AutoWeek Ridicules Ferrari Waiting List

I did and I totally agree with you.

 

I saw it. Our local dealer does not have anything resembling that but from what I have heard from others around the country, it didn't surprise me. Each dealer has it's own policies.

Dave

 

Based on that Peter Egan R&T column a couple months back - where he describes visiting the Ferrari factory in the 1970s - Ferrari has always made people wait. Not sure it was as long a list back then, but Egan summed it up well: there are plenty of wealthy business execs, professional athletes, film stars, etc., but there is only one Ferrari. And if you want one you will have to wait.

Maybe the difference is we have more sense of entitlement as customers -- i.e., we expect companies to be responsive.

Need to see the FoS agreement. Maybe it is ludicrous, but probably only by degree.

 

My guess is that FoSeattle sells every vehicle in their allotment, just like every other Ferrari dealer.

Can you link to the agreement?

 

The agreement certainly looks like it was written by lawyers. It may be in response to a suit in So. Cal by a disgruntled person on a list who didn't get a car. I don't know the facts of the case, but this agreement seems designed to be an air tight document stating that being on a list does not guarantee delivery. Perhaps FOS had a suit of their own based on a "promise" of delivery that did not come to pass. On the face of it, the document looks arrogant but we don't know what context it is presented and what else is said. Perhaps an FOS customer will chime in.

Dave

 

Haven't read this new Autoweek yet...it's sitting upstairs with my new Motor Trend.

I know that FoS has a reputation for being a little, shall we say, arrogant. I know the former owner (when it was Grand Prix Motors) and always found that he ran a very down-to-earth operation.

While I do fully understand that a company needs to protect itself from disgruntled customers, there is always a way to do it that isn't akin to throwing a pie in the face.

 

I don't know why everyone is surprised, as mentioned Ferrari has operated this way for years. It's a very Italian thing...you will get it when you get it...if you don't....too bad. As North American's we have a hard time dealing with that type of mentality.

I'll give you an example: When I went to the Ferrari factory in Italy they sent me directions from Firenze (Florence). The directions were wrong. I got lost and ended up following a test driver to the factory. When I told them the directions were wrong they said "Oh yes, we know!" Go figure.

 

It's not Ferrari. These dealers are franchises of Ferrari. Unless these agreements are issued by Ferrari for franchisees to use, they shouldn't be responsible.


But you're right that the Italian mentality is very different.

 

I've got the Autoweek and it says

By having my name kept in the Ferrari New Vehicle Interest List maintained by Ferrari of Seattle I understand and agree as follows:

1)placing my name on the list is solely for my own benefit and convenience and is done purely as a courtesy by Ferrari of Seattle to me
2)placing my name on the list does not entitle me to any right to purchase a Ferrari
3)placing my name on the list does not entitle me to any preferential rights to purchase a Ferrari
4)I am solely responsible for keeping FoS apprised of any changes to my contact information
5) FoS is under no obligation to contact me when a vehicle may become available
6)Fos shall not be liable to me for any costs or damge arising out of or connected with the failure of FoS to contact me when a vehicle should become available
7) FoS, may at any time, and for any reason, delete my name from the list
8) FoS has not duty or obligation to me to keep the list updated

 

If the above are true, disclaimers or not, what is the point of the list? Forgive my ignorance as I won't be trying to buy a new Ferrari anytime soon (or perhaps ever as a rising budget will probably drive me towards pricier classics rather than new cars), but must one also put down a deposit to get on this list? If so, doesn't that deposit constitute earnest money for some sort of (sales and delivery) contract that, while it may have all kinds of escape clauses, does actually contain entitlements and obligations for both parties? If there's no deposit involved, then it seems like this is nothing more than a fancy version of leaving your business card with the dealer and saying,"Call me when you get another allotment." In which case, the disclaimers are entirely reasonable.

 

I think "being on the list" IS the point!

Whether one actually gets an Fcar or not.

I ran into a fellow (a lawyer) a while back, who proudly informed me he was on the list.
In speaking w/him, it quickly became apparent he really had no idea (or desire) to learn more about the cars.

 

A business survives on it's reputation, and I've never heard anything bad about Ferrari of Seattle. Certainly in my casual interactions, they've been first class.

Given that, if they were regularly taking money and circumventing their waiting list, word would get around. If you want the real info, maybe try posting in the Northwest section and see if people have had trouble with them?

 

I myself signed FOS's waiting list agreement awhile back, with Robin (IIRC.)

NO money changed hands.

It was probably written by lawyers, to protect the company. If the above-mentioned law-suit in California was a concern, then FOS arguably did the right thing.

When you want to BUY from a company where, arguably, demand exceeds supply, ya gotta play by THEIR rules, I suppose.

Don't like waiting lists, go to your Kia dealer.

Probably to protect themselves from over-promising salesmen (even though I've never seen that from their salesmen...but who knows.)

If I want to have a chance (at least a snow-balls chance in...) at a Scuderia at MSRP, what other options did I have? Suggestions are welcome.

Not to sound too critical, but we Fcar owners sometimes acts like we are "entitled" to things, in life, and have extremely high expectations/standards. So I can basically see why FOS has that agreement, seeing who it's clients are. (Hey, I love you folks here on Fchat, don't get me wrong!)


Saw a guy with a Forza shirt today....maybe the only time I've ever seen that around our little town, as such. Ferrari and Kimi rock!!

 

i don't care what you sell, there's no room for arrogance at anytime or anywhere in any market. I'm surprised Ferrari accepts this behavior from some dealers, but then they're Italian. Two things I hate about Ferrari: high maint. and arrogance.

I will never buy a new Ferrari or sit on some waiting list, but then I would never pay a premium (over sticker) for a car that will sell at a discount in three or four years. It's not a matter of money, it's a matter of principal. So, I guess I'll just be dealing with the high price of repairs, which I can reluctantly live with. It does not cost anything to treat people with respect, especially when they are forking out major bucks for a car.

I feel for those individuals whose passion gets the best of them, forcing them to tolerate the BS to obtain their dream car. Keep up the good work so I can get mine cheap(er).

 

I hated when i was young and in Australia ,ferrari never let you touch their cars let alone sit inside them.Very snobby approach,even 3 years ago in Sydney a very snobby way to treat clients asking for appointment to walk in showroom.
U.k was a little snobby also,while America I only read about it on FChat,seem snob also.
While in ITALY their is a more warmer feel towards letting customer drive ,sit in car and all that!
Our friendly Rome concessionarie named Sa.Mo car sells 120 Ferrari a year.Thats pretty good and has way more requests.
But Ferrari issues only a set number of cars given to each concessionarie each year.

 

I would disagree with you.

I dont think its snobbery as much as practicality. These are very expensive products and someone laying out $200k+ does not want to see scuff marks of the leather from folks getting into and out of the car or small scratches from the buttons on their pants leaning against them.

if I had a Ferrari dealership I wouldnt let you near the car until we've gone through the steps to make sure you are capable and serious of purchase. You dont get to 'test drive' your new home and they are comparably priced.

Having said that it can be done without the snobbery which unfortunately DOES come with many Ferrari dealers (although I have always been treated well at the dealerships and I have tattoos and long hair)

 

That reads like fos is somehow required, or obligated somehow, TO have a waiting list. It reads like it's just fos's way of getting around something they would rather not have to have/honor. In other words, it reads like someone trying to get around something they have to have, and is their way of getting around having to have it.

I'm no lawyer. To me, that how it reads.

 

And yes, that it also looks like a typical "reaction to a lawsuit" document. (iow, who ever wrote it was po'd)

 

Saw the FoS disclaimer letter and loved it. Every dealer should use it. I have no sympathy at all for someone who wants to waste the system's time and money litigating his inability to order a new Ferrari.