Donate for a Cause credibility

I am a bit confused. Every time a company offers to take your timeshare “off your hands” for an up front fee, they are labeled a “Post Card Company,” and pretty much written off as no good.

I have also noticed that whenever the credibility of an organization such as Donate for a Cause is attacked, regular posters (whom I personally have a great deal of respect for, as they have helped me out multiple times) sail to the defense of this organization.

Then I read that Donate for a Cause will offer a Guaranteed Acceptance for no less than $1299.

How does this work? Does it work? Is this a legitimate avenue for owners that cannot sell or give away their timeshare?

I am not trying to stir up a hornet’s nest or anything here, just looking for clarification.

Some postcard companies do what they advertise .... take your timeshare off your hands for a fee of $3000+ via power of attorney and then put it on Ebay for $1 .... the problem is that some postcard companies do not transfer the ownership out of your name and maintenance fees are still billed to you as the owner .... other than those postcard companies, I see nothing wrong in dealing with legitimate ones that do what they advertise if you're willing to pay the $3000+ fee.

As far as 'donate for a cause' I have never, as a regular Redweek poster defended them, however unless you own at a very desirable resort with a very desirable week (supply and demand) they won't take your week IF they're even taking ANY weeks at all in this economy.

jayjay,

Thanks for the reply. I always look for your posts as they have helped me a great deal in the past(saved me from making some BIG mistakes).

The reason for my post is that I am just starting to try to "sell" my timeshare. I contacted DFAC about donating it and they said they were not interested in accepting it for their free donation program, however for $1299 they will guarantee acceptance. This immediately raised red flags with me.

Due to unforeseen circumstances I am needing to be rid of my timeshare sooner rather than later. I was thinking that if I cannot sell or give it away this may be a last option for me if it is legit. Mind you I would really rather not have to pay to get rid it.

My question is, IF I were to go with this option, does DFAC transfer ownership out of my name right away or do they wait until it sells? If they do transfer right away, am I done with it or do I need to worry about any fees or it being transferred back to me?

I have no idea if DFAC actually transfers ownership out of your name .... I would ask them and get ALL of the facts of what they actually do in writing.

I would suggest checking the Global Charity Index Report