zlacker

It’s not about the time it takes to build the car. It’s about the fact that I can’t start and end the purchase in a single session, even though the purchase flow mimics the purchase flow of other online goods.

If BMW let me configure a BMW, put down a deposit, and provided me with a delivery estimate, I’d do it. In a heartbeat. But I can’t.

Imagine if Amazon worked this way. You do a search for a new backpack. You get to the page with the backpack you want. You select the size, color, number of pockets, everything. You add it to your cart. Then when you go to pay, Amazon puts up a screen that says “Thanks! Give us your phone number and someone will get back to you. Or, just visit your local BackpackMart and show them the configuration you want.” Hell no! Amazon has perfected the frictionless checkout. Car markers haven’t, because they’re stuck with these worthless middlemen who provide no value to the process whatsoever.

The fact is, I don’t really even want to customize my car down to the stitching. I just do it because the interface on the website makes me do it.

>>bhpm+(OP)
It obviously has to do with the long history of auto manufacturers, franchise stores and the laws around who can sell a vehicle. Not many people agree with that set up (other than the manufacturer and the dealer) but that's the way it is.

The trade off though is that there are many more traditional auto dealerships then there are Tesla dealerships. In my province (Alberta), there are 2 Tesla dealerships. Within a 40 km drive of my house, there are 12 GM dealerships! So a lot more competition for my business both for purchasing and repairs. As I understand, if you need repair for your Tesla and can't drive it to a dealership, they will come pick it up. What if you live in Grand Prairie Alberta, a 4.5 hour drive to the nearest Tesla shop. Do you just have to live without a vehicle for 3 days while they complete a minor repair? Not all repairs can be done remotely or on site.