Disclaimer: This post may have varying degrees of negative opinions of Tesla. If you're not down for that, it may be better to skip this post. I also don't intend this post to force a line between P and S reservation holders. Everyone made their reservation based on what made sense to them at the time. I'm simply trying to get a grasp on what value there is for the ones who opted to pay more.
Now, I don't mean value as in cost, as we know that. I mean, what value does it provide its owners? For those who may not know, the Signature reservation holders were required to put down $40,000 vs the $5,000 for normal production reservations. We pay a premium over a similarly configured car, while we also get a reduced list of options when it comes to paint color.
I believe all sig owners thought, at the time of reservation, there would be something of value here. Here's some of what was conveyed and/or assumed:
So far, I'd say the sig tax has not been worth it (nor has the 40k loan to Tesla), and with the above remaining constant, it's a sure thing I'd cancel my X reservation. However, here are some things that I personally think Tesla can do to offset this and earn back some good will:
Thoughts?
Now, I don't mean value as in cost, as we know that. I mean, what value does it provide its owners? For those who may not know, the Signature reservation holders were required to put down $40,000 vs the $5,000 for normal production reservations. We pay a premium over a similarly configured car, while we also get a reduced list of options when it comes to paint color.
I believe all sig owners thought, at the time of reservation, there would be something of value here. Here's some of what was conveyed and/or assumed:
- Almost fully loaded: True. The only things we're missing are the pano roof and rear seats... Though, we pay more than those options would have cost anyway.
- Earlier delivery: Well, we SORT of got that, though I think my P# would likely have come a month or less behind my S#. (and I can't deny it IS a bit frustrating to get your car after someone who reserved 6 months ago whilst you've been waiting 3.5 years).
- Exclusive Options: We got red paint and white leather. That's it. If you didn't want red paint or white leather, well... tough.
- Signature Badging: We had it on the dash (above the glovebox), on the door sills and on the rear in earlier vehicles. Now, I believe there's the faintest of etchings on the silver strip on the trunk and on the turn signals. You also get it on the screen behind the steering wheel.
- Exclusive Events: After the October tour, it was mentioned there would be more events (at the factory and otherwise) for signature holders. I believe the Model X event was sig holders only, but I'm not sure, and outside of that, nothing.
- Perks: Who didn't expect SOME perks?
- We get 1 year free 3G data. This is good, but we don't really know what the value of this is going forward.
- So far, nothing else is known.
So far, I'd say the sig tax has not been worth it (nor has the 40k loan to Tesla), and with the above remaining constant, it's a sure thing I'd cancel my X reservation. However, here are some things that I personally think Tesla can do to offset this and earn back some good will:
- Free Satellite Radio: Include at LEAST a year. Every car I've ever bought that came with Sat radio has come with at least a 3 month trial (6 in one case). I think every model S should come with at least 2-3 months. According to dadaelus, the SIG owners don't even get that. Psh, we deserve at least a year paid. (granted, with internet radio and free 3G, the case could be made that's a good substitute, but that depends on cell coverage which is spottier than sat radio, and Tesla has not yet implemented all the streaming apps).
- Include the prepaid maintenance plan: 4 years of free maintenance (including Ranger visits) would pretty much seal the deal IMO.
- Swag!: During the early days of the wait, Tesla sent out a few swag items. I'm the proud owner of a nice gift pack and a lead-painted model Roadster. As silly as it sounds, those items, during the long, dark days, really helped to keep the spirits up about what the future would bring. With over 13k reservation holders now, that definitely seems a bit much to tackle, but there are a more manageable number of sigs...
- Insider stuff: Give us early access to new features, newsletters, tidbits. Communicate with us! Just show us you frickin appreciate what we did to keep your pockets lined!
Thoughts?