Dear Valued Owner,
On behalf of your FairShare Vacation Owners Association’s Board of Directors, I would like to make you aware of a few changes to the FairShare Plus program features that will go into effect on October 15, 2008.
As I am sure you can appreciate, it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to ensure all program rules and fees are fair and equitable for all owners and the decision to implement these changes was made after careful consideration. These changes were designed with two thoughts in mind: first that we are able to cover the actual expense incurred in delivering these services and second, to ensure that the costs related to various program features and transactions are shared only by those owners who choose to take advantage of these benefits. This “fee-for-service” approach assures that the costs incurred by a few owners will not be shared by the entire ownership. For your convenience, we have provided responses below to some of the questions you may have regarding the changes.
These fee changes will apply to any transaction made on or after October 15 and any future changes made to current reservations. You also have the option to take advantage of significant savings by completing some of these transactions online at WyndhamVacationResorts.com, rather than through a phone call to a Vacation Planning Counselor. The chart below summarizes the new fee structure:
As always, we are constantly looking for new ways to help you make the most of your ownership while remaining committed to keeping your program fees to a minimum. In addition to providing a more robust Web site and online reservation system, we are working diligently to develop more cost effective and environmentally-friendly ways to communicate with you about the many exciting benefits of your program, such as moving toward the use of “green” certified paper, offering your Member’s Directory on CD format and delivering your confirmation letters by e-mail.
Your Board of Directors is confident that these changes are truly in the best interest of all owners and your support is very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Deanne Gabel
FairShare Plus Plan Manager
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Questions and Answers Regarding the New Fee-for-Service Structure
We are pleased to provide you answers to the following anticipated questions you may have about the new fee structure.
Q: Why are the fees changing at this time?
A: The adjustments were made to ensure all program rules and fees are fair and equitable for all owners. These changes were designed with two thoughts in mind: first that we are able to cover the actual expense incurred in delivering these services and second, to ensure that the costs related to various program features and transactions are shared only by those owners who choose to take advantage of these benefits. These fee-for-service rates ensure you are not paying for services you do not use.
Q: How did the guest confirmation fee increase from a previously announced $49 to the new rate of $129?
A: On October 15th, and subsequently on January 1 of each year, you will receive a certain number of complimentary guest confirmations per year, depending on your level of ownership. We are one of only a few vacation ownership companies that offer complimentary guest confirmations. We believe that, based on your level of ownership, you will have a sufficient number of complimentary guest confirmations available for your enjoyment. You will only pay this fee if you exceed your allotment of complimentary guest confirmations. This fee covers the costs incurred by non-owners using your services and facilities. You may also take advantage of a discounted rate of $99 when making guest confirmations online.
Q: How were the fee rate increases determined?
A: Guest Confirmation Fees
This fee covers the costs incurred by non-owners using the services and facilities that you and other owners pay for through your FairShare Plus membership program fees. Please remember that this is a variable rate and substantial savings are offered for transactions completed on your owner Web site.
Points Rental Fees
While most vacation ownership companies do not offer the level of points rental that you enjoy, we are happy to provide this service. The fee covers the costs associated with processing your request. If you find that you annually are renting your maximum amount of points, we encourage you to visit one of our sales centers to determine if purchasing more points is a better solution to your vacation needs.
Reservation Transactions
This fee covers the costs associated with processing your reservations transactions once you use all of the Reservation Transactions allotted based on your level of ownership. You do not pay the fee if you do not exceed your allotted transactions. Please remember that this is a variable rate and substantial savings are offered for transactions completed on your owner Web site.
PIC Fees
The fee covers the costs associated with processing your request by Wyndham Vacation Resorts and RCI.
Billing Fee
The fee covers the costs associated with processing of paper versions of your monthly or annual statement. No billing service charge is assessed when paying with pre-authorized checking (PAC). Please contact Financial Services at 888-739-4016 to enroll in this service.
Points Credit Pool
The fee covers the costs associated with processing your request.
Q: Can I call to get these fees reduced or waived?
A: These fees are set by the Board of Directors of the FairShare Vacation Owners Association to ensure all rules and fees are fair and equitable for all owners. They cannot be waived or reduced.
Q: What about my existing reservations – will they be affected?
A: If, after October 15, 2008, you make no changes to your current reservations, these new fees will not apply. If you choose to make a change to an existing reservation after October 15, the new fee structure does apply.
Q: How are my Guest Confirmations calculated?
A: On an annual basis, you will be allocated a specific number of complimentary guest confirmations based on your eligible points in your account per your contracts purchased with Wyndham Vacation Resorts. Resale contracts do not count toward the calculation of complimentary guest confirmations.
Q: Are my guest confirmations being prorated with the implementation of the new policy?
A: As of October 15, your account will be credited with a full year’s allocation of complimentary guest confirmations based on your eligible points, as noted below:
§ FSP Member
1 Guest Confirmation
§ VIP Member
5 Guest Confirmations
§ Gold VIP Member
10 Guest Confirmations
§ Platinum VIP Member
15 Guest Confirmations per million
(Ex. 1,000,000 = 15 complimentary;
1,000,001-1,999,999 = 30 complimentary;
2,000,000-2,999,999 = 45 complimentary)
That stinks!
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