Timeshare Exchanges

Can't We Get Rid Of Provisional Listings?

Sep 21, 2007

Quite honestly, I don't like the provisional listings. Surely, I'm not the only one??

I think a lot of these weeks give out false hope since some (not all) are false weeks. Plus, it takes up a lot of space and tends to distract the REAL exchanges that are available. Yes, I know I can always go to the drop down menu and view "Exchanges Only".

Isn't it more work for the RW staff to tend to the Provisional Exchanges? Why don't we concentrate on what's real here.

It seems like it would be a win-win situation to get rid of the provisional listings altogether.

Any thoughts?


Latricia R.
Sep 21, 2007

bigeyes1 wrote:
Quite honestly, I don't like the provisional listings. Surely, I'm not the only one??

I think a lot of these weeks give out false hope since some (not all) are false weeks. Plus, it takes up a lot of space and tends to distract the REAL exchanges that are available. Yes, I know I can always go to the drop down menu and view "Exchanges Only".

Isn't it more work for the RW staff to tend to the Provisional Exchanges? Why don't we concentrate on what's real here.

It seems like it would be a win-win situation to get rid of the provisional listings altogether.

Any thoughts?

========== I agree. Especially since there are approx 33 pages of Provisional Listings and even if I hope to get one of those units it may not come to pass, since there may be others requesting that unit as well. I may not even have enough points to obtain it. I would rather have a service which will alert me to when a unit in a specific region is deposited.


Mike N.
Sep 21, 2007

mike1536 wrote:
bigeyes1 wrote:
Quite honestly, I don't like the provisional listings. Surely, I'm not the only one??

I think a lot of these weeks give out false hope since some (not all) are false weeks. Plus, it takes up a lot of space and tends to distract the REAL exchanges that are available. Yes, I know I can always go to the drop down menu and view "Exchanges Only".

Isn't it more work for the RW staff to tend to the Provisional Exchanges? Why don't we concentrate on what's real here.

It seems like it would be a win-win situation to get rid of the provisional listings altogether.

Any thoughts?

========== I agree. Especially since there are approx 33 pages of Provisional Listings and even if I hope to get one of those units it may not come to pass, since there may be others requesting that unit as well. I may not even have enough points to obtain it. I would rather have a service which will alert me to when a unit in a specific region is deposited.

I agree with doing away with this Provisional list. It's only use is to give free advertising to Redweek to get some people to make a depoisit.

Many on this list are not even real weeks that these people have to deposit.

Many of these owners are going to rush in and deposit thinking they will get one of these great resorts on this Provisional list.

In most cases this will not happen and Redweek will now have your unit.


Darlene P.
Sep 22, 2007

I agree - get rid of them.


David D.
Nov 12, 2007

I agree and also question why we can only see the next year. I want to trade my Summer week in 2008 for a Winter week in 2009, but can't see any thing for 2009 yet. Do they come out in Jan of 2008?


Joyce M.

Last edited by max222 on Nov 12, 2007 01:47 PM

Nov 12, 2007

Max222 to be honest Redweek may not have weeks available that far in advance. There still trying to get deposits for 2008. Most of their listings are on the Provisional list only which means very little because you can not get your hands on them until they get what they want,just not going to happen!

Remember this exchange is just getting started. Many owners like myself will wait and see if it works and is to my advantage to deposit.

So far it hasn't been but this doesn't mean next year I wouldn't try it if they get it working right.

We all have watched and talked about it and hope it works because it can only help some owners who are not happy with their exchange company (RCI).

I'm happy with II but this doesn't mean I wouldn't try it if it is good for my family vacation.

I would think many Rci people have already jumped on here and many more will if they see good exchanges.

Being happy with II is why I have stated I doubt many from II would use this site. Reason is if you have a nice timeshare that is in damand you can request first and get what you want or keep your unit to use. This is straight exchange and you don't need to pay out big bucks to Redweek plus your exchange and fee's!

If you look at the Redweek rental site Redweek is charging points /dollars in the amounts of $500-$1300 more for same units members are trying to rent on Redweek.

Why would anyone pay this much to Redweek when they could keep their unit and rent for half this cost in many cases.

I would like to hear if Redweek charges same amount they give owner credit for or do they also build more profit into this over priced number too!

Two things to remember about this exchange is your paying extra money to move up because you probably were given low amount of points so you need to pay Redweek more to exchange. Second issue is this points system is like the casino's. The casino's use chips and not cash so gamblers will lose more money.When your setting at a table with chips you don't think of it as gambling your money away but just chips. This is same thing in your dealing in points not dollars even though each point is one dollar!

If it wasn't for the Provisional list this exchange would go under because no one in their right mind would deposit a good timeshare knowing they have to probably trade down to make a exchange.

Most owners understand the resorts on the Provisional list mean nothing. This list just lets Redweek showcase better resorts that they might get but in most cases this will not happen.When one falls through the cracks its a off season that might be harder to rent so they might let Redweek have it.

If Redweek drop the Provisional list I wonder how many of those units would be deposited. I would bet less than a third and would be shocked if it was that many.

Redweek needs to drop this list and put some money into this exchange to get their hands on some very good exchange resorts to make this work. Until they invest in their own business its just not going to work.

The other problem is when one of these good resorts does make the available list most families wanting it for their use have little chance. There are some and they brag about it on other forums that are almost on speed dial in the morning to grab these units to rent out for a profit.

By the time some working family hears about the unit its already gone and probably already listed for rent.

This is another reason I do not like or agree with being able to rent exchanges from Redweek.

PHILL12


Phil L.

Last edited by phill12 on Sep 07, 2008 07:59 AM

Nov 15, 2007

phill12 wrote:
max222 wrote:
I agree and also question why we can only see the next year. I want to trade my Summer week in 2008 for a Winter week in 2009, but can't see any thing for 2009 yet. Do they come out in Jan of 2008?

Max222 to be honest Redweek may not have weeks available that far in advance. There still trying to get deposits for 2008.

Remember this exchange is just a baby and still learning to walk. Many owners like myself will wait and see if it works and is to my advantage to deposit.

So far it hasn't been but this doesn't mean next year I wouldn't try it.

We all have watched and talked about it and hope it works because it can only help us owners.

I'm happy with II but this doesn't mean I wouldn't try it if it is good for my family vacation.

I would think many Rci people have already jumped on here and many more will if they see good exchanges.

HI PHILL!

It does seem that there are more deposited resorts now with 136 resorts in the USA and how many units I have no idea.

As you said we all hope Redweek makes this work because it can only be good for timeshare owners with another way to exchange.

If we still had to deal with Rci we would have already made deposit here.

The one point I like is even though we hate Rci and sold all our units or changed over to II there are resorts dealing with Rci we like.

This exchange gives owners dealing with one of the main exchange companies a chance to see resorts in the other exchange.

We hate dealing with Rci and moved over to II about four years ago and love the service and upgrade of the resorts. This being said there are some resorts we would go to that are with Rci and this Redweek exchange is one possible way to do it.

I still don't get their high point total if it is a point to a dollar though. This would mean they want around $2200 dollars for a unit that you can rent off Redweek for half that cost,just doesn't make any sense to me.

Have a good day! BETTERHALF

PS: Phil we have met Doug &Sandy and Doug and Jim are going to play some golf! He bought a beautiful home inside the country club.


Darlene P.

Last edited by darlenep30 on May 04, 2008 10:34 PM

Nov 15, 2007

I say NO to provisinal weeks


Brian H.
Nov 15, 2007

Actually, I believe Redweek should keep provisional weeks, because if they are listed with Redweek then that means they have not been deposited with another exchange company. I've read on other forums where folks have made successful exchanges using the provisional weeks system here.


R P.
Feb 21, 2008

davidd320 wrote:
I agree - get rid of them.
I think everyone who is thinking of using RedWeek's exchange program should just bite the bullet and give it up as an exchange. You should know whether or not you want to use your present week. If not, DEPOSIT IT so others can make plans. I felt like the provisional people for a short while but knew I had to give to get so my week is totally available. Hope I find something in the next 3 years.


Brenda T.
Feb 21, 2008

shalley1 wrote:
davidd320 wrote:
I agree - get rid of them.
I think everyone who is thinking of using RedWeek's exchange program should just bite the bullet and give it up as an exchange. You should know whether or not you want to use your present week. If not, DEPOSIT IT so others can make plans. I felt like the provisional people for a short while but knew I had to give to get so my week is totally available. Hope I find something in the next 3 years.
============= I have no problem in giving up my unit for an exchange as soon RedWeek fixes some of the inconsistencies in their valuation process.


Mike N.
Feb 21, 2008

mike1536 wrote:
shalley1 wrote:
davidd320 wrote:
I agree - get rid of them.
I think everyone who is thinking of using RedWeek's exchange program should just bite the bullet and give it up as an exchange. You should know whether or not you want to use your present week. If not, DEPOSIT IT so others can make plans. I felt like the provisional people for a short while but knew I had to give to get so my week is totally available. Hope I find something in the next 3 years.
============= I have no problem in giving up my unit for an exchange as soon RedWeek fixes some of the inconsistencies in their valuation process.


Brenda T.
Feb 21, 2008

Your point is taken. I just decided to give it a whirl and see if I could make it work. I've had plenty of grief with RCI. I can't ever expect to get into some areas no matter how far in advance I deposit. I get frustrated because I see last minute deals into units I would love to trade for but even though I could purchase for $249 or less, I can't trade. I feel like if it's available for a low purchase price, why can't I trade for it? Also, my maintenance fees are over $500, PLUS $89 RCI membership, plus $169 for exchange and I'm looking at pretty close to rental costs for many locations. My advantage for owning time share isn't that big.


Brenda T.
Feb 21, 2008

I gave up two PRIME WEEEKS in Jan-Feb at the Oasis Marigot in St. Lucia to the exchange system and they were taken right away. So that part worked, I did my job, now I just need people to follow suit and deposit there PRIME WEEKS so I can also enjoy a good exchange. I agree ,I think the Provisional weeks are ridiculus. Why would they ever deposit those weeks, without so to speak, having to.


Brian H.
Feb 22, 2008

I wonder if RedWek.com can give us any statistics about the percentage of provisional weeks that are converted into actual exchanges.


David D.
Feb 22, 2008

davidd320 wrote:
I wonder if RedWek.com can give us any statistics about the percentage of provisional weeks that are converted into actual exchanges.
=========== Here's another problem with provisional weeks. If and when the time comes to actually deposit the week, the initial valuation will be less than the original offer; it might be substantially less. The owner then might not have enough points to complete his/her deposit anyway.


Mike N.

Last edited by mike1536 on Feb 22, 2008 05:51 AM

Feb 22, 2008

mike1536 wrote:
Here's another problem with provisional weeks. If and when the time comes to actually deposit the week, the initial valuation will be less than the original offer; it might be substantially less. The owner then might not have enough points to complete his/her deposit anyway.

I think that's the case with most exchange companies ... the earlier you deposit the better chance of getting what you want in an exchange even though there may be no point system involved (as in Redweek's point system). There's some sort of secret formula involved with other exchange companies (discussed many times in other timeshare forums).

At least with Redweek, if you deposit your week early you have 3 full years to exchange and you know exactly how mnay points you're getting ... no secret formula and guess work involved.


R P.
Feb 22, 2008

jayjay wrote:
mike1536 wrote:
Here's another problem with provisional weeks. If and when the time comes to actually deposit the week, the initial valuation will be less than the original offer; it might be substantially less. The owner then might not have enough points to complete his/her deposit anyway.

I think that's the case with most exchange companies ... the earlier you deposit the better chance of getting what you want in an exchange even though there may be no point system involved (as in Redweek's point system). There's some sort of secret formula involved with other exchange companies (discussed many times in other timeshare forums).

At least with Redweek, if you deposit your week early you have 3 full years to exchange and you know exactly how mnay points you're getting ... no secret formula and guess work involved.

================ Right now, I have more availabilities with II (regardless of the "secret formulas"). For example, I can exchange my TS for a Marriott in CA. Through RedWeek, based on the latest valuations, I would have to buy over 1000 points (at a $1.00 per point) for the same exchange. I'm still willing to give RedWeek a chance, but at this point, I hesitate to arbitrarily deposit my unit with them.


Mike N.

Last edited by mike1536 on Feb 22, 2008 08:53 AM

Feb 24, 2008

I agree. The problem with the Provisional weeks is that there are too many people that won't pull the trigger until they can get what they want. Under that scenario, no one wants to be the first to jump in for fear they may not get what they want. There are a lot of provisional weeks that I am interested in, and I'm sure some of these people would be interested in my week (prime Aruba resort >3000 points) but everyone (including me) is gun shy.

I say get rid of the provisional weeks, but give people longer to use their points (5 years?). You would see more people jump in the pool and the system would work better. I think this forum offers a better alternative than RCI and II, but they need to tweak it a little.


Joseph Z.

Last edited by joseph409 on Feb 24, 2008 09:23 AM

Mar 22, 2008

joseph409 wrote:
I agree. The problem with the Provisional weeks is that there are too many people that won't pull the trigger until they can get what they want. Under that scenario, no one wants to be the first to jump in for fear they may not get what they want. There are a lot of provisional weeks that I am interested in, and I'm sure some of these people would be interested in my week (prime Aruba resort >3000 points) but everyone (including me) is gun shy.

I say get rid of the provisional weeks, but give people longer to use their points (5 years?). You would see more people jump in the pool and the system would work better. I think this forum offers a better alternative than RCI and II, but they need to tweak it a little.

I have said of this exchange that I think many RCI members will look at this but not many who deal with II.

Some say to just jump in so others can make their plans and use your unit but bottom line is owners are not worried about others getting their unit but what you can get if you do a deposit.

You do have a great resort and many would try and get it but then what do you do for three years but wait or trade down and that is not a good one.

We looked at trading one of our units but only units in Maui and Kauai we wanted were on the provisional list so we dealt with II on Request First and will be in Maui in May 2008,taking our baby girl for her 21st birthday/Graduation gift .

There are now about eight months later about 13 units on the list and not one was one we would have asked for or excepted.

All this time and our picks are still on the provisional list or have been removed by the owners!

The difference I see with this provisional list and II request First is you pay your fee's on II and give them your choices and when comes up your assigned and they give your unit away to other members and everyone is happy!

With this exchange the owners just wait and if something comes up they have choice to pull the trigger or not so nothing is guaranteed. Even if all works many people then are priced out of the provisional unit because the points are just to much in dollars.

With II its simple,you get your exchange and no extra money being paid in points to II and the job gets done and your family can just go enjoy their vacation!


Phil L.

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