UK Buyers Beware
We had already purchased a direct contract via Disney and just wanted to buy a few more points, so went to DVCShop.com as Disney direct is twice the price. I became aware of DVCShop via Facebook, where all the comments were positive and of high praise, so we were very happy to use them. Everything seemed fine until the contract completed and upon checking my dashboard, saw we had not received the points for 2025. The total price included the January dues for 2025. It appears, in the interim, that the seller had used these points for a last vacation, as DVCShop advised they were there when the seller gave them the contract to sell. The DVCShop contract stated any points that are not available at completion will be refunded at $20 per point. We decided to accept this as fair (after conferring with Disney owners on Facebook) but expected to receive the January dues back as well (which initially the broker, via email, confirmed 100% we would receive back). Now we are told the $20 per point is an inclusive refund amount, after she sent us the refund! So no refund of the January dues. And icing on the cake, they sent a cheque via email, which you have to print out and take into your bank to deposit. Barclays no long accept foreign currency cheques but lucky we are also with HSBC who do, at this point in time, but there is a fee and we will lose on the exchange rate. So basically a terrible and costly experience in which we feel we have been totally shafted. Being in the UK has not helped due to the time difference, the laws are unfamiliar, we can’t ring without a hefty mobile bill and you feel out on a limb with no choice but to accept what they offer. The broker seemed genuine in her desire to sort it out to the best of her ability, but her hands are tied by her company’s contract. Her communication was lacking as she never answered the questions in my emails of which there were several (and asked about refunding the Jan Dues several times) and one email had 17 bullet points, as we were trying to understand why it had gone so badly wrong, but she just acknowledged receipt and advised she was trying to sort it out. So we still don’t know who is truly at fault, DVCShop, Seller (we have assumed she used the points) or Disney. The seller is not responding to them, DVCShop have held on to our funds, but could not refund my January dues from them without the sellers consent, and advised it would be a fight to get anything back! We just want to put it all behind us but feel so angry that the seller will get our money and we didn’t get what we paid for and a less than satisfactory financial refund.
So finally UK people, I’m not saying do not use DVCShop for resale, but be aware if it goes wrong, it could go badly wrong. My advice is, if possible, to get them to check your first years points are still available before they allow the contract to complete! Disney Member Services are of no help as you didn’t buy direct and they tell you go back to your broker.