Sorry that I did not get back to you earlier. I did go to Sugarland dealer that Monday and talk with the guy there. No cars were in yet but he took the time to talk to us anyway. Like we were talking about, I was able to get on the "Back-Up" list. I got the impression from him that there were under 10 people on the "Back-Up" list. So we had hopes of being able to snag an unwanted ride. That was until today. They called. Informed us that they have since decided that they need a 500 dollar deposit from everyone to be on the "Back-Up" list!
Needless to say, this pisses me off as there was no deposit needed when I was put on the list. Looks like I will be waiting for ours....... unless I decide to buy something else first!
That is very disappointing!!! I guess bad behavior is just a built in trait in car dealers. I have not heard of an additional deposit required to get on an "orphan list" before. That is a bad turn of events.
The $500 deposit go towards the purchase of the car. Its not that big of a deal, put it on a credit card. If you don't buy the car you can get it back.
The $500 deposit go towards the purchase of the car. Its not that big of a deal, put it on a credit card. If you don't buy the car you can get it back.
I wish that we were all in a situation where $500 dollars was "not that big of a deal". The fact is, the cars purchase price, low insurance rates and great fuel economy are all aimed at individuals to whom $500 dollars IS a big deal (Hence, the reason you saw cars without many options at the dealer). I guess Mercedes is not used to dealing with customers who have such limited means.
That is very disappointing!!! I guess bad behavior is just a built in trait in car dealers. I have not heard of an additional deposit required to get on an "orphan list" before. That is a bad turn of events.
Hi SPDYII, smart center Universal City, in LA, requires $1000 deposit for their orphan list. Looks like they will be generating a little petty cash on the side for themselves. $99 seems reasonable to leave festering in the dealer's pocket, $500-1000 no way! ;)
I have no idea if they will change their policy at some point or not, but the smart center of Round Rock didn't ask me for a penny for being on the orphan list and I already drove home with one last night. I just talked to them a couple weeks ago, told them I was interested if any orphans came up. Out of the 18 or so cars they got in, they had a couple orphans and I got to pick out the cute little silver / black / leather one.
One day their won't be any wait for anyone on these things and the dealers need to understand that customer satisfaction or dissatisfaction from the early adopters will likely play a big part of the success or failure of their dealership and the brand.
They could all take a few lessons from the folks at the Round Rock dealership it seems.
I wonder if a Houston reso holder could got to Round Rock and do a deal just like looking for a Ford ...none on the Ford matches exactly lot so they get one from another dealer in state r region.... I am sure there would be a slight transport charge but doubt it would be very much
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I guess bad behavior is just a built in trait in car dealers. I have not heard of an additional deposit required to get on an "orphan list" before. That is a bad turn of events.
for themselves. $99 seems reasonable to leave festering in the dealer's pocket, $500-1000 no way! ;)
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