Why can last minute availability be so hard to find with timeshare point systems?

I'm always amazed at how many timeshare rental requests I receive that are looking for summer reservations less than 30 days in the future. While there are some success stories to share, unfortunately I have to report to the vast majority that I see no availabilty within that particular resort system and as a result, I often refer the renter directly to the resort. At least three or four times each year I'll get a return call from the client stating that they paid full rack rates for their vacation rental, and were amazed to discover the resort was half empty during their stay. Invariably, they will ask the question "Why was there no availability showing?".

There are a number of reasons why this can appear to be the case, but one aspect that many consumers don't realize is that most timeshare developers have a right to obtain non-reserved timeshare units for their own rental programs during the "breakage" period. The stated purpose for this right is so that the developer has the opportunity to monetize any unused reservations. However, many timeshare owners disagree, stating that this is simply a tactic developers use to increase their profit margins by taking inventory from the owner pool. The breakage period varies by developer, but it is not unusual for the breakage period to extend up to 60 days prior to check in.

What this means for timeshare renters is simple- and is the same basic advice that timeshare owners themselves have learned to follow: plan ahead and book your reservations far in advance of your travel dates! I know that information isn't usually covered in a developer tour presentation- but it can make a world of difference in the level of satisfaction you receive from your timeshare usage!