Why must I pay nonrefundable $100 when I've already paid $2500?

[macwichie]

My Tesla contact is not responsive, so I'm asking here. I logged on to the Tesla website to see the status of my order, and see that they want a nonrefundable $100 "Today." Do they not know I have already paid them $2500 to reserve a car? Is this extortion?

And is there a way to get a different Tesla contact, or do I have this one forever? I think he has two other jobs.

Thanks,
Mary Ann

 

[jonquiljo]

When did you order? I would get a hold of someone at Tesla who can look at your account. The $2500 deposits were for those of us who ordered prior to about October 15th or so. It was replaced by the $100 non-refundable deposit.

I put down $2500 - and at least until recently it was on my account as a credit. I'd check it out if it were me.

 

[Fiddler]

macwichie, Make sure you didn't accidentally order a second car. Check your www.tesla.com/teslaaccount page.
My $2500 deposit is still good enough.

 

[vickh]

My Tesla contact is not responsive, so I'm asking here. I logged on to the Tesla website to see the status of my order, and see that they want a nonrefundable $100 "Today." Do they not know I have already paid them $2500 to reserve a car? Is this extortion?

And is there a way to get a different Tesla contact, or do I have this one forever? I think he has two other jobs.

Thanks,
Mary Ann

I had the same problem with my SA. He was on paternity leave, then left Tesla I would call the 800 # or the local store

 

[puppers]

Did you make any changes to your vehicle after 10/16?

 

[macwichie]

Thanks, everyone, that makes things a bit clearer. I will call their 800 number and find out. Puppers, I did change the color, but then got a VIN, and after that I couldn't change it, which is fine.

 

[jonquiljo]

Thanks, everyone, that makes things a bit clearer. I will call their 800 number and find out. Puppers, I did change the color, but then got a VIN, and after that I couldn't change it, which is fine.

You got a VIN and you're in California?! Wow. I think you are the first one this quarter. It couldn't have been in inventory.

 

[LOL@GAS]

Thanks, everyone, that makes things a bit clearer. I will call their 800 number and find out. Puppers, I did change the color, but then got a VIN, and after that I couldn't change it, which is fine.

You got a VIN? WHAT!!! When did you placed your order?

 

[Fiddler]

macwichie, ... "I did change the color, but then got a VIN, and after that I couldn't change it" ...
Maybe Mary Ann means that she got a Reservation Number, RN.

 

[EVDRVN]

There is no such thing as a non-refundable deposit in CA on a new vehicle that has not been delivered even though Tesla would like you to believe so.

 

[LOL@GAS]

There is no such thing as a non-refundable deposit in CA on a new vehicle that has not been delivered even though Tesla would like you to believe so.

So that $100 is refundable then? lol

 

[macwichie]

I thought I got a VIN, but apparently not. It was a long number and I can't find it now. Probably was an RN. I'm new at this, obviously.

Tesla doesn't help you much when you are buying a car. I've never had an email from them, I see changes only when I go to the website. And my SA is useless.

 

[EVDRVN]

So that $100 is refundable then? lol

Per CA DMV:

It is unlawful for any dealer licensed under this article to do any of the following when brokering a retail sale:

(c) Fail to refund any purchase money, including purchase deposits, upon demand by a consumer at any time prior to the consumer's signing of a vehicle purchase agreement with a selling dealer and taking delivery of the vehicle described in the brokering agreement.

I also strong suggest opting out of the forced arbitration clause in writing before the 30 day limit. Tesla relies on this to avoid accountability on commitments and issues.