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SFX raises exchange fees - did anyone get a notice?

TravelSFO

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Mark@SFX just confirmed that exchange fees have gone up:

Gold Members: The exchange fee is $189 domestic or international.
Platinum Membership: $159 domestic or international.

This must have just happened recently but I don't see that any notification was provided to members. Did anyone receive a notice?

PS - I have seen some posts that make it seem (to me) that it may be in bad form to post on TUG and TS4MS. Please let me know if this is the case. Doesn't seem clear to me since I am members of both sites.
 

Kola

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Mark@SFX just confirmed that exchange fees have gone up:

Gold Members: The exchange fee is $189 domestic or international.
Platinum Membership: $159 domestic or international.

.

Another Rip-off !

K.
 

Elli

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I am very disappointed about the high increases, which are not even announced to members. I exchanged 2 weeks to Hawaii Oct. 2011, and the exchange fee was $499.00 for a bonus week, plus $199.00 to upgrade to a 2 bedroom. The upgrade fee is $40.00 higher than last year.
 

DeniseM

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PS - I have seen some posts that make it seem (to me) that it may be in bad form to post on TUG and TS4MS. Please let me know if this is the case. Doesn't seem clear to me since I am members of both sites.

It is perfectly fine to post on both sites - many people do!

Although, it's a good practice to ask permission, before you quote someone on another website.
 

ausman

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While it is common practice for some to post the same message on both sites, I would disagree with Denise on this.

I don't do it.

As a member of both sites I don't like seeing the same initial message posted in both. If an adequate reply is not forthcoming in one then post in the other, would be my attitude.
 

DeniseM

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I thought the OP was just asking if people frequent/post on both sites?
 

durrod

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Going back to the original subject. SFX increased the Platinum membership to 299 (three years period). Last time I renew was way less than that. My opinion is they have increased all their fees to much and to fast. They used to be very reasonable and now they are even more than II and close to RCI.
 

TravelSFO

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Hi all, I don't think that even Mark@ SFX knows when fees were increased which is why I'm trying to broaden my question. It would appear that no one was informed of this fee increase.

I also am disappointed.

I just figured out that they stopped including free vacation protection for Platinum member exchanges as well. Used to be included. Also, no notice.
 

Mel

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While it is common practice for some to post the same message on both sites, I would disagree with Denise on this.

I don't do it.

As a member of both sites I don't like seeing the same initial message posted in both. If an adequate reply is not forthcoming in one then post in the other, would be my attitude.
That would be appropriate if you're asking a question, but if you're posting what might be considered an announcement, it would be appropriate to post to both sites. While there are many who are members of both sites, there are also many who only belong to one or the other. By posting to both sites, you pass the information on to all members of both groups.
 

rickandcindy23

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I'm pretty upset about the increases in fees and membership. I see very little value with SFX. Some will come to this thread and defend SFX all over the place, including a shill for the company, who posted here before when I said something about their inability to get me exchanges.

Mark was pretty mean (on TS4MS) to one TUG member, posted the history of her requests, and really tried to make her seem unreasonable, but without seeing inventory online, how can you possibly know what to expect from the company.
 

rhonda

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Thanks for posting this. No, I didn't receive a notice; and no, I don't often read the other site.

SFX has been a complete waste for me. I deposited a great SoCal summer week with them in response to a 3-for-1 bonus offer and have gotten nothing in return. I won't use them again. Mistake made, lesson learned.
 

brigechols

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Mark@SFX just confirmed that exchange fees have gone up:

Gold Members: The exchange fee is $189 domestic or international.
Platinum Membership: $159 domestic or international.

This must have just happened recently but I don't see that any notification was provided to members. Did anyone receive a notice?

PS - I have seen some posts that make it seem (to me) that it may be in bad form to post on TUG and TS4MS. Please let me know if this is the case. Doesn't seem clear to me since I am members of both sites.

No, I did not receive any notification. Today, I sent a separate email to SFX inquiring about the increase. I have had successful exchanges with SFX - exchanged a 2BR platinum unit at Marriott Grande Vista for a 2 bedroom unit Wyndham Kona Hawaiian Village for spring break 2010, exchanged a 2 BR summer Eagle Crest week for a one bedroom at the Manhattan Club for the week of July 4, 2010, and used a bonus week to obtain a 1BR unit at Polo Towers for my mom to attend a convention in July 2010.

******
Just received a response to my email. The increase was effective June 1, 2010.
 
Last edited:

aliikai2

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Nope, they hit us on the 24th of May

With the new fee, also without any notice.
I am not sure what to think about this rapid increase in fees. Looking back to 2005, the Platinum fee was $99,then in 2007 it went to $129, now $159. I know everybody needs to make a living, I guess I wish I have received a little notice. Greg

******
Just received a response to my email. The increase was effective June 1, 2010.
 

durrod

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But is not only the exchange fees. It's also membership fees (higher than yearly II and RCI), upgrades fees, bonus weeks fees, etc.... and no online ability to look for weeks. No longer a lower alternative to the big two.:(
 

blr666

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Just received a response to my email. The increase was effective June 1, 2010.[/QUOTE]

Funny, my exchange came through on June 1st and I was told that the rate increase happened several weeks before. I wonder if they held off matching me until June 1st? Mummmm....
 

rickandcindy23

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What is the most annoying about the exchange fee increase is the lack of communcation from SFX, when you have an exchange request entered. You have no idea what's going on.

I joined Hawaiian Timeshare Exchange because their exchange fees are $129, their membership fee is $199 for five years, and they have oodles of Hawaii weeks. For those who love Kona Hawaiian Village, htse.net has dozens of weeks for 2011, just added. Deposit a red week and have your choice.

Trading Places Maui doesn't charge a membership fee at all. They have inventory online to view, but less than Hawaiian.

Trading Places has great inventory as well, all over, including lots of weeks in Mexico.

Platinum Interchange is a great site, too, and don't forget DAE. All are less expensive, and all have the ability to search online.
 

Kola

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SFX has been a complete waste for me. I deposited a great SoCal summer week with them in response to a 3-for-1 bonus offer and have gotten nothing in return. I won't use them again. Mistake made, lesson learned.

I had very similar experience. Other than their promotional offers in Mexico, their record was useless. Like you said, lesson learned.
 

qb_bc

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I've had good luck with SFX. I have a Big Island and a Maui exchange confirmaed for 2011, consecutive weeks. Both exchanges are very good, I believe. It must be luck of the draw.

But it does make you wonder if you will get a match when you put a request in. Will it, or won't it?

Reading all of the comments on all exchange companies, I'm glad I like my home resort.
 
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