Questions and Answers

1. Is there a different credit charge between one and five star rated establishments and a cottage/house charged as a lump sum?

This will vary depending on star/diamond ratings. Hosts shall submit the swap form applicable to their establishments Grading. Choose one of the swap forms that will be listed on the web site working page On receipt of the form the database will take care of the rest and inform both Host and Guest of the success or otherwise of the agreed transaction and notify each respectively.

2. Is there a different credit system for B&B's and Self Catering establishments?

No, this system is based on trading and swapping credits. It doesn't matter who stays at your establishment you still earn the same amount of credits, which you can then utilize to stay where ever YOU choose.Someone who owns a Bed & Breakfast might very well want to stay at a self-catering establishment and vice versa.

In order to "level the playing field" however, those who own establishments other than self-catering would not be expected to provide meals.(this does not mean that this could not be negotiated or paid for separately)B&B establishments will have the option to accept credits in lieu of payment for breakfast. This option is not mandatory and can be negotiated at time of making a booking.

3. What prevents just anyone requesting accommodation who is not a legitimate member?

There are checks and balances built into the system. For example when a request is made you must immediately ask for their Reference Number and if you are uncertain as to their legitimacy then you will check with the administrators before accepting the swap.

4. Am I obligated to accept a swap request?

No You can accept or turn down a swap request as you see fit. We do however expect all members to accept requests as often as they can and particularly if they have open rooms available.Once you have accepted a swap it will be binding on both Host and Guest (see agreement and code of practice)

5. Can I allow others (friends or family) to utilize my credits?

Absolutely, the credits are yours to do with what you like Only the registered owner is permitted to request bookings Please note that ALL BOOKINGS need to be made via the registered owner of the establishment. Friends or family can not make a request on their own they need to work via the registered owner. The registered owner takes full responsibility and will be held liable by the Host for any damages or claims of misconduct of friends or family they have sponsored.

6. Do I need to use all my credits at the same time or at one establishment?

No, you can book into a number of different places for how ever many days you choose.

7. Do I have to agree to accept "guests" for the full 12days?Isn't this too many? I am not able to take 12days leave of my business so why should I have to have others stay with me for that amount of days?

You can have "guests" for as many, or as few days, as you choose. If you choose to (say) have "guests" for only two days, then obviously once your initial starting package has been used you will only have accumulated two days "credits" (you can determine what your own level of participation will be and tailor your portfolio accordingly)

8. Do I need to "reciprocate" the owner/s of the establishments I stay in by having them in my establishment.

No, the person you stay with earns "credits" (days) which are then "banked" with the database for his/her use when ever they choose to use them. They can then choose to stay with any other fellow member (including you) at a time convenient and negotiated between themselves.

9. What happens if I wish to terminate my membership or sell/transfer my establishment? Do I get a refund on accumulated credits? And should I want to join again in a few years time, would I be given another 12days starting package?

You can terminate your membership at any stage

There are no refunds on credits- remember that there are no cash transactions.

There is no refund on your yearly subscription

If you sell your establishment and the new owner wants to join the scheme he/she will have to register as a new member.

Existing members who have sold their establishments can continue to participate provided they have maintained membership for at least 2 years, maintained a credit balance, and kept subscriptions up-to-date.

They may request to take part in the Accommodation Swap Insurance Package system as a "Loyalty member" This allows them to retain membership and utilize their credits.

"Loyalty members" can remain on the system until all their remaining credits have been used, after which they shall be removed from the Accom Swap database, UNLESS:

Thereafter they recruit one new member per year, in which case they are eligible to use the system for an additional year.Repeated every year.

Members understand that this arrangement is a privilege subject to potential alteration or withdrawal at the discretion of management.

This concession shall NOT be applicable if you RESIGN from Accommodation Swap for what ever reason.

Should you register again within two years after terminating your membership you will not be given another starting package - you would have to build up "credits" before being able to swap.

10. You said we would start with 12days credit. Once this is used and no-one has requested to stay at my establishment can I apply for another 12 credits?

The 12days credits awarded when first registering is to get new members started. Thereafter the system is based on a careful balance of spending and earning credits.

The principle method of growing credits for all members is via hosting.

What happens if by no fault of yours you run out of credits? There are two ways you can recharge your credits:

We have introduced a "bonus" system which allows members to earn five credits for every new member they bring on board. Every member can earn extra credits in this way - and

If there is no "strike" against your establishment ( turning away a booking request when you could have accepted ) you are able to apply to Admin to purchase credits, Provided you have been a member for more than 1 year.

Admin will assess your account and advise you accordingly.

You will only be allowed to purchase credits if your credit balance is below 15 credits

11. Can I accumulate more than 12days credit and then use them any time, perhaps years later?

Yes, provided you remain a fully paid up member. Should you resign your membership however for what ever reason you will lose all your credits

12. How many credits to charge per night?

This will vary depending on star/diamond ratings. Hosts shall submit the swap form applicable to their establishments Grading. Choose one of the swap forms that will be listed on the web site working page vis a vis:

EXAMPLE: 2 people sharing per night 2x 0.5 = 1 credit charged.

1 person shall be rounded off 1x 0.5 = 0.5 = 1 credit charged

EXAMPLE: 2 people sharing per night 2x 1 credit = 2 credit charged.

1 person per night shall be doubled 1x 1 credit = 1 = 2 credits charged (automatically adjusted by databse)

The credits charged shall be as follows: Take the total amount normally charged commercially and divide by 800 (the base line commercial value currently used for 1 credit)

EXAMPLE:The entire cottage/house is rented out at R2400 per night R2400 divided by 800= 3 credits charged.

Submit the relevant form as per above. On receipt of the form the database will take care of the rest and inform both Host and Guest of the success or otherwise of the agreed transaction and notify each respectively.

13. How can I keep track of my credit/debit status?

In the page for choosing an establishment click on the dropdown button called "important usage links" and choose "my credit balance".

Please note that members need to be responsible for and keep their own swap form records. Our data base will store forms for up to 3 months after which they peel off the system.

14. What prevents an unscrupulous person from using my name or establishment in order to get a holiday?

There are stringent security checks made on anyone logging in. You will be given a unique reference number and password for your exclusive use. However the registered person is solely responsible for the security of his/her reference and Pin numbers and agrees to absolve the administrators of any liability of whatsoever in the event of their numbers falling into the hands of and being used by third parties.

15. What happens if someone books with me but does not pitch?

Let us know and we will take disciplinary action against the wayward member. We will still credit your account as though the swap had taken place.

16. Can the Host charge for cleaning and other services etc?

No - the modus operandi of Accommodation Swap is based on a totally cash free stay except for breakfasts, other meals and other activities which can be negotiated between host and guest and paid for either by additional credits or cash.

17. How much is this going to cost?

We have tried to "compare apples with apples" by charging not more than one days takings, for two people sharing, in a middle to upper class range (3 to 4 star) guest house.

Please note that on registration there is an initial joining fee that all new applicants must pay plus a proportionate subscription fee for the months remaining up to May. Thereafter an annual subscription fee payable in May.

Go to the joining fees table for quick reference on fees due when joining.

Our fees are structured to encourage you to remain a member and even if you don't trade credits for a couple of years the membership fee is so low that you will make it all up with just one nights swap.

For less than one days takings can anyone not afford to join?

18. How to register

If you've seen enough and want to participate, go to (click here) Registration and follow the procedure.

Once the form has been processed and the joining fee validated you will be sent an e-mail confirming your membership. This e-mail will also contain your personal, unique reference and Pin numbers which should be kept in a safe place for all future contacts/queries you might make.

You will then receive 12 free credit with which you can immediately start trading.

Don't forget to first read the membership terms and conditions as laid out in the "Agreement and code of practice" that all members must accept and pledge to abide by.