Direct to Consumer Model in States Where it is Illegal

[scoutfrisco]

Does anyone know how Scout will address the direct to consumer model in states where it is currently not allowed? I know Texas does not allow it and I assume I would need to take delivery at the factory if that’s the case.

 

[timmyhil]

I believe Alabama, New Mexico, Texas, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, South Carolina(But they will probably be switching that since scout is made there or they will be given a special license), Louisiana. Connecticut doesn’t allow Leasing Direct to Consumer but they do allow Sales.

 

[Chuckles]

Every state is different. I believe in Texas to buy a Tesla you order and pay online. The car is shipped to a Texas Tesla gallery/service center. You cannot order a Tesla there or discuss pricing. It is the literal definition of "showroom". Tesla has also tried selling cars on Native American tribal lands. If it's illegal in your state, talk to your State Representative.

 

[jhscout]

For this Kansas resident. I picked up my Tesla on the Missouri side of State Line road in Kansas City. I don’t know what the people who live 5+ hours away from a tesla center do. Maybe they are allowed to be delivered.

 

[Goose]

NC doesn't allow direct to consumer sales. Everyone that has a Rivian picked up out of state.

 

[justinjas]

Every state is different. I believe in Texas to buy a Tesla you order and pay online. The car is shipped to a Texas Tesla gallery/service center. You cannot order a Tesla there or discuss pricing. It is the literal definition of "showroom". Tesla has also tried selling cars on Native American tribal lands. If it's illegal in your state, talk to your State Representative.

That was my case in Austin when the Model 3 came out. I had reserved online when it was first announced, they let me know it was ready and I paid online, then when it came in I went and picked it up in the showroom. I’m not even sure what they would change if the laws were different as it was a smooth process.

 

[astricklin]

This has already been figured out by multiple manufacturers. If the Scout legal team hasn't already sorted it all out, they are probably working on it. And I'd imagine they can consult the Rivian legal team for advice. I know Rivians are being sold to owners in Texas so they've certainly figured out what to do.

 

[timmyhil]

This has already been figured out by multiple manufacturers. If the Scout legal team hasn't already sorted it all out, they are probably working on it. And I'd imagine they can consult the Rivian legal team for advice. I know Rivians are being sold to owners in Texas so they've certainly figured out what to do.

All they have to do is a court appearance for a special license to sell direct to consumer.

 

[mcm4ss]

I for one would not mind going to get it. Could be a fun trip.

 

[timmyhil]

My plan is to drive and pick it up even though PA or NY will have a Scout Studio. I still think it will be fun to make the drive.

 

[OscarPhilips]

While I would love to travel to the factory and do a factory tour along with picking up my Scout, you really need to go over the vehicle when you pick it up:

• VIN number match
• Glass and mirror inspection
• Wheel inspection
• Interior/exterior lights
• Other electronics (Bluetooth, GPS, Charging ports, cameras...)
• Door panel alignment
• Sit in the seats

There may be issues you want resolved before you leave the pickup point, and that may mean leaving your vehicle there until resolved.

I am not sure where this leaves me on picking a delivery option since I have not seen Scout's choices yet, and I have not seen any other buyer reports on delivery day experiences.

 

[scoutfrisco]

Good points on the need for inspection. I expect since I’m near a studio and it looks like it will just follow the Tesla model of direct payment online. Glad there is a way to get around the direct sales issues in states like Texas.

 

[blmtnc]

NC doesn't allow direct to consumer sales. Everyone that has a Rivian picked up out of state.

Tesla was given a special carve out in a 2019 NC bill that passed. Not certain if Scout could also exploit that but I'm sure Rivian would have already if feasible.

 

[Goose]

Tesla was given a special carve out in a 2019 NC bill that passed. Not certain if Scout could also exploit that but I'm sure Rivian would have already if feasible.

I am not privy to the goings-on at Rivian, but there must be some kind of problem with building Service Centers in NC. Plus, I imagine things are about to get much more difficult for Tesla competitors and/or other direct sales models.

 

[Mousehunter]

Originally Tesla was doing home delivery in Texas. I seem to recall, at least for a bit, Texas built Tesla had to be shipped out of state before they could be sold in state. All that aside, Tesla found the hoops and has no problems selling in Texas.