Tired Of Long Waiting Periods? Here’s How You Can Get Your Car Delivered Faster!

Here are some practical tips - from picking the right dealership to smart booking strategies - that can help you bring your dream car home sooner

‘You’ll have to wait 9 months or 1,021 people are ahead of you’ - sounds familiar? Whether you are waiting in a digital queue for concert tickets or for your car to be delivered, the experience feels frustratingly similar. 

We know that waiting periods can be frustrating, especially when it’s for something as exciting as your new car. So, while there’s no magic trick to get your car delivered tomorrow, here’s a handy guide to help you cut down the waiting time and get your car sooner.

1. Avoid Showing Too Much Interest In Your Favourite Car

We get it – you’re excited to see your car for the first time at the showroom and can’t wait to drive it away. But, here’s a tip - don’t show it! 

If the salesman senses your eagerness, he might think that you’ll wait for as long as it takes. Instead, consider the opposite approach and play it cool. Mention you’re also considering other brands. This might prompt the sales manager to prioritise your car’s delivery, as they don’t want to lose a potential customer to another car dealer.

No, this won't get your car the next day, but this tactic might speed things up.

2. Visit Multiple Dealerships Beforehand

This might sound obvious, but it's essential to visit multiple dealers and ask about their standing stock – the cars they already have on display or parked in their godowns. Inquire about the available variants or colour options for your preferred model. This will give you a clearer picture of the waiting periods across different showrooms. You might even find one that offers the best price and discounts. 

3. Place Bookings With 2-3 Dealerships

Instead of depending on just one dealer, consider booking your car with 2-3 dealers with the minimum booking amount. Make sure to get the acknowledgment receipt for each booking. While this cause some of your ‘refundable’ money to be tied up for a while, the strategy can work in your favour. 

When the dealers find out about your multiple bookings, they’ll feel the pressure to get your car faster. 

Once you find the dealer offering the shortest waiting time, you can cancel the others and get your deposit back.

4. Opt For Readily Available Variants Or Colours

Some car variants and colours are less popular than others, which means they might have a shorter waiting period. If you are not too picky about colour or trim level, opt for aless-in-demand variant. This simple step can significantly reduce your waiting period.

5. Explore Limited/Special Editions

Carmakers often release limited or special editions to create hype for their models or clear out older stock. Since these special editions are produced in smaller quantities, their waiting times tend to be shorter than their standard counterparts. Keep an eye out for the launch of such editions, and you might get your hands on one quickly. You can keep a track of upcoming car launches and their expected launch date and price on CarDekho.

Also Read: All Special Edition Cars Launched For 2024 Festive Season

6. Book at the End of the Month

Every dealership has specific sales targets to meet each month. At the end of the month, they might be more willing to offer you a deal that meets their targets, especially if someone has cancelled their bookings. You might just get lucky and secure your car quickly.

7. Keep Following Up

Keep your ‘follow-up’ game strong. When you book your car, dealers may promise a delivery date, but if you don’t stay in touch, they might delay your order or prioritise another customer who is pushing for the same model. Regularly checking in can help ensure you stay on their radar and secure your delivery on time.

8. Look For Dealers on the Outskirts 

If you don’t mind driving a bit farther, check out dealers on the outskirts of your city. These dealers typically have lower footfall at their showrooms, meaning less  demand and potentially shorter waiting periods.  

If you need a ‘BH number plate’ and work in a different city from your hometown, explore availability in both locations. This way you can choose the city with a shorter waiting period to get your car quickly. 

Also Read: Navigating The BH Registration Plate Procurement Process

9. Pay Higher Booking Amounts

The booking amounts typically range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000, depending on the amount set by the manufacturers. However, you can offer a larger sum upfront to confirm the speedy delivery of your car. A higher booking amount gives confidence to the dealership that you’ll definitely purchase the car from their showroom. 

Pro Tip: Sort out your finances in advance to ensure that your loan approval and paperwork are ready, to speed up things further and avoid any delays.

10. Check Out Demo Cars

Demo cars - often used for test drives - are sometimes available on sale and at a lesser cost too. These cars have lower waiting times and, in fact, you could drive away with one almost immediately after payment. But you need to thoroughly check their condition properly before jumping at this option as demo cars are typically driven by multiple prospective buyers and could have wear and tear. That said, a well-maintained demo car can get you the car of your dreams quickly and with significant cost savings, ranging up to 2-3 lakh or more depending on the model.

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