[Slingking]

I've recently sent a series of emails to Polaris Customer Service. I, like many of you, have been frustrated by the lack of communication and information. Unfortunately, after their first response (where they basically told me to go find a rock to kick) they completely ignored each and every attempt to ask questions or to talk with a supervisor.

That said, I think the questions I asked were valid, so I'm going to post them here. I'd like to hear your opinions/speculations about what the answers might be if you're interested in giving them. Maybe there's an angle I haven't yet heard.........


1. Why is Polaris continuing to ship unsold vehicles to dealerships ahead of "pre-sold" orders? (Not including what the dealer has decided to keep as a demo model.)
Is Polaris aware that many customers have already given money to the dealers during this several month waiting period, only to be bumped out of line by people who have not been waiting? This is a problem.

2. Of the deliveries made, Why did Polaris designate two red SL's as "Initial Stocking Inventory" then differentiate them from "pre-sold" orders? Was it the intent of Polaris to not allow dealers to pre-sell "Initial Stocking Inventory?" If so, why? If not, Why were base models not included with "Initial Stocking Inventory" to satisfy customer demand?
*If initial stocking inventory was pre-sold, wouldn't they be one in the same?*

3. Why does Polaris withhold specification information regarding many of their new vehicles? For example, Polaris withheld fuel mileage and performance specifications of the Polaris Slingshot and Cubic Centimeters of the engine used in the Polaris ACE after it's launch. (Just to name a few omissions.)

4. Why is Polaris not being communicative to customers regarding delivery dates and requests to communicate with managers and supervisors?

5. Why does Polaris Customer Service continue to refer customers back to their respective dealer, knowing full well that the dealer has not received the information the customer is asking for? (AKA the classic run-around.)

6. When will Polaris allow professional testing of the Polaris Slingshot by well known professional reviewers like Cycle World, Motorcyclist, MotorTrend, Auto Guide, MCN, Jay Leno's Garage, Top Gear, Autobytel, Car and Driver, and the like?

 

[Contact Tower]

Thank you for your time. I would appreciate any specific and transparent response.
Sincerely,

Just to make it clear SlingKing, It angers me when anyone has been left frustrated for lack of communication, whether it's Polaris or a Polaris Dealership. I can try and offer my opinion on a couple of items.

1-2) Polaris is not or would not sell units to any dealer that have not been sold or better phrased ordered. Being the end user we of course see this differently, but Polaris does not sell product directly to the end user. They have two customers us and first and foremost their dealers. Before any product gets shipped the dealers first have to place a order. The first round of orders delivered were to dealers that placed orders during the Slingshot reveal in July. At that time they decided to be a Slingshot participating dealer and chose 2 or 3 units for demos or sales, their choice. At that time they also had to order their display, accessories, tooling, etc.
Now after the initial first round (demo) orders have been completed they will start shipping the units that dealers have pre-sold. Polaris has suggested that the majority of these will still be delivered before the end of the year.

3) This doesn't bother me, only they know what is going on behind the scenes. It obviously did not hurt them because the Slingshot has blown away all of their projections so far.

4-5) Because again, their ordering customer is the dealer. Why can Kip give information others can't seem to find? Yet they all have the same information. My dealer really didn't care about the Slingshot specifically, they were more concerned with selling product that was on the show floor, so I to relied on the forum for most of my shipping info.

6) I personally could care less what the "professionals" think of the Slingshot. I base my opinion more on user reviews and my own personal desires, so this doesn't bother me either.

I hope this helps a little.

 

[68NIOU1]

1. Why is Polaris continuing to ship unsold vehicles to dealerships ahead of "pre-sold" orders? (Not including what the dealer has decided to keep as a demo model.)
Is Polaris aware that many customers have already given money to the dealers during this several month waiting period, only to be bumped out of line by people who have not been waiting? This is a problem

2. Of the deliveries made, Why did Polaris designate two red SL's as "Initial Stocking Inventory" then differentiate them from "pre-sold" orders? Was it the intent of Polaris to not allow dealers to pre-sell "Initial Stocking Inventory?" If so, why? If not, Why were base models not included with "Initial Stocking Inventory" to satisfy customer demand?
*If initial stocking inventory was pre-sold, wouldn't they be one in the same?*

Initially we were supposed to get 3 units for stocking inventory, 2 SL's and one standard. One of the SL's was to be designated a demo unit leaving the other 2 (one SL and one standard) to be sold as we please. I am pretty sure no one in Polaris had any idea that Slingshot would be so huge- we overwhelmed them with our excitement at the dealer show.

Here is where it gets tricky- only a select group of dealers got selected for Slingshot initially. I think (I don't know) that they had a set amount to cover the selected dealers- then the dealer show happened and every dealer not selected started hammering on their district rep to be designated as a dealer. More were added(I bet a lot more) and I think that really screwed up the initial orders because they only had so much to go around. I also think in most of their studys or polling most of the demand is for the SL.

Now after all of that we were able to place orders for pre-sold units. This is in addition to our standard inventory- you could order 100 extra units if you wanted to- but here is the catch- they are only going to send us 2 at a time, and we have to retail those 2 to get 2 more. No dealer right now knows for sure when we are getting inventory- we have no dates and yes they just magically appear as they want no rhyme or reason. Does it suck? Absolutely. But trust me everyone at Polaris is working quadruple overtime to get us our Slingshots- they are enthusiasts just like us. I actually thought we would get the standards first because that is what we test drove back in Minneapolis.

I assure you everyone back at the factory is doing the best they can- we just have to cut them a little slack for a while. They will come through I promise. I just don't promise when


3. Why does Polaris withhold specification information regarding many of their new vehicles? For example, Polaris withheld fuel mileage and performance specifications of the Polaris Slingshot and Cubic Centimeters of the engine used in the Polaris ACE after it's launch. (Just to name a few omissions.)

I have no idea.

4. Why is Polaris not being communicative to customers regarding delivery dates and requests to communicate with managers and supervisors?

I firmly believe they are completely overwhelmed right now. New product, new staff, new everything. Its going to take a while to get it all straightened out.

5. Why does Polaris Customer Service continue to refer customers back to their respective dealer, knowing full well that the dealer has not received the information the customer is asking for? (AKA the classic run-around.)

Probably a little of the right hand does not necessarily know what the left is doing. And no one wants to disappoint anyone else.

6. When will Polaris allow professional testing of the Polaris Slingshot by well known professional reviewers like Cycle World, Motorcyclist, MotorTrend, Auto Guide, MCN, Jay Leno's Garage, Top Gear, Autobytel, Car and Driver, and the like?

I was wondering this one myself. If you think about it I am sure someone said lets get the dealers and customers taken care of first before the press.

Now remember- this is just my opinion- I do NOT speak for the factory. I am sure Kip will chime in as well-

Thank you for your time. I would appreciate any specific and transparent response.

Sincerely,[/QUOTE]

 

[Slingking]

Just to make it clear SlingKing, It angers me when anyone has been left frustrated for lack of communication, whether it's Polaris or a Polaris Dealership. I can try and offer my opinion on a couple of items.

1-2) Polaris is not or would not sell units to any dealer that have not been sold or better phrased ordered. Being the end user we of course see this differently, but Polaris does not sell product directly to the end user. They have two customers us and first and foremost their dealers. Before any product gets shipped the dealers first have to place a order. The first round of orders delivered were to dealers that placed orders during the Slingshot reveal in July. At that time they decided to be a Slingshot participating dealer and chose 2 or 3 units for demos or sales, their choice. At that time they also had to order their display, accessories, tooling, etc.
Now after the initial first round (demo) orders have been completed they will start shipping the units that dealers have pre-sold. Polaris has suggested that the majority of these will still be delivered before the end of the year.

3) This doesn't bother me, only they know what is going on behind the scenes. It obviously did not hurt them because the Slingshot has blown away all of their projections so far.

4-5) Because again, their ordering customer is the dealer. Why can Kip give information others can't seem to find? Yet they all have the same information. My dealer really didn't care about the Slingshot specifically, they were more concerned with selling product that was on the show floor, so I to relied on the forum for most of my shipping info.

6) I personally could care less what the "professionals" think of the Slingshot. I base my opinion more on user reviews and my own personal desires, so this doesn't bother me either.

I hope this helps a little.

1. Why is Polaris continuing to ship unsold vehicles to dealerships ahead of "pre-sold" orders? (Not including what the dealer has decided to keep as a demo model.)
Is Polaris aware that many customers have already given money to the dealers during this several month waiting period, only to be bumped out of line by people who have not been waiting? This is a problem

2. Of the deliveries made, Why did Polaris designate two red SL's as "Initial Stocking Inventory" then differentiate them from "pre-sold" orders? Was it the intent of Polaris to not allow dealers to pre-sell "Initial Stocking Inventory?" If so, why? If not, Why were base models not included with "Initial Stocking Inventory" to satisfy customer demand?
*If initial stocking inventory was pre-sold, wouldn't they be one in the same?*

Initially we were supposed to get 3 units for stocking inventory, 2 SL's and one standard. One of the SL's was to be designated a demo unit leaving the other 2 (one SL and one standard) to be sold as we please. I am pretty sure no one in Polaris had any idea that Slingshot would be so huge- we overwhelmed them with our excitement at the dealer show.

Here is where it gets tricky- only a select group of dealers got selected for Slingshot initially. I think (I don't know) that they had a set amount to cover the selected dealers- then the dealer show happened and every dealer not selected started hammering on their district rep to be designated as a dealer. More were added(I bet a lot more) and I think that really screwed up the initial orders because they only had so much to go around. I also think in most of their studys or polling most of the demand is for the SL.

Now after all of that we were able to place orders for pre-sold units. This is in addition to our standard inventory- you could order 100 extra units if you wanted to- but here is the catch- they are only going to send us 2 at a time, and we have to retail those 2 to get 2 more. No dealer right now knows for sure when we are getting inventory- we have no dates and yes they just magically appear as they want no rhyme or reason. Does it suck? Absolutely. But trust me everyone at Polaris is working quadruple overtime to get us our Slingshots- they are enthusiasts just like us. I actually thought we would get the standards first because that is what we test drove back in Minneapolis.

I assure you everyone back at the factory is doing the best they can- we just have to cut them a little slack for a while. They will come through I promise. I just don't promise when


3. Why does Polaris withhold specification information regarding many of their new vehicles? For example, Polaris withheld fuel mileage and performance specifications of the Polaris Slingshot and Cubic Centimeters of the engine used in the Polaris ACE after it's launch. (Just to name a few omissions.)

I have no idea.

4. Why is Polaris not being communicative to customers regarding delivery dates and requests to communicate with managers and supervisors?

I firmly believe they are completely overwhelmed right now. New product, new staff, new everything. Its going to take a while to get it all straightened out.

5. Why does Polaris Customer Service continue to refer customers back to their respective dealer, knowing full well that the dealer has not received the information the customer is asking for? (AKA the classic run-around.)

Probably a little of the right hand does not necessarily know what the left is doing. And no one wants to disappoint anyone else.

6. When will Polaris allow professional testing of the Polaris Slingshot by well known professional reviewers like Cycle World, Motorcyclist, MotorTrend, Auto Guide, MCN, Jay Leno's Garage, Top Gear, Autobytel, Car and Driver, and the like?

I was wondering this one myself. If you think about it I am sure someone said lets get the dealers and customers taken care of first before the press.

Now remember- this is just my opinion- I do NOT speak for the factory. I am sure Kip will chime in as well-

Thank you for your time. I would appreciate any specific and transparent response.

Sincerely,

[/QUOTE]

Thank you guys! Actually at the risk of sounding stupid, I'll just admit that I never understood the reason behind the "Initial stocking inventory" and "Pre-order" designations. I didn't realize the initial stocking inventory was what the dealer had ordered. Maybe it would have been a logistical nightmare for Polaris to mix the two based on how their system works (as in sending the pre-sold units as the initial stocking inventory.) I don't know, I can only guess. Either way, that was the best information I've heard thus far as far as reasons why. I don't know why customer service couldn't tell me that. I wouldn't have been so pissed.

Thank you for all of your other answers as well. I will say, I don't like when manufacturers hide specifications. I remember asking them directly, "How many cc's is the engine." They responded, "It's not about the CC's, it's about the power that's delivered." Now who in the hell are they (or anyone else) to tell me what my question should be about? I feel if the customer asks a technical question about a product, the information should be given to them. Nothing like that should ever be a "secret." Either way, small potato's at this point. I know enough about the SS to buy it.

Lastly, I'm with you about not "caring" what the professionals personally think. It's just that they tend to bring certain issues to light publicly. In addition, they're entertaining to watch and or read about. For example, most professionals hated the GT86's power output. I test drove it and loved every second of it. I think it would be fun to watch comparison videos and such. Anyway, thank you guys again. Those were great responses.

 

[arntufun]

Hold up..........


There is more important issues we need to deal with first.......... The Slingshot baseball hat currently being sold doesn't fit my smaller sized head. It's to darn big !!!!!

Let's get our priority's straight, this hat issue needs to be dealt with immediately. :bawling:

 

[Slingking]

Hold up..........


There is more important issues we need to deal with first.......... The Slingshot baseball hat currently being sold doesn't fit my smaller sized head. It's to darn big !!!!!

Let's get our priority's straight, this hat issue needs to be dealt with immediately. :bawling:

Dude, come on.........It goes on the one between your shoulders!!!

 

[Kip]

1. Why is Polaris continuing to ship unsold vehicles to dealerships ahead of "pre-sold" orders? (Not including what the dealer has decided to keep as a demo model.)
Is Polaris aware that many customers have already given money to the dealers during this several month waiting period, only to be bumped out of line by people who have not been waiting? This is a problem

2. Of the deliveries made, Why did Polaris designate two red SL's as "Initial Stocking Inventory" then differentiate them from "pre-sold" orders? Was it the intent of Polaris to not allow dealers to pre-sell "Initial Stocking Inventory?" If so, why? If not, Why were base models not included with "Initial Stocking Inventory" to satisfy customer demand?
*If initial stocking inventory was pre-sold, wouldn't they be one in the same?*

Initially we were supposed to get 3 units for stocking inventory, 2 SL's and one standard. One of the SL's was to be designated a demo unit leaving the other 2 (one SL and one standard) to be sold as we please. I am pretty sure no one in Polaris had any idea that Slingshot would be so huge- we overwhelmed them with our excitement at the dealer show.

Here is where it gets tricky- only a select group of dealers got selected for Slingshot initially. I think (I don't know) that they had a set amount to cover the selected dealers- then the dealer show happened and every dealer not selected started hammering on their district rep to be designated as a dealer. More were added(I bet a lot more) and I think that really screwed up the initial orders because they only had so much to go around. I also think in most of their studys or polling most of the demand is for the SL.

Now after all of that we were able to place orders for pre-sold units. This is in addition to our standard inventory- you could order 100 extra units if you wanted to- but here is the catch- they are only going to send us 2 at a time, and we have to retail those 2 to get 2 more. No dealer right now knows for sure when we are getting inventory- we have no dates and yes they just magically appear as they want no rhyme or reason. Does it suck? Absolutely. But trust me everyone at Polaris is working quadruple overtime to get us our Slingshots- they are enthusiasts just like us. I actually thought we would get the standards first because that is what we test drove back in Minneapolis.

I assure you everyone back at the factory is doing the best they can- we just have to cut them a little slack for a while. They will come through I promise. I just don't promise when


3. Why does Polaris withhold specification information regarding many of their new vehicles? For example, Polaris withheld fuel mileage and performance specifications of the Polaris Slingshot and Cubic Centimeters of the engine used in the Polaris ACE after it's launch. (Just to name a few omissions.)

I have no idea.

4. Why is Polaris not being communicative to customers regarding delivery dates and requests to communicate with managers and supervisors?

I firmly believe they are completely overwhelmed right now. New product, new staff, new everything. Its going to take a while to get it all straightened out.

5. Why does Polaris Customer Service continue to refer customers back to their respective dealer, knowing full well that the dealer has not received the information the customer is asking for? (AKA the classic run-around.)

Probably a little of the right hand does not necessarily know what the left is doing. And no one wants to disappoint anyone else.

6. When will Polaris allow professional testing of the Polaris Slingshot by well known professional reviewers like Cycle World, Motorcyclist, MotorTrend, Auto Guide, MCN, Jay Leno's Garage, Top Gear, Autobytel, Car and Driver, and the like?

I was wondering this one myself. If you think about it I am sure someone said lets get the dealers and customers taken care of first before the press.

Now remember- this is just my opinion- I do NOT speak for the factory. I am sure Kip will chime in as well-

Thank you for your time. I would appreciate any specific and transparent response.

Sincerely,

I just appreciate someone else doing the talking for once!

I remember asking them directly, "How many cc's is the engine." They responded, "It's not about the CC's, it's about the power that's delivered." Now who in the hell are they (or anyone else) to tell me what my question should be about?

Yes, when I was first demoing the Slingshot myself, at the Woodward Cruise, I was telling everyone who was asking about the 0-60 the line Polaris suggested: "It's not about the 0-60 time, it's about the handling of this beast." And while I emphatically agree with that statement, the Slingshot is made for cornering as fast as your balls will let you, the people receiving that answer felt like it was a snub at the very question they asked, and further thought it meant the pickup time was slow.
So not long after that, I just started saying it was 'untested', and giving estimate times, but reinforcing that gem about the handling a bit more.
I get what Polaris was trying to accomplish with that phrasing, so much that I stuck to it; but, in the end, we're all finding out on our own anyway--though it would have been okay, I think, to put that up front, even if it wasn't a stellar speed--the owners who really wanted an SS would more than likely still have made up their minds to get this vehicle in spite of that information, because they love the SS for different reasons.

 

[jdskycaster]

Everyone has already done a fantastic job of answering the questions so I will only respond to number six and professional reviews. I think the answer to this one is simple. Overwhelming response to the vehicle. Professional reviews are sought out for marketing purposes and product awareness. Bottom line is they sell product. As others have stated, Polaris is overwhelmed by the response to the SS. Lines at dealers are long. At the moment they do not need the blessing of a "pro" to sell more. In time the "pro's" will get their hands on them, do the usual comparisons to other vehicles in categories the SS does not even play in and post up detailed numbers and analysis. This will help inform the masses that have no idea what the SS is or what it does.

 

[Contact Tower]

At the moment they do not need the blessing of a "pro" to sell more. In time the "pro's" will get their hands on them, do the usual comparisons to other vehicles in categories the SS does not even play in and post up detailed numbers and analysis. This will help inform the masses that have no idea what the SS is or what it does.

Well said, and just to dig a little deeper on that point, what are they suppose to compare it to? We kind of got a glimpse of that in the Motorcycle.com shootout video. The Slingshot is a completely different machine, and in a class of it's own!

 

[jdskycaster]

^Completely agree CT. I think Polaris is smart to very selectively filter units to the press.

 

[Wriggly]

Let's not forget also, the reports about reviewers crashing two units that led to production delays, while they sorted out issues with the camber.

Maybe turning units over to the gonzo reviewers wasn't such a good idea, and Polaris nipped it in the bud, to paraphrase old Barney Fife.

So, if that was the case, and in fact had a part in delays getting Slingshots out to us....the customers, then I say screw the reviewers. We can review our own.

 

[Boomerang]

So the reviewers finding an issue that needed to be corrected was a bad thing somehow? Maybe if they'd done more of it then they would have gotten the other quality and safety issues corrected before they started shipping them. I would rather they delay the release and have it get to us with fewer issues.