Automakers shift toward reservations, altering how Americans buy cars

[rcjordan]

https://www.axios.com/automakers-shift-toward-reservations-d93e10df-8dc4-45b7-950b-b8b8a98fcac2.html

[ergophobe]

This makes a lot of sense. Appliances have already shifted to this. As I learned on my last few purchases, they will generally not sell you the floor model unless it is discontinued. Stores stock precisely ONE of each model they carry.

This would make a lot of sense for shoes too.

I think the key is getting delivery times lower for things like shoes. People might wait a month for a car (but not if they just totaled their previous car).

[Travoli]

I understand the current necessity, but will this trend revert when supply normalizes? There are lots of impulse buyers. And breakdown/crash replacement purchases.

[rcjordan]

>current necessity

With many states having dealer protection laws, I think reservations by all the newcomer EV brands will almost have to be by reservation.  AFAIK, North Carolina is still blocking Tesla sales because it doesn't have dealerships.

[ergophobe]

At a certain point, if new automakers come to have a significant market share (or just a lot of demand from wealthy, connected people), dealer protection laws will become like the Blue Laws. Public pressure to get rid of them will mount.