Well, at least I thought it was somewhat rude, or at least not well written...if you're trying to sell expensive vehicles! In a previous email, this dealer said they would sell $500 below the X Plan price. SO, I emailed them back and gave them some numbers I worked up and asked them for their thoughts. I outlined how I came to the price I gave them using the X Plan prices, MSRP and the $500 below the X Plan price they gave me in the prior email. My objective was to see if my pricing was correct, based on what I knew...and to see if they acted like they'd only go $500 below X Plan or if they'd go even lower. I guess you could say I was 'feeling them out'. So, this is what I got in response...

QUOTE
Just so you know, Ford set plans (a/z/x/d) are non-negotiable
prices. By trying to negotiate you are in violation of your
empoyer's agreement with Ford. Both you and your company can have
your x-plan priveleges revoke if they are made aware of your
trying to beat the x-plan price. Dealers can sell a vehicle for
whatever price they want and are not obligated to honor any Ford
plan prices. I would hate to see you lose your x-plan.

We would love to have your business, I doubt any other dealer took
the time to make you aware of the x-plan policy. When your ready
to order I would be glad to set an appointment with one of our
truck specialists.
END QUOTE

I know they tried to end it on a positive note, but that first part just rubbed me the wrong way. They just went to the bottom of the list.

 

Howabout the GREEN plan? Do they want yours, or not?

 

Let me get this straight: they originally told you that they would sell it for $500 below X-Plan, THEN told you that neither of you are allowed to negotiate the X-Plan price? Yeah, that's rude: they out-and-out LIED to you. I would not move ANY dealer that lied to me to "the bottom of the list." I'd remove their name altogether.
BTW, if you e-mail me your e-mail address, I can send you some preliminary info on FTE's buying service. It's a little early to post any info on the website, but I can e-mail you the basics. You need to put your address in the body of the letter, because you have e-mail "turned off" through this website. This purchase plan will save you money AND headaches.

 

Thanks Mark. I can't remember when it was that I emailed you...lol When you say join FTE, is there a fee? I thought I was a member on here already since I can post and so on. Or is there a higher level of membership with more benefits?

Anyway, back this the $500 below X Plan thing. Yeah...what I did was contact them via forddirect.com's online quote thing. Then they replied back with some standard info about the dealership and so on. Then I got another message from them offering the $500 below X Plan deal, and it was a 'today only!' deal...lol I'm sure they'd do that deal any day if they want to sell. Anyway, here's the entire exchange (their messages to me):

Names blanked out to protect the innocent

Very first message:
Greetings from xxxxx Ford! My name is xxxxx xxxxx. I am your dealership contact prior to your first visit. It's my pleasure to assist you with your selection process.

Our current Internet Pricing offers HUGE savings, literally thousands off the MSRP on some vehicles, without the hassle of the negotiation process. See our current price list below to see why xxxxx Ford is the future of Ford today.

2003 ALL in stock models $500 BELOW dealer invoice.*

2004 All in stock models AT dealer invoice(some 04 models $3000 to $4000 off MSRP).*

*SVT, MACH, Harley, Thunderbird not eligible for internet incentives.

I look forward to working with you.
END

2nd Message:
Dear Mr. xxxxx,

xxxxx Ford has a special on 2004 F-150s running today. Come in today and buy a 2004 F-150 off our lot for $500 below x-plan (excl. SVT/Harley). This offer is only good today. Bring a copy of this email and ask for our sales manager xxxxx xxxxx before 9PM today.
END

Last message:
Dear Mr. xxxxx,

Just so you know, Ford set plans (a/z/x/d) are non-negotiable
prices. By trying to negotiate you are in violation of your
empoyer's agreement with Ford. Both you and your company can have
your x-plan priveleges revoke if they are made aware of your
trying to beat the x-plan price. Dealers can sell a vehicle for
whatever price they want and are not obligated to honor any Ford
plan prices. I would hate to see you lose your x-plan.

We would love to have your business, I doubt any other dealer took
the time to make you aware of the x-plan policy. When your ready
to order I would be glad to set an appointment with one of our
truck specialists.
END

Maybe she forgot she sent the 2nd message to me?....hehe

 

I think what the dealer is trying to say is: it is OK for them to go to you and offer $500.00 off the X plan price, but your not suppose to go to them and try to deal on a better price then the ford plan. The ford plans are there to end all the wheeling and dealing back and fourth for a price. Try going into the dealer off the street and deal on a price and then offer up the x plan and see what the differance is. It's true none of the dealer have to do the Ford plans, but we all know they will if they want to sell cars and trucks.

 

Late last year I understand there was a special $500 rebate that was available to Xplan members. Maybe that is why they offered you the lower price earlier?

 

lariatf150-Those lousy bums...Toss em..kick 'em to the curb!

I'm getting ready to wrap up my deal on a 350 Lariat....or at least find the bottom line with my dealer. Hope to have it done by Sat. I also get the X-Plan I'll let you know how far below it I get. You and I might have to get together and pay 1956MARKII a visit....get the 'ole "two-for's" deal...whooo...hooo!

1956 MARKII.... no wonder you don't have to advertise...you dog...go git 'em, boy!

 

Lariat,

Being an FTE User is diffeent than being a ClubFTE member.

The ClubFTE membership is about $15.

You may find out all the benefit's of being a ClubFTE member here.

http://www.clubfte.com/benefits.html