Factory orders let you build the exact car you want, but the process takes months and locks in your price early

A factory order means you tell the manufacturer which model, color, engine, and features you want, and they build it for you instead of selling you what's already on a dealer's lot. You pay a deposit upfront—usually $500 to $2,500—and the factory builds your car over the next 8 to 16 weeks. When it arrives at the dealer, you complete the purchase.

The main trade-off is time. You wait months instead of driving home the same day. In return, you get the exact configuration you want, and your price is locked in when you order, so you're protected if the manufacturer raises prices while your car is being built. You also avoid paying a markup for a dealer's inventory car.

Factory orders work best if you know exactly what you want, can wait, and are buying a popular model. They work poorly if you're indecisive, need a car urgently, or want a rare color or option combination that the factory won't prioritize.

Key Takeaways

  • You place a factory order through a dealer, not directly with the manufacturer—the dealer submits your order and handles paperwork.
  • Your price is locked in when you order, protecting you from price increases during the build and delivery period.
  • Factory orders typically take 8 to 16 weeks from order to delivery, depending on the manufacturer and how busy their plants are.
  • You pay a deposit upfront, usually $500 to $2,500, which is credited toward your final purchase price.
  • Not all colors, engines, or option combinations are available to order—the factory builds only configurations that meet demand forecasts.

Decide whether a factory order fits your timeline and budget

Before you contact a dealer, be honest about whether you can wait 2 to 4 months for your car. If you need transportation in the next 4 weeks, a factory order is not the right choice. If you're flexible and know what you want, it can save you money and get you exactly the right vehicle.

Factory orders also require you to commit to a purchase. Once you place the order and pay the deposit, you're financially obligated to buy that car when it arrives. If you change your mind, you typically lose the deposit or face a cancellation fee. Some dealers will refund the deposit if the car doesn't arrive within a certain window (often 120 to 180 days), but read the contract carefully.

Check whether the model you want is available to order. Popular vehicles with long waiting lists—like certain trucks or high-demand sedans—may have order banks open only at certain times of year. Less popular models may have shorter waits or may not accept orders at all if dealers have excess inventory.

Research the exact configuration you want before contacting a dealer

Spend time on the manufacturer's website building your car. Choose the model, engine, transmission, exterior color, interior color, and every option package. Write down the exact configuration—or save the build page if the website allows it. This step matters because the factory can only build what you specify, and changing your order after it's placed may delay delivery or incur a fee.

Pay attention to which options come in packages and which are standalone. A $2,000 "convenience package" might include features you don't want, but it's the only way to get the one feature you do. Understand the real cost of your choices before you commit.

Check the manufacturer's website for current lead times. Most publish estimated delivery windows—for example, "8 to 12 weeks" or "12 to 16 weeks"—based on current factory capacity. This is not a may provide, but it gives you a realistic expectation. Lead times vary by model and can change weekly.

Contact a dealer and place your order

You cannot order directly from the manufacturer. You must go through a franchised dealer for that brand. Call or visit a dealer's sales department and tell them you want to place a factory order. Bring your written configuration or the build page from the manufacturer's website.

The dealer will fill out an order form with your specifications and submit it to the manufacturer. You'll sign paperwork that includes the deposit amount, the locked-in price, the estimated delivery date, and the cancellation terms. Read this carefully—it's a binding contract.

Ask the dealer for a copy of the order confirmation from the manufacturer. This document shows your order number, configuration, and estimated build date. Keep it. You'll use it to track your car's progress.

Pay the deposit and lock in your price

The dealer will ask you to pay the deposit when you sign the order. This is typically $500 to $2,500, depending on the vehicle and dealer. The deposit is credited toward your down payment when you take delivery, so it's not an extra cost—it's money you're putting down early.

Once the deposit is paid and the order is submitted, your price is locked. If the manufacturer raises prices before your car is built, you pay the price you agreed to. This is one of the main advantages of factory ordering. However, some manufacturers allow a price adjustment if there's a major change (like a new model year starting mid-build), so ask the dealer about this.

The deposit is usually non-refundable if you cancel after the order is placed. Some dealers offer a grace period—typically 30 to 60 days—during which you can cancel and get your deposit back. After that, you forfeit it. A few dealers will refund the deposit if the car doesn't arrive within 120 to 180 days, but this varies. Ask before you sign.

Track your order and prepare for delivery

After your order is placed, the manufacturer assigns it a build sequence. The dealer should give you an order number and a way to check status—either through the dealer's website, the manufacturer's website, or by calling the dealer. Check periodically, but don't expect daily updates. Most manufacturers update status only a few times during the build cycle: when the order is confirmed, when it enters the factory, when it's built, when it ships, and when it arrives at the dealer.

As your delivery date approaches, the dealer will contact you to schedule a time to pick up the car and complete the purchase. This is when you'll finalize financing, sign the title and registration, and do a walk-around inspection. Bring your driver's license and proof of insurance. If you're financing, bring proof of income or have your lender send documents directly to the dealer.

Before you take the car, do a thorough inspection. Check for paint defects, dents, interior damage, and that all the features you ordered are actually in the car. Test the electronics, locks, and windows. If something is wrong, tell the dealer before you sign the paperwork. Most dealers will fix minor issues, but once you sign, it becomes your problem.

Understand what can go wrong and how to handle it

Factory orders sometimes face delays. A parts shortage, a factory shutdown, or high demand can push your delivery date back by weeks or even months. The manufacturer will notify the dealer, and the dealer should notify you. There's usually nothing you can do except wait, unless the delay exceeds the cancellation window in your contract.

Occasionally, a car arrives with a defect—a paint problem, a mechanical issue, or a missing feature. If the defect is minor, the dealer will usually fix it before you take delivery. If it's major and the dealer can't fix it quickly, you have the right to refuse the car and cancel the order, which should return your deposit. This is rare, but it's why you inspect carefully before signing.

If you change your mind after ordering, you'll likely lose your deposit. Some dealers are willing to negotiate if you're still within the grace period, but don't count on it. Once the car is built and shipped, cancellation is almost never an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my order after I place it?

It depends on how far along the build is. If the order hasn't entered the factory yet, the dealer may be able to change colors, options, or other details. Once the car is being built, changes are usually not possible. Ask the dealer immediately if you need to change something—the sooner you ask, the better your chances.

What if the price goes up before my car is delivered?

Your price is locked in when you order. If the manufacturer raises prices, you pay the price you agreed to. However, some manufacturers reserve the right to adjust prices if a new model year begins during your build. Ask the dealer about this before you order.

How do I know if my car is actually being built?

The dealer or manufacturer will send you status updates at key points: order confirmation, factory entry, build completion, and shipment. You can also call the dealer and ask for an update using your order number. Most manufacturers don't provide real-time tracking, so updates come a few times over the 8 to 16 week period.

What happens if the dealer goes out of business before my car arrives?

Your order is with the manufacturer, not the dealer, so the manufacturer will still build your car. However, you may need to pick it up from another dealer or work with the manufacturer to arrange delivery. This is rare, but it's why you keep your order confirmation from the manufacturer.

Can I get a better price by ordering instead of buying off the lot?

Factory orders don't automatically get you a lower price, but they do lock in your price early and eliminate the dealer's markup for inventory. You still negotiate the price with the dealer before you order. Some dealers offer small incentives for factory orders because it reduces their inventory risk, but this varies by dealer and manufacturer.