Got Mine!!! 2 month wait - Here's How I Did it!

[EpicSmartHere]

First off...

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

I've been a fan of Smart since I went Europe years ago. When I saw a dealership down the street from me 2 months ago (Beverly Hills) I knew I was in. Little did I know (or expect) about the high demand. I was bummed. I didn't want my gas hog truck for another 2 years and I didn't want to pay too much for extras i don't care about to get a Smart right away.
I put myself on every single orphan list in SoCal (except North Hollywood and their $2000 fee to be on the Orphan list - F THEM!). Got some calls from West Covina - their Smarts start at $21,000 with custom Leather.....snore.

This Sunday I got a call from Riverside. White/Blk Coupe (Comfort Pkg) with chrome wheels. Not the one I wanted and paying an extra $2000 for chrome (I don't like chrome) hurt so I asked if I could have 20 mins to think about it.

I took 30.

They sold it to somebody else.

I said that was cool and I understood (after I finally decided to go for it and was already excited to pick it up!!!) and to please call me on the next one.

The next day they called back. Crystal (sales lady at Riverside Smart) said she talked to the manager and they felt really bad for getting my hopes up and offered me a Black/Silver Cabrio with the comfort package AT COST!!!! They were going to send it in to get more options added but decided to give it to me straight up. I didn't ask for 20mins to think about it.....

WOOHOO!!!!! I LOVE IT!

So for those soon to be Smart owners in waiting - don't give up hope. Stay persistent on the dealerships in you area. IF you really want one it is possible quicker than 18 months.

[SunDiego]

Great story and I'm glad to see you got an Orphan at cost.

[hsterk]

Congratulations!! While I already have mine (deposit placed 7/07, received 6/08), it's nice to learn of other "Smart" success stories. Enjoy!

[skyzdlimit59]

Congratulations, that was lucky! Enjoy the car...

[SuperGeek]

Originally Posted by EpicSmartHere

They were going to send it in to get more options added but decided to give it to me straight up. I didn't ask for 20mins to think about it.....

There ya go. THAT is how to combat the dealers' practices of hiking prices to make a profit. Make darn sure they know your limits are only in dollars, not enthusiasm. They'll sometimes give you a car "at cost" if it makes you really happy instead of making you feel bad about the extra $2k. Why? Service. One day you'll be back for a cargo cover or maintenance, or to upgrade something. And you have friends. One customer that says, "hey these guys are the best" is worth 50 that have a ho-hum opinion of their dealer.

You won, they won. Steven Covey's win/win training worked.

[EpicSmartHere]

yeah definitely had a little luck on my side as far as price was concerned. But I think obtaining an orphan within 2-3 months is totally possible. Even with the large rise in popularity in the last 3 months.

Thanks everyone!

Supergeek - thanks. And you are right. They were all very happy and excited for me at the Riverside dealership. It was a great experience.

[JPaul]

When you say "we come from France", you mean both, you and the car?

[EpicSmartHere]

Originally Posted by JPaul

When you say "we come from France", you mean both, you and the car?

No I don't come France, just quoting The Coneheads!!! I'm actually Greek

[JPaul]

Welcome!

[Dan1776]

I live in Colorado Springs, CO. CO has only one dealership which is in Denver. Is it possible to get on several orphan listings at dealers in surronding states? How do you do it when the orphan sign up process is on-line and you aren't given the opportunity to specify a dealership?
Thanks for the help,
Dan Hall