Did Gen 2 custom builds just get delayed? ?

[clostridium]

I've been in contact with Inside Sales for a while, they reached out after my initial order. They also sent me a mail over the weekend that they have a vehicle on the production line that matches 9/10 of my wishlist (no dynamic roof). Makes me furious that they build random configs instead of what people actually order. Feels like ordering a latte at the coffee shop and being served tea.

Anyway, I had a call with them just now and Dynamic Roof config is still ~2 months out they said, so I dropped the dynamic roof feature and now have a vehicle ready to purchase in 1-2 weeks (he said it's in QA right now).

They just let me change to a shop config and not lose my deposit. Ultimately the guide sent me a follow up email and it happened after an initial no from him and someone else. I found a config that was close and also dynamic roof-less like yours and they are ready to deliver next week. I asked to make it after a 2 week trip I have in a week and that didn’t happen but hopefully this can be rescheduled. Don’t want to get a new car right before vacation.

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[BPoATL]

I've been in contact with Inside Sales for a while, they reached out after my initial order. They also sent me a mail over the weekend that they have a vehicle on the production line that matches 9/10 of my wishlist (no dynamic roof). Makes me furious that they build random configs instead of what people actually order. Feels like ordering a latte at the coffee shop and being served tea.

Anyway, I had a call with them just now and Dynamic Roof config is still ~2 months out they said, so I dropped the dynamic roof feature and now have a vehicle ready to purchase in 1-2 weeks (he said it's in QA right now).

I don't know if I believe that the Dynamic Roof is 2+ months out. People have taken deliveries on shop builds already and they have 8 in the shop right now.

 

[colo1s]

Yeah I’ve seen shop builds with dynamic roof before as well. But nothing close to what I ordered. Not sure what the logic is, not building custom orders, but I don’t want to wait any longer.

 

[2 Out of the Box]

Yeah I’ve seen shop builds with dynamic roof before as well. But nothing close to what I ordered. Not sure what the logic is, not building custom orders, but I don’t want to wait any longer.

This is the way.

I really want to like Rivian. And I'm confident I'll love the vehicle when it's finally delivered. But this purchasing process has left a lot to be desired. It is extremely opaque and answers from Support are essentially unhelpful. And then, this also happened...

I finally canceled my custom build order (30 mins into the Gen 2 website refresh on June 6) after waiting until two weeks ago, after never receiving anything from Support that could even remotely resemble a helpful clarification on the status of my order. Fool me once.

When I finally selected a shop order (that closely resembled my custom build config), I was almost immediately connected to a guide who told me my vehicle was identified, a VIN was assigned, and I completed all the paperwork (except insurance and paying my initial downpayment) within 45 minutes. I was also connected with my regional service center in Richmond, VA, who assigned a delivery date of Sep 17. Going great, right? Not so fast.

After a few days I was contacted by another guide—this time from the factory in Normal (I knew this wasn't gonna be good news)—saying my vehicle actually didn't pass inspection, it wouldn't be released from the factory, and they would need to assign a new vehicle. I was told "Not to worry, we've already found you the exact spec and have a new VIN for you." Except... when I asked for the VIN and why my config page hadn't been updated with the VIN, I was told that the car actually hasn't yet finished production... "But we will do everything we can to expedite the delivery of your vehicle and try to maintain or get close to the Sep 17 delivery date."

The Rivian folks seem nice enough. Well intentioned and kind. It's the buying process that has me seeing red. They really, really need to do better when people are purchasing a six-figure asset.

Definitely staying adventurous.

 

[colo1s]

This is the way.

I really want to like Rivian. And I'm confident I'll love the vehicle when it's finally delivered. But this purchasing process has left a lot to be desired. It is extremely opaque and answers from Support are essentially unhelpful. And then, this also happened...

I finally canceled my custom build order (30 mins into the Gen 2 website refresh on June 6) after waiting until two weeks ago, after never receiving anything from Support that could even remotely resemble a helpful clarification on the status of my order. Fool me once.

When I finally selected a shop order (that closely resembled my custom build config), I was almost immediately connected to a guide who told me my vehicle was identified, a VIN was assigned, and I completed all the paperwork (except insurance and paying my initial downpayment) within 45 minutes. I was also connected with my regional service center in Richmond, VA, who assigned a delivery date of Sep 17. Going great, right? Not so fast.

After a few days I was contacted by another guide—this time from the factory in Normal (I knew this wasn't gonna be good news)—saying my vehicle actually didn't pass inspection, it wouldn't be released from the factory, and they would need to assign a new vehicle. I was told "Not to worry, we've already found you the exact spec and have a new VIN for you." Except... when I asked for the VIN and why my config page hadn't been updated with the VIN, I was told that the car actually hasn't yet finished production... "But we will do everything we can to expedite the delivery of your vehicle and try to maintain or get close to the Sep 17 delivery date."

The Rivian folks seem nice enough. Well intentioned and kind. It's the buying process that has me seeing red. They really, really need to do better when people are purchasing a six-figure asset.

Definitely staying adventurous.

Doh mine still says “purchase opens in 1-2 weeks although I was lead to believe the car is pretty much ready. Still no VIN.

 

[2 Out of the Box]

Doh mine still says “purchase opens in 1-2 weeks although I was lead to believe the car is pretty much ready. Still no VIN.

Same here. Some generic "Purchase process opens soon" and a "1-2 week" timeline. I'm done believing anything the config page says. It's all just a placeholder for a future that will inevitably occur but unlikely in the timeframe you want or expect.

Funny: I asked the guide in Normal if my car failed its inspection because it was involved in the fire at the plant. At first the guide laughed and said no, but then they stopped and said, "That's actually a good question, and I can't say for sure."

 

[dubthedank3st]

Funny: I asked the guide in Normal if my car failed its inspection because it was involved in the fire at the plant. At first the guide laughed and said no, but then they stopped and said, "That's actually a good question, and I can't say for sure."

Sorry, but that is really funny.

 

[colo1s]

Same here. Some generic "Purchase process opens soon" and a "1-2 week" timeline. I'm done believing anything the config page says. It's all just a placeholder for a future that will inevitably occur but unlikely in the timeframe you want or expect.

Funny: I asked the guide in Normal if my car failed its inspection because it was involved in the fire at the plant. At first the guide laughed and said no, but then they stopped and said, "That's actually a good question, and I can't say for sure."

How's your delivery going? Since I switched Monday a week ago to a "through production and already in quality check" vehicle, I'm still seeing "1-2 week till purchase opens". Delivery guide reached out though after inquiry earlier this week and told me the car is still in "general assembly". There's a chance the vehicle will board the train today and then it's about 3 weeks.

 

[2 Out of the Box]

Now that I finally have a guide assigned (or several, actually, from the Richmond VA service center—who have been great btw), I am gaining a clearer understanding about how things happen at Rivian.

One thing I learned, for example, that might positively affect your situation, is the dynamic of being close to end of quarter. My guides have indicated that Rivian likes to expedite deliveries at end of quarter to help make their delivery goals. Specifically, I was told Rivian will often double- or triple-up its rail service cadences with more vehicles, and/or they will augment rail service with truck transport services. Being the customer of a public company has its advantages.

Thanks for asking about my delivery. I'm basically still in a holding pattern. I received my new VIN late last week (after some nudging) and have been told that my delivery (pick-up) remains Sep 17, although I am getting the sense that date is going to slip. For example, I don't believe the vehicle has yet shipped from the factory. And once it arrives in Baltimore, it then needs to be put on a truck transport for its last voyage to Richmond. I actually have a text out to my guide(s) to hopefully get some clarity on things, especially because I have the logistics of returning my current Polestar and some planned travel all around the same general window.

FWIW I would suggest tactfully staying on top of your guide(s) on things. I get the sense they're very busy and professional persistence with some kindness mixed in helps move things along.

 

[Cagespear]

My order got delayed. I had placed a Gen2 R1S order on June 12th with a delivery window of Aug-Sep. Also got the Get Ready for Digital Purchase Process email 2 weeks ago but got a call from my Rivian guide telling me that orders with dynamic roof are getting delayed. They don't know what the cause of the delay is or when they can fulfill it. Right now, they are being told that all dynamic roof orders are being pushed out to the fall which could be any month from Oct-Dec.

He said they are reaching out to all custom build order holders with dynamic roof with the same information. Not sure if anyone else got the call yet.

I'm now debating if dynamic roof is worth the wait or not.

 

[colo1s]

Now that I finally have a guide assigned (or several, actually, from the Richmond VA service center—who have been great btw), I am gaining a clearer understanding about how things happen at Rivian.

One thing I learned, for example, that might positively affect your situation, is the dynamic of being close to end of quarter. My guides have indicated that Rivian likes to expedite deliveries at end of quarter to help make their delivery goals. Specifically, I was told Rivian will often double- or triple-up its rail service cadences with more vehicles, and/or they will augment rail service with truck transport services. Being the customer of a public company has its advantages.

Thanks for asking about my delivery. I'm basically still in a holding pattern. I received my new VIN late last week (after some nudging) and have been told that my delivery (pick-up) remains Sep 17, although I am getting the sense that date is going to slip. For example, I don't believe the vehicle has yet shipped from the factory. And once it arrives in Baltimore, it then needs to be put on a truck transport for its last voyage to Richmond. I actually have a text out to my guide(s) to hopefully get some clarity on things, especially because I have the logistics of returning my current Polestar and some planned travel all around the same general window.

FWIW I would suggest tactfully staying on top of your guide(s) on things. I get the sense they're very busy and professional persistence with some kindness mixed in helps move things along.

That's interesting indeed. Good luck for Sep 17, hope that works out for you! Will definitely nudge the "Delivery Specialist" again next week, but don't have an official guide yet. Hope to get my VIN soon to start the insurance nightmare.

 

[colo1s]

My order got delayed. I had placed a Gen2 R1S order on June 12th with a delivery window of Aug-Sep. Also got the Get Ready for Digital Purchase Process email 2 weeks ago but got a call from my Rivian guide telling me that orders with dynamic roof are getting delayed. They don't know what the cause of the delay is or when they can fulfill it. Right now, they are being told that all dynamic roof orders are being pushed out to the fall which could be any month from Oct-Dec.

He said they are reaching out to all custom build order holders with dynamic roof with the same information. Not sure if anyone else got the call yet.

I'm now debating if dynamic roof is worth the wait or not.

Glad to know it's not just me then. I did switch it out to a normal roof, can't wait that long.

 

[Khaos]

Glad to know it's not just me then. I did switch it out to a normal roof, can't wait that long.

Do you lose your place in line anyway by switching out?

 

[colo1s]

Do you lose your place in line anyway by switching out?

No, I switched to a vehicle that was in general assembly already.

 

[Rivian Roamer]

Oddly Rivian seems to really be leaning into shop orders.

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