Ford Pricing Shenanigans

cbbronco70

Jun 12, 2024

I've been following Ford's pricing on hardtops with consideration to purchasing one for our Bronco. The pricing has always seemed pretty high (to me) for a large production component. Well, discovered something today that really made me shake my head with how Ford prices their parts.
2020 to 2023 Ford Escape vehicles have a known issue with spot welds cracking on the front door where the door check mounts. Common to replace the door for this. A complete door, minus window, regulator, switched, panel, etc, has always been understandably expensive - straight cost approx $800. Last month Ford issued a recall to address this concern. Suddenly a complete door is half of what it was just a couple of months ago. Same part number. So, clearly Ford has decided to manipulate the price now that they have to pay for repairs.
I've witnessed this in the past but not sure I have ever seen a part suddenly cost half in two short months. I understand making a profit as that's how companies stay in business. However, seeing this blatant manipulation made me laugh. As much as public facing corporations preach customer service/experience and attempt to manage their image it's important to remember the only item they really care about is the almighty dollar and how it impacts their stock price. The rest is window dressing.

Woodstock67, Ben221

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Jun 12, 2024

cbbronco70
I've been following Ford's pricing on hardtops with consideration to purchasing one for our Bronco. The pricing has always seemed pretty high (to me) for a large production component. Well, discovered something today that really made me shake my head with how Ford prices their parts.
2020 to 2023 Ford Escape vehicles have a known issue with spot welds cracking on the front door where the door check mounts. Common to replace the door for this. A complete door, minus window, regulator, switched, panel, etc, has always been understandably expensive - straight cost approx $800. Last month Ford issued a recall to address this concern. Suddenly a complete door is half of what it was just a couple of months ago. Same part number. So, clearly Ford has decided to manipulate the price now that they have to pay for repairs.
I've witnessed this in the past but not sure I have ever seen a part suddenly cost half in two short months. I understand making a profit as that's how companies stay in business. However, seeing this blatant manipulation made me laugh. As much as public facing corporations preach customer service/experience and attempt to manage their image it's important to remember the only item they really care about is the almighty dollar and how it impacts their stock price. The rest is window dressing.

I have no inside knowledge whatsoever, but I would think dropping the price hurts the bottom line in a couple regards: Actual sales having less margin and warranty replacements have less loss on the books. I would imagine replacement "costs" are a tax write off and as such they would now get half vs before. I could be way off. I only play an expert on TV.

Supreme Leader of the Wandering but NOT Lost
2022 OBX Cyber Orange Metallic with random acutriments.

TK1215, Deano Bronc

Jun 12, 2024

cbbronco70
I've been following Ford's pricing on hardtops with consideration to purchasing one for our Bronco. The pricing has always seemed pretty high (to me) for a large production component. Well, discovered something today that really made me shake my head with how Ford prices their parts.
2020 to 2023 Ford Escape vehicles have a known issue with spot welds cracking on the front door where the door check mounts. Common to replace the door for this. A complete door, minus window, regulator, switched, panel, etc, has always been understandably expensive - straight cost approx $800. Last month Ford issued a recall to address this concern. Suddenly a complete door is half of what it was just a couple of months ago. Same part number. So, clearly Ford has decided to manipulate the price now that they have to pay for repairs.
I've witnessed this in the past but not sure I have ever seen a part suddenly cost half in two short months. I understand making a profit as that's how companies stay in business. However, seeing this blatant manipulation made me laugh. As much as public facing corporations preach customer service/experience and attempt to manage their image it's important to remember the only item they really care about is the almighty dollar and how it impacts their stock price. The rest is window dressing.

Ford does do funny things, particularly with pricing. I do know that if you can track down a part number you can always order parts FAR cheaper by creating an account and ordering direct. If you don't have a part number using a VIN from a vehicle with the exact part you want works too.

Supreme Leader of the Wandering but NOT Lost
2022 OBX Cyber Orange Metallic with random acutriments.

Jun 12, 2024

All companies do this with prices on items, depending the location, income in the location, etc., marketing. GM did the same, that's why I always bought NAPA, or others when I was my own mechanic. There were studies back in the 70's, when the UAW folks got a raise the price of goods would go up almost the same % of the raise. What the market bares or da bears.

TK1215, Deano Bronc

Jun 28, 2024

"Same part number. So, clearly Ford has decided to manipulate the price now that they have to pay for repairs.
I've witnessed this in the past but not sure I have ever seen a part suddenly cost half in two short months."

They have always done this and half cost is not the norm, Biggest one off the top of my head would be a 7.3 12k073 sensor, Pre recall it was over $100 ,post recall about $12. When the company is paying they don`t pay much.

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