Normal - Factory - Vehicle Pick Up. Tour? Advantages?

[JerseyGreens]

For those that choose to pickup your vehicle at the Factory in Normal - did you get any tour of the factory, meet RJ (just kidding)?

I'm trying to figure out if its worth flying into Chicago, getting to Normal and then driving back to New Jersey.

I would assume the final QC checks occurring at home base versus the Service Center are a huge pro as well. Plus you get the vehicle sooner too...

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[bcmac]

For those that choose to pickup your vehicle at the Factory in Normal - did you get any tour of the factory, meet RJ (just kidding)?

I'm trying to figure out if its worth flying into Chicago, getting to Normal and then driving back to New Jersey.

I would assume the final QC checks occurring at home base versus the Service Center are a huge pro as well. Plus you get the vehicle sooner too...

They've been telling a bunch of people (including me, and a coworker) that the Normal pickup is only available if you live in a close radius to the factory.

I really wanted to fly out and drive back to CA, but was told 4 weeks ago that it wasn't possible.

 

[AxelR]

Funny. You’d think they’d want people to take it on long road trips (adventures in their own language).

 

[JerseyGreens]

Darn - I misread another thread where someone got the option of home delivery or pickup at the Service Center...I read that too quick and thought it read at the Factory...

They should definitely have Factory pick-up as an option...think about those folks that would be posting stories along the way back to their homes...would be easy, free, social media marketing.

 

[jjswan33]

Funny the conflicting messaging on this. I know there is folks that have picked up at the factory that were not particularly close to the factory.

I guess towards the end of the quarter when they are trying to juice deliveries maybe they are more receptive?

 

[COdogman]

I was definitely interested in doing this too. I couldn't think of a better way to get acquainted with my truck and the terrible EA charging network than to drive it home from IL. I still plan to ask about it if/ when I get a guide.

 

[crashmtb]

@mgc0216 did factory pickup and drove home to Oregon so NJ shouldn’t be a stretch. Seems very case by case

 

[JerseyGreens]

@mgc0216 did factory pickup and drove home to Oregon so NJ shouldn’t be a stretch. Seems very case by case

I guess this is one of those ask for permission up front once you get assigned to the guide and hope for the best.

I'd love to visit the factory and have them put the finishing QC touches on the vehicle.

 

[OverZealous]

Funny the conflicting messaging on this. I know there is folks that have picked up at the factory that were not particularly close to the factory.

I think it might be more that they were closer to the factory than any other service center, like myself. The factory is my service center, but it's 300 miles away. So for me, they really wanted me to come and get it (otherwise someone would have to drive down here with a flat bed, deliver it, then drive back).

But if you are closer to any other delivery center, then that spreads out where they are prepping vehicles. The factory delivery center is pretty small (it can hold 2-3 vehicles at a time, max).

 

[SANZC02]

Seems like factory pickup would be preferred for them. I can think of several benefits from a company perspective.

1) Rivian actually saves on shipping cost since the delivery cost is not tied to shipping

2) Fewer hands touching the vehicle so less chance for shipping damage

3) Save at least 3 to 6 weeks of time between build completion and delivery so increases delivery and income.

4) Saves for the same 3 to 6 weeks on inventory carrying costs.

5) Combine it with a factory tour and it could help build brand loyalty.

I’m sure there are more but those are some that come to mind first.

 

[jjswan33]

I think it might be more that they were closer to the factory than any other service center, like myself. The factory is my service center, but it's 300 miles away. So for me, they really wanted me to come and get it (otherwise someone would have to drive down here with a flat bed, deliver it, then drive back).

But if you are closer to any other delivery center, then that spreads out where they are prepping vehicles. The factory delivery center is pretty small (it can hold 2-3 vehicles at a time, max).

Nope. As @crashmtb called it out already not going to say more. They have a delivery center in Portland but still offered factory delivery.

 

[LTD in CBTS]

Seems like factory pickup would be preferred for them. I can think of several benefits from a company perspective.

1) Rivian actually saves on shipping cost since the delivery cost is not tied to shipping

2) Fewer hands touching the vehicle so less chance for shipping damage

3) Save at least 3 to 6 weeks of time between build completion and delivery so increases delivery and income.

4) Saves for the same 3 to 6 weeks on inventory carrying costs.

5) Combine it with a factory tour and it could help build brand loyalty.

I’m sure there are more but those are some that come to mind first.

Agree with all of those and also it brings economic value to Normal (hotel stays, restaurants etc). I requested factory pick up from my guide but he didn't answer since my build is not until 1H23. I definitely want to road trip back to San Diego and visit my folks in Cincinnati.

 

[crashmtb]

I guess this is one of those ask for permission up front once you get assigned to the guide and hope for the best.

I'd love to visit the factory and have them put the finishing QC touches on the vehicle.

Change delivery address to 2430 Electric Ave, Normal IL? ?

 

[mgc0216]

In my case I asked if I could do it, they said no originally, but then came back and said I could. I think the guide I had pushed it through.

As mentioned, I live 15 miles from a delivery center here in the Portland area.

 

[Lil'Dave]

I guess this is the only time I'm "lucky" to live in central IL. Not much adventuring to do on the 64 mile drive home.

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