I sensed something fishy & immediately sent an email seeking either delivery of my electric scooter or a full refund.
BHPian Comrade recently shared this with other enthusiasts.
Took delivery of a grey TVS iQube (base variant) on 27 May. My dad was looking for an electric scooter to run his local errands. Currently, his driver has to take out the Innova Crysta for even menial jobs like groceries etc. The base model of the iQube fits our requirements better compared to Ather 450X (without pro pack) & Ola S1 (not air). So I booked the iQube on the TVS website by paying Rs. 5000 on 18th April. The dealer called the next day and informed us that he has no inventory, & the waiting is upto 90 days. I said I am ok to wait.
Delivery Experience (Ordeal)
On 19th May (Friday), the dealer called and informed me that some inventory is on the way, and if I make the full payment, he will deliver the vehicle within a week. Initially, I thought I would wait for the inventory to arrive at his yard and then make the final payment only after inspection.
On 19th May itself, I casually dropped by the dealership to find out if the next batch was really coming, and if so when! To my surprise, the manager there showed me the receipts of a few full payments made within the last 2 days. He said that the demand is very high and only full payment would ensure that a vehicle is allotted. I decided to make the full payment but I did not want to directly pay the dealer.
Without consulting the dealer, I just completed the full payment online on the TVS website using a credit card. Used CC to keep the option of raising a dispute or chargeback etc in case the dealer fails to keep his promise of delivering the vehicle within a week. The dealer seemed disappointed that I made the payment online but anyways proceeded to collect the necessary documentation for starting paperwork etc. He said he will receive the inventory on 22nd May (Monday) and will deliver the vehicle on 24th May (Wednesday).
On 22nd May, I casually pinged him to find the status, and to my dismay, he arrogantly started saying that the FAME-II subsidy was changing and old prices are no longer applicable. I gave him an earful saying that the FAME-II subsidy was changing from 1st June, and if he delivers a vehicle within 31st May, old pricing will still be applicable. He then changed his tone but kept up with his lies. He came up with a new reason that even if he delivered the vehicle, the permanent registration is so difficult these days, and no slots are available with the RTO.
Everyone in Telangana knows that permanent registration is none of the dealer’s concerns, and the responsibility lies with the buyer/owner. And it’s a fairly simple process, as even I previously got my car registered in a couple of hours. I sensed that this guy either does not have inventory or is trying to allot the vehicle to some other buyer.
I immediately shot an email to TVS customer care detailing what had transpired, and how I am seeking either a delivery or a full refund. I also warned them that no response would lead me to file a chargeback dispute with my bank. I forwarded that same email to the dealer but he chose to keep mum and started ignoring my messages and calls. At the same time, I was not in town and could not drop by the dealership personally to confront him.
On 24th May, iQube’s Territory Manager for Telangana called me to follow up on my email complaint. I explained the entire situation and told him that he can either deliver me a vehicle a few days before 31 May (with a day or two buffer for PR) or give me a full refund. He immediately agreed to sort it out either with this dealer or get me a delivery from some other dealer in the city. I gave him some flexibility and told him that I was open to any color. For the intended usage (errand runs by a driver), color seemed insignificant over a 28k price increase.
To his promise, TVS employee delivered me an iQube on 27th May through the original dealership but not in my preferred color (got grey while I wanted white). All this while, the dealership has chosen to ignore all my messages and calls, and I had to communicate directly with the TVS employee. Even delivery was facilitated directly by the TVS employee being physically present at the dealership. I wonder what these dealerships are worth anymore!
Anyways, going to the RTO office tomorrow (29th May) to finish the permanent registration process. Some pics from the dealership premises before delivery.
Keyword: Why I had to involve TVS customer care while buying a TVS iQube