Hi Khak4. Yes, according to the type of X-Plan PIN, it makes complete sense. Just some additional information which may be helpful for those looking to use one of the various types of X-Plan PINs available:
First…Acceptance of X-Plan PINS and deals is completely up to Dealer discretion. They are not required to accept them. Additionally, according to Plan rules, we are supposed to tell the dealership that we plan on using an X-Plan PIN at the time we negotiate pricing and/or sign a purchase order. Of course, we can always tell them/ask later, as some here will be forced to, but again, the dealership is not required to accept it. Therefore, it is always best to try and follow the rules when we can, to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Next…There are various types of X-Plan PINS available, and eligibility can vary. Some of them are:
- Ford Employee/Ford Retiree X-Plan PINS. These are available for “Friends and Neighbors” of Ford Employees and Retirees. We ask them, and they can register us for a PIN.
- Ford Partner Company X-Plan PINS. These are available to qualifying employees of “Ford Partner” companies. Only the actual Partner Company employee, and those residing in the same household/at the same address, are eligible to use these PINS. For those PINS, the qualifying Partner Company Employee obtains their company code from their HR Department (or equivalent), and use it to register on the “Ford Partner Company” X-Plan website, where the Partner Company employee can then register for an X-Plan PIN for themself, or for a qualifying resident of their household.
EDIT- I’ve never counted the total number of eligible Ford Partner companies, but they probably number well over a thousand, and are not limited to automotive companies at all. They run the gamut of all types of companies.
- Club X-Plan PINS. These include clubs like the Mustang Club of America and others. I believe the rules for those are the same as for Ford Partner Company X-Plan PINs. Only the qualifying Club Member and those residing at the same household/address are eligible to use a PIN. And there is usually a waiting period after joining the club before a PIN can be generated. 90 days is common. I’ve never used or provided one of those. Taking an educated guess, I’m assuming there is a website for the club where the club member would register and obtain a PIN for themself or other qualifying individual residing in their household/address.
All of that being said, rules enforcement by Ford/Lincoln is minimal. The company is only able to audit a small minority of Dealership X-Plan sales. Therefore, some dealerships will skirt the rules and/or be “unaware” of the rules. But according to the rules, Partner Company and Club X-Plan PINs are only good for the eligible Partner employee and/or Cub member, and residents of the same household/address. And proof of residency is supposed to be asked for by, and provided to the dealership.
Also keep in mind that since rules enforcement by Ford/Lincoln is somewhat minimal, we are responsible to self-police and be sure the Dealership follows the pricing rules. Over the years of helping others with various Plan purchases (probably ~50 family, friends, neighbors), ~90% of the sales staff I have dealt with have “accidentally” misread the rules and “accidentally” overcharged on the deal until their “error” was pointed out to them. Even then, some tried to insist they were correct, until the rules were pulled up for them to read. There are honest dealerships, but ultimately, it is up to us to know the rules and protect/stand up for our rights.
I have previously provided links to the Partner Company rules website, and the Partner Company registration website many times.
If anyone is interested, but can’t find those links with a site search here, you can Google “Ford Partner Company rules), or let me know and I’ll post them again.
Sorry for any typos etc., as I typed this up on my phone. So it is hopefully written in an understandable manner that helps, and good luck.
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