TRI West Timeshare - Mario's Timeshare Tips - Tip 17

Tip 17 - Exchange Companies

In the early days of timesharing it was clear that a way was needed to overcome the typical owners objection to having to visit the same resort year after year. As a result, independent exchange companies were created to assist timeshare owners exchange their units for other units worldwide. Although there has been a number of exchange organizations over the years, the two major current exchange companies are Interval International (II) and Resort Condominiums International (RCI).

II (WITH OVER 1,500 RESORTS) AND RCI (WITH OVER 3,500 RESORTS) ARE THE LARGEST TIMESHARE EXCHANGE COMPANIES.

Each company:

   1. Has an initiation fee which is usually waived at
      time of purchase. ($200)
   2. Charges an annual fee which includes a directory
      of the company's resorts. ($84 - $89) 
   3. Charges an exchange fee when a successful exchange
      is made. ($135 - $189)
   4. Allows members to deposit their weeks in advance for
      exchange use earlier or at a later date. (1 - 2 yrs)
   5. Usually restricts your exchange to trades of equal
      or lesser quality.
   6. Provides better results when owner is trading the 
      highest season and/or the largest unit.
   7. Provides upgrades on a last minute space available 
      basis.
   8. Defines exchange demand by - high, mid   , and low 
                  II  equivalent - red , yellow, and green
                  RCI equivalent - red , white , and blue
   9. Rates a selected group of resorts as outstanding.
                 II  - Five Star    RCI - Gold Crown
                 RCI - Silver Crown

In addition to II and RCI, there are several smaller exchange companies with a variety of different programs. Check with your resort or management company for a list of these companies and their success rate.