I predict this thread will be deleted soon. Big Brother is watching.
Generally, I try to see all sides of an issue. Here is my takeaway of the real reason for the fee. In order for DVCRM to maintain the quality level of service that everyone is accustomed to, the new hires are needed to take on some of the duties. It seems they have so much business, they need help. Just a guess, but perhaps that level of service was costing the associates late nights, no weekends, no downtime or something like that. Again, just spitballing, but maybe DVCRM is trying to keep the agents sane and happy. I hear and understand the comments saying DVCRM was already providing that service, why pay for it now? Maybe the cost on the associates' well being was too high to run indefinitely at that pace. Packaging it as an extra service, with a fancy name, didn't go over quite the way they wanted on here though. As for the higher commissions, high priced contracts, and now an admin fee (that I doubt will ever be an opt out), I get the frustration. We, as consumers, have choices though. Ultimately, it's a business and they can charge what the market allows. People are either going to do business with them or they won't. To be getting as much exposure as they are, I seriously doubt DVCRM will be hurting for business even with the fee. I don't think it was done as a money grab. I think it was to pass on costs that they will have to maintain, and even improve, the level of service they expect from their company, but calling it a fee isn't very creative. DVCRM probably wants to stand out as the best. The concierge branding is certainly going to help them do that with new buyers and sellers who will likely never see the countering views on here or any other social media. It's probably best to make peace with the fee and enjoy your backpack.
As for the show, I was also disappointed in the tone, but what are you going to do? Bite the hand that feeds you? I gathered the term "money grab" was the biggest contention. It probably was an unfair label. However, these boards, the YouTube content, the FB pages etc. are owned by a business and a businessman. Viewing things from the company lens is probably very different from seeing the point of view of the group members. It'd be impossible to detach when you built this from the ground up. I've noticed in the Kawfee Tawks they are great and informational sure, but questions are screened and selected. No one with an opposing view is ever on. Same with DVC Fan. The inner circle folks have varying opinions, but trust and believe, no one is ever going to go hard on the sponsor. In the end, it's still a business... just one with entertaining commentary, great information and a welcoming platform that we're a part of on the boards.
Admittedly, I was quite shocked to see the posts from Nick and Marissa on the OG thread. You know that meme where the character backs into the bushes slowly? That's what I felt when I saw their comments. The OP just wanted to know if anyone noticed the fee on a resale company's listings and then the opinions flowed. Coincidentally, that company just happened to be the sponsor. I doubt there would have been a show if a different resale broker added a fee to improve their business and members of the boards took issue with it in a thread. Circling back, I get a 1984ish vibe if the sponsor starts getting too much criticism. Poof, this thread will be gone.
Have been watching for years and they were how I learned about DVC, pros and cons of the membership, and news. Now they seem more about the services their partners provide. Sad because I haven't found another show I enjoy. Still enjoy watching the room tours though!
