Got a phone call from smart today!

[NCC1701]

Unfortunately, I wasn't home at the time. : ((
Got a message on my answering machine, asking if I was still interested in the car. She gave me a non-toll-free number to call back. I don't carry long distance service, so I may have to pick up a phone card, meaning I can't return the call until tomorrow. : (((
I called their 800 number, but the girl I talked with there couldn't help.
I've been sitting on the fence about whether or not to buy for several months, but the past few weeks I've been leaning toward the BUY side.

A couple of days ago I called smart and requested my dealer be switched from Birmingham to Jacksonville. So far as I know, Birmingham isn't open yet anyway.

Anyone with a heads up? If smart called me to ask if I'm still interested in the car ... how long might it be before I can take delivery?

[SmartCard]

what's your reservation details....when did you reserve, when (if) did you configue, etc...

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

what's your reservation details....when did you reserve, when (if) did you configue, etc...

I can't tell you precisely when I configured. I reserved on 5/22/2007.
Blue/Silver/Black Cabrio. I'm in Florida.
But, although I've called smart's 800 number a few times, this is the very first time they've contacted ME. My DDE is 6/11/2008 to 9/9/2008

[SmartCard]

sounds like your car is on its way! When have you talked to your dealer last - you should be able to get a VIN and track your baby!

PS: I think getting a phone call from smartusa is totally a random event....most don't get them!

[jwight]

Are you sure the call wasn't from the dealer; normally the smart USA folks stay out of the delivery end of things.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

When have you talked to your dealer last - you should be able to get a VIN and track your baby!

PS: I think getting a phone call from smartusa is totally a random event....most don't get them!

Well, as I said, I had been assigned to Birmingham, which is not yet open apparently. The phone caller said she was in Atlanta ... odd? I've visited the Jacksonville dealer in person, took a test drive there last month. So, really, at this point in time I don't know who my dealer IS.

The phone call is uncommon? How do they usually contact you? email?

OMG, just checked my email ... here's the heart of the message.
---------
I just received some great news from the Smart Car Headquarters. The production status of your Smart Car has been upgraded to Status "D". That may not mean much to you at the moment, but for me it's very exciting. That means your vehicle is now being shipped from Hambach, France to the U.S. port and soon we will get to personally serve you. I will keep you informed of any status changes. If, before you hear from me you have any questions, you are more than welcome to make direct inquiries through smart USA - open your mind to the car that challenges the status quo or call 1-800-smartusa. You will find them more than willing to address any detailed questions or concerns.

Also, please let us know if you are still interested in obtaining the vehicle.
-----------------------

The phone call was from the Atlanta dealer. Maybe I've been switched, since the dealer I had been assigned to (Birmingham) isn't yet open. The email is from the smart dealer in Atlanta!

=====================
6/30/2008 UPDATE: Got another email from the Atlanta smart dealer today!
The heart of this email is as follows ...

"I just received some great news from the Smart Car Headquarters. The status of your Smart Car has been upgraded to Status "1". That may not mean much to you at the moment, but for me it's very exciting. That means your vehicle is now in the Distributor's Stock. The car will arrive in 1 day to 1week. I will call and send you an email as soon as the car arrives. Please let us know if you are still interested in obtaining the vehicle."

I've been upgraded from a 'D' to a '1' ... and, the car will arrive within a WEEK! How long will it be between the time it arrives at the dealer, and I can take delivery? I guess it's time to stop by and have a talk with my CU.

Oh, my girlfriend has decided to call my blue/silver cabrio Smurf. Hmmm, maybe.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

The phone call was from the Atlanta dealer. Maybe I've been switched, since the dealer I had been assigned to (Birmingham) isn't yet open.

allright! you better get off that fence in a hurry!

:woohoo

[jwight]

That explains it.

[JPaul]

Judging from what you describe, your car is about 2-3 weeks away from delivery. And your dealer seems to be in Atlanta.
IMHO, you should try your best to call back the long distance number they gave you.
But, most important, call 1-800-smartusa as instructed asap, and tell them everything! Don't forget to tell them about the call from Atlanta.
BTW: your reservation # should be ...1237. You're almost there!

[NCC1701]

So ... how many days or weeks am I looking at? Guess I'd better go talk to my credit union soon. ; )
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Edit: I posted this before I saw JPaul's reply. 2-3 weeks, huh? Cool.
I'll call! Exciting stuff yeee haww, hehe
------------------------
Now, where was that list I saw of different dealer's prep fees? Atlanta might be a good thing ... if it wasn't for the excessive fees the state of Florida charges for registering a car from out of state. Can't win for losing in that regard, I guess. Hope Atlanta's prep fees are low.