Original Message:
Re: Re: How do payments work with listings that are not Verified & Protected? (by KC):
keelym11 wrote:If someone wants a direct payment and said they will email me the guest certificate. This is my first time using the site, so I’m wondering if this is normal?
Mention of a “guest certificate” suggests that a week which may have been obtained as an “exchange” from RCI or II might possibly be involved here. If so, you should be clearly aware that both RCI and Interval International strictly and specifically prohibit the rental of any weeks obtained from them as an “exchange”, as very clearly and specifically stated in the written terms and conditions of membership of both of those two exchange companies. RedWeek would not know if an “unverified” ad involves an attempt by someone to rent out an “exchange”, as RedWeek is merely the site on which this (or any other) “unverified” ad has been placed.
Before sending off any money, I would recommend making certain that the advertiser demonstrates to you that s/he actually OWNS the advertised week involved. If they don’t own it but merely acquired it as a one time “exchange” from either RCI or Interval, then it’s simply not theirs to rent out to you (or to anyone else) in the first place. They can (for a fee) obtain a guest certificate from either exchange company to allow someone else specifically named on that guest certificate to use the week, but "exchanges" CANNOT be rented out for profit.
Be careful here. You could be denied occupancy and the “improper landlord” (IF this is actually the case) could have their exchange company membership suspended or terminated if they are discovered to be attempting to rent out a week they obtained as an "exchange". There is risk involved here. You could (and would) be denied occupancy at check-in if discovered, with no recourse to recover your rental payment. Would you and the "improper landlord" necessarily get caught? Maybe not, but just be aware of this very clear restriction, imposed by both RCI and II, before you proceed with sending ANY payment for a rental that may be prohibited in the first place. Proceed with caution and make the advertiser PROVE that they actually OWN whatever it is they are trying to rent out to you.