Vehicle Delivery Process
The vehicle delivery process is the final set of steps when handing over a sold car to the customer, aiming to ensure a smooth, celebratory experience and that the customer is fully informed about their new vehicle. This process usually includes: final paperwork review (signing any remaining documents, going over the bill of sale to ensure all is understood), payment of any outstanding balance, and a thorough orientation of the vehicle (sometimes called a delivery walkthrough). The salesperson or a dedicated delivery specialist will sit in the car with the customer and explain features: pairing phones to Bluetooth, setting radio presets, demonstrating how safety features work, etc. They’ll also often review the maintenance schedule, show where to get service, and introduce the service department or manager. In Canada, if the car is being delivered in winter, they might go over block heater use or include winter mats (small touches). Many dealerships like to make it a special moment – covering the car with a sheet for a “reveal”, taking a photo of the customer with their new car, or giving a small gift (like a branded keychain or goodies). The vehicle will have been cleaned (or if new, had the PDI done) and fully gassed up. On the admin side, the dealer will ensure things like the license plates are on (or temporary permits), insurance details have been checked, and any trade-in handover is complete. A well-executed delivery process leaves a final positive impression, increasing the likelihood of good survey scores and referrals. It's essentially the handoff from sales to ownership, and dealerships pay a lot of attention to it because a misstep here (like missing second keys, or rushed explanation) can sour an otherwise happy purchase.