posted 07-31-2002 17:30            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dani:
Thanks Craig. Does this mean that if I own at a resort whose quality ratings are not very high and subsequently purchase a week that has a high quality rating that there is a chance that I might be allowed to see better resorts as Getaways?

---

posted 07-31-2002 17:36            

I logged on to II and then went into E-Exchange. Once there I clicked on the DEPOSIT button for my 2003 week and then on the next page typed in a reservation number and clicked continue. On the next page there was a statement telling me my week was eligible for a bonus week if I deposited. So I guess the statement is still there but instead of it being on the SHOP page where it was before it's now buried 2 pages beyond the click of the DEPOSIT button. Can that statement be put back on the SHOP page?

Thnks

Don

posted 07-31-2002 17:43            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Luvmypt:
Hi Craig,

I logged on to II and then went into E-Exchange. Once there I clicked on the DEPOSIT button for my 2003 week and then on the next page typed in a reservation number and clicked continue. On the next page there was a statement telling me my week was eligible for a bonus week if I deposited. So I guess the statement is still there but instead of it being on the SHOP page where it was before it's now buried 2 pages beyond the click of the DEPOSIT button. Can that statement be put back on the SHOP page?

Thnks

Don

---

posted 07-31-2002 18:04            

This was the first time I have ever clicked on the DEPOSIT button to see what was on the other side. As you can probably tell I'm a newbie and the only place I've ever gone on the E-Exchange page was beyond the SHOP button and it was there the bonus statement was. It was located below the reservation number box and above the date boxes, I think. The statement use to read something like your week is eligible for a bonus week if you deposit it or something like that. I know I'm not dreaming this up.

Thanks for listening.

Don

------------------
Hold a true friend with both hands

posted 07-31-2002 18:24            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Luvmypt:
Craig,

This was the first time I have ever clicked on the DEPOSIT button to see what was on the other side. As you can probably tell I'm a newbie and the only place I've ever gone on the E-Exchange page was beyond the SHOP button and it was there the bonus statement was. It was located below the reservation number box and above the date boxes, I think. The statement use to read something like your week is eligible for a bonus week if you deposit it or something like that. I know I'm not dreaming this up.

Thanks for listening.

Don

---

posted 07-31-2002 18:39            

quote:

---

Originally posted by CraigU:
We do not limit quality uptrades on getaways. The price points are partially determined by the quality equation. Therefore, it isn't necessary to do as you suggest.

---

Craig,

I have to admit that I have no idea what this means!! LOL I have no clue what "quality uptrades" or "price points" are. Can someone fill me in please..Thanks!!!

posted 07-31-2002 19:03            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Dani:
Craig,

I have to admit that I have no idea what this means!! LOL I have no clue what "quality uptrades" or "price points" are. Can someone fill me in please..Thanks!!!

---

posted 07-31-2002 20:19            

quote:

---

Originally posted by CraigU:
Bonus weeks aren't offered when shopping. They are only available when depositing a week. I don't think this is any different then it has been all along. We wouldn't know a week was eligible until we knew the dates of the reservation.

---

------------------
Pat

posted 08-01-2002 04:29            

quote:

---

Originally posted by EdB:
It means you pay $849 for a getaway to the Royal Sands and $199 for the Villas at Slimy Slough! You want to trade up in quality? It will cost you...

---

------------------
Craig Urbine
Vice President
Member Services
Interval International

posted 08-01-2002 04:34            

quote:

---

Originally posted by GrayFal:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by CraigU:
[b]Bonus weeks aren't offered when shopping. They are only available when depositing a week. I don't think this is any different then it has been all along. We wouldn't know a week was eligible until we knew the dates of the reservation.

---

[/B][/QUOTE]

posted 08-01-2002 06:45            

I do have floating weeks so that's why I had to have a reservation number.

Don

posted 08-01-2002 08:22            

Looking for some clarification on membership rules.

We are currently between timeshares. Kind of like between jobs except we are not actively looking for our next one.

Our membership runs to Dec/04. We have two deposits on the system that expire in about June/04.

Will you kick us out (with a refund) in June/04 or at the end of our membership?

posted 08-01-2002 08:37            

I know you can't address specific questions for members, so I will give a brief summary and then generalize my question.

Brief background:
I previously was able to see an accomodation certificate online with my pending requests, with the exchange requests expiring as of last week. The AC has an expiration date of 2/03. While I had pending requests, I was also able to "Shop" with that AC using the grid function (> 60 days) or search all destinations (< 60 days).

After I couldn't see the AC anymore I called II. The first rep had no idea what I was talking about and told me I couldn't shop AC's online. I called back and the second rep was able to put the AC back online (after a few minutes wait, no big deal ) and I could "Shop" it again. However, after using the "Shop" function once, it disappeared. I called a third and fourth time and again the people had no idea what I was talking about, that AC's can't be used online, etc. and that I must call to request any exchange in the future-phew!

My questions are:
1.) Is the plan to put all ACs available online for members to use? Or only certain types under special circumstances?
2.) What is the procedure (if any) to get ACs displayed online for members to use?
3.)It appears that there is a training issue when it comes to representatives and their knowledge of online AC use.

FYI-"Ask Craig" is the first thread I check when I login to the BBS and always read with great interest. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

------------------
George

posted 08-01-2002 15:22            

quote:

---

Originally posted by ghawton:
Craig,

Looking for some clarification on membership rules.

We are currently between timeshares. Kind of like between jobs except we are not actively looking for our next one.

Our membership runs to Dec/04. We have two deposits on the system that expire in about June/04.

Will you kick us out (with a refund) in June/04 or at the end of our membership?

Thanks,

---

posted 08-01-2002 15:29            

2)If you have a certificate issued on your membership, it will appear online. My guess is when you were shopping on your certificate, you selected a unit which places a 15 minute hold to give time to complete the transaction. If you called within that 15 minute hold, the system recognizes the certificate is unavailable at that moment. The adviser probably released the hold manually which would then make it appear online.

3) The only advisers that are supposed to be familiar with internet functionality are the internet support staff. If you call any of the other toll free lines, they won't be familiar with the internet work flow. I believe most times people receive incorrect information regarding the interent is when they call the wrong number for servicing.

quote:

---

Originally posted by taipan:
Craig,

I know you can't address specific questions for members, so I will give a brief summary and then generalize my question.

Brief background:
I previously was able to see an accomodation certificate online with my pending requests, with the exchange requests expiring as of last week. The AC has an expiration date of 2/03. While I had pending requests, I was also able to "Shop" with that AC using the grid function (> 60 days) or search all destinations (< 60 days).

After I couldn't see the AC anymore I called II. The first rep had no idea what I was talking about and told me I couldn't shop AC's online. I called back and the second rep was able to put the AC back online (after a few minutes wait, no big deal ) and I could "Shop" it again. However, after using the "Shop" function once, it disappeared. I called a third and fourth time and again the people had no idea what I was talking about, that AC's can't be used online, etc. and that I must call to request any exchange in the future-phew!

My questions are:
1.) Is the plan to put all ACs available online for members to use? Or only certain types under special circumstances?
2.) What is the procedure (if any) to get ACs displayed online for members to use?
3.It appears that there is a training issue when it comes to representatives and their knowledge of online AC use.

FYI-"Ask Craig" is the first thread I check when I login to the BBS and always read with great interest. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

---

------------------
Craig Urbine
Vice President
Member Services
Interval International

posted 08-01-2002 18:43            

Based on your answers, I assume that since I have been able to access the AC online previously, then it was issued on my membership.

FYI-when I was shopping all I did was get to the page that shows the countries where resorts are located an no further. I did not select any unit. I did go away for >15minutes, have to log back in and then the AC disappeared, so I don't believe the scenario you outlined would fit the symptoms.

Either way, I will contact the internet support staff to resolve my situation or any future online issues. I didn't realize there was a separate department for that.

Thanks for your reply.

posted 08-01-2002 19:14            

If they do not provide a logical answer, please post another message. Our internet development team is monitoring the comments here to identify and address issues.

quote:

---

Originally posted by taipan:
Craig,

Based on your answers, I assume that since I have been able to access the AC online previously, then it was issued on my membership.

FYI-when I was shopping all I did was get to the page that shows the countries where resorts are located an no further. I did not select any unit. I did go away for >15minutes, have to log back in and then the AC disappeared, so I don't believe the scenario you outlined would fit the symptoms.

Either way, I will contact the internet support staff to resolve my situation or any future online issues. I didn't realize there was a separate department for that.

Thanks for your reply.

---

posted 08-02-2002 09:11            

I am sure in your position you probably hear a lot more negatives than positives about customer service so I thought I would help balance the equasion. I purchased an additional timeshare week and called Cathy Don, ext. 8512 to update my account. Cathy carefully explained my options, $39 to add or free with additional year(s)or preferred member upgrade, she then explained the timeframe within which I should see the update, gave me her direct 800 line, and encouraged me to call her with any issues or needs I may have in the future.

posted 08-02-2002 11:18            

Although I have been very impressed by the quality of the VC's, I must tell you that it seems that **in city** properties such as my San Francisco week are really treated as dogs, instead of gems by the I.I. online system. My July 2003 1-Bedroom Sleeps 4, is downgraded to a "sleep 2" by I.I. (I was told this is because it is only 540 sq. ft.). When I try to use the "shop" feature, and input that we are a party of 3 (2 adults + 1 child) I get an error message from I.I. stating:
"Travel Party cannot exceed 2 (capacity of home unit)"

This REALLY feels unfair, because we have a 1-bedroom sleeps 4, and we are only trying to get another 1 bedroom sleeps 4. We are not asking for more than we own.

As a result of my deposit 2-person accomodations, when I try using the shop button I can only pull efficiencies with no kitchen or partial kitchens. The selection of resorts no matter the location or time of year are dismal (and that's putting it nicely!)

I had originally wanted to do "request first" because I have never traded with I.I. before, but I was told I could not do this because I my San Francisco week is for 2003, and my on-going search is for Spring 2004. (Our vacations are already booked for 2003) The last counselor I spoke to tried to give me encouragement that ** even though ** the online system does not treat my week favorably, I can always call a VC whenever I want to "shop". (That sounds lovely....)

As for my pending request, who knows if it will ever come through since the I.I. computer does not appear real impressed with my July 2003 1-bedroom, sleeps 4 San Francisco deposit.

So, there is my sad tale and here are my questions for you:

(1) At what unit size (square footage) does I.I. change the designation from a 1 bd, sleeps 4 to a 1-bd, sleeps 2? All 1-bedrooms usually have a bedroom with a queen or king bed & a sleep-sofa that sleeps 2. What size does the unit need to be, to keep it's 1 bedroom, sleep 4 designation? 600 sq. ft? 700 sq. ft?

(2) I think the problem my San Francisco unit is having in the I.I. system would be the same for LOTS of "in the heart of city properties" where we pay top-dollar for maintenance ($700 per year!!) but have low square footage. Wouldn't Interval be better off woo-ing San Francisco/New Orleans/Manhattan deposits rather than scaring them off with terrible online system offerings??

(Example, you ask? For 1st week of December 2002 Orlando I can pick up Marriott Getaway weeks for $199 (eff), $299(1BD), $399(2BD). But using my deposited SF 1-Bedroom I can only pull up Efficiencies with No Kitchen at Clarion & some other resort I have never heard of. If Interval is really about making "fair exchanges", how fair is it for me, a 1-bedroom owner, to only be able to pull up efficiencies online? All the on-line system allows me is un-fair, un-equal trades. My 1-bedroom sleeps 4, in exchange for a studio or efficiency.

I wish I was feeling warmer & fuzzier about my 1st-ever deposit with Interval. You seem like a very nice gentleman, Craig. And your counselors are polite and listen -- nice, nice folks. But I really wish I had my week back!!! I didn't know it was going to be like this...

--- Rene McDaniel

Owner:
Nob Hill Inn, San Francisco 1-BD, sleeps 4 (floating high)
Blue Whale, Beachfront Oceanside 2-BD week and 1-BD week (high)
Fairfield Windjammer Villas, New Bern NC, 2-BD (low season)