I've gotten conflicting info regarding "sold" orders. One dealer wanted a $1000 non-refundable deposit for a "sold" order because if I don't take delivery within 72 hours of showing up, they lose an allocation. Another dealer told me they could put in a "sold" order for a $500 refundable deposit, and if I need to cancel that's "O.K.". Maybe it was "O.K." because they assumed someone else would buy it quickly? But if it is something unique like mine (bench seats in 2nd row for example), will it sell in 3 days?My dealer explained to me that for every 2 “sold”
Orders they put in, they received three more allocations. So, there is definitely some incentive to do that. Now, there are other “rules” w/ a sold order, like it has to get off the lot in some short time after delivery to the dealer (maybe 72 hours?). Anyway, that is why it is advantageous to dealers to sell vehicles…
If all they have to do is submit a "sold" order (and not actually deliver to the intended customer) to receive additional allocations I would think they would be much more willing to put in "sold" orders. But honestly I don't know. Maybe you are right. The whole thing seems to be a big mystery.