You beat me to the question. I would like to know as well!
Allocation Question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,309
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From: Jacksonville Fl
CI 5-6-7-8-9-10 Vet
Allocation Question
How far in advance does a dealer know if they have allocations and for when?
Do they know they have X allocations for week Y, or do they place orders and the plant picks up what ever number of allocations they have for that week.
Do they know they have X allocations for week Y, or do they place orders and the plant picks up what ever number of allocations they have for that week.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Two answers.
1. Many dealers do not understand the allocation system. They think they can order a car and then it just does not work they way they thought. Of course they tell you that they can get the car you want, then they find out that they can't.
2. A small number of very large Corvette dealers (probably all of them are on this forum) understand the computer-based allocation system and can tell you before you place your order what they can get (car and "constrained" options). They will take your deposit with the written condition that GM will assign a code 2500 in the next weekly cycle, which means that GM has the materials to build that car and commits to put it into the production schedule for that dealer. Check some of the forum dealer postings and you'll see them listing what they can get in the next weekly cycle.
GM gives priority to dealers based on the number of Vettes they sold and the number they have in stock. You may not like the system, but that's what it is. Bottom line, if you want to order a car to your own specifications, work with a forum dealer or at least require code 2500 by the Wednesday after you put down your deposit.
1. Many dealers do not understand the allocation system. They think they can order a car and then it just does not work they way they thought. Of course they tell you that they can get the car you want, then they find out that they can't.
2. A small number of very large Corvette dealers (probably all of them are on this forum) understand the computer-based allocation system and can tell you before you place your order what they can get (car and "constrained" options). They will take your deposit with the written condition that GM will assign a code 2500 in the next weekly cycle, which means that GM has the materials to build that car and commits to put it into the production schedule for that dealer. Check some of the forum dealer postings and you'll see them listing what they can get in the next weekly cycle.
GM gives priority to dealers based on the number of Vettes they sold and the number they have in stock. You may not like the system, but that's what it is. Bottom line, if you want to order a car to your own specifications, work with a forum dealer or at least require code 2500 by the Wednesday after you put down your deposit.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Last year, we were told by a forum sponsor dealer that dealers know how many allocations they have PER WEEK for the next 4-5 weeks. They also know how many allocations they have for the 4-5 weeks after that, but not how many each week. I have not seen or heard a dealer confirm that it still works that way or not.
However, it does seem to be true that dealers get allocations based on how many corvettes they sold last year. When you put your order in with a dealer, he should be able to give you a reasonable guess when you'll get the car. If he can't or won't, go to another dealer. Better yet, go with a high-volume forum dealer.
However, it does seem to be true that dealers get allocations based on how many corvettes they sold last year. When you put your order in with a dealer, he should be able to give you a reasonable guess when you'll get the car. If he can't or won't, go to another dealer. Better yet, go with a high-volume forum dealer.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 218
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I'm sure there's a good reason for the allocation system...but to me, who admittedly knows nothing of the auto sales/production industry, this sytem sounds needlessly complex.
I order = car get built. But hey, I'm a simple man living in fantasy land!
I order = car get built. But hey, I'm a simple man living in fantasy land!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,312
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From: Ridgeland MS
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
The system is built to make the big dealers bigger and to pump cars to the dealership that is most productive with those lines of business that they sold last year. If you visit dealerships in midwestern farming areas, you will find tons of trucks in inventory. If you visit dealerships in large urban areas, you will find more cars and more corvettes in inventory. The system is really a push system and not really an ordering system.
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From: Muncie, Indiana ...... Can I buy an amplifier on time ... I ani't got no money now but I'll pay you before I die
Originally Posted by DaveCorvette
Customers always last!
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Ken, in his news letter, actually did a write up on this matter some time ago (in '05).
Might want to do a search, or send him an e-mail for a link to his article.
Might want to do a search, or send him an e-mail for a link to his article.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
If I'm ordering one to be built...which is the demand part, is the factory limiting the supply, via production ability or something?? I'm confused. Is there a supply problem?
But if there is no supply issue (which there maybe, I don't know) certainly the plant, i.e. GM, shouldn't care where I ordered it from?
But if there is no supply issue (which there maybe, I don't know) certainly the plant, i.e. GM, shouldn't care where I ordered it from?