6 Mistakes That Every

Timeshare Owner Should Avoid

By the Timeshare
Experts at KOALA
6 Mistakes That Every Timeshare
Owner Should Avoid
A Guide to the Pros — and the Pitfalls — of Renting Out
Your Timeshare
By the Timeshare Experts at KOALA

Did you know that many owners rent out their timeshares to help defray their annual costs?
Depending on what you own and what your experience is, it can be complex or it can be easy
— especially if you do it on KOALA, a platform designed specifically to connect timeshare
owners with vacationers safely and easily.

But there are some pitfalls you should know about. These errors can make it harder to get your
timeshare booked, can reduce the amount of revenue you earn, and can even make you more
vulnerable to scammers. This eBook will show you how to avoid them.

Setting your price too high

Many owners are intent on recouping their maintenance fees when listing their timeshare.
While these annual fees can be a useful benchmark for pricing a rental, they can also be
misleading: They sometimes exceed market rates for identical or competitive stays.

During the pandemic, for example, hotel rates dropped drastically, but some owners still
wanted to recoup their costs, so they kept their prices the same. Unfortunately, the
market doesn’t care about anyone’s overhead. Travelers are always going to hunt for the
best deal possible.

We always recommended doing some quick market research to know how similar stays
are priced. Check Expedia, VRBO, Airbnb, and similar sites to see what units at your own
or similar resorts are fetching. Then set your price competitively.

FURTHER READING:

The Complete Guide to Pricing Your Timeshare Rental

2. Listing low-demand stays

Timeshares can be confusing. The modern points systems allow for way more flexibility
than the old fixed weeks, but that requires navigating more minutiae and more rules and
 regulations. A typical points owner can choose from dozens of resorts, each with multiple
unit types. Once they settle on that, they’ll still have to determine when to book it and for
how long.

Making matters worse, many owners attempt to rent only because they’ve waited too
long and likely aren’t going to use their points. That means less desirable inventory to
choose from, and worse odds for a successful booking.

Of course, we don’t recommend blocking out all the good inventory from your fellow club
owners for profit (don’t be that person!). But by all means, be strategic about reserving
what travelers may want. (Our monthly updates on what travelers are booking are a great
resource.) If you’re going to need to recoup your fees one year, plan as far ahead as
possible and know where there is demand — or use a company (like KOALA) that does.
FURTHER READING:

What Are Vacationers Booking Right Now? Check Out KOALA’s Monthly Trend Reports

3. Paying upfront fees

If a company is asking for upfront fees just to list, be wary. To be fair, there are some
reputable timeshare websites that charge small listing fees ($15 to $30). But these sites
can feel antiquated, and you probably need to worry about whether the site is appealing
to the broader traveler market, not whether it’s legit. Our VIP Memberships offer a wide
range of benefits and services well beyond a pricey “listing fee” that should be free.

Why are KOALA VIP Memberships different?

With VIP Memberships by KOALA, you aren’t paying simply to list your timeshare or
access technology. That’s always free on KOALA. But what we found is that timeshare
owners are at very different stages of skill, education and usage. Memberships allow us
to cater to those needs individually, and with VIP Platinum and KOALA Concierge, do it all
so you don’t have to.

Our memberships are the perfect complement to your timeshare ownership, and with 3
unique tiers, there’s something for everyone. So how can you tell the difference between
us and those scams? For one, always make sure you’re speaking to someone from
KOALA. If you aren’t sure, hang up and call us at 1-833-562-5226 or ask them to send you
an email from their account ending in “@go-koala.com”. Check out the post below for
more scam spotting!
FURTHER READING:

Other Timeshare Scams to Avoid — and How to Spot Them

4. Setting a strict cancellation policy

Of course you want your timeshare to get booked, but travelers want some peace of
mind, too. Especially these days — and the pendulum has shifted their way for the time
being.

Of course, you never want to risk losing your week or points. We recommend knowing
your brand’s cancellation policy so you can adjust your own reservation with your club. If
there is a safe window where you can cancel your own reservation (or rent it again to
someone new) then consider passing that benefit onto the guest.

More lenient cancellation policies typically fetch higher rates too, but you’ll need to
decide what level of exposure is right for you. KOALA has tailored several cancellation
policies that align with those of the major timeshare brands, so you can protect yourself
while offering travelers the flexibility they need to book with confidence.

FURTHER READING:

3 Secrets to Creating a Successful Timeshare Rental Listing

5. Believing salespeople about rental values

Oof, where do we start here? For the record, we’ve come across many solid, successful
salespeople who are diligent and ethical. That said, it’s no secret that unscrupulous
timeshare salespeople abound. They love to build financial value where they shouldn’t.
Remember: Timeshares are lifestyle investments only. While some owners of peak
inventory can turn a profit above their annual fees, it is inappropriate (and illegal) for a
salesperson to pitch any investment value as a reason to buy a timeshare. And that
includes rental value. Furthermore, if they are pitching rentals, they tend to inflate the
amount you can make, misinformation that creates unrealistic expectations about what
the market can produce.

FURTHER READING

What Is Your Timeshare Worth?

6. Not using a platform

We’ve built a trusted brand (fast) because owners know we have their best interest in
mind, and that makes them feel safe. Our platform is designed to protect both sides of
the transaction, and that makes everyone feel safe. Why does that matter? Because most
travelers won’t do business online with a someone they don’t know - and that means
you’re not getting in front of most travelers. Using a platform, like KOALA, will ensure
everyone wins.
 Have you ever seen your timeshare unit for rent by the developer for twice what you’re
able to get for it? That’s because they use trusted sites like Booking.com or Expedia (or
even their own sites), so travelers know their bookings are guaranteed. Compare that to
having to make full payment via PayPal or a personal check to someone they don’t know
— not a great way to build confidence with most travelers. In a world that has moved to a
seamless online purchasing, you don’t want to limit your audience by creating friction.

At KOALA, we apply the same logic to timeshares. By creating a frictionless experience,

everyone wins. Something to consider the next time you’re looking to rent your
timeshare.

FURTHER READING

How to Rent Your Timeshare Points on KOALA

Ready to list your timeshare?

KOALA makes it easy and secure.
Rent your timeshare to a global audience of travelers
with ease
Easy process with no upfront fee
Team of experts standing b
Full service, VIP Memberships available

What is KOALA?

KOALA is world’s the fastest-growing online marketplace for direct-from-owner timeshare

rentals. We’ve helped thousands of owners earn cash fast and you can get in on the action.
Create free listings or join our VIP Membership program.

Do I need a contract?

You don’t need to write a contract or deal with endless paperwork, Our platform protects both
parties in the transaction and all bookings on KOALA are governed by our Terms. For
additional peace of mind our VIP Memberships include $1 Million in insurance protection for
all your bookings. List with confidence, rent with confidence.
What’s the catch?

There’s no catch! KOALA is the world’s fastest growing timeshare community and marketplace
for a reason. We’ve worked hard to earn the trust of owners by building a simple to use, high
quality platform and because or team is knowledgeable and effective. KOALA was built by
timeshare owners for timeshare owners and that means you’re in good hands.

How do I get paid?

We secure payments from guests and the funds are placed into a holding account. As soon as
your guest successfully checks in, the funds are released to the bank of your choice. All
transactions are handled safely and securely. This brings peace of mind to both parties, which
leads to more trust and more bookings! Looking for something faster? Some members with
VIP status may be eligible for instant payouts for qualifying brands. Learn more about VIP
Memberships.

What if I don’t have a reservation

Reserve vacation time in your timeshare account (but read this first): The Secret of Creating
a Successful Listing. It’s full of insider tips and tricks to creating a high quality listin
Join our VIP Memberships: members with VIP status can expect a more “hands-on”
service. Perks range from personal guidance by timeshare rental experts, to our full service
concierge rental program.

GET STARTED