Introduction
When it comes to buying a car, there are a lot of options available to shoppers. Some people prefer to buy from a dealership close to their house, while others might turn to dealerships located in different cities or even different states. But what happens if you find the perfect car at a dealership that’s too far away to make the trip? Can you have it shipped to a closer dealership?
The short answer is “yes,” but there are a few things to consider before you decide to go this route. In this blog, we’ll dive into the specifics of having a dealership ship a car to another dealership, including the process, costs, and potential pitfalls.
Why Ship A Car To Another Dealership?
There are a few reasons why someone might want to have a car shipped from one dealership to another. Some common scenarios include:
- You find the perfect car, but it’s located several hours away from your home. Rather than make the drive, you could have the car shipped to a dealership closer to you.
- Your preferred dealership doesn’t have the car you want in stock. They might be able to find the car at another dealership and have it shipped to their lot.
- You want to buy a car from an out-of-state dealership with better pricing or a wider selection.
- You’re a dealership owner or manager looking to transfer inventory between locations.
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to know what to expect when having a car shipped between dealerships.
Can You Request a Dealership to Ship a Car to Another Dealership?
Yes, it is possible to request a dealership to ship a car to another dealership. In fact, many car dealerships offer this service to their customers. If you are looking to buy a car from a dealership that is not in your area, you can request them to have the car shipped to a dealership near you. This way, you can avoid the hassle of traveling to the dealership and having to transport the car yourself.
To request a dealership to ship a car to another dealership, you can contact them and ask if they offer this service. Some dealerships may charge a fee for shipping the car, while others may offer it for free. It is important to ask about the shipping fees and any other costs that may be associated with the process.
Understanding the Process of Shipping a Car
The process of shipping a car involves transporting the car from one dealership to another dealership. The dealership that is shipping the car will arrange for a transporter to pick up the car and transport it to the other dealership. The transporter may use a truck or a trailer to transport the car, depending on the distance and the size of the car.
Before the car is shipped, it will be inspected by both dealerships to ensure that it is in good condition. The car will also be cleaned and prepared for transportation. Once the car has been shipped to the other dealership, the buyer can pick it up from there.
Why Would You Need a Dealership to Ship a Car to Another Dealership?
There are several reasons why you may need a dealership to ship a car to another dealership. One reason may be that you are looking to buy a specific car that is only available at a dealership that is far away from you. By having the car shipped to a dealership near you, you can avoid the inconvenience of traveling to the dealership and transporting the car yourself.
Another reason why you may need a dealership to ship a car to another dealership is if you are trading in your old car for a new one. If the dealership that is accepting your trade-in is far away from you, you can request the dealership that you are buying the new car from to ship it to the other dealership. This can make the process of buying a new car and trading in your old car much easier and more convenient.
The Ability of Dealerships to Ship Cars to Other Dealerships
Dealerships are able to ship cars to other dealerships, but this depends on several factors. It is important to remember that each dealership operates independently, and therefore, the policies and procedures may vary.
The most important factor affecting a dealership’s ability to ship a car is the distance between the two locations. Dealerships usually have a certain range within which they are willing to send a vehicle to another dealership. Furthermore, the availability of drivers and trucks also plays a significant role. If there is no driver available, the shipment may be delayed or canceled.
Another crucial factor is the type of vehicle being shipped. Cars of different sizes and weight may require different types of trucks, which may not be available at all times. Some dealerships may also have restrictions on shipping certain types of vehicles, such as luxury or exotic cars.
Factors That Affect a Dealership’s Ability to Ship a Car
Besides the distance, availability of drivers and trucks, and the type of vehicle being shipped, there are other factors that may affect a dealership’s ability to ship a car. For instance, weather conditions may cause delays or cancellations. Similarly, transportation regulations and restrictions may also affect shipment schedules and destinations.
Furthermore, the volume of shipments may also come into play. If a dealership is shipping numerous vehicles at once, some orders may be postponed, causing delays in the delivery of vehicles.
It is also important to note that every dealership has a different policy regarding shipping fees. Some dealerships may offer free shipping for cars being sent to other dealerships, while others will charge a fee. It is best to check with the dealership beforehand to avoid any surprises in fees or shipping schedules.
The Pros and Cons of Requesting a Dealership to Ship a Car to Another Dealership
There are both pros and cons of requesting a dealership to ship a car to another dealership. One of the benefits is convenience. If a dealership does not have the car a customer wants, they can request it to be shipped from another dealership, saving the customer time and effort.
Another advantage is that the dealership receiving the car can inspect it before selling to the customer. This will ensure that the vehicle meets the dealership’s standards, and that the customer is getting a car that is in good condition.
However, there are also some drawbacks to requesting a dealership to ship a car. The shipping process may cause damage to the vehicle if not done correctly, and this may decrease the value of the car. Additionally, the process may take longer than expected due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather or truck breakdowns.
Overall, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before requesting a dealership to ship a car to another dealership. Checking with the dealership beforehand and understanding their policies can help avoid any unwanted surprises during the shipping process.
The Cost of Shipping a Car Between Dealerships
Shipping a car between dealerships is a common practice in the automotive industry. Dealerships often transfer vehicles between locations to fill inventory gaps or to fulfill customer requests. The cost of shipping a car between dealerships varies depending on several factors.
The main factors that determine the cost of shipping a car between dealerships are distance, timing, and vehicle size. Longer distances will naturally result in higher shipping costs. Similarly, shipping a car during peak seasons or with short notice will likely be more expensive. Finally, larger vehicles will require more space on the transporter and will therefore be more costly to ship.
In general, the cost of shipping a car between dealerships ranges from $300 to $1,200. However, this is just a rough estimate and actual costs can vary significantly depending on the aforementioned factors. To get a more accurate estimate, it’s best to reach out to a reputable auto transporter and request a quote.
How Much Will it Cost to Ship a Car Between Dealerships?
The cost of shipping a car between dealerships depends on several factors, including distance, timing, and vehicle size. As a general rule, shipping a car between dealerships can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,200.
Here’s a breakdown of the main factors that can affect the cost of shipping a car between dealerships:
- Distance: Longer distances will result in higher shipping costs.
- Timing: Shipping a car during peak seasons or with short notice will likely be more expensive.
- Vehicle size: Larger vehicles will require more space on the transporter and will therefore be more costly to ship.
It’s important to note that the above factors are not the only ones that can impact the cost of shipping a car between dealerships. Other factors, such as the type of vehicle, the condition of the vehicle, and the level of insurance coverage can also have an effect.
Who Pays for Shipping Between Dealerships?
When a car is shipped between dealerships, it’s important to determine who will be responsible for paying the shipping costs. The answer to this question can vary depending on the specific situation.
In some cases, the dealership that is receiving the vehicle may be willing to cover the cost of shipping. This is often the case when the receiving dealership has a greater need for the vehicle or when the sending dealership is selling the vehicle to the receiving dealership at a lower price.
In other cases, the sending dealership may be responsible for covering the cost of shipping. This is often the case when the sending dealership is transferring a vehicle to fill an inventory gap at the receiving dealership or when the sending dealership has made a promise to a customer that they can’t fulfill without transferring a vehicle from another location.
Ultimately, who pays for shipping between dealerships will depend on the specific circumstances and the agreement that is reached between the two dealerships involved.
The Process of Requesting a Dealership to Ship a Car
If you need to ship a car from one dealership to another, you will need to follow a process. Start by contacting the dealership where the car is located and requesting to have it shipped to the other dealership. Most dealerships offer shipping services for their customers, but it’s essential to check if this option is available and at what cost.
Once you have confirmed that the dealership can ship the car, you will need to provide them with specific information regarding your shipment. This information will help the dealership determine the cost of shipping and ensure that your car is delivered to the right location.
What Information Do You Need to Provide?
When requesting a dealership to ship a car, you will need to provide them with the following information:
- The make and model of the car
- Year of manufacture
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The pick-up and delivery locations
- The date you need the car delivered
- Contact information for both dealerships
These details will allow the dealership to provide you with an accurate cost estimate and help expedite the shipping process.
How Much Notice Do You Need to Give?
It’s essential to give the dealership as much notice as possible when requesting to have a car shipped. This will allow them to schedule the shipment in advance and ensure that the car arrives at the desired location on time. It’s recommended to provide a minimum of two weeks’ notice before the shipment date.
What Are the Risks Involved in Shipping a Car to Another Dealership?
While shipping a car from one dealership to another is relatively safe, there are some risks involved. These risks include damage to the car during transit, delays in delivery, and lost or stolen vehicles. It’s crucial to cover your car with insurance to protect it during transit. Moreover, make sure you understand the dealership’s shipping policies and take proper precautions when shipping your car.