Tesla's lead engineer for the Cybertruck, Wes Morrill, took to X with a candid message that encapsulates the company’s stance on attempts to flip the Cybertruck for profit: "FAFO - we build vehicles for people who love and enjoy them, not to flip for profit without adding any value." If you don’t know the acronym, please do a quick search!
FAFO - we build vehicles for people who love and enjoy them. Not to flip for profit without adding any value. This shouldn't need to be said or enforced https://t.co/hNsNpLTirt
— Wes (@wmorrill3) March 12, 2024
The Case of a Cybertruck Listing
Tesla's anti-flipping policy got some attention after a Cybertruck owner listed their vehicle for sale on multiple websites. The owner shared the experience on the Cybertruck Owners Club forum. The owner was contacted by the local Tesla store leader, who issued the cancellation of their additional Cybertruck reservations. This action was accompanied by a clear message: any future attempts to order a Cybertruck—or possibly any other Tesla vehicle—would be denied, with reservation and order fees forfeited.
Setting the Record Straight
In a series of social media exchanges, the conversation around Tesla's policy against reselling the Cybertruck within the first year of purchase had Morrill's attention. He further elaborated on the policy, stating that if an owner must sell the Cybertruck within the first year due to unforeseen circumstances, Tesla may consider making an exception to its no-resale clause. However, this would require the owner to notify Tesla in writing and allow the company the opportunity to repurchase the vehicle, considering mileage, wear and tear, and the cost to repair the vehicle to Tesla's standards.
The debate over Tesla's approach intensified with comments arguing owners should be free to do as they wish with their property. Morrill countered these arguments: This strawman argument is not the purpose of the no-resale clause.
Convenient Timing
By prioritizing genuine enthusiasts over opportunistic sellers, Tesla aims to maintain the integrity of its brand and the unique ownership experience it offers. However, that does not explain the celebrities who got a Cybertruck within the first couple of months of delivery. Does anyone really believe that Kim Kardashian was waiting at her computer for the Cybertruck reservations to open? She is one of several celebrities who could have only gotten the Cybertruck one way: by buying it from someone else—AKA someone who is flipping.
Now that the Cybertruck is reaching more people, the flipping policy is being enforced. We still don’t know what happened to the owner of a Cybertruck that was auctioned off and then listed for $300,000 at a Porsche dealership. The policy was announced long before Cybertruck hit the roads, and it should be enforced for everybody, A-list or not. If it’s not enforced equally, then let capitalism do its thing.
