Yes they are, its dumb to accuse them of pre selling to fund R&D when it’s literally being build and or crossing a sea being shipped to states. It’s already a developed product.
Selling out production before its sets in a warehouse being hit with tax and additional cost factors isn’t a new idea. I’m sure putting a deposit down on a Raptor bronco, Etc isnt fraudulent on Ford’s part….. but it is according to you, or does Ford get a pass?
Again a company pre-selling out order isn’t fraudulent, nor is it funding R&D, it’s simply allowing the public an opportunity to pre-buy limited inventory.
Kuiu built a direct to consumer empire on this model, Outdoor vitals is doing the same, are they, ford and ram fraudulent?
Pretty simple concept, don’t buy and hope you end up not liking the product anyways, as introduction is usually limited quantities until market dictates a longer term production opportunity.
In a lot of cases, as a company you are essentially buying out production space in an over seas MFG. you could order 1000 units but that doesn’t mean you will get 1000 units, you may only get 500.
I just don’t see the issue you have with pre-selling or deposits on a product. I guess you enjoy 100%+ mark ups at retailers vs direct to consumer
Just know most production over seas is a year from order to delivery. Fact LOH is only 6 months is impressed