> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ekhodealer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Reservations & Pre-Orders

> Reserve vehicles with a deposit or pre-order custom or upcoming models

## Overview

There are two ways to secure a vehicle without completing the full purchase immediately:

**Reservations** let you hold an in-stock vehicle with a deposit and complete your online order whenever you're ready (typically within a few weeks).

**Pre-Orders** let you secure vehicles not currently in stock—either custom vehicles being made to order or vehicles that haven't arrived from the OEM yet. You'll complete your purchase once the vehicle is ready.

<Info>
  Reservations and pre-orders are not available for all vehicles. Availability depends on the specific vehicle and seller.
</Info>

## Reservations

### Overview

A reservation lets you secure an in-stock vehicle by paying a deposit, with the flexibility to complete the full purchase when you're ready.

<Warning>
  Deposits may be refundable or non-refundable. Always check the refund terms before placing your reservation.
</Warning>

### How It Works

When you place a reservation during checkout, you pay a deposit to hold the vehicle. Here's how it works:

* **For In-Stock Vehicles**: Reservations are for vehicles currently available, not vehicles being made to order or coming from the OEM
* **Deposit**: Pay a deposit amount instead of the full purchase price
* **Hold Period**: The vehicle is held for you (typically a few weeks), giving you time before completing full purchase
* **Complete Anytime**: You can finish your online order whenever you're ready—you're not blocked from completing the transaction
* **Conversion**: When you're ready, complete full checkout and your deposit is credited toward the total
* **Refund Policy**: Refund terms (refundable, non-refundable, or partially refundable) are displayed before you place your reservation

### How to Place a Reservation

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Reserve with Deposit">
    During checkout, choose "Reserve with Deposit" as your payment option.

    <Check>
      You'll see the deposit amount required for this vehicle.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pay Deposit">
    Complete payment for the deposit amount.

    <Check>
      Your reservation is confirmed and the vehicle is held for you.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Convert When Ready">
    When you're ready or notified, complete full checkout to convert to an order.

    <Check>
      Your deposit is automatically applied to the total, and the order then proceeds as a standard online order.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Pre-Orders

### Overview

A pre-order lets you order vehicles that are not currently in stock—either because they haven't come from the OEM yet or because they're being made to order or customized. Pre-orders secure priority placement for vehicles that aren't immediately available.

<Warning>
  Pre-order deposits may be refundable or non-refundable. Always check the refund terms before placing your pre-order.
</Warning>

* **For Non-Stock Vehicles**: Pre-orders are for vehicles not yet received from the OEM, customized vehicles being made to order, or vehicles in production but not yet available
* **Deposit**: Pay a deposit to secure your place in the queue
* **Transaction Completion**: You may be blocked from fully completing checkout until the vehicle is ready
* **Longer Timelines**: Weeks to months from pre-order to vehicle arrival, depending on OEM delivery or build-to-order production
* **Configuration Lock**: Your selections are finalized at pre-order placement and changes may be limited
* **Priority Placement**: Earlier position in the delivery queue and guaranteed allocation from limited inventory
* **Refund Policy**: Refund terms (refundable or non-refundable) are displayed before you place your pre-order

### How It Works

When you place a pre-order, you configure your vehicle and pay a deposit. Because the vehicle isn't ready yet, you may be blocked from fully completing your transaction until it arrives or is produced. This prevents issues like financing approvals timing out before the vehicle is available. Your pre-order secures your position in the queue, and once the vehicle is ready, you'll be notified to complete your purchase.

### How to Place a Pre-Order

<Steps>
  <Step title="Select Pre-Order Vehicle">
    Choose a vehicle model that's available for pre-order.

    <Check>
      Pre-order vehicles are clearly marked as custom, upcoming, or available for pre-order.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure and Lock">
    Carefully configure your vehicle—changes may be limited after pre-ordering.

    <Check>
      Review all selections thoroughly before proceeding.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Complete Pre-Order">
    Place your pre-order and pay the deposit to secure your priority placement.

    <Check>
      You'll receive confirmation with estimated timeline information.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting & FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How is a pre-order different from an online order?">
    **Pre-Order:**

    * Vehicle not yet produced or released
    * Months-long wait times
    * Priority in production queue
    * Configuration locked

    **Online Order:**

    * Vehicle in current inventory
    * Immediate processing
    * Shorter timelines
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How is a pre-order different from a reservation?">
    **Pre-Order:**

    * For vehicles not currently in stock (haven't arrived from OEM or being made to order)
    * May be blocked from completing full transaction until vehicle is ready
    * Longer timelines (weeks to months)
    * Prevents financing issues by delaying full purchase

    **Reservation:**

    * For vehicles already in stock
    * Can complete your online order whenever you're ready (not blocked)
    * Shorter hold periods (typically a few weeks)
    * Pay deposit now, finish purchase when convenient
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="When should I use a reservation instead of a pre-order?">
    Use a reservation when:

    * The vehicle is already in stock but you're not ready to complete purchase immediately
    * You want to hold the vehicle and pay the rest within a few weeks
    * You have flexibility on when to finish your online order

    Use a pre-order when:

    * The vehicle hasn't arrived from the OEM yet
    * The vehicle is being made to order or customized
    * You want to secure a vehicle that's not currently available
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I change my configuration after pre-ordering?">
    Configuration changes are typically very limited or unavailable after placing a pre-order. This is because your pre-order secures a specific build slot in the production queue. Review all options carefully before completing your pre-order.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why are pre-order timelines so long?">
    Pre-orders are for vehicles not currently in stock. The timeline depends on:

    * OEM delivery schedules for incoming vehicles
    * Build-to-order production time for customized vehicles
    * Shipping and quality control
    * Manufacturing schedules

    Expected dates are estimates and may change based on when the vehicle arrives or is produced.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why can't I complete my pre-order purchase immediately?">
    Pre-orders may block you from fully completing checkout to prevent issues like financing approvals timing out before the vehicle is ready. You'll be notified when the vehicle arrives or is produced, and you can then complete your purchase.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I pre-order multiple vehicles?">
    This depends on policies. For limited releases, there may be restrictions on multiple pre-orders per buyer. Check the specific pre-order terms.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What payment methods can I use for the pre-order deposit?">
    Pre-order deposits can be paid with:

    * Credit or debit card only

    Learn more about [credit card payments](/buyer-docs/pay/credit-card).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What payment methods can I use when converting my pre-order?">
    When converting your pre-order to a full order, you can pay the remaining balance with:

    * Credit or debit card
    * Bank transfer (ACH)
    * Buy now, pay later (Klarna) - not available for titled vehicles
    * Financing through Ekho

    Available payment options depend on what's configured for your specific vehicle and order.

    Learn more about [credit card payments](/buyer-docs/pay/credit-card), [ACH payments](/buyer-docs/pay/ach), [buy now, pay later](/buyer-docs/pay/buy-now-pay-later), and [financing](/buyer-docs/pay/financing).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>