Orphan list length . . .

[SubSlr88]

I called my 'local' smart center dealer today to get my name on the 'orphan' list. The sales rep I spoke with stated that the list contained nearly 400 names. He claimed they started at the top and called - the first to show up with a check got the orphan. Sounds OK except for the 'first to show' bit since I live almost two hours from the dealer. How many times might I have to rush down and find that someone else got there first.

Seems to me a better method might be to call the top name and offer the orphan. . . if it's refused, go to the next name. But if someone called says "I'll take it" then the calls should stop rather than encouraging a "race" to get there first. . .

At least that is my understanding of the list. Any one else know any thing different?? Thanks!

[SmartAnita]

My dealer called back in February and had two orphans, he waited for me to drive down and no problem. They wouldn't pull the "first to show up with a check" deal. Doesn't sound like a really considerate dealer in Florida.

[JPaul]

Wouldn't your dealer give you a detailed description of the car, you could then accept it, and offer a deposit through a credit card? The dealer may then decide if your credit is good enough to stop calling other names on the list? At least until you can show up in person (and with whatever financing solution you may have opted).

[JetJazz]

I have debated the orphan list policy with the folks at smartusa over and over!
They state that as far as an official "orphan" policy there really is not a policy, that orphans are the property of the dealership and they can decide how to distribute them. However, they stated that they do request that the dealership call reservation holders first though they are not required to.

One dealership in my area does not require a fee to be on the list while another in the same area requires $500 to be on the list.

[SubSlr88]

Originally Posted by JPaul

Wouldn't your dealer give you a detailed description of the car, you could then accept it, and offer a deposit through a credit card? The dealer may then decide if your credit is good enough to stop calling other names on the list? At least until you can show up in person (and with whatever financing solution you may have opted).

Sounds like a great solution to me! Maybe the guy I talked to was in too much of a hurry to explain it better. . . I hope it works better than the way it was described.

[Hauser]

I feel that the dealer should at least take a deposit by phone once the customer has says he'll take said orphan.

[smartfloridadad]

I bought an orphan form the dealer in sarasota florida ,I was never on a list ,just called and asked if they had one,they had one with everything I ordered ,but in a different color ,they told me I needed a 2500.00 on a credit card to hold the car ,I gave them my info,I went down 2 days later to pick it up ,I was never charged on my card ,they just tagged it sold ,no mark up and they didn't push I single extra ,one fantastic dealership

[Bobbi]

I called the dealer and asked if he had any orphans. He did and I said I'd take it but couldn't pick it up for 6 days. It was no problem and I did not have to put down a deposit.