Curious Question On Options

I got to thinking about this today. When you configure a new TB it comes from Panny to the seller with a keyboard correct? If you change the keyboard to a different one for a fee of $300.00 aren't you or should you get the original keyboard back? You paid for it with the original TB didnt you?

Did any of that make sense?

 

If you are ordering the unit new, and select a different keyboard as an option, I don't think you get the original keyboard. Think of it like this. I order a brand new car, and opt for the performance package to be added. They are not going to fill the trunk with all of the stock parts that were replaced by the upgraded parts (suspension, engine, etc.) That's how I see it...

If you are sending the unit back for an "Upgrade" then you may or may not get the original parts back. I would probably have requested them when I sent the unit in for the keyboard change. Actually, I would have bought the other keyboard and installed it myself...

 

Hey Toyo,
My understanding, and I may be wrong, is this: Many resellers purchase basic TB model numbers knowing that they will be upgraded with options. When these basic model TBs are updated by the reseller, they then are authorized to then change the model number to coincide with the installed options - as you know, the model number describes the options in the TB. So if you pay an additional $300 to the reseller for an updated keyboard that is installed by reseller, you just get that updated keyboard. The selling price of that TB with the reseller installed updated keyboard should theoretically be identical to a TB with an updated keyboard installed by Panasonic. So essentially, you're not paying any more or any less if the reseller installs the keyboard or whether Panasonic does the install, and you're not receiving any more or less either way you go. On the other hand, some resellers don't do upgrades at all, and order their TBs directly from Panasonic based upon very specific model numbers. A reason that resellers install certain options is that the turn-around time is much less than if done by Panasonic. However, I also understand that there are some options that resellers can't install themselves like Wireless Ready, and must be done by Panasonic. I'm not sure whether I've answered your question but it's a beginning.

 

The only way you get to keep the original parts is if you do it yourself.

I was also ticked when I had the GPS installed in my Hummer. They kept the original radio. They said it was part of the deal.... Yeah...

 

I think it depends on the dealer. When my daughter bought her new car (Scion XB) a few years back it had the custom grill, lowered springs and custom tail lights.
When she took delivery, in the back were the original parts, packed in the boxes that the custom parts came in.

Bob

 

It depends on the situation. In the case of cars if the dealer can get away with it they wil keep the original parts.`

 

Cleaner05, You described my situation exactly. My reseller took a base model and configured it to my option list. I watched the tech myself. If I would have configured mine with GPS, or the Finger Print Reader, then yes, he said my TB would come straight from Panny. I just was wondering how that worked with the parts he removed and put something different back in. So maybe it does depend on the reseller. I will call them and ask. The are a great company and he wont mind me asking.

I have worked at several dealers in the past as Service Managers, and Service Directors. The dealers HOPE you do not ask for your parts back if they add them on at the dealer. By law they are yours. You paid for them with the price of the car. Only if it was negotiated before hand that they would keep the parts would it be different. They resell your parts to somebody else, believe me. The factory is a total different situation. The car is not built yet, they are not putting something on then taking it back off.

GreyBeard, you dealt with a very honest dealer!

Thanks Guys!