[andygrove]

FWIW, my dealer is not adding any markup. Here is the email I received from them explaining the process:

"We finally received an update from Ford regarding the Lightning! This will be a completely unique process from Ford and they will send a detailed guideline in January, however I wanted to let you know in advance that things are in motion.

This process is going to be based on invitation to convert as demand has outweighed production capability by far. Due to demand, not all reservation holders will recieve an invitation to place an order for a 2022 model year. Ford will begin inviting reservation holders to place orders in waves starting in January. Subsequent waves will receive an invitation in two-week intervals until 2022 model year capacity is reached. Invitations are based on reservation timing, and our estimated allocation. You will be directed to an online configurator (Build and Price tool) where you will then be able to spec out your order and then submit your finalized order. At that time, we will provide you with complete pricing including MSRP, taxes, and dealer handling fee. We are not charging any dealer markup above MSRP. Once the 22MY production capacity is met, all remaining reservation holders will be notified that their next ordering opportunity will be for the next model year."

[rossjudson]

Sounds like you have a local dealer that's transparent and (relatively!) honest. From other posts it seems that Ford can't necessarily set the prices that the dealers charge...but what they can do is let dealers know that their allocations are at risk. In other words -- Ford can separately survey invitation receivers and find out what prices they pay. Excessive markups can be used to reduce allocations to dealers.

[sk5t]

> dealer handling fee

Still a bit ominous.

[chihuahua]

"No dealer markup above MSRP", but the dealer handling fee could be $25,000 ...