Exchange Secrets

or

Cut the crap, how do you get those great exchanges
we read about on the Timeshare Gems website?

We're Going To Reveal The Big Secret

Folks, I look at it this way; if you've read this far into the program you deserve to know how we get some incredible timeshare exchanges.  We're going to tell you, and give you some excellent examples of how it was done. 

The exact details of matching requests is not known, but by talking to different people in many companies, and by hearing information from our many customers we're getting closer to a full understanding.  I'm sure if Susie Homan was your best friend in high school and she now matches vacation requests you could be expected to get what you want.  Other than that we're going to try and educate you as best we can. 

Basics

Whenever you talk to anyone in the timeshare industry, write down their name, phone number, company, and anything else you can think of.  We have a database full of timeshare people we've spoken to, and many times it provides invaluable information.  Several people have suggested that they keep a notebook just to record their timeshare conversations in.  They hear a tip from a friend, they write it down.  Someone else just has one long Word document on his computer and keeps notes of all relevant conversations in that document.  Then he prints it out and reviews it from time to time.

Whatever you do, a timeshare is a worthwhile investment that comes equipped with literally thousands of options.  We recommend keeping some kind of record of timeshare information, and lean toward having something on the computer.    As you learn more about timesharing, we think you'll find more to love about timeshares.

Time

You didn't feel the earth shake, did you?  Time is the biggest factor in you being able to reserve the timeshare exchange you want.  Most every RCI, II or Fairfield Rep we've talked to about this subject has said that time is the biggest thing in your favor.  If you bank a week over a year in advance to trade, you stand a very high chance of getting the week you want.  We know of people that own Blue RCI timeshares that carry an annual maintenance of just over $300 and they've traded that week for oceanfront in Hawaii more than once.  How?  Time.  They did so long in advance. 

Or, Lack Of Time

Last minute exchanges offer you some incredible opportunities.  Exchange companies still try to match up like units (Gold Crown trading for Gold Crown, 2 Bedroom for 2 Bedroom) but there comes a time when most any week can nab something that's on the website.  We like to use spur of the moment exchanges for quick getaways to Lake Havasu, Las Vegas, or the California Coast.  Banked weeks are golden. 

Ongoing Searches

There is also a second boost you can give yourself.  When at first you don't succeed, pay the exchange fee and enter an ongoing search.  All of the major exchange companies have some variation of an ongoing search, so set one up.  You pay the fee up front and let your exchange company search for you.  You're prepaying the transfer fee so they know you're serious, then they go to work to fill it for you.  Multi-tasking at its finest.

Pick a Friendly Rep

Seriously, they work on commission.  If you call up "Charla" and tell her she did a good job for you a month ago and now you want to reserve a week through her she'll be ecstatic.  They have quotas they're supposed to fill and win prizes when they excel.  So help out Charla, Dean, or Debra.  Pick a rep you like and use them as much as you can.   You'll probably get just a little bit better service, and when you call back six months later she'll be primed to help you a lot.  I cannot stress how important it is to network and build friends in timesharing.

Matching Requests With Inventory

Here's how this one works; whenever RCI or Interval International is trying to match up an exchange request, they match requests based on these and other criteria;

When you have entered an ongoing request they will try to match you with a unit before they place that unit onto the website for anyone to reserve.  If you're trading a powerful unti you deserve a like unit in return.

Summary

Remember, the biggest ally you have in any exchange request is time.  The further in advance you can reserve the week the better.  Timesharing offers literally thousands of options.  Enjoy exploring many of them!