Original Message:
Ownership / Exchanging... (by KC):
tylerh15 states in part: >>I was told during a Marriott sales pitch that if I didn't purchase directly through them that I would not be able to trade it.<< ===============================================
I admittedly know relatively little about the Marriott system, but I nonethesless believe this statement to be incorrect.
It is my limited understanding that a Marriott "VIP status" can be attained only through a developer-direct purchase, but that's really NOT the issue here at all. While that "VIP status" has some limited benefits (such as access to their "Rewards" program and some degree of priority in making internal reservations, for example), none of that really has anything to do with the ability to "exchange" through II.
In virtually any system (including Marriott, to the best of my knowledge), if you are an owner (regardless of whether having purchased developer-direct OR resale), you have the inherent right and ability to make your reservation and then "deposit and exchange" that reserved week through the affiliated exchange company (Interval International, in this instance).
A knowledgeable Marriott owner might be able to elaborate further and weigh in far more eloquently on the subject here, but I believe the above (admittedly limited) info to be correct. It seems (to me, anyhow) that there may have been some misunderstanding at your "presentation". Perhaps you misunderstood a statement, or maybe the salesperson was mistaken (or lying). Personally, I'd be inclined bet on the last (a lying salesperson) option, but I wasn't there. ;-)