing it would be nice to hear that there are safeguards in place and that our home resorts accept this.
Third, future value. That is where I got hosed with RCI. They told me to trust them with my deposit and I'd get something back I'd like. They reneged. An exchange network thrives based on sheer numbers. The more people are depositing, the more likely they will see something they like in exchange. And as we've all seen with RCI, the fewer to choose from the less likely you'll be satisfied. What are your thoughts on the future of alternative venues such as (and specifically) RedWeek?
Thanks in advance for what I'm hopeful is a lively discussion.
First, availability. From what I can tell there is a fair amount in there, though nothing like the RCI inventory. Even today's RCI inventory. But there is a decent amount, and a lot of "provisional" which means people are willing to deposit if they find something of value first (I think). They are offering me a point number that exceeds most of what I can see out there, though I won't be getting a Marriott in HI out of the deal. That's OK, I understand fair value. At least I'll be able to ski someplace when the kids are on break.
Second, liability. My home resort is tied in with RCI, so when they get a fax saying someone else will be using my week, they recognize it as a valid transaction, have faith any wrongs will be made right, and I don't need to worry about it. How do they know this RedWeek exchanger is legit? Do they get a piece of paper that any scammer could reproduce? Is there any protection that if the recipient trashes the joint I won't be getting a call? Anyone have experience in this sort of thing it would be nice to hear that there are safeguards in place and that our home resorts accept this.
Third, future value. That is where I got hosed with RCI. They told me to trust them with my deposit and I'd get something back I'd like. They reneged. An exchange network thrives based on sheer numbers. The more people are depositing, the more likely they will see something they like in exchange. And as we've all seen with RCI, the fewer to choose from the less likely you'll be satisfied. What are your thoughts on the future of alternative venues such as (and specifically) RedWeek?
Thanks in advance for what I'm hopeful is a lively discussion.