The Difference Between a Price Quote and a Car Offer

By:

Dave on 01/10/2012

Topic:

Car Buying Advice.

As an Internet Manager at a dealership, I receive 3-5 price quote requests every day. I try respond as quickly as possible, but I have to remember that people are simply requesting a price quote. The vast majority expect no more and no less.

If a shopper responds, it’s usually about the quote and only the quote. Maybe they’re looking for an out-the-door calculation. They may tell me they received a lower quote. They might wonder if I can beat a quote, or request a lease calculation based on the quote. But they’re not asking for an offer. That’s because the traditional quote process between customers and dealers revolves around price quotes, not offers.

Price Quote vs. Car Offer: What’s the difference?

Dealers would much rather provide price quotes to customers. We know all too well that you’re focused on price. Price shoppers usually ignore small print around the quote. So, what’s usually in there?

Just think of small print as the dealer price quote escape hatch. With this, the dealer can provide a price quote with numerous catches. To the price shopper, these catches seem reasonable at first: “Price quote good on in-stock units only,” “Does not include accessories,” “May only be available [or, “May not be available] with special finance or lease offers,” “Includes all possible discounts,” and so on. Sounds fair, right?

What if I worded it like this instead?: “I haven’t checked to see if the car is in stock. If it is (and that’s unlikely), we’ve installed accessories that you’ll have to pay extra for. Also, this price isn’t good if you want the special finance or lease offer, so you’d have to pay in cash. Plus, you probably won’t qualify for every discount like owner loyalty, military, etc., so don’t get your hopes up.”

Price Quote vs. Car Offer: What makes an offer better?

An offer is a meaningful price quote. It’s what a price quote should have always been. An offer refers to an actual in-stock (or available) vehicle. If this car has accessories, the quote will state so. If leasing or financing purchase terms apply, the quote will outline those, too. If you qualify for discounts, those would be in the quote. Essentially, an offer could be a preview of the contract you’d sign at the dealership.

Price Quote vs. Car Offer: How do you get offers from dealers?

Obviously, shoppers request quotes because they want to compare them between dealers. But getting offers is a lot more work. You’d need to engage each and every dealer regarding their inventory, review your terms with each one, and get those offers emailed to you. (And some quotes may get to you after others have expired.) Then, you’ll need to compare each one in its own format and select a winner. Meanwhile, your email and voicemail will be flooded with relentless follow-ups from these hungry dealers.

If you don’t like the sound of this, but you want offers, I have some good news for you.

Price Quote vs. Car Offer: CarWoo!

Imagine a place where dealers don’t have your information, but they can still send you real offers. Where you can configure your car and your deal. Where dealers respond by telling you: whether they have the car in stock (or available), their price on that car, and whether that car has any accessories pre-installed. Picture a place where you can add as many details as you like, regarding your deal structure and available incentives. Better yet, a place where dealers can see the other offers you’ve received. This enables an Internet Manager like myself to ask my boss whether I can get you a better offer, without you even asking for it. So, where is this place? Visit Carwoo.com.