The Dealing with the Dealer Process

I used James Bragg’s car buying process that he lays out over on the Clark Howard blog he posted. This is my experience with it. 

Again I made a new sheet. I created this two weeks before. I took Mr. Bragg’s process and guess what? Spreedsheet-ized it!

Sheet 5: Process

Every call I make saves another dollar.
First day	Call internet sales managers
	I am looking for Toyota Prius V Three, with no accessories. Any color will do except Blizzard Pearl (White).
	I am ready to buy by month-end, I am contacting limited number of dealers to get price proposals and I would like to get one from you.
	I will need both the price for the and an itemized out-the-door price by email by 11:00 AM tomorrow. I do not have a current Prius. I live in Orange County so you can calculate taxes accordingly.
	I will call/contact all responders the next afternoon to tell you the best out-the-door price I received and give you one shot to beat it.
Second day	Morning Call/contact those you have not heard from by 11am. Call and ask for missing information.
	Afternoon Call/Contact everyone that afternoon with best OTD.
	The best out-the-door price I received was $______. I am calling to give you one shot to beat it.
	Winner to confirm all numbers via email to _______ (no surprises)
	There will not be a third round.
	Make appt to sign papers and pick up the car.
Third day	Call/Contact other dealers to thank them for participating.

I would use this Sheet to focus myself before each call. This way I was sure each dealer had the same information to do their quote with. I also could note deviations from what I asked for.