TFL on Tesla's Cybertruck cutting line shenanigans

[M0unt41nm4n]

Boy there is a lot of BS in this thread regarding TFL. I have been watching these guys for years and they have multiple online properties. The folks here saying “EV isn’t for them” or that they will pooh pooh it, is pure fanboi fodder. Their properties include TFLCar, TFLOffroad, TFLTruck, and wait for it… TFLEV. They have more than that. They all fall under The Fast Lane (TFL) studios. They actually like EVs… a lot. Anyone here who claims to watch them stating that they don’t like EVs is lying that they actually do watch them.

Andre and Roman are pretty much spot on in that video. Tesla needs to communicate. We are all about delays as it happens. They should be reaching out and saying “we are having delays, so March isn’t going to happen. Here is why and here is the estimate for when it may be ready.” Most other vehicle manufacturers do that. I ordered a Ford F350 Platinum on October 28, 2022. Ford told me it would be manufactured in January 2023. Nope. But I could call them and they let me know. They targeted June/July 23. Nope. They explained the hold up. Then September and the strike happened. I got calls from Ford plant managers explaining the details. 1 year later from the date I ordered it… October 28, 2023, I had a shiny new F350 in my hands. I will be clear… I kept the order because I had communication and could understand why the delays occurred. It was certainly frustrating but at least I had knowledge.

It’s frustrating watching the semi-randomness of who gets a truck with RN numbers getting skipped by leaps and bounds… and regional state targeting…etc. It would be nice to call Tesla and ask “any updates to when my target dates look?” And they say, “we have it scheduled to produce the first week of May”. Instead the answer is “We have no information other than the date that you ordered it”. Guess what… somebody at Tesla knows… or nobody would get a VIN. They just choose not to share for whatever reason. Sorry, but that sucks when you are going to drop 120K and other manufacturers are a bit better dialed in on customer service.

That said, nothing we can do about it. It’s how they run their internal inventory process. We may hate it, but that’s the way they work and the choice is deal with it, or move on. TFL wasn’t so wrong in airing that frustration.

Sponsored

 

[Gurule92]

Boy there is a lot of BS in this thread regarding TFL. I have been watching these guys for years and they have multiple online properties. The folks here saying “EV isn’t for them” or that they will pooh pooh it, is pure fanboi fodder. Their properties include TFLCar, TFLOffroad, TFLTruck, and wait for it… TFLEV. They have more than that. They all fall under The Fast Lane (TFL) studios. They actually like EVs… a lot. Anyone here who claims to watch them stating that they don’t like EVs is lying that they actually do watch them.

Andre and Roman are pretty much spot on in that video. Tesla needs to communicate. We are all about delays as it happens. They should be reaching out and saying “we are having delays, so March isn’t going to happen. Here is why and here is the estimate for when it may be ready.” Most other vehicle manufacturers do that. I ordered a Ford F350 Platinum on October 28, 2022. Ford told me it would be manufactured in January 2023. Nope. But I could call them and they let me know. They targeted June/July 23. Nope. They explained the hold up. Then September and the strike happened. I got calls from Ford plant managers explaining the details. 1 year later from the date I ordered it… October 28, 2023, I had a shiny new F350 in my hands. I will be clear… I kept the order because I had communication and could understand why the delays occurred. It was certainly frustrating but at least I had knowledge.

It’s frustrating watching the semi-randomness of who gets a truck with RN numbers getting skipped by leaps and bounds… and regional state targeting…etc. It would be nice to call Tesla and ask “any updates to when my target dates look?” And they say, “we have it scheduled to produce the first week of May”. Instead the answer is “We have no information other than the date that you ordered it”. Guess what… somebody at Tesla knows… or nobody would get a VIN. They just choose not to share for whatever reason. Sorry, but that sucks when you are going to drop 120K and other manufacturers are a bit better dialed in on customer service.

That said, nothing we can do about it. It’s how they run their internal inventory process. We may hate it, but that’s the way they work and the choice is deal with it, or move on. TFL wasn’t so wrong in airing that frustration.

Totally agree. I do think TFL has had their EV hater moments though but overall I would say they're fans.

My big thing is, if no one says anything, nothing changes.

So I'm glad TFL said something. They have a much bigger platform than me lol

Still probably nothing will change but at least someone tried.

 

[MeadowShade]

Just because you don't understand it, doesn't make it "wonky"

It's actually pretty straight forward. It's just that we are in a period of extremely low availability with extremely high demand. Add to that the need to please employees and get a little free advertising. And then support the folks in the "home" states of CA and TX.
From there, get states ready and then start pushing the vehicles out.

But for those given a Jan-Mar deliver, but assuming their car would be delivered on Jan 1, well, welcome to reality.

So April 12th is well past the end of March. I would expect a note from Tesla saying, sorry. Free charging for a year and we will get you your fully dressed truck by (enter a realistic date here).

 

[Woodrick]

I uderstand it plenty. That doesn't make it not wonky.

They're prioritizing minimal losses and highest return. Such is business.

Maybe you don't understand wonky? it's A.) not traditional and B.) throwing some customers under the bus.

A company with less cult following wouldn't be able to get away with it. So kudos to Tesla for making a super loyal fan base. Still wonky.

And with tfl and most of CO as examples, their orders also said Jan-Mar and it's now April and Co is just starting. In the meantime Tesla came up with multiple ways to get other people to the front of the line. Maybe if that didn't happen, co would've been on time

Show me where it's not traditional. It IS pretty much the exact same that they used for the Model 3.

Where have they thrown any customer under the bus? (Except for those who expected that they were more special and should get theirs on Jan 1)

It's been well known all along that the production ramp up was unpredictable. If you want a more predictable delivery, go with another established Tesla product.

 

[neights]

The shareholder in me wants them to make margins, the CT wannabe owner wants my $80k truck lol

 

[Gurule92]

Show me where it's not traditional. It IS pretty much the exact same that they used for the Model 3.

Where have they thrown any customer under the bus? (Except for those who expected that they were more special and should get theirs on Jan 1)

It's been well known all along that the production ramp up was unpredictable. If you want a more predictable delivery, go with another established Tesla product.

It's not traditional because they keep gamifying it. Do this and you can skip all the people who already placed orders.

Raising the price 20k above what we were expecting by surprise is one example of throwing customers under the bus. Also, letting people skip, and you keep saying people expected them Jan 1 but they missed the whole window. April is not March. And some still don't have vins. Do you have your blinders on?

I did go with another well established Tesla product. I bought a used X and replaced my Y. But I only had my Y because I sold my 3 when they said CT was coming the first time. So this, do something else while you wait game is getting old.

So you think it's totally normal that people who never had a reservation can jump above the 4 year waiters? Even those who placed FS order in 2023? C'mon

 

[heems]

Boy there is a lot of BS in this thread regarding TFL. I have been watching these guys for years and they have multiple online properties. The folks here saying “EV isn’t for them” or that they will pooh pooh it, is pure fanboi fodder. Their properties include TFLCar, TFLOffroad, TFLTruck, and wait for it… TFLEV. They have more than that. They all fall under The Fast Lane (TFL) studios. They actually like EVs… a lot. Anyone here who claims to watch them stating that they don’t like EVs is lying that they actually do watch them.

Andre and Roman are pretty much spot on in that video. Tesla needs to communicate. We are all about delays as it happens. They should be reaching out and saying “we are having delays, so March isn’t going to happen. Here is why and here is the estimate for when it may be ready.” Most other vehicle manufacturers do that. I ordered a Ford F350 Platinum on October 28, 2022. Ford told me it would be manufactured in January 2023. Nope. But I could call them and they let me know. They targeted June/July 23. Nope. They explained the hold up. Then September and the strike happened. I got calls from Ford plant managers explaining the details. 1 year later from the date I ordered it… October 28, 2023, I had a shiny new F350 in my hands. I will be clear… I kept the order because I had communication and could understand why the delays occurred. It was certainly frustrating but at least I had knowledge.

It’s frustrating watching the semi-randomness of who gets a truck with RN numbers getting skipped by leaps and bounds… and regional state targeting…etc. It would be nice to call Tesla and ask “any updates to when my target dates look?” And they say, “we have it scheduled to produce the first week of May”. Instead the answer is “We have no information other than the date that you ordered it”. Guess what… somebody at Tesla knows… or nobody would get a VIN. They just choose not to share for whatever reason. Sorry, but that sucks when you are going to drop 120K and other manufacturers are a bit better dialed in on customer service.

That said, nothing we can do about it. It’s how they run their internal inventory process. We may hate it, but that’s the way they work and the choice is deal with it, or move on. TFL wasn’t so wrong in airing that frustration.

This is wolf in sheep's clothing. I am Tesla. Please call me and let's see that conversation:

Tesla: Hello MountainMan. How may I help you today?
MM: Hi. I made my reservation within 2 seconds of reveal in 2019. I have submitted my order and got an estimate of Jan - Mar. But I have not heard back at all. I see lots of people getting their trucks.
Tesla: Sorry about the inconvenience. Just to point out a few items. Despite common perception the reservations are not sequential. They are merely used to gauge interest in the product. Hence they are only $100 and refundable. There is no stated commitment from you or Tesla just for making a reservation.
MM: Fine, but I already put my $1000 order in. Surely that is a commitment.
Tesla: Certainly. You are now in queue to receive your product. However, due to the complexity of logistics of producing and delivering a vehicle to your region, unfortunately we have to resort to estimates which was presented to you during your order time. By definition, this means we don't have the ability to exactly know when your particular vehicle will be ready for delivery. Certain states are getting priority so that we can limit our scope of operations in the early stages of the production. This allows us to rapidly respond to issues and also manage our shipping and operations costs. The destination regions also need staff training so we don't leave customers without proper service levels.
MM: I see. But my buddy Billy Bob Joe who lives across town put his $1000 order after me. And he already got his VIN. How do you explain that?
Tesla: There are many factors that go into matching a vehicle (assuming available) to the end customer. Some vehicles are distributed for promotional purposes. Others may be due to shareholder loyalty programs.
MM: Billy is just a regular dude. He smokes weed and occasionally hits his wife. Trust me, you are not giving him priority cause he's special. I need to understand the internal logic used for matching.
Tesla: I appreciate that sir. Proximity to trained facility and availability of parts is also important. Additionally, our algorithm also looks to see if the customer is an EV troll or another manufacturer spy. Also, we use other factors such as their social network stance as well as if they are Elon fans or not. Whether they intend to flip the vehicle for profit is another factor.
MM: Ah man. That's juicy, umm, I mean helpful. Let me call TMZ, TFL, and Elektrec. Thank you. You made my day.
Tesla: Happy to have helped. Have a good day.


Just let them work and deliver the cars for Christ's sake. There is no agenda and life's not fair. They would love to delivery 2M vehicles in one day to all the reservation holders. Be patient or move on.

Ps: TFL are still Tesla haters no matter what.

 

[CyberTK1]

It's nice to see creators having to wait like everyone else.

 

[CyberTruckeeTheOne]

By the pattern, it appears to me that some people are simply born in the wrong state.

 

[Gurule92]

This is wolf in sheep's clothing. I am Tesla. Please call me and let's see that conversation:

Tesla: Hello MountainMan. How may I help you today?
MM: Hi. I made my reservation within 2 seconds of reveal in 2019. I have submitted my order and got an estimate of Jan - Mar. But I have not heard back at all. I see lots of people getting their trucks.
Tesla: Sorry about the inconvenience. Just to point out a few items. Despite common perception the reservations are not sequential. They are merely used to gauge interest in the product. Hence they are only $100 and refundable. There is no stated commitment from you or Tesla just for making a reservation.
MM: Fine, but I already put my $1000 order in. Surely that is a commitment.
Tesla: Certainly. You are now in queue to receive your product. However, due to the complexity of logistics of producing and delivering a vehicle to your region, unfortunately we have to resort to estimates which was presented to you during your order time. By definition, this means we don't have the ability to exactly know when your particular vehicle will be ready for delivery. Certain states are getting priority so that we can limit our scope of operations in the early stages of the production. This allows us to rapidly respond to issues and also manage our shipping and operations costs. The destination regions also need staff training so we don't leave customers without proper service levels.
MM: I see. But my buddy Billy Bob Joe who lives across town put his $1000 order after me. And he already got his VIN. How do you explain that?
Tesla: There are many factors that go into matching a vehicle (assuming available) to the end customer. Some vehicles are distributed for promotional purposes. Others may be due to shareholder loyalty programs.
MM: Billy is just a regular dude. He smokes week and occasionally hits his wife. Trust me, you are not giving him priority cause he's special. I need to understand the internal logic used for matching.
Tesla. I appreciate that sir. Proximity to trained facility and availability of parts is also important. Additionally, our algorithm also looks to see if the customer is an EV troll or another manufacturer spy. Also, we use other factors such as their social network stance as well as if they are Elon fans or not. Whether they intend to flip the vehicle for profit is another factor.
MM: Ah man. That's juicy, umm, I mean helpful. Let me call TMZ, TFL, and Elektrec. Thank you. You made my day.
Tesla: Happy to have helped. Have a good day.


Just let them work and deliver the cars for Christ's sake. There is no agenda and life's not fair. They would love to delivery 2M vehicles in one day to all the reservation holders. Be patient or move on.

Ps: TFL are still Tesla haters no matter what.

Why does it bother you that people are bothered?

Obviously us complaining won't even matter to Tesla. But it matters to us lol

Also, don't you already have your truck? It's easy to say wait or move on when you already have it.

No one wants to move on after waiting 4 years and finally seeing it on the street.

 

[heems]

Why does it bother you that people are bothered?

Obviously us complaining won't even matter to Tesla. But it matters to us lol

Also, don't you already have your truck? It's easy to say wait or move on when you already have it.

No one wants to move on after waiting 4 years and finally seeing it on the street.

Truthfully, I don't like whiners. Just irks me. Hope that helps clear my motivation. And yes, I was lucky - I have no idea why - to have received my CT very early. But my expectations were super tempered before that if you believe me. I was not on any forums complaining about why the CT was taking so long to be made in the 4.5 years prior. Lots of people did. And I am not advocating folks move on, but more like grow up. You will love your truck. You have waited a long time and it'll be worth it. Knowing how exactly Tesla is allocating the truck is not going to help you get it any faster. The reason is a placebo. Might as well tell yourself your VIN is not ready cause it's a [insert day of week].

 

[Gurule92]

Truthfully, I don't like whiners. Just irks me. Hope that helps clear my motivation. And yes, I was lucky - I have no idea why - to have received my CT very early. But my expectations were super tempered before that if you believe me. I was not on any forums complaining about why the CT was taking so long to be made in the 4.5 years prior. Lots of people did. And I am not advocating folks move on, but more like grow up. You will love your truck. You have waited a long time and it'll be worth it. Knowing how exactly Tesla is allocating the truck is not going to help you get it any faster. The reason is a placebo. Might as well tell yourself your VIN is not ready cause it's a [insert day of week].

I love this whole making it about whiners and maturity thing when the reality is. You whining about whiners is whining. So you are what you don't like. Especially when you already have the truck. You benefited from the weirdness, so why would you dislike it?

It's not unreasonable for people to voice concerns on a public forum about that topic.

Especially after waiting over 4 years. It's immature to think people should just shut up and color.

Staying quiet when there is an issue doesn't make you better. It makes you complicit.

 

[flyinglow]

I don't agree with a lot of what is said here. But I think it's safe to say that all these tricks to get the wealthier customers to the front of the line and people who placed FS orders last year being skipped over for people who just placed is starting to wear on everyone.



What are your thoughts?

What Tesla needs to be concerned about is that this is a reflection of what people who are not Tesla fanatics are thinking. The CT could bring a lot of new customers to Tesla but this is driving them away.

If you are waiting for a CT, I suppose it would be good news for your personally if reservation holders drop out because Tesla makes them feel like they are being scammed (which they are).

 

[M0unt41nm4n]

This is wolf in sheep's clothing. I am Tesla. Please call me and let's see that conversation:

Tesla: Hello MountainMan. How may I help you today?
MM: Hi. I made my reservation within 2 seconds of reveal in 2019. I have submitted my order and got an estimate of Jan - Mar. But I have not heard back at all. I see lots of people getting their trucks.
Tesla: Sorry about the inconvenience. Just to point out a few items. Despite common perception the reservations are not sequential. They are merely used to gauge interest in the product. Hence they are only $100 and refundable. There is no stated commitment from you or Tesla just for making a reservation.
MM: Fine, but I already put my $1000 order in. Surely that is a commitment.
Tesla: Certainly. You are now in queue to receive your product. However, due to the complexity of logistics of producing and delivering a vehicle to your region, unfortunately we have to resort to estimates which was presented to you during your order time. By definition, this means we don't have the ability to exactly know when your particular vehicle will be ready for delivery. Certain states are getting priority so that we can limit our scope of operations in the early stages of the production. This allows us to rapidly respond to issues and also manage our shipping and operations costs. The destination regions also need staff training so we don't leave customers without proper service levels.
MM: I see. But my buddy Billy Bob Joe who lives across town put his $1000 order after me. And he already got his VIN. How do you explain that?
Tesla: There are many factors that go into matching a vehicle (assuming available) to the end customer. Some vehicles are distributed for promotional purposes. Others may be due to shareholder loyalty programs.
MM: Billy is just a regular dude. He smokes weed and occasionally hits his wife. Trust me, you are not giving him priority cause he's special. I need to understand the internal logic used for matching.
Tesla: I appreciate that sir. Proximity to trained facility and availability of parts is also important. Additionally, our algorithm also looks to see if the customer is an EV troll or another manufacturer spy. Also, we use other factors such as their social network stance as well as if they are Elon fans or not. Whether they intend to flip the vehicle for profit is another factor.
MM: Ah man. That's juicy, umm, I mean helpful. Let me call TMZ, TFL, and Elektrec. Thank you. You made my day.
Tesla: Happy to have helped. Have a good day.


Just let them work and deliver the cars for Christ's sake. There is no agenda and life's not fair. They would love to delivery 2M vehicles in one day to all the reservation holders. Be patient or move on.

Ps: TFL are still Tesla haters no matter what.

Haha BS.

I told you the conversation earlier in the thread and it was exactly that. Heck I can even paste it verbatim! But you can fanboi and disregard it. "OMG! Tesla isn't perfect"! Gimme a break, dude... their customer service sucks donkey b*lls... and that is a known fact. Look at the 100s of reddit threads about it.

No... TFL aren't Tesla haters. I guess you do not watch them much or you wouldn't make false and yet opinionated comments like you did. They are pretty pragmatic and they do know trucks pretty well. They tell you what you like and also what you don't want to hear. You can pretend to opine and think whatever it is that you want them to be... but your comments are false.

Man...I love this forum! Nothing like dishing out a dose of reality and the fanboys come a pounding!

 

[Gurule92]

What Tesla needs to be concerned about is that this is a reflection of what people who are not Tesla fanatics are thinking. The CT could bring a lot of new customers to Tesla but this is driving them away.

If you are waiting for a CT, I suppose it would be good news for your personally if reservation holders drop out because Tesla makes them feel like they are being scammed (which they are).

It's a balancing act for sure. I wonder if, from a business perspective, it's better to retain customers or gain new ones

Sponsored