Bait and Switch?

[Bristlecone]

I'm a Jan. 2022 pre-order. Oct. '23 locked configuration. Delivery estimate Dec. 23/Jan. 24. Shop access removed. Then delivery estimate vanished. Got a call from a guide this week trying to match me with a vehicle, but nothing even close to my configuration. Suggested a Max pack instead of my large. Then hinted if I didn't take it I'd have to wait until May. I suspect they are just trying to clear unwanted inventory and sell more expensive max packs before finally, grudgingly building what I preordered 26 months ago. This is moving from annoying to infuriating. I never thought I'd say this, but it sure seems that -- at least for people who ordered pre-price increase -- Rivian is behaving like a bait and switch outfit.

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[COdogman]

What is your configuration? I'm not sure what about it would mean you have to wait until May, but you also can't blame them if they offer you a chance to get a vehicle sooner. That is their job

 

[Magicbus]

I waited a year for my ‘21 Bronco Sport. We configured an R1T for my wife last Nov then took one from inventory a day later. Our only requirements were white, DM and Large Pack. I feel your pain but I got over playing thd waiting game .Then they gave us an installed home charger.

 

[R.I.P.]

I'm a Jan. 2022 pre-order. Oct. '23 locked configuration. Delivery estimate Dec. 23/Jan. 24. Shop access removed. Then delivery estimate vanished. Got a call from a guide this week trying to match me with a vehicle, but nothing even close to my configuration. Suggested a Max pack instead of my large. Then hinted if I didn't take it I'd have to wait until May. I suspect they are just trying to clear unwanted inventory and sell more expensive max packs before finally, grudgingly building what I preordered 26 months ago. This is moving from annoying to infuriating. I never thought I'd say this, but it sure seems that -- at least for people who ordered pre-price increase -- Rivian is behaving like a bait and switch outfit.

I am not sure how to make this not sound a tad bit harsh but...

There are thousands of things that happen between design and execution, to include component supply challenges that alter the course of the production of the actual vehicle. Ravian is producing what they are able, considering all the challenges they have faced. If they are not producing a vehicle you can use, move on to one that better fits your needs.

 

[Electrified Outdoors]

I understand you're frustration as you've been waiting quite a while for what you ordered. I think Rivian is just trying to see if you'd be willing to take something they already have in inventory because of the shutdown. Delaying orders that are already on the books. I don't think they're trying to bait and switch you. I think they're calling a lot of order holders to see if they want to take the delivery now of an existing vehicle or continue to wait for their customer order.

 

[Dark-Fx]

What's special about your configuration? See if they can find a similar one with the wrong wheels. Rivian will typically agree to swap those out if you can take delivery before the end of the quarter.

 

[carsly]

If you don't log in to your account you can see the R1 shop, it's public for everyone. I'd find something there if you like, if not I wouldn't sweat it and just wait.

I suspect they had a rejected max pack at your local delivery center and want it sold before the end of the quarter so are calling everyone within the usual radius of that delivery center who still has an outstanding order to see if they want it. No different from what other dealerships do near the end of quarter and end of year rush periods.

 

[mikehmb]

There are oodles of Large pack trucks in the shop in a Denver zip code. Just as many here in the bay area, as a cross-check.

 

[Zoidz]

Sorry to hear about you delays. But I think you are over reacting. My Jan 2021 preorder slipped 3 or 4 times, I don't remember at this point. Yes, it's frustrating. In the end, like it or not, we all signed up to buy from a new company in a struggling market. When you placed your preorder in 2022, do you really think Rivian intended to string YOU and everyone else along all this time and then pressure you to buy a different model? That's bait and switch. IMO, It's not bait and switch if you can choose to continue with your exsting order at the same price. It's also not bait and switch if you had shop access for months and didn't choose one of the hundreds/thousands of vehicles available.

There is a factory shutdown for upgrades coming up soon. It sounds like they are trying to clear out existing inventory before the shutdown, and sounds like that shutdown is going to result in your order pushing out to May 24. Any competent business is going to try to sell inventory on hand in such a situation. A different person might appreciate Rivian's effort to match them up with a vehicle, instead of calling it bait and switch.

 

[VSG]

The vast majority of pre-price-increase orders have been shipped. They have nothing to gain by postponing yours. Just the opposite - they want that liability off the books.

Seems to me there's something about this that you're withholding from the story. Like perhaps you want one of the discontinued configurations and are unwilling to change...

 

[Bristlecone]

What is your configuration? I'm not sure what about it would mean you have to wait until May, but you also can't blame them if they offer you a chance to get a vehicle sooner. That is their job

R1S, dual performance (I’d happily take regular dual but not possible when I configured), large pack, El Cap Granite, 22 inch bright, black mountain. That’s it.

 

[Bristlecone]

The vast majority of pre-price-increase orders have been shipped. They have nothing to gain by postponing yours. Just the opposite - they want that liability off the books.

Seems to me there's something about this that you're withholding from the story. Like perhaps you want one of the discontinued configurations and are unwilling to change...

See configuration in my reply to CODogman. Plain vanilla, nothing that’s not available.

 

[COdogman]

R1S, dual performance (I’d happily take regular dual but not possible when I configured), large pack, El Cap Granite, 22 inch bright, black mountain. That’s it.

Weird. As @Dark-Fx mentioned, if you find one that only has different wheels/ tires it sounds like Rivian will swap those out no charge. I've not looked in the shop but I can't think of any reason they would have delays on your build other than the retooling pause at the factory ?‍

 

[Count Orlok]

looks better with sport dark anyway...

 

[Bristlecone]

Weird. As @Dark-Fx mentioned, if you find one that only has different wheels/ tires it sounds like Rivian will swap those out no charge. I've not looked in the shop but I can't think of any reason they would have delays on your build other than the retooling pause at the factory ?‍

I can’t figure it out either.
The guide said they could swap wheels but only two vehicles he brought up were a quad and a max. We’ll be using this vehicle for going to our remote cabin which is at 11,400 feet elevation and 6 months of the year we park 2 miles away where the plowing stops and snowshoe in. So a combination of snow tires availability and good range is a must. Hence the 22’s and the dual large.

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