Most timeshare companies are moving away from a true weeks-based system and moving toward a points-based system. The result is a shrinking exchange network.
More and more owners are neglecting to deposit their weeks into a system that is now mostly computer-based and complex, rather than simply making a call to a cheerful customer service rep.
Some owners also are shying away from the exchange fees that have risen in recent years from $49 to $179 domestic and $199 international for RCI, the world's largest timeshare exchange network.
If you have a highly coveted week, often described as peak or red, you can still beat the system. Timeshare week trading power is based on the particular week that you own, and that week's status can vary based on the location of your timeshare. There are some universals, however. Peak season includes major holidays, high season flanks peak weeks; and value season includes those spring and fall school breaks.
Many owners' weeks don't have the trading power that the owner was led to believe when he or she purchased it.
Prime week owners and people with flexible travel plans have the biggest advantages in the current timeshare climate. Owners with coveted weeks can often sell their weeks online for twice the annual maintenance fees. Daytona Beach race weeks in February can bring in as much as $3,000 for a two-bedroom condo.
Also, retirees and independent business owners with flexible vacation schedules can have their pick of the lot by scheduling vacations during quiet season.
For most everyone else, the timeshare weeks' climate is rough, with no signs of getting better any time soon.
But for now, consider trying to sell or rent your week at through Web-based services that specialize in timeshares.
Also, you can join the network of owners known as Timeshare Users Group who do informal exchange of weeks and information.
There are also ownership groups within certain timeshare companies. This option may also allow you to trade your week at one location for a similar-classed week at another.
