Purpose Of Displaying Waiting List On Showroom?

That's the way my dealer had it when I ordered mine against their allocation 9 weeks ago. I was maybe the 2nd name on the board, and ended up being the first to take delivery at that dealership. At that time they only had one on the lot as a demo unit, and would not sell that one, at least until another one arrived.

I guess it's just to create the impression of high demand so they can sell at or near MSRP as long as possible.

 

Blippo, Did you ask someone at the dealership? What did they say? --TK

 

I have never been able to figure out why car dealers do some of the things they do. I guess you were suppose to be impressed with the fact they had people waiting in line to buy a Prius. What they can't seem to understand is the fact that people are anxious to buy the car, not because of them, but because of Toyota engineering.

 

Quite a while ago some Harley dealers had waiting lists. (The others charged over MSRP). There had been all kinds of accusations of favoritism and not following "the list". By making the list public it would help to quiet accusations of someone butting in line. It also has the effect of making people take notice of the supply/demand picture which helps the dealer justify the pricing policies.

 

pretty much, so you are aware that nobody is telling you crap to make you buy vehicle on the lot.

 

I would say the purpose of the list is at least two fold. Probably is a legitimate tool, for the uninformed that might come to the lot expecting their Prius to be sitting and waiting. Salesmen can point to the list and explain why they won't be satisfied that same day.

Secondly, the impression or reality of demand, creates more demand. Consumers are often like sharks, if "everyone" is chomping on a certain product they swarm and circle.

For the salesman and the dealerships the reality is the reality. They want to sell you a car. Illustrating demand doesn't hurt. If you REALLY want The Prius you get yourself on the list...a potential sale for the dealership. If you are "just shopping" the list explains why there might not be a Prius to test drive, and makes a nice transition for the salesman to show you The Camry, Corolla, or some other product.

 

If your dealer has a waiting list, look somewhere else. Many dealers have cars in stock.

 

I don't think this is just salesmanship. It is reality. Used car dealers are happy to receive Gen II Prius vehicles. And, the 2010 GEN III Prius models are proving very popular. Where is that Toyota dealership with 15 GEN III available?

 

I wish my dealership had done this when I ordered my car in May. I knew they had several pre-orders. It was very frustrating not knowing where I was in the queue. I tried repeatedly to get this information. I would have been much happier if they'd been up front with the details of what else was on the list.