^^^^ Yup.
Kind of long, but I think some of of you will find value in this.......
I bought my 2020 Signature and 2021 Signature all over email, the dealer the sent a proforma invoice with all number down to the penny as to what I had to bring in.
They want you "to come in, we're close to that price". No reason other than beating you up for that last $500 - trust me, once you're in the dealership they know that in about 97% of the cases you'll give in, they have the numbers and have studied this thoroughly.
Currently, I'm emailing a dealer on a CX-50. Told him, I'll buy it for MSRP - TOTAL after all dealer adds, and doc fee, but before TT&L.
He asked "if I can sell you the car for that when would you come in" - I said "Saturday".
Then again today he wrote...
"I do not deal directly with price. That designated to my mangers. My job is to ensure that you are choosing the correct vehicle and making an educated decision. What time do you plan on coming in?"
replied - literally this........
"Unfortunately I don't do the "come in and let's talk". Your dealer sells cars all week long and someone at the dealership knows if this is doable. If it is, great, if not, I completely understand."
Again, they already know what they can sell you the car for, but once you're in the dealerhsip they can read how much you want or don't want the car. Fortunately my purchases have always been a want, not a need, and i am ready to say "this is my offer, if you want it, great, if it's too low, I understand, bye.
Oh, i also loathe the "if you come in then my manager will know you're serious" - BS, the price you can sell me the car is independalt on how serious I am. What changes is how desperate you think I am to drive away with a shiny and new $4,000 lb piece of metal.