Response from Ford about dealers converting Bronco reservations unexpectedly

[SamR]

So what happens to my place in line if my dealer is being shady and I swap to another dealer? Am I put at the back of the line at the new dealer, or is it strictly based on reservation timestamp? If the latter, I would be bumping others down the list since I am an early reservation right?

Yes it goes by time and yes you will bump others down.

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[DealerInsider]

My dealer said they can just flip a priority level on an order to move it to MY22. Anyone hearing the same?

they arent using priorities with Bronco...from Ford pdf to dealers:

"How will the scheduling process work? Scheduling will occur bi weekly based on dealer’s earned
allocation, building the earliest timestamp first within the allotted production part commodities."

 

[DealerInsider]

So what happens to my place in line if my dealer is being shady and I swap to another dealer? Am I put at the back of the line at the new dealer, or is it strictly based on reservation timestamp? If the latter, I would be bumping others down the list since I am an early reservation right?

reservation time stamp...yes, they drop down the latter, but in the grand scheme of things, u were already ahead of them anyway based on timestamp

 

[Sportdc01]

After reading multiple responses under this thread, I thought I would included what happened to me. My dealer canceled my reservation on the 19th, “trying to convert my order”. I have spent hours on the phone with Ford and dealership, and still not fixed. I guess I’m lucky, my dealer just ordered a new reservation and sent me the link stating that he completed my bronco, forgetting to inform me that my old reservation number was canceled and a new one created. Back of the line I go.
Hopefully I can spend only a few calls on Monday and get this fixed- dealer stated that this has happened to several other dealers but I have not seen theirs canceled. input anyone?

 

[DealerInsider]

"trying to convert my order”. I have spent hours on the phone with Ford and dealership, and still not fixed. I guess I’m lucky, my dealer just ordered a new reservation and sent me the link stating that he completed my bronco, forgetting to inform me that my old reservation number was canceled and a new one created. Back of the line I go.
Hopefully I can spend only a few calls on Monday and get this fixed- dealer stated that this has happened to several other dealers but I have not seen theirs canceled. input anyone?

#1...let me know how you make out calling the 800# tag me or DM me please

#2..."trying to convert my order"...1 of 2 things happened...in the reservation system, they clicked on your reservation and clicked "Cancel" OR they cancelled your reservation in WBDO...

#3...change you dealer

 

[Nobody]

After reading multiple responses under this thread, I thought I would included what happened to me. My dealer canceled my reservation on the 19th, “trying to convert my order”. I have spent hours on the phone with Ford and dealership, and still not fixed. I guess I’m lucky, my dealer just ordered a new reservation and sent me the link stating that he completed my bronco, forgetting to inform me that my old reservation number was canceled and a new one created. Back of the line I go.
Hopefully I can spend only a few calls on Monday and get this fixed- dealer stated that this has happened to several other dealers but I have not seen theirs canceled. input anyone?

You're not alone! I'm right there with you. Hoping something can be done tomorrow. It's been a looooong weekend, and not the good kind.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/reservation-cancelled-i-didnt-do-it-updated.11545/

 

[North7]

Never ever ever would have been a problem if Ford Corporate didn’t try to run the show and make this all about Reservations and Online ordering within an International Dealer network. I get that they want to take advantage of social media and online sales; but a dealer network isn’t set up for that. Imagine trying to run any Big Box store with Amazon as the intermediary on all purchases. The two have different roles and needs, and this Inbred Hybrid monster Ford is trying to create puts dealers in a terrible position. I certainly wouldn’t assume in this case a dealer did this to “steal an order” or “force a customers hand”. It may well have been done to ensure the customer gets the vehicle he reserved sooner rather than later.

Anyway, enough rant. If all Ford Dealers asked for a non-refundable Deposit and Signed Offer to Purchase like mine did, no one would be creating orders out of reservations on their own. Ford has been adamant that no stock orders are allowed; under some fairly substantial penalties. A deposit MUST be made a requirement for what amounts to a custom order.

You sound like you have been fortunate to have never dealt with a shady dealer. If all dealers treated customers honestly and fairly maybe Ford would not need to change the business model.

When I checkout at the big box store or Amazon I don't have to tangle with the sales alligator intermediary before my order is packaged or hear how the clerk has to feed their family and I'm crazy if I don't buy the extended warranty, etc.

Come to think about it, Jeff Bezos, please start selling cars, oh wait:
https://www.amazon.com/Vehicles/b?ie=UTF8&node=10677469011

 

[Chaos_273]

My dealer converted to order without my say-so. Called me to ask for my color, trim, and options because “it’s what Ford is requiring of us”. I told them I think I want to wait for MY22, and did they screw that up for me?

salesman has been very apologetic and supposedly tomorrow we’ll sort it out.

 

[Joe Brony]

My dealer converted to order without my say-so. Called me to ask for my color, trim, and options because “it’s what Ford is requiring of us”. I told them I think I want to wait for MY22, and did they screw that up for me?

salesman has been very apologetic and supposedly tomorrow we’ll sort it out.

My dealer said they can adjust a priority number to bump the order to MY22. However someone else said that can’t be done and you’d have to revert from order to reservation. It’s also not clear if the dealer can do that or it has to be Ford customer service. I have the same problem. Let us know how it plays out.

 

[vintage]

I've decided to stick with them. They told me I could call Ford and have it moved back to a reservation. I decided to leave it be.

Basically, my salesperson there, with whom I've worked before, encouraged me to trust him. I said.. I do trust you. I don't trust that someone higher up the chain at your dealership isn't going to mandate some crazy new pricing policy at the time of delivery... handcuffing us both.

Obviously he knows his dealership's ownership/management better than I could. On several occasions when I've spoken disparagingly about dealerships in general, he has told me that Varsity isn't like that. I always laugh and he knows that I don't believe there can be any dealerships with integrity. He also knows that I would follow him to another dealership. Now, he's asked me to extend the trust that he's earned with me to the rest of the dealership. If he's willing to tie his reputation with me to the dealership, then I'm going to go ahead and run this final mile with him. They've never done me wrong in the past.

I've entertained the possibility that he's been a wolf hiding in sheep's clothing all this time, just waiting for the Bronco release to start screwing loyal customers. The I realized that somehow this Bronco thing has made me a bit unhinged.

If it goes south, he knows the wrath that will follow

You mentioned the dealer could mandate a new pricing policy at delivery. I haven't ordered yet, but I thought at time of reservation most folks are receiving a signed contract with a agreed upon price. Is this not the case?

 

[Drex]

...
Anyway, enough rant. If all Ford Dealers asked for a non-refundable Deposit and Signed Offer to Purchase like mine did, no one would be creating orders out of reservations on their own. Ford has been adamant that no stock orders are allowed; under some fairly substantial penalties. A deposit MUST be made a requirement for what amounts to a custom order.

Unfortunately what sounds good in the heat of the moment might not be so great. You are advocating that all the dealers get together and collude to set terms in the deal. Breaks more antitrust laws that I can easily count.

There's a lot of variation in how dealers are managing this - some of that to be expected. My observation, partially from my own experience thus far, is that I think some salespeople just aren't wanting to spend the time needed with customers to get this done. On one hand, I don't blame them - you're being asked questions you may not have good answers to, selling a product you don't have, and spending time on a sale you hope closes 6-12 months down the road so you can actually earn a commission on it. These guys are used to hustling cars off the lot to get paid now. ...

Kudos for bringing this up, huge issue that everyone ignores. Some of these deals may literally not happen for a year. Beyond the long wait, the average turnover in vehicle sales people means that some don't expect to be around to collect commission on these orders at all.. What do you think that does for their motivation to get it right? Extra work, no extra pay. Human nature being what it is (none of us are as 'good' as we like to think), will there be people handling these conversions that don't care if they are doing every one of them exactly right? You betcha. Will there be a handful that spike a reservation intentionally because they are pissed at the extra work and hassle? Sadly, I would think so.

Unless your dealer has made a long time (less of a leaving risk) employee the Bronco specialist (and they do the ordering), or they have a salary only system for the sales staff, might not be a terrible idea to pay a little closer attention to your reservation and order to make sure it is correct. Just realize that an angry or uncaring sales person might be more likely to make an error if they believe they'll be at another job before the trucks come in. Not at all saying they will, just seems more likely.

 

[North7]

My dealer said they can adjust a priority number to bump the order to MY22. However someone else said that can’t be done and you’d have to revert from order to reservation. It’s also not clear if the dealer can do that or it has to be Ford customer service. I have the same problem. Let us know how it plays out.

Direct from Ford:

• What if I just want to wait until the ’22 MY for my Bronco?
  • Do not convert your reservation to an order at this time and let your dealer know that you would prefer to wait and to include you on their list for the ’22 MY Bronco. Note that any customer that does not convert their reservation to an order will not receive an estimated delivery window in May.

Ordering Q&A With Bronco Marketing Team -- Half of customers will get MY22

If you allow the dealer to convert it to an order you are now locked in to that dealer.

 

[Inrustwetrust_]

Managed to successfully submit a claim today to have my reservation changed after my reservation was converted with our consent.

I called the 8003344375 number but I was told it wasn't possible. But once I further explained the situation they had me call 8003923673. The woman I spoke to was great and was able to submit the claim and just to wait a few days before checking for an update as it would need to be manually changed.

They also collected information and asked a few questions about my original dealer selection.. I was happily able to give them all the details.

 

[Broncola]

Managed to successfully submit a claim today to have my reservation changed after my reservation was converted with our consent.

I called the 8003344375 number but I was told it wasn't possible. But once I further explained the situation they had me call 8003923673. The woman I spoke to was great and was able to submit the claim and just to wait a few days before checking for an update as it would need to be manually changed.

They also collected information and asked a few questions about my original dealer selection.. I was happily able to give them all the details.

Yeah, was fairly easy. Bummed they said it would take up to seven days!

 

[john houseman]

1-24-21
My Dealer did it to me too. When I went in to discuss my order (specifics), I was told sticker, no dicker. They won't budge off MSRP. This was done without my consent. I can't cancel or transfer my reservation now - so I will be calling Ford to inform them of these practices. I've bought 15 vehicles from Billingsley Ford of Duncan, OK in the past 15 years and this is the loyalty I get in return. Hope Ford can help, and if so I'd like to find another dealership that will work with me on price. Hell I only wanted X-plan, not looking for $1,000 to $2,000 below invoice like Granger was doing. But I had an early reservation number and never expected to be treated this way.

1-26-21
I have since contacted Ford Customer Relations. They were very helpful and are giving me back my same reservation number and transferring it to another dealership that I requested. They sounded very concerned that the dealership did this, expressly against Ford's instructions.

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