TW720HVY

In normal times, sure, the system works. But when we are in this "unprecedented time", the system is flawed, and the policies and procedures that Ford has in place creates a uneven playing field. What the majority of us were told back in June/July when we first placed our orders isn't remotely close to whats been played out. Here's the thing, I am just some guy that needs truck, in fact I've needed a truck for months. I am also a person that's been a Ford guy since before I received my DL. So what do I do, I go to the smallest dealership in our new area, ones I prefer, and place my order for the model and options I want, give them a deposit and walk away. As a customer I couldn't tell you how many trucks they've already sold, how many allocations they've used, or what a priority code is. I just order a truck and expect it to be delivered in the time frame they told me. Completely agree, the commodity shortages are real and impacting the industry, there's no doubt about that. But the fact that Ford is still fulfilling orders based on a system that clearly only works during normal times is what most are upset about, myself included. Most ordering systems today operate on the "first in, first out" model, in fact I'd venture to say every single on line order we make day to day is that way, and if something is back ordered it's most likely "first in, first out" when the inventory supply is available. And to be completely honest, it's the system we are all accustomed to, even during these "unprecedented times". But instead, imagine if when you placed an amazon order you order doesn't go though when the item was in sock, because you only spend a $100 a year with them. When your friend next door ordered the exact same thing and got his the next day because he spends $1000 a year with them. How long do you think that business model would last? Would you be happy seeing your neighbor using their new special tool, when you need it just as much, if not more, and ordered it month earlier? The exact thing is happening now with our Ford orders. My order is a 450 as well, and I recently stopped in at a dealership that had a "retail order" PL (with AS, 5th wheel prep, spray in liner) sitting on their lot. So the allocation game worked well for them, and now they're selling a $95.5K truck for "well over MSRP" because they can, and the policies and procedures are in place for them to do so. All the while you and I wait for the exact same truck that's nowhere closer to being built today than it was on the day we wrote our deposit checks. Do you honestly think, we as the customers and end user of the Ford product should've needed to put into account what our dealerships allocations and allotments are? When I selected our dealership, it was based on their treatment of me and the time they took to answer questions and establish a respectful working relationship, NOT a forensic audit of their financial balance sheet, awarded allotments and allocations. This was Ford's second chance with me after a major issue with a brand new special order 2011 F-350. When the dealership opens this morning I am calling to cancel my order with them. I am also not naive to think this action will result in any change, Ford doesn't even know I exist and could care less if I drive home in their truck or not, they've made that abundantly clear these past several months. Today's executives at Ford only care about one thing, and that's making sure the Shareholders are happy, which in turn means the Board of Directors are happy, which in turn means they"ll all get their annual bonuses. The days of Ford executives caring about their vehicle owners is long gone, that was made clear to me in 2010 and yet again today. I honestly wish everyone the best of luck with their unfulfilled orders, and I absolutely wish no ill will towards anyone who might read this that's associated with Ford.

Been waiting since July 5th, got the first email in Nov with the VIN, truck still isn't built, and I am expecting them to push the build scheduled for the last week of Jan yet again, still no window sticker.

Thank you for the reply. I've already had one build week scheduled and I am fully expecting the new upcoming one to get pushed back as well.

When an order is issued a VIN, what does that actually mean? Are all the parts allocated for that specific build? Ordered 7/5; made changes along the way to help move it up but to no avail; email received Tuesday 11/16 with VIN and build week of 12/20; the week of 12/13 the build was pushed to 1/24. Spoke with the Sales Manager yesterday, he told me they just received and email (not sure if from Ford or Regional Manager) stating all trucks with the 5th wheel prep and spray-in bed liner have a 0% chance of being built, and orders with the sunroof have a 20% of being built. Has anyone else read or heard of this as well? Just trying to get some clarification for myself as he tries to find the answers to some of my questions and concerns. Thank you very much for your help and time. Rick

• 1988 Cougar XR-7 • 1994 F-150 XL • 1997 Mustang GT • 1998 Torus • 1999 F-250 PS • 2000 Ford Focus ZX-3 • 2001 F-250 PS • 2011 F-350 Short Bed PS • 2022 F-350 and F450 KG (on order, doubtful they'll be built)

New to the Blue Oval forum, but been a Ford guy my entire life starting with my 1988 Cougar XR-7.