The problem with buying supercars is…

Probably true. F-hubris.

 

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! We have a winner here folks.

That's Ferrari for you.

 

Seems to me it costs more to assign an escort for the (1/2) day, than to pack, unpack, transport, fuel costs, ...

Believable--irrational--but believable.

This is WHY competition improves the breed--in this case the marketing thereof.

 

Well... if they are going to provide an "escort" for a half day...

Sorry

 

Most European car companies give large discounts for doing a European delivery, mostly because they save significantly in import taxes. With a 3 series that I took Euro delivery I got about 3k off, they shipped the car back to the US and preped it.
Ferrari is just ripping people off by charging for Euro delivery (if it's a US bound car).
Just drink the kool aide....... ;-)

 

The simple answer from Ferrari is "because they can" while McLaren says "because we can't -- but we sure wish we could!".

 

I'm not here to defend Ferrari, but I do wonder if they incur some additional costs (although not to the tune of 2500 pounds in any case). They likely have to do additional paperwork, including getting the vehicle registered for export (I don't know if this applies anymore under the EU) for you to drive the car away, proof of insurance, etc. plus they'll need to handle the car more than if they simply put it in the lot and then put it in the delivery vehicle.

Most people who pick these up want/expect some pomp and ceremony when they pick them up, so I doubt they would just hand you the keys and send you on your merry way, they probably will have someone go through the functions, etc. of the car, set if aside for you in a place so you can pick it up an inspect it, wash it, etc. The tour is probably part of that ceremonial aspect of it.

The fee might be a way to discourage people from picking up the car and from Ferrari having to deal with the hassle for a car they have already sold.

If your buddy is in a position to afford both of these cars, etc. tell him yes it's ridiculous and yes it's expensive but hey some sacrifices need be made for god and country. In other words, tell him to suck it up. Oh, and to post pictures of the trip and pick up at the factory.

 

Ferrari has to seperate those riff raff buyers from the the folks who are just posers.

Pay the 2500 and I will take the tour for you.

 

A couple of years ago when I was looking at a Porsche Turbo, I inquired about european delivery, since I travel to Germany quite a bit. Same thing. There was a $2500 or $3000 charge for the experience of picking it up at the factory. When I questioned why, the dealer stated that "they do provide lunch."

 

+1

 

Sauerkraut ain't cheap you know??

 

This is probably way too optimistic but... is it possible the money goes to the 'home' dealer as compensation for the lost sale????

 

The sale would still go through the "home dealer", just picked up at the factory instead of at the dealer. Like I said before, other dealers (BMW, Mercedes, Volvo) all give incentives and cost reductions for European delivery because they get tax breaks. Ferrari (and Porsche it seems) just take advantage of their customers with regard to this.

 

If you plan to pick up your new Porsche Turbo at factory, this will cost 702.-- Euro incl. VAT 19% for german customers. (including Sauerkraut)

Maybe this is different for other countries. (Customs, paperwork ??)

Gustel

 

I would think it's also a deterrent. If the cost to the user was exactly the same why wouldn't you pick it up at the factory. Ferrari is not in the business of delivering cars to their owners. They build and distribute them. The dealer is responsible for the delivery experience. You wouldn't take it to the factory for an oil change, that is why the dealers are there.

 

I would like to add that if you want to own a Ferrari, then you better be prepared to accept everything that comes with it