What would be the harm of the "apologists" simply saying something like..."Yes that sucks, you guys have a point"?
I thought I did. Let's try to look ont the bright side of life. (Thank you for the inspiration, Eric Idle)
The bad news: 1) Life sucks. 2) Liver makes me queezy, and 3)I won't get my Smart for a few more months.
The good news is: 1) It beats the alternative, 2) I don't have to eat liver, and 3) I'll get my Smart in a few more months.
BTW, I got superb service from the Smart customer service team when I screwed up my online configuration and didn't realize it until my window of opportunity had closed. They couldn't answer any of the warranty/delivery questions, but were able to act quickly to sort out the order without delaying my delivery date (whenever that mght be).
I've think SmartUSA has done a decent job throughout the process - yes, its always nice to have more info, but you have to realize all of this is being done on the fly....no sense in realeasing info early only to have to retract it.
I think Shembri CAN brag a little bit- afterall, you name me one other car company that has pre-reserved 30,000 + cars in 6 months, essentially entirely by the web, without a single dealership up and running. This really is new territory for a car company. Don't expect it to be perfect!
Smartcard said: I've think SmartUSA has done a decent job throughout the process /---/ ....no sense in realeasing info early only to have to retract it.
Your expectations are very low brother
Smart told us, when we PAID $99 to be insiders, that we should check the SmartUSA site often...../----- /
QUOTE SmartUSA:
The best source of information about smart coming to the United States is our website – www.smartusa.com. The site has changes frequently and as information becomes available about dealership locations, ordering, USA model selection and other information it will be posted on the website.
Also, please register for our monthly e-newsletter on our website and become a smart “insiderâ€. Timely and current information will be delivered to your email account monthly.
Hummmm...... no mention of the warranty yet, nearly two months since both Shembri and Pensky talked about it in interviews
IN Fact there is No update of any information in over 8 weeks now
No information to be found on extended service or warranty tiers, costs etc...
In fact the good work by forum members here has been our source for information.... while IB gets paid to do this work according to the contract...
You really think they are doing a good enough job?..... Seems to me SCOA members are doing a good job and PAG..IB has dropped the ball
I am not looking for perfect, but I do expect them to keep their word, build confidence in their paradigm breaking business model...so far I prefer the traditional method.... they are not building any confidence with me that any of their promises are worth much right now.....
I think they are deliberatly trying to make 10,000 insiders hit the road
Fredvon4,
You are correct in your assessment. For whatever reason PAG/IB has failed to deliver on information while the forum has brought great value.
I think we should control the controllables which is making this forum the #1 site for Smart info and that is why I have posted some information requests in the new members section.
Lets continue to use the remarkable resources of a bunch of great forum members to eliminate the need for the smartusa sight and move this forum into the single source for great info and knowledge sharing.
When I ordered a 2003 MINI, I have to say, the communication was tremendous, epic and comforting. They developed a 'realtionship' with my car before I ever had it -through mega-savvy marketing.
The Smart communication has been minimal. That they 'had a busy month' doesn't excuse the overlooked November newsletter. I'd say that's rather underwhelming excuse.They had an opportunity to cultivate what MINI did, but really, it's been THIS website that's fed most of us most of the info with any value. Thank you all!
(Ps.. let's just hope the Smart is better than my MINI Crapper. What a lemon that was!)
Well, I called Smartusa. I said where is my newsletter? They responded that "the newsletter is no longer monthly but only as new information becomes available. You will probably get one next month when our dealer list is announced." I said, Oh the dealers will be announced next month? "Yes." Ok thank you..
And there you have it. Interesting that the site has not been updated to reflect the newsletter now having 'periodical' status.
Here is the latest information from the Smart people:
Dear smart Enthusiast, The next newsletter, Vol. 11 is expected to be sent before the end of December. We are currently in the final stages of establishing our dealership network, which is expected to be announced after January 1, 2008. At this time, we are staffing stores and training personnel. We currently have over 70 dealer candidates in 50 cities across the country. Once the dealership network has been established, reservation holders will be contacted by the dealer in their area, and dealership information will be available on www.smartusa.com. If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us via email or by phone at 1.800.smartusa. Thank you for your interest in smart USA. You will be hearing from us soon! Jamilette Serna Customer Service 1.800.smartusa www.smartusa.com
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Let's try to look ont the bright side of life. (Thank you for the inspiration, Eric Idle) 
Today
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