Lotus Trimshop Confusion and Delay

[the1sen]

Hi,

I am very confused and feeling pretty dumb.

Bought my 2005 Starlight Black Elise with red leather interior in January. I placed an order for a black leather center console with perforated red leather gear shift cover and brake handle cover with white stitching to match the rest on the inside of the car through Scottsdale Lotus. I also wanted the rear, uh, cup-holder thing done in black leather and the A/C control surround in black leather with the white stitching... Andy can't get a response about the order from Lotus. I was THINKING of asking Andy to place a second order.

The order was placed, I don't doubt Andy. But it's not here. 9 months later. So, I guess I would like to try a different outlet for purchase if possible... Some have suggested going to a local shop. I was quoted at $975 for the center console alone . Told the guy what Lotus charges and he called me a liar . Guess he would know better.

Anyway, I went online to view the Lotus Trim Shop stuff. They don't have the cup-holder thing listed, nor the AC surround... I am dumb, and I don't want to ask Andy to do something twice, but I sure would like the leather goodies in my car.

Are there any other suggestions? Ideas? Anyone know how to get the things ordered and done? Gee, I feel dumb.

[407Driver]

Lotus trim shop is pretty fast. I got my leather covered center console in just about one month. The parts department at Smith Volvo-Lotus faxed me the form I filled the form out faxed it back to them, they faxed my order to the trim shop and one month later I had my stuff. The little cubby part came as part of the console order. My local Lotus sales rep. was unable or unwilling to take care of this.....try talking to the parts manager.

[lotusforsale]

Originally Posted by the1sen

Hi,

I am very confused and feeling pretty dumb.

Bought my 2005 Starlight Black Elise with red leather interior in January. I placed an order for a black leather center console with perforated red leather gear shift cover and brake handle cover with white stitching to match the rest on the inside of the car through Scottsdale Lotus. I also wanted the rear, uh, cup-holder thing done in black leather and the A/C control surround in black leather with the white stitching... Andy can't get a response about the order from Lotus. I was THINKING of asking Andy to place a second order.

The order was placed, I don't doubt Andy. But it's not here. 9 months later. So, I guess I would like to try a different outlet for purchase if possible... Some have suggested going to a local shop. I was quoted at $975 for the center console alone . Told the guy what Lotus charges and he called me a liar . Guess he would know better.

Anyway, I went online to view the Lotus Trim Shop stuff. They don't have the cup-holder thing listed, nor the AC surround... I am dumb, and I don't want to ask Andy to do something twice, but I sure would like the leather goodies in my car.

Are there any other suggestions? Ideas? Anyone know how to get the things ordered and done? Gee, I feel dumb.

Supposedly the workers in Lotus Trim Shop are a couple of elderly ladies who get to things in their own time. Factor in that the shop was probably closed down, along with the rest of Lotus, for all of August as is done annually.

I just ordered a leather covered AC surround through a dealer from Lotus Trim Shop. May not be on their site, but they do it. Got a price quote at the time. As I understand it, if you're willing to put up the $$$, and willing to wait, they'll do just about anything you want.

When I placed the order, I asked the dealer if there was anything he could do to expedite with LTS, he said "I'll see what little influence I have with Doris and Mable, but I doubt I have much." Maybe the little old lady legend is true.

I was told probably 6 months for the AC surround. Nothing fancy, just black leather with black stitching.

9 months seems a little long. But really, the shop truly is not much more than a couple of people working on stuff in their own good time.

[BRTHTAKR]

I placed my order through a vendor and had a refund after more than six months wait. I reordered through Lotus of Durham and received the pieces in about three months. Was worth the wait. Makes for having an unique car.

[wallabyguy]

As a former sales person, I can tell you that the Trim Shop delivery times can be all over the map. I've seen pieces come in within a month and others take months and months. And size and color have no factor. I once got custom seats for a forum member in 3 weeks.

Lotusforsale is right about the August thing. That said, that only accounts for 1 month out of 9. The dealer does need to submit a formal order sheet that includes your info so if you wanted to check up on it, not that I think the dealer didn't order them, you could ask him for a copy of your submitted order. I used to provide a copy to my clients for their reference and approval.

I think the other issue you may be running into is the Evora. I'm sure the Trim Shop is very busy getting those cars done remember the demand for the Evora is far higher than the Elise/ Exige. Last month Lotus only sold 21 cars in the UK. They also want to make sure the Evoras are right and dont leave with any issues.

I would recommend talking with your dealer. Be frank but don't be hostile. He certainly wants to sell you the parts so work with him to resolve this.

[the1sen]

HMMM...

Well, I guess I could propose the idea of a second order.

Thanks for the 411 about the trim shop. I will be more understanding now that I know what it's comprised of.