Tesla getting more dealership like

[hpartsch]

I can't seem to find the thread I read recently regarding this issue; however, I can now say I concur. My friend is visiting from Texas and has never heard of Tesla. I praised Tesla saying how they are completely different than other car dealerships (not pushy, etc). I told him I wanted to head up to Seattle to check out some CPO cars and also take him on a test drive. Unfortunately, the website did not allow the easy scheduling of a test drive as it did for me a few months ago; I ended up only getting to see one day (Thursday) which didn't work (and one time slot). The website said if this day did not work to call. I did such and unfortunately had to speak to someone in Seattle.

This individual asked questions and made statements that were not reassuring to me as an investor in Tesla and potential buyer. He asked what type of home my friend had, as charging would be necessary and inconvenient at times if the right type was not owned. He also asked what type of car my friend was currently driving and what made him interested in Tesla. This was after explaining twice that my friend never even heard of Tesla. Overall, I was extremely disappointing with this interaction with Tesla.

Again, the reason I wanted to go to Seattle was to speak to someone about CPO cars and introduce my friend to Tesla; however, I was informed that the lady who takes care of such travels between the stores and her location at that time would be unknown. I was not able to schedule a test drive for my friend -- the individual said he would have to talk to him. I handed over the phone, he talked to him for >5 minutes, hung up and then called his cell phone and again asked many of the same questions again....

Not sure why this happened, but overall, I was not impressed. My friend and I both felt pressured and I felt like an a** who told him wrong information after this interaction.

 

[hpartsch]

Not to mention the fact that he didn't even get my friends name right... He called and asked for Cliff and his name is Paul....

 

[BluestarE3]

He asked what type of home my friend had, as charging would be necessary and inconvenient at times if the right type was not owned.

Is this type of question likely to be asked often after the merger with SolarCity, when the same sales staff will be selling solar and energy storage products along with automobiles?

 

[hpartsch]

He also asked if he owned/rented. Completely unnecessary questions and too intrusive of questions for test driving a car... A simple test drive scheduling literally took 30 minutes, compared to the instant scheduling I previously did online for myself.

 

[TexasEV]

I think inquiring about the ability to have charging installed at home is useful. People who can't charge at home generally aren't going to be happy with a Tesla unless they're very enthusiastic about EVs and don't mind a major inconvenience.

 

[bonnie]

I'd really like to hear something, anything, from the Ganesh Srivats (Tesla VP North American Sales). I'd like to hear what he believes the policy should be, information on how he's measuring his sales staff (because that drives behavior), etc.

Has anyone had any interaction with him?

 

[hpartsch]

I think inquiring about the ability to have charging installed at home is useful. People who can't charge at home generally aren't going to be happy with a Tesla unless they're very enthusiastic about EVs and don't mind a major inconvenience.

I agree such is useful information; however, there is a time and place for this (especially after I raved about how they are so different from conventional dealers). For someone who has never even heard of Tesla before asking such intruding questions was a huge turn off both for my friend and myself. Rather than dealing with me and letting me set up the test drive for the both of us (I offered such after he said he'd have to talk to my friend and still said he couldn't do such without talking to him directly....) Funny thing is I did this with my gf and her uncle 6 months ago in Portland.

I'm surprised they didn't ask his income with all of the other questions he asked....

 

[22522]

I think inquiring about the ability to have charging installed at home is useful. People who can't charge at home generally aren't going to be happy with a Tesla unless they're very enthusiastic about EVs and don't mind a major inconvenience.

Working to solve that, so those questions that "turn customers off" will not need to be asked at all!

 

[deonb]

Working to solve that, so those questions that "turn customers off" will not need to be asked at all!

Are you making that statement on behalf of Tesla?

 

[Pdub2015]

In the months that I have been reading about the varied experiences that Tesla owners and would be owners have had with the sales staff, I've become convinced that training is a weak link in their process. I am hoping that the preparations for the Model 3 roll out will include a renewed focus on training and enabling the front line staff in both the sales and service departments.

 

[ecarfan]

In 2013 before becoming an owner I did multiple Model S test drives and was never questioned or in any way "screened".

Of course that was 3 years ago. Earlier this year I did a Model X test drive just for fun and again was not questioned about my motives. Of course the Tesla person I was interacting with knew I was an owner.

 

[22522]

Are you making that statement on behalf of Tesla?

No, but working toward a demonstration model with hopes in that direction. Having us do it will be a better path to Elon's stated goals of broad adoption of sustainable transportation.

 

[N5329K]

In 2013 before becoming an owner I did multiple Model S test drives and was never questioned or in any way "screened".

Of course that was 3 years ago. Earlier this year I did a Model X test drive just for fun and again was not questioned about my motives. Of course the Tesla person I was interacting with knew I was an owner.

This was my experience, too. Very positive experience with the Monterey/Seaside store. Also several years ago, and I was not an owner.
Robin

 

[deonb]

No, but working toward a demonstration model with hopes in that direction. Having us do it will be a better path to Elon's stated goals of broad adoption of sustainable transportation.

What does "working toward a demonstration model" mean?

 

[22522]

What does "working toward a demonstration model" mean?

Elon will not look at a piece of paper, or unsupported claims. The ante is a working prototype that Tesla can put instruments on to verify claims.

So "working toward a demonstration model" right now means scaling up the power to a level that is both interesting to Tesla and does not invite competition - because it is hard to do.

The requirement is interesting and also true, demonstrated.

 

[Electroman]

Are you referring to developing a high powered home or neighborhood charger?

I am sorry. I am still clueless what you are attempting to do.

 

[BluestarE3]

After nearly six decades of speaking and reading English, I thought I had a good command of the language... but, after reading some of the posts in this thread, I'm beginning to have doubts.

 

[NikeWings]

I was asked about charging options during my first call. I had to ICE dance around as I didn't understand the EV lingo. When asked if I rented or owned, it dawned on me that the inquiry was focused on power supply access and he was coming at it from a different direction. I wasn't offended and laughed. Of course, how could I possibly buy an EV without expecting to charge it?

A wide variety of baseline knowledge must walk through Tesla's doors......I was hovering at zero.

 

[Krugerrand]

I don't understand the OP feeling of being pressured given what they wrote about the experience, but it's really easy to shut down a pushy salesperson. ie., 'What part of we're only here to browse and get a test drive do you not understand? Perhaps a word with your manager would resolve this?'

 

[cronosx]

I was asked about charging options during my first call. I had to ICE dance around as I didn't understand the EV lingo. When asked if I rented or owned, it dawned on me that the inquiry was focused on power supply access and he was coming at it from a different direction. I wasn't offended and laughed. Of course, how could I possibly buy an EV without expecting to charge it?

A wide variety of baseline knowledge must walk through Tesla's doors......I was hovering at zero.

I still don't like it.
i like what i got when i presented myself at tesla, i asked for a test drive, they told me "ok, tomorrow at 15 is ok for you?" they asked the licence and i was right in the car, and, during the test drive we talked, this is the way to do it.
First you need to try the beauty of the car, once you get "that's a great car!" then, you are more positive to "i'm asking this to help you", not the other way around.