This term signifies the initial stage in a vehicle purchase where a customer’s request for a specific make, model, and configuration is officially recorded by a dealership. It’s the formalized expression of intent to buy, moving beyond casual inquiry and representing a commitment to acquire a vehicle, potentially involving a deposit or agreement to purchase contingent on availability and final price confirmation. A common instance is when a customer selects optional features not readily available in the dealer’s current inventory, necessitating the dealer to request a factory build.
The significance of this stage lies in securing priority within the dealership’s allocation or manufacturing queue, and it provides a degree of assurance to the customer that their desired vehicle will be obtained. Historically, this process was entirely manual, involving paper forms and direct communication. Modern systems often utilize digital platforms to streamline the process, increasing efficiency and transparency for both the dealership and the customer.
