More Info on Confirmation Process

[MicroNut]

This article contains some interesting info from Dave Schembri.

Not much new, but some updates on actual numbers relating to drop-out rate at confirmation, balance of model selection, etc. Also claims that the typical wait time (from order placement to delivery) will be 45 days East coast, 60 days on the West.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Auto...73.A13658.html

[spdickey]

Ordering is an active word, as smart is using an unusual build-to-order model, rather than stocking showrooms with ready-to-go versions of the fortwo. That's a key part of the strategy, emphasized Schembri, even though he acknowledged that could negatively impact sales. American motorists are especially impulse-driven compared to buyers in many other parts of the world, and are far more likely than not to want a car they can take home immediately. But the smart model will require a typical wait of 45 days for buyers on the east coast, and 60 days out west.

We have seen that impulse behievor on the boards. One "buyer" went to the road show with checkbook in hand. After waiting for a couple of months all ready gave up and is taking her charge card to buy a Honda Fit.

I suspect that the 45/60 order period will be after we get through the initial order book fulfillment.

[SmartBob]

One "buyer" went to the road show with checkbook in hand. After waiting for a couple of months all ready gave up and is taking her charge card to buy a Honda Fit.

That's ok. It puts me one car closer to mine. hehehe

[Plasmodesmata]

I'm willing to wait, although I want to make sure it is worth it. I hope cars will be made available for test driving. The tour came and went before I learned of it, so I'm holding out to see test cars at my nearest confirmed dealership next month.

[SmartBob]

Yepper, they'll be coming in weeks now. Also, As our early reservers get their's we'll be getting first hand info out the wah-zoo here. I can't wait.

[sharonlee]

This is checkbook in hand and your blogs prove what I have been saying....a lot of inaccurate information out there...shame on you. Have owned everything from Nash Rambler to Buick (9 mi/gal) to Corvette to Landrover. Older is wiser coyboys and shopping is shopping. By the way, deposit was made long before demo. It's just possible it might not be a "smart" move but I think they're going to give a lot of folks a good laugh...the more you laugh, the longer you live.

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by spdickey

We have seen that impulse behievor on the boards. One "buyer" went to the road show with checkbook in hand. After waiting for a couple of months all ready gave up and is taking her charge card to buy a Honda Fit.

I suspect that the 45/60 order period will be after we get through the initial order book fulfillment.

yeah, I think they are dreaming...even after the order process is caught up!

[a2jack]

Sharonlee.

you ae going to be about a year out + - getting a smart. So why not just hang in and see what happens.

In the mean time, buy that fit. It looks like a fun car too.

Do the drill when they call (in july + -) for confirmation, and order the car. If you don't want it then ,Pass, or buy it and sell it, or give it to a friend.

We here in Michigan hope to see a lot of Smarts running around our area. Perhaps the big 3 will get the message... before we have to turn out the lights.

A2jack.

[SmartBob]

Originally Posted by sharonlee

This is checkbook in hand and your blogs prove what I have been saying....a lot of inaccurate information out there...shame on you. Have owned everything from Nash Rambler to Buick (9 mi/gal) to Corvette to Landrover. Older is wiser coyboys and shopping is shopping. By the way, deposit was made long before demo. It's just possible it might not be a "smart" move but I think they're going to give a lot of folks a good laugh...the more you laugh, the longer you live.

I'm not a stupid man but I really don't know what any of this means.

[sharonlee]

a2jack,

Now there's a man (or if woman, pardon) after my own heart. Those are my thoughts exactly. Nice to hear from you.