JRG -
I probably broke the ordering rules, cause I changed trucks when mine came in, I wanted bigger by the time it arrived. I shopped several dealers, met several sheisters, and ended up at a dealer where I have purchased many times before. I now know I went there for a good reason.
Most of the dealers, in AZ at least, so far are trying to hold MSRP for lot stock vehicles, and orders are taking about 6-8 weeks. Lot trucks are moving in 1 to 2 days after prep.
Some dealers will, if you order similar to what they are ordering, such as, don't order Snow Plow Prep in Phoenix, will let you buy a lot stock vehicle that arives before your order at your order price. They basically are 'buying' your truck for later sale. There is some risk in that, and the dealer should get something for the risk. But I don't think any dealer is going to have a long inventory for a while.
I went to a dealer web site that uses the chrome car book and 'built' a couple of vehicles. I ignored the MSRP and used only the Invoice price.
The first vehicle I 'built' is the base vehicle with the minimum I would accept, and the other had everything I wanted. You will be surprised at the difference sometimes, and may opt for the packed truck.
When I arrived at my desired vehicle with all the options, I added invoice price, -$500. 00 customer loyalty credit, some get a cirtificate, but you can just whine and get it too, and if you have a business tax ID in your name, -$300 for that too, you'll need to ask for it and have your business license.
These credits are paid to the dealer from DC without expense, I believe. If you don't get these, invoice is still a great price. ( unless you wait till July for Year End Rebates which may be $2000 !!!)
Add in Tax, Title, License, and modest documentation fee, be prepared to spend as little as $50. 00, if a dealer charges $250 doc fee, he's a crook. ( It takes an office girl 45 minutes to do this at the most. )
Dont forget the destination charge for your area, usually $740. The prefered package discounts you see don't affect invoice, only the MSRP, same goes for regional discounts.
Don't add any dealer prep, market adjustment, advertising fees, or other fees, that is all.
The other expenses don't apply to an ordered vehicle, and DC pays the dealer 2 Hours ( I think ) for vehicle pre-delivery checkout and prep. You shouldn't pay for this too.
Take the codes that you have from the 'built' vehicle and shop the dealers. Go to the various local owned and smaller dealers, and the larger independant '5 star' dealers. The chains are often crooks and tack on fees and extras. Tinting, undercoating, glass etching, scotch guard, etc etc...
Ask for the fleet manager or internet manager, ignore the salesmen, and explain you would like to place a truck order.
Discuss terms First, tell them what you are willing to pay in relation to invoice and fees, if they are sheisters, youll know before you waste your time. Don't ever be afraid to walk out.
Pre printed fees or finance requirements are a sham, cross them out, add a credit, or walk. Don't complete a sales contract and note at this time, just a vehicle order.
Most every dealer will give the credits above against invoice price for ordered vehicles with a deposit of $500. 00 to $1000. 00. Use a credit card, never a check or debit card.
If they won't do invoice, then make sure that any amount above is no more than a couple hours labor peeling plastic, a carwash, and a tank of fuel. That is the only out of pocket expense they have for selling you a truck.
I think everyone understands that dealers are paid quarterly 'hold back' of 3% for every vehicle they sold, minus flooring charges for vehicles they have sit on on the lot. Ordered trucks are sold trucks and the flooring expense may be as little as $5 or $6 bucks a day ( 5-9% simple interest against account) from delivery to closing of the sale. At least this is how it was explained to me.
If the dealer is truly earning your business I think it holds true that you would return and give them more business or service. Let them make their money by earning it.
Using your list, build the truck on the order system with the fleet manager right at his ( her) desk. He will print an order confirmation form and the order is entered.
Then sit back and wait.
I hope I didn't ramble but my last truck is the 6th personal vehicle I have purchased this way or similar since 1994, I've got two more kids that need a vehicle, and the wifes is getting old, so I am sure I'll get more practice.
This was certainly the cheapest (in relation to MSRP) and most expensive vehicle I ever bought.
BTW, I am supposed to be doing CAD work on my computer but can't resist coming over to the TDR and seeing whats up. I hope this 1/2hr respsonse helps!