using $500 certificate

[mary-j]

I have just seen an auction I have been looking out for and has finally came up. I still have my second $500 certificateI still have to use and was wanting to use it on this auction. What do I do? do I wait until I see if I win the auction first and then tell them that I will be using the certificate or should I tell them just now to make sure it is OK to use it against it? DoI inform L.L. about me wanting to use the certificate or do I tell the hotel directly.



Cheers,

[kyshel]

Mary-j--you found your dream trip?? Good for you!
I've done both--contacted prior in addition to after-the-fact. I recommend you remove any credit card info on file, or your purchase will be charged, and I can tell you that can be a long, drawn-out experience to get a credit from LL. Once you win the auction , you'll be contacted by LL for payment. It should be a smooth transaction after that--they will deduct the GC and bill you the balance.
Good luck and, of course, tell us what you score!

[disneygal]

Hi mary-j, that's wonderful that you found the auction you've been seeking! Instructions on the email with the certificate include this message: Important: When you anticipate using your Gift Certificate on a Luxury Link travel purchase, please let us know in advance at [email protected], and we will prepare your account for the application of the credit on your next auction or other transaction.

Once I forgot to mention the certificate in advance, my card was charged and I was unable to use it for that trip. As kyshel noted, you can remove your credit card info., so they must contact you. But it may be safer to indicate your intent to use the certificate in advance. Good luck!!

[mary-j]

thanks Kyshel and Disneygal,



I have e-mailed the hotel directly to tell them that I was hoping to bid for it but asked if it would be possible to add on a few nights myself and just pay for them seperately as the auction is only for 3 nights and feel it is not worth all the travel(2 flights) just for 3 nights. Hopefully they get back to me before the auction is due to close. Will go and e-mail L.L. to tell themI intend to use my GC if I bid on it.



Cheers,

[Syrene-1]

Just a word of advise, make sure that the certificate is applied. I have had nothing but problems with them not applying it and then it takes 3 phone calls to get it resolved. Very frustrating.



Has anyone else had problems using their certificates?

[omegaet]

mary-j...we always advise LL to remove our CC info before bidding on an auction item involving the use of a VIP Certificate. The bidding processes is automated, which means the system will automatically charge your card if it is on file. We know you are located outside the US and you cannot utilize the toll-free telephone number. If you want to avoid any potential problems and delays in crediting your account, spend the extra money up front for a telephone call and speak with Nancy Taylor. Good luck on your auction.

[kyshel]

hi Syrene 1. I've had similar situation that took several wks to credit the GC amount back to our card. That's why I had my CC # removed from LL and do the same as Omegaet advises. I learned a bit late, too. Older and wiser now!!

[Syrene-1]

Very smart and good advice. I will do that in the future. Honestly, I was so annoyed with the whole thing (and a couple other problems that I've encountered recently) that I decided to "take a break" from LL for a while.



The whole draw for LL for me has always been a hassle-free planning process for my vacations. I don't trust travel agents because we like to go/do things and places that most other people don't, so i took to planning vacations myself. But that is so time consuming and confusing. LL was a great alternative, I knew I could trust that the properties would meetmy criteria and expectations and the process becamealmost too easy.



Until recently, when it seems that at every turn LL has been letting me downin numerous ways and quite frankly I'm feeling like I can not rely on LL with the absolute confidence I once did.



This post will probably put me on the black list (no more certificates for me) but I think I needed to get it off my chest.