Early deliveries to be region based, with early reservations prioritized

[E90400K]

If Slate could strike a deal with Carmax, it would be a huge ‘win-win’ for all parties. Carmax is currently experiencing financial difficulties; a new deal to handle logistics for Slate could represent an infusion of cash it desperately needs. It would actually complement their used car sales and expand their business portfolio. There‘s likely to be a Carmax within driving distance for a majority of folks in this community, and they have the real estate to stage Slate trucks prior to delivery. The partnership would position Slate with better market penetration and visibility in major regional hubs around the country.

I still want the Carvana vending machine option.

 

[HTXSlate]

Sadly, considering they haven't even considered (AFAICT) an event down to Florida, I can only assume that it will be one of the last regions that will see deliveries no matter where my reservation is in line.

Nor Texas. Number 2 in total reservations.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

The FAQ still says what it did originally

Slate has partnered with a national logistics and distribution partner making picking up your Slate friction free in most areas.​

​

For an additional fee, your Slate can be dropped off right at your door. ​

I've been wondering if they were going to be partnering with Carvana or Carmax, but something with the way this is worded makes me wonder if it's going to be Amazon. I know the only direct connection to Amazon is that Bezos invested, but they seem very confident in the logistics of shipping vehicles and large accessories. They're already selling cars with their platform, so it wouldn't be a huge jump to have slates delivered to Amazon warehouses for pickup. Then the "additional fee" would just be to arrange drop off from your closest warehouse to your door.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

I've been wondering if they were going to be partnering with Carvana or Carmax, but something with the way this is worded makes me wonder if it's going to be Amazon. I know the only direct connection to Amazon is that Bezos invested, but they seem very confident in the logistics of shipping vehicles and large accessories. They're already selling cars with their platform, so it wouldn't be a huge jump to have slates delivered to Amazon warehouses for pickup. Then the "additional fee" would just be to arrange drop off from your closest warehouse to your door.

Have you ever been to an Amazon distribution center? Security lock down like few other non prison facilities….but, your point would be that Amazon is world famous for figuring out and automating delivery of things, big and small!

 

[ElectricShitbox]

Have you ever been to an Amazon distribution center? Security lock down like few other non prison facilities….but, your point would be that Amazon is world famous for figuring out and automating delivery of things, big and small!

???
They have like, order pickup boxes and stuff that are open to the public.

 

[KevinRS]

While it's possible they could use Amazon or any other shipping and fulfillment company, it's a matter of whether they have the facilities and space for actual vehicles, and transferring them to customers on site, and doing the paperwork needed, and can they do that cheaply and efficiently compared to a company like carmax.

 

[ElectricShitbox]

While it's possible they could use Amazon or any other shipping and fulfillment company, it's a matter of whether they have the facilities and space for actual vehicles, and transferring them to customers on site, and doing the paperwork needed, and can they do that cheaply and efficiently compared to a company like carmax.

I bought my Spark through Carvana, and all the paperwork was online. A flatbed dropped it off, I test drove it and signed off. So presumably that's all doable. Then all they need is a parking lot. They'd probably ship a car hauler load at a time, and a Slate representative would be there to deal with the customers picking up. If it was scheduled well, the trucks probably wouldn't even sit there a full day. It would cost amazon some parking lot space. This is how deliveries might end up "regional", because they'd be waiting to ship a full load to a destination. Carmax has more actual lots than Carvana, so they're still a possibility too. I just lean towards it being Amazon because of accessory sales.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

???
They have like, order pickup boxes and stuff that are open to the public.

No, I mean the gigantic distribution centers between cities...3 sets of TSA-like scans to get in or out. It was an eye-opener for me to tour one. Not the consumer-facing pickup centers.

 

[diomedes.ad]

It would be really neat if there was an option to pick it up directly from the factory, or their staging area, rather than have to rely on the distribution network. I live within driving distance of the factory and would beore than happy to pick up my slate directly and drive it home!

 

[KevinRS]

It would be really neat if there was an option to pick it up directly from the factory, or their staging area, rather than have to rely on the distribution network. I live within driving distance of the factory and would beore than happy to pick up my slate directly and drive it home!

That might just complicate things for them, as they would have to staff that location for it, rather than just rely on the already existing staff at whatever the existing partner location is.

 

[AZFox]

That might just complicate things for them, as they would have to staff that location for it, rather than just rely on the already existing staff at whatever the existing partner location is.

There may also be a legal hurdle because Slate Auto doesn't have a "dealer franchise agreement".

Indiana allows direct sales by manufacturers without franchise agreements that began sales before July 1, 2015, which exempts Tesla from the state’s franchise laws.​

 

[KevinRS]

There may also be a legal hurdle because Slate Auto doesn't have a "dealer franchise agreement".

Indiana allows direct sales by manufacturers without franchise agreements that began sales before July 1, 2015, which exempts Tesla from the state’s franchise laws.​

Yeah, wonder if Slate is going to try to get the law amended, or challenge in court, or just start by selling outside of states like that and let the states worry about missed sales tax income when purchasers give a for example non Indiana address and change the laws on their own.