reservation code

[Old smart]

If one recalls what has NOT been said, as opposed to what we assume has been said, there might be something here! I don’t recall anything being said that the follow-up designated dealer contact immediately follows the “confirmation” process. In fact the confirmation is a finalization of the reservation only, and not an obligation to buy nor an obligation to be provided that particular vehicle or any other vehicle. And, though the confirmation process is ongoing, no dealers have been officially designated. So….

Perhaps the real process is that the vehicle is ordered to be built per the finalized reservation, and sometime down the road it is physically delivered to the designated dealer along with the reserver’s contact information as the primary “hot lead.” The dealer then “offers” it to the primary reserver, and if he still wants it, he then has 30 days to act. If he declines, or demurs beyond 30 days, the dealer retains the vehicle for inventory, or to “offer” to a secondary reserver.

I’m not sure where any down-payment comes in (other than the $99). Perhaps just to hold the deal open pending financing or something.

[sisyphus]

Exactly that, fishrdnc!

Mikie, the reservation list is just a list of very interested parties for the salespeople to contact once cars start arriving at the dealerships. "Your" car will not be yours until the salesperson contacts you to let you know a car like the one you reserved has arrived at the dealer, you agree to purchase the car and you go through all the paperwork.
So, nothing more will or should be heard by you about your exact car because there are no official dealerships or salespeople as yet.
I've heard people ask about their place in line. There is no line! You have a reservation code. When the dealer is open and the factory builds and/or ships "your" car is when you will hear about it.
I know it's driving you nuts. My patience is wearing thin too! But there's nothing to be done for it except to wait. It's just as bad as being a small child waiting for Christmas morning! Except our wait is much longer.

Hang in there! We're all in this together!

[mikie]

Apparently some dealers are identified. Check out KUNI's web site:

http://www.kuniauto.com/default.aspx...&s=dealerships

[sisyphus]

Nice article. Thanks!
Many other dealers have been "identified" as well. I know where my dealer is too, as do many others. But they don't actually exist yet as smart retail outlets, even if they are selling other brands. As the article states, startup isn't going to happen until after the end of 2007, some time in January or February. There is an existing thread on this forum (and on others) where you can report any confirmed dealers and check on others.
You asked about "the process". I answered. I'm not questioning your knowledge of your soon-to-be dealership, but it isn't open as a smart dealer yet, is it?
The only dealers in the US currently open for business and selling smart cars are those selling grey market 450 models.
I may be picking nits, but I repeat. There are no existing official factory smart dealer in the US yet.

The process continues. Stay tuned for chapter three!

[Lewis]

I don't think that any one can be certain of the process until they have driven their car off the lot and have it safely home in their newly roomy garage!

[smart1]

I've got a challenge for anyone that want's something to pass the time while waiting.
I read on another thread that there's about 35000 reservations now. Going back in time, it seems we have some information about the rate that reservations were made- we know roughly when they reached 20,000 etc. If we construct a model of when reservations were made, and then make some assumptions around how many reservation holders are being asked to finalize their choices each week, we might be able to estimate when any given reservation holder might be able to expect to get that e-mail asking for them to confirm their choices. No doubt it won't be too accurate, but I'm sure it'll be a well appreciated service to later reservation holders.

[teapots]

Originally Posted by smart1

I've got a challenge for anyone that want's something to pass the time while waiting.
I read on another thread that there's about 35000 reservations now. Going back in time, it seems we have some information about the rate that reservations were made- we know roughly when they reached 20,000 etc. If we construct a model of when reservations were made, and then make some assumptions around how many reservation holders are being asked to finalize their choices each week, we might be able to estimate when any given reservation holder might be able to expect to get that e-mail asking for them to confirm their choices. No doubt it won't be too accurate, but I'm sure it'll be a well appreciated service to later reservation holders.

According to Smart Newsletter # 10, they are confirming 350 reservation holders per week. I started a calendar at work to see where I stand on the list. Reading the threads, I still have a long way to go. I reserved May 11. By the time they reach my number there will be a dealership in Tucson.

Teapots

[Carnut]

Forget the 350 per week. This would mean that reservations take lately would get their email in late 2009.

[valbeck]

But what do you make of : 6204211173 ????

[spdickey]

They are gonna hafta speed up the confirmation process, or those just now reserving wouldn't get cars until 2010.

Bigger question that neither we nor smart may know is how many who plunked down $99 will actually buy a car. 90%? 80%? 50%? That's going to be the biggest factor in how quick you get your car.