Questions about exchange companies:

bunk · #1 (**permalink**) 01-11-2010, 06:18 PM

I am new to the forum. I have timeshares with Marriott and Raintree.
On a post today, someone mentioned the following exchange companies:
Platinum Interchange, SFX ,HTSE, DAE and Trading Places.

Can anyone compare the strengths and weaknesses of these exchange companies.

Thank you.

chriskre · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2010, 07:55 PM

I've only used DAE so far and it was for the bonus weeks so I'd say one of their strengths is very cheap bonus weeks if you can travel on very short notice. I'm talking $79 for a week in a 2 bedroom cheap.

As far as exchanges, I've yet to give them anything to exchange but might do it this year. I'm still debating whether to give VRI or DAE my unit.

JWC · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 11:56 AM

I have used SFX exclusively for the past 12 years. Prior to that I used II and RCI.

In order to use SFX, you must own a timeshare that they will accept for deposit. They accept high quality timeshare weeks in high demand areas that are not over built in prime time. As such you will receive high quality resorts. You have to ask SFX if they will accept your resort. I suggest that you go to the "Ask SFX" forum on this web site. Mark at SFX will gladly answer your questions.

I have had great success with SFX in making great exchanges. Not everybody will have the same success. It depends on a lot of factors like any exchange company.

Some of the things that I like about SFX:

1. The ability to make good quality exchanges to where I want to go.
2. No restrictions on how often I can exchange into the same resort.
3. Free upgrades and guest certificates.
4. Bonus weeks.
5. Low exchange fees.

Personally I do not see any disadvantages with SFX as it has worked well for me. However, some others will disagree and will probably post about it.

I cannot comment of the other independents as I have never used them

Carolinian · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 02:04 PM

I am now using DAE mostly for exchange, and they have come through for me, including places that RCI could not get like oceanfront just outside Split, Croatia.

falmouth3 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 04:04 PM

I also use SFX. I've gotten every request filled that I've made with them. I allow for lots of flexibility in resort and timeframe - others luck out with short lead times. Gold Membership is free, platinum membership has a cost associated with it, but has additional benefits. I use the bonus weeks and there are additional weeks posted when they have weeks in their inventory that aren't spoken for. They have recently had 3 London weeks, and a lot of other things.

Because they are smaller than some of the other companies, they don't have a lot of inventory at any given time and you can't search what they have. That annoys a lot of people. But when you write or call them, you get a very gracious and prompt (in my experience) reply.

lawren2 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 07:44 PM

Independents are wonderful. In order to be a very happy camper you need to understand their limitations and what areas they are strongest in. DAE has not suited me well (yet). Trading Places has.

chriskre · #7 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawren2

Independents are wonderful. In order to be a very happy camper you need to understand their limitations and what areas they are strongest in. DAE has not suited me well (yet). Trading Places has.

I don't find much in the DAE exchange that I really want yet but I do like their bonus weeks.

Carolinian · #8 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 03:19 AM

Since many of the independents have free membership and request first systems, why limit yourself to one? Join multiple companies and use a variety of them.

JWC · #9 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carolinian

Since many of the independents have free membership and request first systems, why limit yourself to one? Join multiple companies and use a variety of them.

I don't know about the others but I have a Platinum paid membership at SFX which gives me a lot more benefits and lower exchange fees than the free membership.

Carolinian · #10 (**permalink**) 01-13-2010, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWC

I don't know about the others but I have a Platinum paid membership at SFX which gives me a lot more benefits and lower exchange fees than the free membership.

I have the paid Gold membership at DAE, too. However, for someone getting their feet wet, it is probably better to start with the free memberships.