GUIDE TO GETTING PCO's
#1
07-17-2020, 11:56 PM
Guide to PCOs
Overview
“Private Cash Offers” (PCOs), also known as “Exclusive Cash Rewards”, are occasionally provided by Ford to actively-seeking customers in the US. These rewards are typically a couple thousand dollars for the Full-Size Pickups and Expedition, and less for other Ford vehicles. This provides a great incentive to buy a new vehicle!
The information here may help increase your chances of getting a PCO. This is based on the accumulated knowledge from the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum. The information may be outdated, and Ford may change the program details at any time. Hopefully it will help everyone to have all this in one place.
Types of PCOs
We are aware of several different ways that PCOs are provided to potential customers:
How PCOs are Distributed
Ford hires a third-party marketing and data science company to figure out to whom to offer the PCOs, and how. While we don’t know the exact algorithms used to determine who receives an offer, we expect they are based on various demographic data that may indicate the customer is preparing to buy a vehicle in the next few weeks.
Obtaining a PCO
The key to obtaining a PCO is to make it known to the Ford systems that you are a potential customer.
1. Make sure you are in the Ford customer database.
4. Ask another FTE member for assistance. If you’ve tried clicking on banner ads, or on known-good links from other members without success, there may be something about your PC or phone that is preventing you from getting a PCO popup. In this case you can try asking another forum member for assistance. Often folks may have multiple windows open and each is sent a PCO popup. In this case, since they can use only one, they may post a note saying they have extra popups and are willing to enter your name, address, phone and email for you. Send them a PM with the info. (Note: to send PMs to other members, you’ll need to be a member for at least 10 days with at least five posts).
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU A PCO.This is against FTE forum Terms of Use and probably against Ford policy as well. Besides, it’s unnecessary, as you may be able to get one for free from a fellow FTE member.
Note that PCOs seem to be provided by an algorithm. There is no guarantee that you can get one at the same time you are purchasing a vehicle. And even when some seem to be available, you may not be able to get one to show up on your PC, or from a forum member. We understand your disappointment, but there is nothing we can do.
And, if you ever get a PCO popup that you won’t be using, don’t close it! Leave it open and post on the FTE forums that you have one. Someone is likely to be looking for one!
Using a PCO
The PCOs are separate from the current manufacturer incentives on a model, but are figured into the sale in much the same way.
Once you have obtained the PCO, it will show in your file in the Ford system and any Ford dealer can log in and see it, and apply it to your purchase. This does not affect the dealer’s profit, so they will gladly take the code and gain a sale! The easiest way to let the dealer look it up is to forward your email from Ford with the code.
PCO Exclusions
Some vehicles, particularly popular and performance vehicles, may be exempt from this program and the PCO will not be valid. This typically includes the Ford GT, Mustang Shelby, Bronco, and F-150 Raptor.
Purchasers using the Ford A/Z/D plans (employees, retirees, or dealers) cannot use the PCO.
You cannot give a PCO to someone outside of your household, as it is tied to the address in your Ford file. The dealer will check your ID to verify your name and address match.
Some private/club incentives such as First Responder, American Quarter Horse membership, may not be combined with a PCO. Typically public offers such as manufacturer's incentives can be combined with each other, but with only one private offer such as club incentives or PCO. Ask your dealer for details.
PCOs cannot be combined with each other. However, if you have more than one, you can choose the best one to use. Or buy more vehicles.
Here is the fine print from a recent PCO:
*New 2019/2020/2021 vehicles: $2,000 on F-150, Super Duty® or Expedition only. $1,250 on Ranger, Explorer, Edge, EcoSport, Escape or Mustang only. $750 on most other vehicles. Excludes Bronco, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, Mustang Mach-E or Mustang Shelby® GT350/350R/500. May not combine with other private or commercial offers, conquest cash, owner loyalty and lease renewal programs. A/Z/D Plan ineligible. Nontransferable out of household. Limit one per household. U.S. residents. Prior purchases not eligible. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer's stock by 9/30/20. See dealer for details. Dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #30594 and customer ID.
PCO Expiration
PCOs are good for a limited time only, typically a few weeks or months. You have to take delivery before that expiration date. One exception is if you order a vehicle. See later notes on that.
PCO and dealing
Because PCOs are provided directly by Ford, they are applied AFTER any deal you can arrange at the dealership. Note that some dealers will look in the Ford system and see that you have a PCO, and be more firm in their dealing, while others will realize you are a serious buyer and that you are ready to buy immediately. Don’t let a dealer increase their offer because you have a PCO!
Note that some dealers also advertise with “Cash Offers” that are made to look like a Ford PCO, but are actually from the dealership. Just use that in negotiating but make sure you get the full PCO on the paper you sign. Or the "online price" already includes the PCO. Make sure you understand all the numbers, and keep it simple.
PCOs and Plan pricing
Yes, you can combine a PCO with Plan pricing such as Costco or the Ford X-Plan! The pricing of those is calculated before the PCO is considered. The PCO will then be deducted AFTER that price is figured out.
PCO Examples
Here is an example of what the PCO would look like on the bill of sale. This is not a real vehicle, so don’t use the discounts, fees or tax rate as what you’ll see. Also, your state will have different Title/Reg/Tax rules on how it is all calculated. And your dealer discount depends on how good a negotiator you are!
Here is an example with X-Plan pricing. Again, all amounts are made up. You can get X-Plan by owning Ford stock, working for a Ford partner company, or joining the Mustang Club of America, or the EAA. You generally need to be a member of the clubs for 60 days prior to purchase. X-Plan ends up being roughly equivalent to negotiating the dealer down to invoice.
Finally, here is an example with Costco pricing. Again, all amounts are made up.
Ordering a vehicle with a PCO
If you are planning to order a vehicle, you have two options.
1. You can lock in the PCO at the time of order, along with incentives that are in effect at the time of order. The order date needs to be before the PCO expiration date, but you won’t need to take delivery before it expires. The Ford technical term for locking in the PCO at order time is “Incentive Protection”.
OR,
2. You can wait until the vehicle shows up at the dealership, and use the PCO and whatever incentives are available then. But the PCO cannot have expired before delivery.
Since you can’t know what the incentives or PCO amounts will be at the date the vehicle arrives, or even when it will arrive, it is probably best to lock in the PCO when you order. Then, if you get better PCO plus incentives when the vehicle arrives, have the dealer switch to the new set. You cannot combine the old PCO with the new incentives, or vice versa. One way or the other. If you pick the new PCO or incentive at time of delivery, you lose the Incentive Protection from time of order.
Note that some sales folks at some dealerships may not be familiar with how to use, lock in, or change the PCO and incentives when ordering a vehicle. The information in this post may help: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19255480. It is a document from 2012, but tells them what they need to know.
Summary
Hopefully this information will help some of you be able to purchase your new vehicle. It’s always nice to get some extra cash off the purchase. And soon you’ll be driving a new Ford! If you have any questions, you can post them in the forums.
Overview
“Private Cash Offers” (PCOs), also known as “Exclusive Cash Rewards”, are occasionally provided by Ford to actively-seeking customers in the US. These rewards are typically a couple thousand dollars for the Full-Size Pickups and Expedition, and less for other Ford vehicles. This provides a great incentive to buy a new vehicle!
The information here may help increase your chances of getting a PCO. This is based on the accumulated knowledge from the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum. The information may be outdated, and Ford may change the program details at any time. Hopefully it will help everyone to have all this in one place.
Types of PCOs
We are aware of several different ways that PCOs are provided to potential customers:
- Hardcopy cards in regular mail (addressed to a specific customer)
- Softcopy offers in email (addressed to a specific customer)
- Digital offers in your FordPass app
- Online popups
- The Ford VINCENT customer system tracks all PCOs, and we have seen situations where a PCO is in a customer’s file without any other notification via FordPass, mail or email
How PCOs are Distributed
Ford hires a third-party marketing and data science company to figure out to whom to offer the PCOs, and how. While we don’t know the exact algorithms used to determine who receives an offer, we expect they are based on various demographic data that may indicate the customer is preparing to buy a vehicle in the next few weeks.
Obtaining a PCO
The key to obtaining a PCO is to make it known to the Ford systems that you are a potential customer.
1. Make sure you are in the Ford customer database.
- If you are already a Ford customer and receive mail and email from Ford, you are probably already in their database
- If you browse ford.com you will occasionally get popups asking if you would like more information. Fill these in with your name and address
- There are also certain pages on the ford.com website where you can enter your data.
- Call the Ford marketing department in Florida at 1-800-334-4375. They can check your file and see if you already have a PCO, send you a hardcopy printed brochure for certain vehicles (yes, there are still printed brochures!), make sure your name and contact details are up to date, or enter you into the system if you don’t have an existing file. They CANNOT give you a PCO, only tell you if you already have one.
4. Ask another FTE member for assistance. If you’ve tried clicking on banner ads, or on known-good links from other members without success, there may be something about your PC or phone that is preventing you from getting a PCO popup. In this case you can try asking another forum member for assistance. Often folks may have multiple windows open and each is sent a PCO popup. In this case, since they can use only one, they may post a note saying they have extra popups and are willing to enter your name, address, phone and email for you. Send them a PM with the info. (Note: to send PMs to other members, you’ll need to be a member for at least 10 days with at least five posts).
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU A PCO.This is against FTE forum Terms of Use and probably against Ford policy as well. Besides, it’s unnecessary, as you may be able to get one for free from a fellow FTE member.
Note that PCOs seem to be provided by an algorithm. There is no guarantee that you can get one at the same time you are purchasing a vehicle. And even when some seem to be available, you may not be able to get one to show up on your PC, or from a forum member. We understand your disappointment, but there is nothing we can do.
And, if you ever get a PCO popup that you won’t be using, don’t close it! Leave it open and post on the FTE forums that you have one. Someone is likely to be looking for one!
Using a PCO
The PCOs are separate from the current manufacturer incentives on a model, but are figured into the sale in much the same way.
Once you have obtained the PCO, it will show in your file in the Ford system and any Ford dealer can log in and see it, and apply it to your purchase. This does not affect the dealer’s profit, so they will gladly take the code and gain a sale! The easiest way to let the dealer look it up is to forward your email from Ford with the code.
PCO Exclusions
Some vehicles, particularly popular and performance vehicles, may be exempt from this program and the PCO will not be valid. This typically includes the Ford GT, Mustang Shelby, Bronco, and F-150 Raptor.
Purchasers using the Ford A/Z/D plans (employees, retirees, or dealers) cannot use the PCO.
You cannot give a PCO to someone outside of your household, as it is tied to the address in your Ford file. The dealer will check your ID to verify your name and address match.
Some private/club incentives such as First Responder, American Quarter Horse membership, may not be combined with a PCO. Typically public offers such as manufacturer's incentives can be combined with each other, but with only one private offer such as club incentives or PCO. Ask your dealer for details.
PCOs cannot be combined with each other. However, if you have more than one, you can choose the best one to use. Or buy more vehicles.
Here is the fine print from a recent PCO:
*New 2019/2020/2021 vehicles: $2,000 on F-150, Super Duty® or Expedition only. $1,250 on Ranger, Explorer, Edge, EcoSport, Escape or Mustang only. $750 on most other vehicles. Excludes Bronco, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, Mustang Mach-E or Mustang Shelby® GT350/350R/500. May not combine with other private or commercial offers, conquest cash, owner loyalty and lease renewal programs. A/Z/D Plan ineligible. Nontransferable out of household. Limit one per household. U.S. residents. Prior purchases not eligible. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer's stock by 9/30/20. See dealer for details. Dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #30594 and customer ID.
PCO Expiration
PCOs are good for a limited time only, typically a few weeks or months. You have to take delivery before that expiration date. One exception is if you order a vehicle. See later notes on that.
PCO and dealing
Because PCOs are provided directly by Ford, they are applied AFTER any deal you can arrange at the dealership. Note that some dealers will look in the Ford system and see that you have a PCO, and be more firm in their dealing, while others will realize you are a serious buyer and that you are ready to buy immediately. Don’t let a dealer increase their offer because you have a PCO!
Note that some dealers also advertise with “Cash Offers” that are made to look like a Ford PCO, but are actually from the dealership. Just use that in negotiating but make sure you get the full PCO on the paper you sign. Or the "online price" already includes the PCO. Make sure you understand all the numbers, and keep it simple.
PCOs and Plan pricing
Yes, you can combine a PCO with Plan pricing such as Costco or the Ford X-Plan! The pricing of those is calculated before the PCO is considered. The PCO will then be deducted AFTER that price is figured out.
PCO Examples
Here is an example of what the PCO would look like on the bill of sale. This is not a real vehicle, so don’t use the discounts, fees or tax rate as what you’ll see. Also, your state will have different Title/Reg/Tax rules on how it is all calculated. And your dealer discount depends on how good a negotiator you are!
- MSRP $ 45,678
- Negotiated Dealer Discount: -$ 4,200
- Sales Tax 9.5% $ 3,940
- Doc Fee $ 150
- License/Registration/Title $ 200
- Subtotal $ 45,768
- Current Incentive -$ 500
- Private Cash Offer -$ 2000
- TOTAL, Out the door $ 43,268
Here is an example with X-Plan pricing. Again, all amounts are made up. You can get X-Plan by owning Ford stock, working for a Ford partner company, or joining the Mustang Club of America, or the EAA. You generally need to be a member of the clubs for 60 days prior to purchase. X-Plan ends up being roughly equivalent to negotiating the dealer down to invoice.
- MSRP $ 45,678
- Invoice $ 41,978
- X-Plan Discount 0.4% -$ 167
- X-Plan Admin Fee $ 275
- Sales Tax 9.5% $ 3,998
- Doc Fee $ 100
- License/Registration/Title $ 200
- Subtotal $ 46,384
- Current Incentive -$ 500
- Private Cash Offer -$ 2000
- TOTAL, Out the door $ 43,884
Finally, here is an example with Costco pricing. Again, all amounts are made up.
- MSRP $ 45,678
- Invoice $ 41,978
- Costco Discount -$ 1,700
- Sales Tax 9.5% $ 3,826
- Doc Fee $ 150
- License/Registration/Title $ 200
- Subtotal $ 44,454
- Current Incentive -$ 500
- Private Cash Offer -$ 2000
- TOTAL, Out the door $ 41,954
Ordering a vehicle with a PCO
If you are planning to order a vehicle, you have two options.
1. You can lock in the PCO at the time of order, along with incentives that are in effect at the time of order. The order date needs to be before the PCO expiration date, but you won’t need to take delivery before it expires. The Ford technical term for locking in the PCO at order time is “Incentive Protection”.
OR,
2. You can wait until the vehicle shows up at the dealership, and use the PCO and whatever incentives are available then. But the PCO cannot have expired before delivery.
Since you can’t know what the incentives or PCO amounts will be at the date the vehicle arrives, or even when it will arrive, it is probably best to lock in the PCO when you order. Then, if you get better PCO plus incentives when the vehicle arrives, have the dealer switch to the new set. You cannot combine the old PCO with the new incentives, or vice versa. One way or the other. If you pick the new PCO or incentive at time of delivery, you lose the Incentive Protection from time of order.
Note that some sales folks at some dealerships may not be familiar with how to use, lock in, or change the PCO and incentives when ordering a vehicle. The information in this post may help: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19255480. It is a document from 2012, but tells them what they need to know.
Summary
Hopefully this information will help some of you be able to purchase your new vehicle. It’s always nice to get some extra cash off the purchase. And soon you’ll be driving a new Ford! If you have any questions, you can post them in the forums.
Last edited by OffBalance; 07-18-2020 at 10:16 AM. Reason: Updates suggested by Reese
The following 2 users liked this post by OffBalance:
#2
07-18-2020, 06:43 AM
Great write up, and definitely worthy of a sticky! Below I have suggested some edits and included the list of exclusions copied and pasted directly from my current PCO (that I got by reading the thread linked above).
You cannot give a PCO to someone else, as it is tied to your Ford file. It can be transferred, but only to someone in the same household (see below). I have heard that Ford verifies the address on your driver's license and requires that you register the vehicle to that same address. Both of which must match the address the PCO was issued to.
Some incentives such as First Responder, American Quarter Horse membership, may or may not work with PCO. Typically public offers (that everyone can use) will stack, but other private offers (Rebates that you have to prove you qualify for with documentation) do not. Exclusions are listed on the PCO, my recent PCO states:
"*New 2019/2020/2021 vehicles: $2,000 on F-150, Super Duty® or Expedition only. $1,250 on Ranger, Explorer, Edge, EcoSport, Escape or Mustang only. $750 on most other vehicles. Excludes Bronco, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, Mustang Mach-E or Mustang Shelby® GT350/350R/500. May not combine with other private or commercial offers, conquest cash, owner loyalty and lease renewal programs. A/Z/D Plan ineligible. Nontransferable out of household. Limit one per household. U.S. residents. Prior purchases not eligible. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer's stock by 9/30/20. See dealer for details. Dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #30594 and customer ID."
Here is an example with X-Plan pricing. Again, all amounts are made up. You can get X-Plan by owning Ford stock, working for a Ford partner company, or joining the Mustang Club of America, or the EAA. You may need to be a member of the clubs for30 60 days prior to purchase. X-Plan ends up being roughly equivalent to negotiating the dealer to invoice.
You cannot give a PCO to someone else, as it is tied to your Ford file. It can be transferred, but only to someone in the same household (see below). I have heard that Ford verifies the address on your driver's license and requires that you register the vehicle to that same address. Both of which must match the address the PCO was issued to.
Some incentives such as First Responder, American Quarter Horse membership, may or may not work with PCO. Typically public offers (that everyone can use) will stack, but other private offers (Rebates that you have to prove you qualify for with documentation) do not. Exclusions are listed on the PCO, my recent PCO states:
"*New 2019/2020/2021 vehicles: $2,000 on F-150, Super Duty® or Expedition only. $1,250 on Ranger, Explorer, Edge, EcoSport, Escape or Mustang only. $750 on most other vehicles. Excludes Bronco, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, Mustang Mach-E or Mustang Shelby® GT350/350R/500. May not combine with other private or commercial offers, conquest cash, owner loyalty and lease renewal programs. A/Z/D Plan ineligible. Nontransferable out of household. Limit one per household. U.S. residents. Prior purchases not eligible. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer's stock by 9/30/20. See dealer for details. Dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #30594 and customer ID."
Here is an example with X-Plan pricing. Again, all amounts are made up. You can get X-Plan by owning Ford stock, working for a Ford partner company, or joining the Mustang Club of America, or the EAA. You may need to be a member of the clubs for
- MSRP $ 45,678
- Invoice $ 41,978
- X-Plan Discount 0.4% -$ 167
- X-Plan Admin Fee $ 275
- Sales Tax 9.5% $ 3,998
- Doc Fee $ 100
- License/Registration/Title $ 200
- Subtotal $ 46,384
- Current Incentive -$ 500
- Private Cash Offer -$ 2000
- TOTAL, Out the door $ 43,884
#3
07-29-2020, 12:35 PM
I haven't seen any PCO popups recently, nor heard of anyone else seeing them. There have been a very few come in via mail over the past week.
We should all keep trying:
We should all keep trying:
- Clear your browser history and cookies
- Use Incognito mode or InPrivate mode on your browser
- Consider using a VPN to virtually change your ISP location to different spots in the US
- Browse trucks on nadaguides.com, kbb.com, and edmunds.com etc.
- Click on banner ads like this:
- On the Ford site, do some slow scrolling, and careful clicking. Don't click too fast because you may miss a popup!
- If you get a popup, copy the complete URL from the main website and post here. Also, try opening new browser windows or tabs and see if you can get another popup.
#4
07-31-2020, 07:26 AM
The following users liked this post:
#5
07-31-2020, 10:42 PM
#6
07-31-2020, 11:15 PM
#7
08-02-2020, 10:13 AM
Junior User
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Houston TX
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Trending Topics
#9
08-29-2020, 07:46 PM
#10
09-17-2020, 06:48 PM
Guide to PCOs
Overview
“Private Cash Offers” (PCOs), also known as “Exclusive Cash Rewards”, are occasionally provided by Ford to actively-seeking customers in the US. These rewards are typically a couple thousand dollars for the Full-Size Pickups and Expedition, and less for other Ford vehicles. This provides a great incentive to buy a new vehicle!
The information here may help increase your chances of getting a PCO. This is based on the accumulated knowledge from the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum. The information may be outdated, and Ford may change the program details at any time. Hopefully it will help everyone to have all this in one place.
Types of PCOs
We are aware of several different ways that PCOs are provided to potential customers:
How PCOs are Distributed
Ford hires a third-party marketing and data science company to figure out to whom to offer the PCOs, and how. While we don’t know the exact algorithms used to determine who receives an offer, we expect they are based on various demographic data that may indicate the customer is preparing to buy a vehicle in the next few weeks.
Obtaining a PCO
The key to obtaining a PCO is to make it known to the Ford systems that you are a potential customer.
1. Make sure you are in the Ford customer database.
4. Ask another FTE member for assistance. If you’ve tried clicking on banner ads, or on known-good links from other members without success, there may be something about your PC or phone that is preventing you from getting a PCO popup. In this case you can try asking another forum member for assistance. Often folks may have multiple windows open and each is sent a PCO popup. In this case, since they can use only one, they may post a note saying they have extra popups and are willing to enter your name, address, phone and email for you. Send them a PM with the info. (Note: to send PMs to other members, you’ll need to be a member for at least 10 days with at least five posts).
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU A PCO.This is against FTE forum Terms of Use and probably against Ford policy as well. Besides, it’s unnecessary, as you may be able to get one for free from a fellow FTE member.
Note that PCOs seem to be provided by an algorithm. There is no guarantee that you can get one at the same time you are purchasing a vehicle. And even when some seem to be available, you may not be able to get one to show up on your PC, or from a forum member. We understand your disappointment, but there is nothing we can do.
And, if you ever get a PCO popup that you won’t be using, don’t close it! Leave it open and post on the FTE forums that you have one. Someone is likely to be looking for one!
Using a PCO
The PCOs are separate from the current manufacturer incentives on a model, but are figured into the sale in much the same way.
Once you have obtained the PCO, it will show in your file in the Ford system and any Ford dealer can log in and see it, and apply it to your purchase. This does not affect the dealer’s profit, so they will gladly take the code and gain a sale! The easiest way to let the dealer look it up is to forward your email from Ford with the code.
PCO Exclusions
Some vehicles, particularly popular and performance vehicles, may be exempt from this program and the PCO will not be valid. This typically includes the Ford GT, Mustang Shelby, Bronco, and F-150 Raptor.
Purchasers using the Ford A/Z/D plans (employees, retirees, or dealers) cannot use the PCO.
You cannot give a PCO to someone outside of your household, as it is tied to the address in your Ford file. The dealer will check your ID to verify your name and address match.
Some private/club incentives such as First Responder, American Quarter Horse membership, may not be combined with a PCO. Typically public offers such as manufacturer's incentives can be combined with each other, but with only one private offer such as club incentives or PCO. Ask your dealer for details.
PCOs cannot be combined with each other. However, if you have more than one, you can choose the best one to use. Or buy more vehicles.
Here is the fine print from a recent PCO:
*New 2019/2020/2021 vehicles: $2,000 on F-150, Super Duty® or Expedition only. $1,250 on Ranger, Explorer, Edge, EcoSport, Escape or Mustang only. $750 on most other vehicles. Excludes Bronco, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, Mustang Mach-E or Mustang Shelby® GT350/350R/500. May not combine with other private or commercial offers, conquest cash, owner loyalty and lease renewal programs. A/Z/D Plan ineligible. Nontransferable out of household. Limit one per household. U.S. residents. Prior purchases not eligible. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer's stock by 9/30/20. See dealer for details. Dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #30594 and customer ID.
PCO Expiration
PCOs are good for a limited time only, typically a few weeks or months. You have to take delivery before that expiration date. One exception is if you order a vehicle. See later notes on that.
PCO and dealing
Because PCOs are provided directly by Ford, they are applied AFTER any deal you can arrange at the dealership. Note that some dealers will look in the Ford system and see that you have a PCO, and be more firm in their dealing, while others will realize you are a serious buyer and that you are ready to buy immediately. Don’t let a dealer increase their offer because you have a PCO!
Note that some dealers also advertise with “Cash Offers” that are made to look like a Ford PCO, but are actually from the dealership. Just use that in negotiating but make sure you get the full PCO on the paper you sign. Or the "online price" already includes the PCO. Make sure you understand all the numbers, and keep it simple.
PCOs and Plan pricing
Yes, you can combine a PCO with Plan pricing such as Costco or the Ford X-Plan! The pricing of those is calculated before the PCO is considered. The PCO will then be deducted AFTER that price is figured out.
PCO Examples
Here is an example of what the PCO would look like on the bill of sale. This is not a real vehicle, so don’t use the discounts, fees or tax rate as what you’ll see. Also, your state will have different Title/Reg/Tax rules on how it is all calculated. And your dealer discount depends on how good a negotiator you are!
Here is an example with X-Plan pricing. Again, all amounts are made up. You can get X-Plan by owning Ford stock, working for a Ford partner company, or joining the Mustang Club of America, or the EAA. You generally need to be a member of the clubs for 60 days prior to purchase. X-Plan ends up being roughly equivalent to negotiating the dealer down to invoice.
Finally, here is an example with Costco pricing. Again, all amounts are made up.
Ordering a vehicle with a PCO
If you are planning to order a vehicle, you have two options.
1. You can lock in the PCO at the time of order, along with incentives that are in effect at the time of order. The order date needs to be before the PCO expiration date, but you won’t need to take delivery before it expires. The Ford technical term for locking in the PCO at order time is “Incentive Protection”.
OR,
2. You can wait until the vehicle shows up at the dealership, and use the PCO and whatever incentives are available then. But the PCO cannot have expired before delivery.
Since you can’t know what the incentives or PCO amounts will be at the date the vehicle arrives, or even when it will arrive, it is probably best to lock in the PCO when you order. Then, if you get better PCO plus incentives when the vehicle arrives, have the dealer switch to the new set. You cannot combine the old PCO with the new incentives, or vice versa. One way or the other. If you pick the new PCO or incentive at time of delivery, you lose the Incentive Protection from time of order.
Note that some sales folks at some dealerships may not be familiar with how to use, lock in, or change the PCO and incentives when ordering a vehicle. The information in this post may help: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19255480. It is a document from 2012, but tells them what they need to know.
Summary
Hopefully this information will help some of you be able to purchase your new vehicle. It’s always nice to get some extra cash off the purchase. And soon you’ll be driving a new Ford! If you have any questions, you can post them in the forums.
Overview
“Private Cash Offers” (PCOs), also known as “Exclusive Cash Rewards”, are occasionally provided by Ford to actively-seeking customers in the US. These rewards are typically a couple thousand dollars for the Full-Size Pickups and Expedition, and less for other Ford vehicles. This provides a great incentive to buy a new vehicle!
The information here may help increase your chances of getting a PCO. This is based on the accumulated knowledge from the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum. The information may be outdated, and Ford may change the program details at any time. Hopefully it will help everyone to have all this in one place.
Types of PCOs
We are aware of several different ways that PCOs are provided to potential customers:
- Hardcopy cards in regular mail (addressed to a specific customer)
- Softcopy offers in email (addressed to a specific customer)
- Digital offers in your FordPass app
- Online popups
- The Ford VINCENT customer system tracks all PCOs, and we have seen situations where a PCO is in a customer’s file without any other notification via FordPass, mail or email
How PCOs are Distributed
Ford hires a third-party marketing and data science company to figure out to whom to offer the PCOs, and how. While we don’t know the exact algorithms used to determine who receives an offer, we expect they are based on various demographic data that may indicate the customer is preparing to buy a vehicle in the next few weeks.
Obtaining a PCO
The key to obtaining a PCO is to make it known to the Ford systems that you are a potential customer.
1. Make sure you are in the Ford customer database.
- If you are already a Ford customer and receive mail and email from Ford, you are probably already in their database
- If you browse ford.com you will occasionally get popups asking if you would like more information. Fill these in with your name and address
- There are also certain pages on the ford.com website where you can enter your data.
- Call the Ford marketing department in Florida at 1-800-334-4375. They can check your file and see if you already have a PCO, send you a hardcopy printed brochure for certain vehicles (yes, there are still printed brochures!), make sure your name and contact details are up to date, or enter you into the system if you don’t have an existing file. They CANNOT give you a PCO, only tell you if you already have one.
4. Ask another FTE member for assistance. If you’ve tried clicking on banner ads, or on known-good links from other members without success, there may be something about your PC or phone that is preventing you from getting a PCO popup. In this case you can try asking another forum member for assistance. Often folks may have multiple windows open and each is sent a PCO popup. In this case, since they can use only one, they may post a note saying they have extra popups and are willing to enter your name, address, phone and email for you. Send them a PM with the info. (Note: to send PMs to other members, you’ll need to be a member for at least 10 days with at least five posts).
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU A PCO.This is against FTE forum Terms of Use and probably against Ford policy as well. Besides, it’s unnecessary, as you may be able to get one for free from a fellow FTE member.
Note that PCOs seem to be provided by an algorithm. There is no guarantee that you can get one at the same time you are purchasing a vehicle. And even when some seem to be available, you may not be able to get one to show up on your PC, or from a forum member. We understand your disappointment, but there is nothing we can do.
And, if you ever get a PCO popup that you won’t be using, don’t close it! Leave it open and post on the FTE forums that you have one. Someone is likely to be looking for one!
Using a PCO
The PCOs are separate from the current manufacturer incentives on a model, but are figured into the sale in much the same way.
Once you have obtained the PCO, it will show in your file in the Ford system and any Ford dealer can log in and see it, and apply it to your purchase. This does not affect the dealer’s profit, so they will gladly take the code and gain a sale! The easiest way to let the dealer look it up is to forward your email from Ford with the code.
PCO Exclusions
Some vehicles, particularly popular and performance vehicles, may be exempt from this program and the PCO will not be valid. This typically includes the Ford GT, Mustang Shelby, Bronco, and F-150 Raptor.
Purchasers using the Ford A/Z/D plans (employees, retirees, or dealers) cannot use the PCO.
You cannot give a PCO to someone outside of your household, as it is tied to the address in your Ford file. The dealer will check your ID to verify your name and address match.
Some private/club incentives such as First Responder, American Quarter Horse membership, may not be combined with a PCO. Typically public offers such as manufacturer's incentives can be combined with each other, but with only one private offer such as club incentives or PCO. Ask your dealer for details.
PCOs cannot be combined with each other. However, if you have more than one, you can choose the best one to use. Or buy more vehicles.
Here is the fine print from a recent PCO:
*New 2019/2020/2021 vehicles: $2,000 on F-150, Super Duty® or Expedition only. $1,250 on Ranger, Explorer, Edge, EcoSport, Escape or Mustang only. $750 on most other vehicles. Excludes Bronco, Ford GT, F-150 Raptor, Mustang Mach-E or Mustang Shelby® GT350/350R/500. May not combine with other private or commercial offers, conquest cash, owner loyalty and lease renewal programs. A/Z/D Plan ineligible. Nontransferable out of household. Limit one per household. U.S. residents. Prior purchases not eligible. Take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford or Lincoln Dealer's stock by 9/30/20. See dealer for details. Dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #30594 and customer ID.
PCO Expiration
PCOs are good for a limited time only, typically a few weeks or months. You have to take delivery before that expiration date. One exception is if you order a vehicle. See later notes on that.
PCO and dealing
Because PCOs are provided directly by Ford, they are applied AFTER any deal you can arrange at the dealership. Note that some dealers will look in the Ford system and see that you have a PCO, and be more firm in their dealing, while others will realize you are a serious buyer and that you are ready to buy immediately. Don’t let a dealer increase their offer because you have a PCO!
Note that some dealers also advertise with “Cash Offers” that are made to look like a Ford PCO, but are actually from the dealership. Just use that in negotiating but make sure you get the full PCO on the paper you sign. Or the "online price" already includes the PCO. Make sure you understand all the numbers, and keep it simple.
PCOs and Plan pricing
Yes, you can combine a PCO with Plan pricing such as Costco or the Ford X-Plan! The pricing of those is calculated before the PCO is considered. The PCO will then be deducted AFTER that price is figured out.
PCO Examples
Here is an example of what the PCO would look like on the bill of sale. This is not a real vehicle, so don’t use the discounts, fees or tax rate as what you’ll see. Also, your state will have different Title/Reg/Tax rules on how it is all calculated. And your dealer discount depends on how good a negotiator you are!
- MSRP $ 45,678
- Negotiated Dealer Discount: -$ 4,200
- Sales Tax 9.5% $ 3,940
- Doc Fee $ 150
- License/Registration/Title $ 200
- Subtotal $ 45,768
- Current Incentive -$ 500
- Private Cash Offer -$ 2000
- TOTAL, Out the door $ 43,268
Here is an example with X-Plan pricing. Again, all amounts are made up. You can get X-Plan by owning Ford stock, working for a Ford partner company, or joining the Mustang Club of America, or the EAA. You generally need to be a member of the clubs for 60 days prior to purchase. X-Plan ends up being roughly equivalent to negotiating the dealer down to invoice.
- MSRP $ 45,678
- Invoice $ 41,978
- X-Plan Discount 0.4% -$ 167
- X-Plan Admin Fee $ 275
- Sales Tax 9.5% $ 3,998
- Doc Fee $ 100
- License/Registration/Title $ 200
- Subtotal $ 46,384
- Current Incentive -$ 500
- Private Cash Offer -$ 2000
- TOTAL, Out the door $ 43,884
Finally, here is an example with Costco pricing. Again, all amounts are made up.
- MSRP $ 45,678
- Invoice $ 41,978
- Costco Discount -$ 1,700
- Sales Tax 9.5% $ 3,826
- Doc Fee $ 150
- License/Registration/Title $ 200
- Subtotal $ 44,454
- Current Incentive -$ 500
- Private Cash Offer -$ 2000
- TOTAL, Out the door $ 41,954
Ordering a vehicle with a PCO
If you are planning to order a vehicle, you have two options.
1. You can lock in the PCO at the time of order, along with incentives that are in effect at the time of order. The order date needs to be before the PCO expiration date, but you won’t need to take delivery before it expires. The Ford technical term for locking in the PCO at order time is “Incentive Protection”.
OR,
2. You can wait until the vehicle shows up at the dealership, and use the PCO and whatever incentives are available then. But the PCO cannot have expired before delivery.
Since you can’t know what the incentives or PCO amounts will be at the date the vehicle arrives, or even when it will arrive, it is probably best to lock in the PCO when you order. Then, if you get better PCO plus incentives when the vehicle arrives, have the dealer switch to the new set. You cannot combine the old PCO with the new incentives, or vice versa. One way or the other. If you pick the new PCO or incentive at time of delivery, you lose the Incentive Protection from time of order.
Note that some sales folks at some dealerships may not be familiar with how to use, lock in, or change the PCO and incentives when ordering a vehicle. The information in this post may help: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19255480. It is a document from 2012, but tells them what they need to know.
Summary
Hopefully this information will help some of you be able to purchase your new vehicle. It’s always nice to get some extra cash off the purchase. And soon you’ll be driving a new Ford! If you have any questions, you can post them in the forums.
#11
09-17-2020, 10:00 PM
You can lock it in now with any other rebates in effect now. Then, when the truck arrives, if you have a better PCO + rebates you can use them instead. But you have to take either the PCO+rebate at order time, OR the PCO+rebate at delivery. You can't mix the order PCO and the delivery rebate or vice versa. Not sure about switching during the waiting period. You might have to ask the dealer.
#13
09-19-2020, 08:00 AM
There have been very scattered reports of an occasional PCO pop-up or mail offer, but extremely rare and isolated. I've not seen any for months. I expect that current low supply means Ford isn't feeling pressure to give incentives. Perhaps we'll see some when the previous batch expires at the end of the month?
#14
09-21-2020, 05:59 PM
