The process of buying, financing and registering a new vehicle is usually long and tedious for most consumers. With door to door car delivery services, automakers and dealerships are looking to streamline this process and provide a hassle-free experience for buyers.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into how door to door car delivery works, the different steps involved in the process and evaluate the key pros and cons of this service.
How Does Door to Door Car Delivery Work?
The basic door to door car delivery process can be broken down into the following key steps:
1. Research and Select Your Vehicle Online
The first step is to browse different vehicle options, trim levels, colors and packages on the automaker or dealership’s website. You can research vehicle reviews, specs, photos and pricing online in the comfort of your home.
Most brands and dealerships also have online car configurators that allow you to visually customize and price your ideal vehicle. This upfront research helps narrow down your options before initiating the purchase process.
2. Apply for Financing (if needed)
Once you have selected your vehicle, you can opt to apply for financing through the automaker or a partner lender online. Have relevant documents like your driver’s license, proof of income and SSN handy when filling out the online application form.
Pre-approval for financing makes the entire purchase process smoother. Most brands promise competitive interest rates and quick approval times when applying through their websites.
3. Place Your Order
With your vehicle, trim, color and financing selections finalized, you can now place your order online with the dealership. Dealers may require a refundable deposit to secure the order.
Your order is then transmitted to the appropriate manufacturing plant and the vehicle is scheduled for production and shipping to the distributing dealership.
4. Scheduling Delivery
Once the vehicle is built and shipped to the local dealership (usually takes 2-6 weeks), you will be contacted to schedule the delivery date and location. Home delivery options are the most convenient for door-to-door service.
You can choose weekend or weekday delivery slots based on your availability. Some dealers may charge extra for Saturday deliveries.
5. Vehicle Delivery
On the scheduled date, a delivery specialist from the dealership will bring your new car right to your front door. They will give you an overview of the vehicle, its features and handover the keys and all documentation.
After a quick test drive with the delivery specialist, your vehicle is all yours to drive! You don’t need to step into a dealership at all.
6. Finalizing Paperwork
If needed, you can complete any remaining ownership transfer paperwork electronically or have the delivery agent collect signatures. They may also help with the registration process on behalf of the dealership.
A customer care representative is available on phone post-delivery in case you have any other queries. And thus concludes the door-to-door delivery experience!
Pros of Door to Door Car Delivery
Let’s examine some of the key advantages that door-to-door delivery provides:
Saves Time
No need to take time off work, wait at the dealership or shuttle between different departments. The entire process from ordering to delivery is handled efficiently remotely and at your convenience.
Reduces Stress
Researching, buying and managing paperwork can be daunting tasks. Door-to-door delivery simplifies everything and the vehicle comes directly to you without any hassle.
More Convenient
Especially useful for people who rely on public transit or find it difficult to get to a dealership during operating hours due to other commitments.
Option of Home Test Drive
The delivery specialist brings your car for you to try it out right at your home or office before taking delivery. This gives a comfortable, low-pressure experience compared to a crowded dealership lot.
Contactless Purchase
Customers can purchase vehicles from the comfort of their homes without visiting crowded sales floors during these COVID times. Minimizes disease transmission risk.
Tech-Enabled Process
The online vehicle selection, ordering and financing process is seamless. You don’t have to call or visit different departments in-person to get information.
Competitive Incentives
Automakers offer cash rebates, low APR loans, free maintenance plans or accessories to promote their door-to-door initiative and maximize sales conversions.
Cons of Door to Door Delivery
While highly convenient for customers, door-to-door delivery does have some potential downsides:
Reduced Negotiation Power
You can’t negotiate prices in-person with multiple dealers like in the traditional process. Stick to MSRP or pre-negotiated fleet pricing in most cases.
Less Selection
Dealers may not have the exact variant you want in stock. If you’re too particular about colors or packages, options are limited compared to visiting different lots.
Delivery Issues Possible
While rare, there is a chance of vehicle damage during transit to your home. Weather delays could also affect scheduled delivery windows.
Can’t Inspect In-Person
It’s best to do a final walkaround inspection before signing paperwork. Remote delivery means missing out on one last check before driving away.
Miss Out On Dealership Experience
The fun of test driving multiple vehicles back-to-back isn’t there. Also don’t get face-to-face interactions with sales staff to address all queries.
Deposit May Not Be Fully Refundable
Dealers may keep a portion of booked deposits if orders are cancelled after vehicle has entered production cycle. Terms need scrutinizing.
Potential Dents to Resale Value
Those pursuing frequent vehicle upgrades lose out on negotiating trade-in values in-person with dealers at delivery. Impacts residual worth down the line.
Is Door to Door Delivery Right For You?
Door-to-door delivery offers an unmatched level of convenience for new car buyers. But it also relinquishes some control in the process. Whether it’s worth it depends on individual priorities and temperament.
For example, those who dislike long dealership visits, value their time greatly, or are currently restricted due to health concerns may prefer the hassle-free delivery experience.
Meanwhile, people who enjoy thorough vehicle inspections, test driving multiple options or negotiating deals may be better off with the traditional approach – at least for their first purchase.
Cost-saving is another consideration since incentives often promote online preorders. Overall, door-to-door delivery streamlines the process but limits choices to some degree for the added convenience it provides customers. Weighing the pros and cons will help determine if this service is a good fit for your needs.
Door-to-door car delivery is a useful option offered by automakers and dealers looking to leverage technologies and provide a seamless purchase experience to customers. With demand for minimal contact rising, this service offers an attractive way to buy vehicles efficiently without leaving home. The process is well laid out for ease of understanding as well. While relinquishing some control, it provides unmatched time-saving and convenience if one doesn’t require extensive vehicle evaluation. For most buyers, this new age alternative to traditional dealership visits makes the car buying process less painful than ever before.
