Mark @SFX -> : it certainly is frustrating when you do not get the exchange you want. Unfortunately exchange companies get blamed if there is no availability, kind of like blaming the travel agent if the hotel or airline was full.
Mark @SFX -> : Without reviewing your account, it is difficult to respond
Spence -> : Mark @SFX When will we be able to 'see' what's sitting in the bank at SFX from out online accounts?
Arline -> : Good question
Mark @SFX -> : Mike, I believe one of the advance questions I sent you covered this...
wackymother -> : Spence, I'm not sure I understand your question, could you clarify?
Mark @SFX -> : why can you not see inventory online with SFX?
Spence -> : Looking to see online availability
mshatty -> : Sorry, Mark, I must have dropped that one
Arline -> : If we could see what is available to exchange online, we could help you do your work.
wackymother -> : Oh, yes. That would be great.
Mark @SFX -> : Mike, do you see the email I sent you on this one?
wackymother -> : While Mike looks, can I ask a question?
Mark @SFX -> : yes
wackymother -> : Does SFX do any advertising? What kind?
Mark @SFX -> : We advertise to those who own at qualified resorts, so we mail the owners directly, and of course we deal directly with developers. This end of the business is all about inventory, and those are the primary sources.
mshatty -> : Mark was the email a separate one from the real long one? If so, I must have lost it
wackymother -> : So direct mail advertising?
Mark @SFX -> : yes
Mark @SFX -> : Okay, I will answer the earlier question
Mark @SFX -> : Why can we not see and book online exchanges like with the other exchange companies?
Mark @SFX -> : Here we go...
iconnections -> : I have a suggestion and that is to post often to tell people to check with their timeshare HOA and ask them to exchange with SFX.
iconnections -> : and have them advertise it instead.
Mark @SFX -> : About 80% of the timeshare world requests about 20% of the best timeshare space. The space you can see online for booking with other companies, is space they have No Requests for from their members. The top 20% you never see because there is always a
Mark @SFX -> : queue for it, and as soon as it gets deposited... it gets booked and you do not see it.
billymach4 -> : 80/20 rule!
Mark @SFX -> : Correct.
Mark @SFX -> : You don't see that 20% with the other exchange companies, and you don't see it with us either, because the 20% is what we specialize in.
Mark @SFX -> : If we have a bunch of space just sitting there waiting for people to book it, ask yourself... what is the quality like?
Mark @SFX -> : Our inventory has the highest demand, and that's our business model. Our business model is very different to RCI and II.
Spence -> : You can say that, but I VERY OFTEN find great high demand time/place units online with DAE and II. I used to with RCI also, but I boycott them.
Mark @SFX -> : People use us because of the higher consistency of quality. No other exchange company specializes in Gold Crown and 5 Star.
Mark @SFX -> : I am not saying they don't have good quality. But that is only a percentage of their inventory, where it's 100% of ours.
bigfrank -> : Mark, Is there going to be more east coast resorts in the future.
Spence -> : So, is the answer to my original question.... We never plan to let you see our available inventory online??
Mark @SFX -> : We access as many East Coast resorts as we have demand from our members.
Mark @SFX -> : We only go after space that members demand.,
Spence -> : Mark @SFX, you haven't directly answered my question!
Mark @SFX -> : Sorry...
Arline -> : Would it be better if you request a multitude of resorts, in the same area, or just general areas with any available resorts?
Mark @SFX -> : That top 20% layer of quality is not viewable with the other exchange companies or SFX because the demand is greater than supply, there is always a queue for it, so as soon as it comes in... .it gets booked. At the top end of space, it never sits around
Mark @SFX -> : waiting for people to book it, there is always a queue.
Mark @SFX -> : So... based on that business model, no.
Jim McLaren -> : You're saying that even if you had online lookup, there would rarely be anything to see?
falmouth3 -> : I've had great luck getting my requests, but it would be very nice to browse. You may have something in inventory that I'd never thought about going to. But from what you seem to be saying is that as weeks come in, they get assigned.
Mark @SFX -> : You are always better off requesting the area you want to be in, and let us find you a good quality resort.
Mark @SFX -> : Falmouth3: Generally yes.
Mark @SFX -> : When demand is greater than supply industry wide, at that level there is very little that sits around. Unfortunately...
bigfrank -> : Does SFX ever plan to charge for an upgrade fee so that the people who do not own 5 star can get a 5 star with their lower trader for a fee.
Spence -> : Mark @SFX I think I understand your business model but that doesn't preclude seeing available inventory, I feel like I'm asking 'Madge'
bigfrank -> : Spence you're not even close to asking Madge, It is not even close.
Spence -> : BF, now that would not be part of their BM

Arline -> : Trading Places often has five star/gold crown resorts available online for us to exchange, and a higher number are available at the last minute.
Mark @SFX -> : Spence... I apologize if I am not explaining properly. In understanding the model, the model dictates there is nothing to see if the demand is greater than the supply, and there is always a queue. You don't see this space with the others, so what makes you
Mark @SFX -> : think you would see it with us?
Spence -> : So you're saying that you have nothing in inventory right now to see??
Spence -> : not believable
Mark @SFX -> : Why?
ArtsieAng -> : You can see many 5 * with II, months in advance
ArtsieAng -> : I see them every day
Glitter -> : I think Mark is saying that whatever may be there will be given out to requests
billymach4 -> : Mark, Without going into specifics how does SFX perform exchanges. It there some sort of automated process? Or is someone searching spreadsheets making the best match?
Mark @SFX -> : Yes, but not in all areas and for the highest demand areas.
Glitter -> : I would hope also offered to members as "close" matches
wackymother -> : At one point I called SFX and asked for anything available all up and down the entire eastern part of the country and they only had one--in Orlando.
Mark @SFX -> : slow down a little here... I am not a fast typer
GrayFal -> : So Mark, are you saying that based on OUR requests for an exchange - you look for that exchange for us???? You TRY to get what we ask???
GrayFal -> : LOL< sorry!
GrayFal -> : you have all of us thinking - which is GOOD
Mark @SFX -> : slow down...
Mark @SFX -> : trying to read some of your questions.
Mark @SFX -> : Thanks. Ok... BillyMach
Mark @SFX -> : performing exchanges
wackymother -> : About how many reps does SFX have working on exchanges?
mshatty -> : Please let Mark check up on the questions
Glitter -> : wacky, and everyone, please stop for a bit and let mark catch up
Mark @SFX -> : As soon as the request is in the system, it automatically searches to see if there is an exact or close match. If there is, then the member is called immediately. If not, calls are placed to our network.
wackymother -> : Sorry, I type fast!
billymach4 -> : thx
Mark @SFX -> : We are not allowed to disclose the number of staff.
Mark @SFX -> : Spence: We have space constantly flowing in and out of our space bank. But none we show online, unless it
GrayFal -> : oops - got kicked out!
Mark @SFX -> : s the selloff list about 60 days in advance.
mshatty -> : Mark could you answer Grayfal's question?
Mark @SFX -> : Sorry... which one?
mshatty -> : This one: So Mark, are you saying that based on OUR requests for an exchange - you look for that exchange for us???? You TRY to get what we ask???
tonyg -> : Let's not ask any more questions until Mark asks for a new one- he is after all badly outnumbered here.
Mark @SFX -> : As soon as the request is in the system, it automatically searches to see if there is an exact or close match. If there is, then the member is called immediately. If not, calls are placed to our network
Mark @SFX -> : above is the answer to Grayfals question
mshatty -> : Thanks Mark
mshatty -> : Ready for some more ??
Mark @SFX -> : yes thanks...
mshatty -> : Slow and kind please (instead of fast and furious)
Mark @SFX -> : BTW... an independent audit for 2006, shows we had a 92% fulfillment rate of all requests, whether it was first or second choice of offers.
falmouth3 -> : That's very impressive.
ArtsieAng -> : that's good to know...thanks!
Mark @SFX -> : Thanks
Glitter -> : Are there areas that SFX is more interested in getting deposits from, that might earn stronger trade power... as in areas that demand exceeds supply within your system?
Mark @SFX -> : Good question
Glitter -> : though not too well articulated, sorry
Mark @SFX -> : Areas all exchange companies want more space from is Hawaii, NY, London, Paris, Southern Cal Coast, ski weeks.
mshatty -> : I own Wyndham/Fairfield points. If I am going to deposit a week with SFX, should I call or email and ask if there is a particular FF/Wyn you would like for me to deposit?
Mark @SFX -> : What area is it in?
mshatty -> : All of the Wyndham/Fairfield resorts
mshatty -> : That is those that qualify for SFX
Mark @SFX -> : I believe their Hawaii properties will give you the highest trading power. Any week during Jan-March, or June -September.
StressCadet -> : Can I piggyback that same question with Worldmark?
Mark @SFX -> : Yes
mshatty -> : OK. But say you needed a Las Vegas week or Sedona, would you tell me so I could deposit that one for SFX?
Mark @SFX -> : Yes we would, and we do appreciate it.
mshatty -> : OK
Mark @SFX -> : We are going through some major expansion.
Spence -> : how so?
GrayFal -> : I just stayed at a Worldmark resort for the first time and was very impressed with the quality
Mark @SFX -> : We are buying our own building
Glitter -> : I saw the pics, it looks great!
GrayFal -> : congratulations - u must be doing well
mshatty -> : Any final questions, the hour is almost up.
Mark @SFX -> : which will be ready for occupancy mid December.
ArtsieAng -> : I saw a picture of the building, and it looks very impressive.
StressCadet -> : Mark-can you please address the Worldmark Resorts that SFX prefers.
Mark @SFX -> : Okay....
Glitter -> : I hope you aren't bartering with the contractors ;)
mshatty -> :
billymach4 -> : Where are pics? on the Website?
GrayFal -> : I stayed at Worldmark So lake Tahoe -VERY nice
Spence -> : he wants to get an upgraded cubical
Mark @SFX -> : Hawaii is always a great pick for their properties. High demand year round and good trading power.
bigfrank -> : Mark any inside info on new resorts being built?
Mark @SFX -> : Also their San Francisco property is a great trader.
Mark @SFX -> : New resorts...
Mark @SFX -> : ??
Mark @SFX -> : Of course more in Mexico.
Mark @SFX -> : You know, think about it
StressCadet -> : Thanks-I guess I could also contact SFX like Mike and try to fill a need.
bigfrank -> : What about in the East coast. I know Mexico.
iconnections -> : Mark, how do the hotel resorts treat you ?
Mark @SFX -> : whoa...
GrayFal -> : ...nelly?
Mark @SFX -> : I am not sure about any new developments in the East Coast. One thing I do know is, there is too much new development in areas of medium demand, and not enough in the high demanded areas.
Mark @SFX -> : This too causes a traffic jam in the system
falmouth3 -> : Mark, how much timeshare availability is there in Paris?
Mark @SFX -> : Because you are adding more to the 80% than you are the 20%
GrayFal -> : ahhhh, Paris!
Mark @SFX -> : Paris:
Mark @SFX -> : Sorry there is always very little availability in Paris, but the big problem is Lack of Quality resorts.
mshatty -> : :thank you: :clap:
Mark, thank you for your time tonight.
Mark @SFX -> : I would rather stay in a hotel in paris than a timeshare
iconnections -> : Do the big hotel chain resorts cooperate with you if there is a lot of demand for their units?
bigfrank -> : Who wants to go there anyway.:canworms:
Spence -> : Do you accept Royal Holiday's Paris 'Resort'
Glitter -> : Nice try, Mike... Frank, behave
Mark @SFX -> : Can I have the last word
Mark @SFX -> : Please...
mshatty -> : Please
Mark @SFX -> : I want to thank Frank and Mike for all their support tonight... not done yet.
Spence -> : Thank you Mark@SFX
Mark @SFX -> : I also want to thank everyone that took valuable time out of their evening to participate. still not done
Mark @SFX -> : Our company is fast growing, but always wants to emphasize our business model is very different to rci and I.I.
bigfrank -> : I want to thank Mark and Mike, This is not easy putting this together.:clap: :clap:
Arline -> : :thank you: :clap:
Mark @SFX -> : You will see some very positive growth changes in the next 12 months.. .now I am done.
mshatty -> : :bed: :drive: :canworms: :clap: :thank you:
Mark @SFX -> : and thank you for your patience.
Glitter -> : Yes, thank you both.
flowergurl -> : Thank you Mark and Mike. It has been a very informative chat.
mshatty -> : You did great!
Mark @SFX -> : Thanks.
wackymother -> : Thanks!
falmouth3 -> : I appreciate this time and chat. Thanks to all.
mshatty -> : Thanks to all who came! Let the chaos begin
ArtsieAng -> : Thank you
Mark!!!
Mark @SFX -> : 3 for 1 Expiring October 31 !!
StressCadet -> : Thanks everyone!
billymach4 -> : Thank You
Glitter -> : oh, right, the 3 for 1. gotta pay some MFs!
ArtsieAng -> : Thank you Mike, and all that participated!
Mark @SFX -> : Go pay them... and then call us.
bigfrank -> : *choochoo*
Spence -> : Very productive chat, rented out two weeks and bought another two weeks worth of points with the proceeds all in the last hour :new:
Mark @SFX -> : Gee what's for dinner tonight ?
Spence -> : dinner was two hours ago
tonyg -> : It \'s past 10 PM here
bigfrank -> : chat stix?
Mark @SFX -> : 7:15pm here and hungry
mshatty -> : Go eat!
Mark @SFX -> : Good night, and thanks.
Glitter -> : Night, Mark, happy dinner
bigfrank -> : thank you
mshatty -> : Good night and bye
wackymother -> : Or as we say in the Northeast--Go, eat. You look thin!
ArtsieAng -> : Mark...Thanks