Buying | Farmington, MO
When the exact truck or SUV you want isn't on the lot, you can have Ford build it. This walkthrough covers how the order works, what it costs, how long it takes and how you follow it.
Most people buy a new Ford the same way. They look through inventory, find something close and drive it home that week. That works great when close is good enough.
Sometimes close isn't. Maybe you want a specific color with a specific tow package, or an F-150 trim with the engine and axle you need for a gooseneck. Maybe you just don't want to pay for a sunroof and a package you'll never use. A factory order gets you the build you pick, and Sam Scism Ford handles the paperwork with Ford from start to finish.
Quick answer: At Sam Scism Ford, you start a factory order online or in person, a sales representative confirms the build and checks incoming stock, and then submits the order to Ford. Ford doesn't charge extra for customer orders, eligible incentives can apply at the time you order or at delivery, whichever you choose, and you can follow the build once Ford assigns a VIN. Lead times vary by model and configuration.
Extra charge from Ford
None for customer orders
Incentives
At order or at delivery, your choice
Tracking
Online once a VIN is assigned
In this post
How Does Ordering a Ford From the Factory Work?
The process is simpler than people expect. You don't deal with Ford directly. Your sales representative at Sam Scism Ford places the order and stays your contact until the vehicle shows up on Flat River Road.
Start the order
Use the custom order page on our site and pick a model, then put the trim, engine, color and packages you want in the comments. You can also sit down with a salesperson and build it together.
We confirm the build
A representative calls to go over every detail. This is where we catch things like a package that requires another package, or an option that isn't available with your engine.
We check incoming stock
Before anything goes to Ford, we look at vehicles already headed to the store. Sometimes a vehicle that matches your build is already on its way.
The order goes to Ford
Once you're happy with the build and the deal, we submit it. Ford then schedules it for production.
Follow it, then pick it up
When Ford assigns a VIN, we send it to you so you can follow progress. When the vehicle arrives, we call, finish any remaining paperwork and set a delivery time.
Final price is worked out between you and the dealership, the same as a vehicle on the lot. Ford doesn't add a charge just because the vehicle is a customer order.

When Does Ordering Make More Sense Than Buying Off the Lot?
Neither one is the smarter move every time. It comes down to how specific your needs are and how soon you need the vehicle.
Ordering usually wins when
- The build is specific: a certain axle ratio, trailer tow setup, bed length, seating or color combination you aren't seeing in stock.
- You want to skip extras: ordering lets you leave off packages you'd otherwise pay for on a loaded dealer unit.
- Timing is flexible: your current vehicle runs fine and you can wait for the right one.
- You're planning ahead: a truck for next fall's harvest, or an SUV timed to a new driver in the family.
Buying from stock usually wins when
- You need it now: your current vehicle is done, or a new job starts next month.
- Close is good enough: the vehicle on the lot has what you need and a couple of things you can live with.
- A stock offer fits: some incentives are tied to vehicles already in inventory, so compare both paths before you decide.
Farmington driver tip
If you tow, bring the weight of your heaviest trailer and the hitch type with you. A trailer tow package, axle ratio and payload all show up on the order, and getting them right once beats finding out at the boat ramp on Clearwater Lake that the truck is a little short.
How Long Does a Ford Factory Order Take?
There isn't one answer, and anyone who gives you a firm date on day one is guessing. Lead times vary by model, configuration and what the plant is building that month.
Model year changeover matters too. Ford opens and closes ordering for each model as one model year ends and the next begins. During that window some models, trims or options may not be orderable at all for a stretch. Your representative can tell you where the model you want stands right now.
A factory order gets you the build you pick, and Sam Scism Ford handles the paperwork with Ford from start to finish.
Supply issues and high demand can stretch things out, so plan with some cushion. If your current vehicle has to last until the new one arrives, keep up its maintenance so it gets you there.
Start a Custom OrderBrowse New Inventory
How Do Incentives Work on a Factory Ordered Ford?
This is the part that worries people most, and it's handled in your favor. On a customer order at Sam Scism Ford, eligible incentives can apply either at the time you place the order or at final delivery, whichever you prefer.
In plain terms, if a better program shows up while your truck is being built, you can take that one. If the program you ordered under goes away, you can keep it. Eligibility rules still apply, and your representative will spell out which programs you qualify for when you sign.
Current Ford programs are posted on our manufacturer specials page, and they change through the year. Ask your representative whether a deposit is needed for your order, and if you're financing, the Finance Center can help you line up the loan or lease ahead of delivery day.
What about my trade
You can get a value on your current vehicle at any point, and we take any make in any condition. A vehicle's value moves with time and miles, so ask how long an offer holds and plan for a final look closer to delivery.
How Do You Track a Ford Factory Order?
Once Ford assigns a VIN to your order, your representative sends it to you. With that VIN you can follow the build on Ford's vehicle order tracking page, from production scheduling through shipping. The Ford app is worth setting up early too, since you'll use it for the vehicle once it's yours.
Dates on a tracker can shift as the vehicle moves from the plant to rail or truck. If something looks stuck, call your representative instead of refreshing the page every morning. We can check with Ford on where it stands.
When the vehicle lands at the store, we look it over, confirm it matches the order and call you to set a delivery time. Sales hours run 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM Saturday, so pick a time when you can spend a little while learning the features.

What Should You Decide Before You Place the Order?
A little homework makes the call with your representative short and the order right the first time. Have answers for these:
- Model and trim: the trim sets most standard equipment, so start there.
- Engine and drivetrain: especially if you tow, plow a long driveway or drive gravel daily.
- Must have packages: list the ones you need and the ones you'd skip.
- Color, inside and out: have a second choice in case one is limited.
- Trade and financing: know if you're trading and how you plan to pay.
Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford, ordered or from stock, comes with Warranty Forever at no charge for as long as you own it, as long as you keep up the customary maintenance and records.
Warranty Forever
Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford includes Warranty Forever at no charge, factory ordered or from stock. Listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts are covered for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, with no deductible. Keep up with the customary maintenance and records. See the dealer for details.
How it worksOrdering Basics
Does Ford charge extra to factory order a vehicle?
Ford does not add a charge for customer orders. The final price is negotiated with the dealership, just like a vehicle from inventory.
Which Ford models can be custom ordered?
Most of the lineup, from the Ford Maverick and Ford Bronco Sport to the Ford F-150 and Super Duty, can be ordered when Ford's order banks are open. Availability shifts around model year changeover.
Can I start a Ford order online?
Our custom order page lets you pick a model and list your preferences in the comments. A representative follows up to confirm the details before anything is submitted.
Timing
How long does a Ford factory order take?
Lead times depend on the model, the build and the plant's production schedule. Your representative can give you a current read when you order and updates along the way.
Why can't I order a certain model right now?
Ford closes and reopens ordering as model years change, and some trims or options can be paused for production reasons. We can tell you where your model stands right now.
Could a matching vehicle already be on the way?
It happens. We check incoming stock before submitting an order, and a truck that fits your build may already be headed to Farmington.
Incentives and Money
Which incentives apply to a factory ordered Ford?
At Sam Scism Ford, eligible incentives can apply at the time of order or at final delivery, whichever you prefer. Eligibility rules for each program still apply.
Do I need a deposit to order a Ford?
Ask your representative when you place the order, since it can depend on the vehicle and the deal. Everything gets written down before the order goes in.
Can I finance a factory ordered Ford?
You can. The Finance Center can help you set up a loan or lease so the paperwork is ready when the vehicle arrives.
Tracking and Delivery
How do I track my Ford order?
Once Ford assigns a VIN, your representative sends it to you, and you can follow the build on Ford's vehicle order tracking page. Call us if the status looks stalled.
What happens when my ordered Ford arrives?
We inspect it, confirm it matches your order and call to schedule delivery. Plan a little extra time to set up the Ford app and learn the features.
What if a tracking date changes?
Shipping estimates move as vehicles go from the plant to rail and truck. Your representative can check with Ford if a date keeps slipping.
Trades and Coverage
Can I trade in my vehicle on a factory order?
Any make and condition is welcome. Since values change with time and miles, expect a final appraisal closer to delivery.
Does a factory ordered Ford get Warranty Forever?
Every new Ford sold at Sam Scism Ford includes Warranty Forever at no charge, whether it was ordered or bought from stock. Customary maintenance and records keep it in force.
Is ordering a work truck different from ordering a personal vehicle?
Business buyers often add upfits and commercial financing, and our fleet team handles those details. The basic order steps are the same.
Line up financing early
Start a credit application online while your order is in the works.
Apply for Credit