It's finally here but surprise ADM nonsense [Update - see post 68]

[Ma9573]

This thread just reminded me to check to see if my cancelled order with my original dealer had been refunded (bought one off the lot). I called on the 11th and the 17th. No refund. Just called right now and the person I spoke with acknowledged there were no notes about cancellation on my account. He at least seemed like he wasn't patronizing me, and even confirmed the last 4 of my credit card number, so I'm hoping I finally get my $500 back!

Sponsored

 

[dbsb3233]

It's funny, I just checked CHF's inventory just now and saw they updated the listing on my ordered MME with actual pictures...looks like it was literally taken this morning. It's the Star White Premium if anyone is curious. I bet they couldn't wait to post pics because they know someone else will pay the ADM on it...

I'll contact Ford soon. I'm just waiting on a couple of people to send me direct contacts. Otherwise, I'll just email those Ford executives mentioned on this thread.

Definitely contact Ford. Hopefully they're reading this anyway, but don't assume it.

Hopefully they'll punish this dealership (they have ways). And who knows, they may "find" you a vehicle to buy quicker than starting all over.

 

[balthisar]

I'm proud to work for Ford, but I'd love to see our dealership system utterly and totally collapse. It was useful in 1912, but not so much these days. Please understand that the dealership model in the United States is largely regulated by individual state laws, and that in many, many other countries, Ford isn't at the mercy of these idiots. Their day will come, and good riddance to them.

 

[machefan]

I'm proud to work for Ford, but I'd love to see our dealership system utterly and totally collapse. It was useful in 1912, but not so much these days. Please understand that the dealership model in the United States is largely regulated by individual state laws, and that in many, many other countries, Ford isn't at the mercy of these idiots. Their day will come, and good riddance to them.

I think folks fail to realize this, while the model is broken it’s totally out of Ford’s control as it’s designed today. However Ford needs to take back control or be left behind. When people say Ford should intercept, in reality they can suggest but they can’t force. They can smack a dealer for some things, but ADM has been around for a while and an acceptable practice in their eyes.

 

[dbsb3233]

I think folks fail to realize this, while the model is broken it’s totally out of Ford’s control as it’s designed today. However Ford needs to take back control or be left behind. When people say Ford should intercept, in reality they can suggest but they can’t force. They can smack a dealer for some things, but ADM has been around for a while and an acceptable practice in their eyes.

The practice of ADM isn't even the problem, IMO. ADM is no different than a discount off MSRP, which no one ever complains about. If the market price can go lower than MSRP, it should be able to go higher too. MSRP is only "Suggested".

The problem in this example is a dealer not honoring the commitment that they bought into when they took over the dealership. As someone earlier in the thread said, when you buy a dealership, you buy their existing commitments too.

I don't know if the OP actually had a direct commitment from the original dealer for no ADM, but it sounded implied from what he described. And it sounds like they new dealer isn't even acknowledging any commitment to the original deal. That's the problem here.

 

[jimbobiii]

I think folks fail to realize this, while the model is broken it’s totally out of Ford’s control as it’s designed today. However Ford needs to take back control or be left behind. When people say Ford should intercept, in reality they can suggest but they can’t force. They can smack a dealer for some things, but ADM has been around for a while and an acceptable practice in their eyes.

sure and for low production high value cars that are allocated to that dealer, you can understand it.

however when someone orders through Ford at a certain price and it’s not known to them there is going to be a mark up until it’s too late, it’s not fair. That dealer is only getting the car because the buyer ordered it.

for retail allocated MMEs (or whatever) dealers should do what they want and you can choose to patronize them or not

 

[malba2366]

I think folks fail to realize this, while the model is broken it’s totally out of Ford’s control as it’s designed today. However Ford needs to take back control or be left behind. When people say Ford should intercept, in reality they can suggest but they can’t force. They can smack a dealer for some things, but ADM has been around for a while and an acceptable practice in their eyes.

They should make dealers who want to sell the Mach E (and Bronco, and Raptor) agree to no ADM, otherwise no allocations.

 

[machefan]

They should make dealers who want to sell the Mach E (and Bronco, and Raptor) agree to no ADM, otherwise no allocations.

100% true, but really one price for all, stop the games etc. MSRP was the right direction but Ford failed to stop ADM or the silly forced add-on stuff the dealer sneaks in. One of them is even hard coded on some dealers forms. Some dealers add it as soon as the car rolls off the truck and they tell you they add it to every car on the lot. AKA - window etching!

says optional on my dealers form but they play the “dealer add on” game. Since I ordered I told them no add on or extras, so why it’s x on my sheet.

really annoying tactics and I’m totally understanding the frustration here.

Ford -fix it!

 

[prdude]

Don't let any of these dealers give you some woe-is-me story about not making any profits. Average dealer profits were at a record high last year (look it up)!

 

[Saltine]

100% true, but really one price for all, stop the games etc. MSRP was the right direction but Ford failed to stop ADM or the silly forced add-on stuff the dealer sneaks in. One of them is even hard coded on some dealers forms. Some dealers add it as soon as the car rolls off the truck and they tell you they add it to every car on the lot. AKA - window etching!

says optional on my dealers form but they play the “dealer add on” game. Since I ordered I told them no add on or extras, so why it’s x on my sheet.

really annoying tactics and I’m totally understanding the frustration here.

Ford -fix it!

Adding things on like charging you a $1.50 fee for five Tires; even though it only comes with 4 and doesn't come with a spare?

 

[MachEmpanada]

I'm proud to work for Ford, but I'd love to see our dealership system utterly and totally collapse. It was useful in 1912, but not so much these days. Please understand that the dealership model in the United States is largely regulated by individual state laws, and that in many, many other countries, Ford isn't at the mercy of these idiots. Their day will come, and good riddance to them.

Yeah, I understand that Ford is stuck with dealerships because of state laws. And that's part of the reason why dealers can get away with BS like this. Hopefully, things with change in the future, but I guess this is what we're stuck with for now.

With that said, Ford can still give out of control dealers a hard time... For example, they can choose to not accept pre-orders to these problem dealers on their official website.

The practice of ADM isn't even the problem, IMO. ADM is no different than a discount off MSRP, which no one ever complains about. If the market price can go lower than MSRP, it should be able to go higher too. MSRP is only "Suggested".

The problem in this example is a dealer not honoring the commitment that they bought into when they took over the dealership. As someone earlier in the thread said, when you buy a dealership, you buy their existing commitments too.

I don't know if the OP actually had a direct commitment from the original dealer for no ADM, but it sounded implied from what he described. And it sounds like they new dealer isn't even acknowledging any commitment to the original deal. That's the problem here.

When my order was initially accepted by the dealer back in 2019, it originally had a $1500 ADM, but after I complained, they removed it completely. So yes, the originally dealer basically agreed to no ADM. Now, after a new owner took over, it looks like they are not honoring any previous commitments to the previous owner, with my deposit being refunded back to me. What pisses me off is I asked them what was going on and they said my order was fine and that they told me they will contact me if anything changes, and then nothing... I just found out about the $10K ADM when I logged into the Ford website.

 

[Maric]

I would tweet your experience to @Ford and @[dealer name] in its entirety. Then leave a Google review. one of the best ways to hurt them.

 

[shutterbug]

Nah. Tell them you're happy to pay that, as long as they provide the spare.

 

[SnBGC]

Yeah, I understand that Ford is stuck with dealerships because of state laws. And that's part of the reason why dealers can get away with BS like this. Hopefully, things with change in the future, but I guess this is what we're stuck with for now.

With that said, Ford can still give out of control dealers a hard time... For example, they can choose to not accept pre-orders to these problem dealers on their official website.



When my order was initially accepted by the dealer back in 2019, it originally had a $1500 ADM, but after I complained, they removed it completely. So yes, the originally dealer basically agreed to no ADM. Now, after a new owner took over, it looks like they are not honoring any previous commitments to the previous owner, with my deposit being refunded back to me. What pisses me off is I asked them what was going on and they said my order was fine and that they told me they will contact me if anything changes, and then nothing... I just found out about the $10K ADM when I logged into the Ford website.

Have you spoken with a lawyer? You might have a case, especially if you did not request the deposit be refunded when the dealership changed ownership.

I would also consider legal action on the original dealership for not disclosing the sale when they accepted your order.

I expect a judge would be sympathetic to the consumer in a case like yours.

Everything that this dealer is doing is unethical in my opinion. In a strange way....lucky you found out about their business practices now vs later. I am sure they engage in false warranty claims also. That is when a dealership will make sure they find stuff to fix and or replace under warranty so they can bill Ford for the repairs. Organizations like that make me sick and disgusted....

I feel bad that you are getting bent over like this....

Sponsored