Smartlink....not so smart dealers
06-18-2018, 02:57 PM
#1
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Smartlink....not so smart dealers
So I called FordPass for info on the ford smartlink device and they game me the name of the only dealership in my area that participates in the smartlink program. I proceeded to call that dealership and spoke to someone in both their service and parts departments and nobody has a clue what smartlink is, what it does, how to get it, etc...
Has anyone run into this?? Why is ford leaving it up to these dealerships that obviously have no knowledge of their own products??
Frustrating!!
Has anyone run into this?? Why is ford leaving it up to these dealerships that obviously have no knowledge of their own products??
Frustrating!!
06-18-2018, 04:41 PM
#2
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https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/vehic...d-control.html
*FordPass SmartLink™ Wi-Fi hotspot includes complimentary wireless data trial that begins upon activation. Visit FordPassSmartLink.com for vehicle compatibility. Limit one trial per subscriber. Verizon Wireless is the network provider for FordPass SmartLink™ Wi-Fi, which uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network to transmit data. Data usage applies. Coverage not available everywhere; See verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork for details. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Other Verizon terms apply. Verizon Wireless data subscription required upon end of complimentary 30-day trial period or use of 1 GB data (whichever comes first). Subscription is subject to compatible 4G network availability.
https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/20/fo...able-mid-2018/
There are probably any number of things that Ford offers that the dealers don't care much about or are slow on the uptake. You could google "ford smartlink" and become an informed consumer on your own.
*FordPass SmartLink™ Wi-Fi hotspot includes complimentary wireless data trial that begins upon activation. Visit FordPassSmartLink.com for vehicle compatibility. Limit one trial per subscriber. Verizon Wireless is the network provider for FordPass SmartLink™ Wi-Fi, which uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network to transmit data. Data usage applies. Coverage not available everywhere; See verizonwireless.com/bestnetwork for details. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Other Verizon terms apply. Verizon Wireless data subscription required upon end of complimentary 30-day trial period or use of 1 GB data (whichever comes first). Subscription is subject to compatible 4G network availability.
https://techcrunch.com/2018/03/20/fo...able-mid-2018/
There are probably any number of things that Ford offers that the dealers don't care much about or are slow on the uptake. You could google "ford smartlink" and become an informed consumer on your own.
06-18-2018, 05:02 PM
#3
Davesp.... But, is it not sad, that Ford Customers, in general know more about their cars, then the paid experts at the dealerships do, who charge you $200 an hour to look at your Ford, yet know less then you do?
06-18-2018, 05:07 PM
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I know all about what smarklink, how it works, how much it costs, etc, but ford makes you go to a dealer to have it installed and activated. My issue is how are we supposed to do that when the dealerships have no clue as to what it is and how to get it. This dealer was listed as a participating smartlink dealer so I would think someone there would know.
06-18-2018, 05:07 PM
#5
And no, IMO they don’t need to know more than me. I am the one making a $30-60k decision, plus accessories. It’s nice to run across one that does know more but not required in my book.
JMO
06-19-2018, 12:00 PM
#7
Senior Member
jcb206 is right, however the issue is certainly not unique to Ford dealers. But for Ford it might get better as they stop selling those pesky cars, there will be less for the employees to remember.
When I was going through my shopping experience it became obvious that Ford makes it difficult for the salespeople on purpose. I visited 3 local dealers and none of these so-called "experts" could explain the option packages, trim levels, what the difference in roof top antennas is, why some have a sliding rear window, how do you get bucket seats, etc. Ford even lists wheelbase vs box length on the sticker. I had to do my own research and still needed to see the fleet salesman at a large dealer in Atlanta to get some ground truth.
When I was going through my shopping experience it became obvious that Ford makes it difficult for the salespeople on purpose. I visited 3 local dealers and none of these so-called "experts" could explain the option packages, trim levels, what the difference in roof top antennas is, why some have a sliding rear window, how do you get bucket seats, etc. Ford even lists wheelbase vs box length on the sticker. I had to do my own research and still needed to see the fleet salesman at a large dealer in Atlanta to get some ground truth.
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06-19-2018, 04:45 PM
#8
06-26-2018, 07:43 PM
#9
Senior Member
I had the same experience. My sales guy who sold me the 150 2 years ago said they probably wouldn't be carrying it. The parts guy finally told me that Ford had a buy in of 10 units and they didn't want to commit. I echo the comment above - I know more about my Ford than the damn dealer. It's so annoying that Ford has some great ideas, like Smartlink, and makes it almost impossible to get your hands on them. Dealers are about as useful as a pocketful of paper a-holes.
06-27-2018, 12:35 PM
#10
If a dealer has no clue tell them to visit www.smartlinkinstallationinstructions.com
If they can login they might get some useful info.
If they can login they might get some useful info.
Last edited by jm061; 06-27-2018 at 12:37 PM.