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Are you interested in purchasing one of those ultra-cheap timeshare resales you always see on eBay?
Headed out for a 90-minute tour and don't know what questions to ask? Here are two easy lessons
to help you make informed decisions about what is right for you!
TIMESHARE EXCHANGE FAQ
Q. What exactly is RCI?
A. Heard of RCI? You’re not alone. Resort Condominiums International, or RCI, is the oldest and
largest exchange company in the world. RCI has been in the timeshare exchange business for several
decades and is affiliated with over 3000 resorts in nearly 90 countries. RCI’s exchange network allows
timeshare owners to trade their timeshare weeks with other timeshare owners around the world. RCI
Weeks can be reached at 1-800-338-7777. RCI Points can be reached at 1-877-968-7476.
Q. What is II (Interval International)?
A. Interval International, or II, is the second largest, second oldest exchange company behind RCI and
is rapidly catching up! With nearly 2000 resorts in over 75 countries around the world, II operates
much like RCI, offering convenient and customer-friendly exchange services for clients worldwide. II
Member Services can be reached at 1-800-843-8843. II Getaways can be reached at 800-722-1880
Q. Do RCI and II own the resorts you stay at?
A. No. RCI and II are merely member/owner service networks that offer exchange services to
timeshare owners at resorts with which they have an affiliation agreement. In other words, the
management company owns the resort/timeshare property, and agrees to contract with one company or
the other to give owners at that resort the flexibility and convenience of exchanging for other resorts.
Q. Is there a membership fee for RCI and II?
A. Yes. The annual fee for Interval International is $***** and RCI's is $***** (2006). They also
offer multi-year subscriptions which may save you money compared to the annual rate.
Q. What are the benefits of each company?
A. The benefits of RCI and II are basically the same. Both provide an annual listing of all affiliated
resorts in their networks. Both offer "getaway" packages at extremely generous discounts to provide
members with extra vacations while retaining their owned timeshare week. Both servces publish a
periodic update magazine. And both RCI and II provide members with travel-related services such as
air-travel reservations, car rentals, etc.
Q. What exactly is a “Getaway” program?
A. RCI and II offer “Getaway” programs that allows members to enjoy special VERY low rates at
affiliated timeshare resorts. These weeks are usually unused weeks at resorts – often in off-peak
season – that require no exchange to reserve. Getaways can now be scheduled for as little as two or
three nights, perfect for weekend travelers. This offers members the opportunity to look at other
resorts without losing their week at the resort they own.
Q. How do I make an exchange?
A. Nothing could be simpler! Start by calling either RCI or Interval – whomever is affiliated with your
resort. Basically, exchanges are “lateral.” This means it is likely that you will be exchanging your resort
week for a similar week – similar amenities - and similar unit – in the alternate location or resort you
have chosen. You do not necessarily have to vacation in the same fixed-week that you own. There are
many exchange options available that can allow timeshare owners to visit better locations if they choose
a smaller unit, or larger timeshare units when they visit out-of-the-way or less-popular locales.
Q. When I make an exchange, does someone else have to use my time?
A. Not at all. All weeks that are offered by members are deposited into the "available space" bank and
requests are made against these weeks. Exchanges are fulfilled based on availability, but some weeks
may not be used for exchanges every year.
Q. May I rent my timeshare week out?
A. Once you become the legal owner of a timeshare, you may rent it out if you wish. However, RCI,
and II, don't assist in rentals. You can either choose to go it alone on eBay or choose a reputable
Timeshare Rental outfit established on the web - or ebay - to process the rental for you.
Q. May I rent out a week I have received in exchange?
A. Not at all! This is expressly forbidden. You may only lease a timeshare for which YOU hold the
deed or certificate. If you re-lease a week you have received through an exchange to a third
party, and RCI or II find out, you will be banned from future exchanges. Think of it this way -- you
cannot sub-let your apartment without the owner approving it. Even if the apartment management lets
you sub-let the apartment, they have the right to insist that rent money goes to THEM, not to you - and
that's what should be happening in Timeshare Rentals.
Q. May I make an exchange and let someone else use it, then? I'd really like to use my
exchange week this year to give someone I know that much-needed vacation!
A. Yes, of course. You will need to give RCI/II the name of the people who will be using the resort so
that a guest certificate can be issued for them. The cost of a guest certificate through RCI is $*****,
and through Interval International is $*****.
Q. What is the difference between exchange seasons?
A. In timesharing, demand is everything. The difference in season will be determined for each resort
based on the popularity of that particular resort at any time of year. The most sought-after weeks - like
February in Colorado - are rated as high season because Colorado in February is a popular destination
for Skiiers. Less popular weeks - like November in Boston - are rated as low season weeks. High
demand weeks are known as high season or red time, moderate demand weeks are considered mid
season or white time, and low demand weeks are known as low season or blue time. Many resorts in
very popular areas - such as Orlando or Las Vegas - will have a larger proportion or red weeks vs.
other types, whereas a timeshare in Canada might have a disproportionate number of low weeks.
Q. Is it possible to trade one high season week for two or more low season weeks?
A. No, it isn't - and you should not base your timeshare week purchase on this criteria.. There may
be some occasional exceptions to this rule but they are very rare. In general, you can depend on one
week at your home resort being exchanged for one other week at an eschange resort - even if you're
exchanging your week in Orlando for a week in Podunk Nebraska.
Q. How many resort locations can I request?
A. In general, you will be able to request up to four or five resorts in you're interested in. Being flexible
in resort choice and in destination will improve your chances of making a successful exchange.
Q. When do I pay the exchange fee?
A. All fees are payable immediately when you make your request. If you are requesting a guest
certificate or adding other options they are due at this time, also.
Q. How long will it take to confirm my exchange?
A. Many exchanges are due within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. If your desired destination is not
immediately available, RCI/II will have a computerized search continue to look for exchanges at your
requested resorts. All incoming deposits will be checked against your request up until fourteen days
before your planned departure date or until confirmed.
Q. Do I pay my maintenance fees at the resort I'm exchanging to?
A. No. All maintenance fees are paid directly to the resort you own and not to the resort you are
trading to. The maintenance fees are set by the resort, not the exchange program - wouldn't you rather
pay the $300 maintenance fee at your home resort than the $750 fee at the resort you're visiting?
Q. How does an internal exchange at my home resort work?
A. An internal exchange allows you to exchange the week you own for a different week at the same
resort. If you have a summer week and wish to go at another time of the year the resort may perform
an internal exchange for you based upon availability of the rooms. The resort may or may not charge a
fee for this service, and will have its own rules for exchange.
Q. What is an internal exchange from RCI/II?
A. This just means that, instead of using your home resort to exchange to a different week at the same
resort, you are using RCI or II to facilitate the exchange. There is a fee for this service just like any
other exchange. Priority will be given to any owner wishing to exchange back at their home resort.
LINKS TO KNOW ON EBAY:
* Read my TIMESHARE BUYING GUIDE on eBay
* Deeded Timeshare Resales - Find it on eBay
* Orlando Timeshares w/Tour - Find it on eBay
* Timeshares w/ high RCI Points - Find it on eBay
* A Very FRANK Guide Highlighting Deeded Timeshares
* eBay Guide to Buying Timeshare Vacations on eBay
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