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If you’ve shopped for a new car or truck in the last couple of years, you’ve probably noticed something: the exact model you want isn’t always sitting on the lot. Maybe the color’s not right, or the trim doesn’t have the tow package you need, or the features you were hoping for just aren’t there. A lot of Ohio buyers end up walking around the dealership thinking, “I like this… but I wish it had ____.”

That’s exactly why more people are ordering their vehicle instead of settling for what happens to be available.

Ordering used to feel like something only big fleet buyers did. Now it’s become a normal, practical way for everyday shoppers to get a vehicle built exactly the way they want it – nothing extra, nothing missing.

Why More Shoppers in Ohio Are Ordering Now

One thing that changed people’s minds is time. During the last few years, inventory everywhere got tighter, and many customers realized that waiting a few extra weeks for the right setup was better than compromising on a truck or SUV they’d be living with for years.

Ohio buyers, especially RAM truck shoppers, tend to be pretty specific about what they need. Someone in Sidney wants a truck that can handle winter driving and towing. Someone in Troy might be looking for a certain bed length. Dayton buyers often care about tech and comfort features because they spend a lot of time on the highway. Ordering lets you skip the hunt and just build the thing you actually want.

The Process Is a Lot Simpler Than People Expect

When people hear “ordering,” they imagine something complicated: long paperwork sessions, endless back-and-forth, unclear pricing. In reality, the steps are pretty straightforward.

You sit down with the team, talk through what matters to you, and build the trim, engine, colors, packages, and features that actually fit your life. It’s almost the same as buying off the lot, except instead of pointing at a specific VIN, you’re pointing at a build sheet.

After that, the order goes into the Chrysler or RAM system, and the factory takes it from there.

Most folks say the easiest part is knowing they’re not paying for features they don’t need. They’re not stuck with the wrong wheels or a tech package they don’t care about. They’re getting something tailored, not something that “sort of works.”

How Long Does It Take?

Timing depends on the model and how busy the factory is, but most orders fall into a predictable window. Some trucks come quicker, some take a little longer, but buyers generally find the wait worth it because they know exactly what’s coming.

The benefit for Ohio customers is that the dealership keeps you updated along the way. You’re not left to wonder whether your build is sitting in a lot somewhere. You know when it’s scheduled, when it’s being assembled, and when it’s on its way.

Price Transparency Is a Big Bonus

Another reason people are ordering more: it takes guesswork out of the pricing conversation. You’re not negotiating based on what’s on the lot, what’s in transit, or what features you’d have to “accept” just to get the vehicle today.

With a factory order, everything is laid out on the build sheet, and you know exactly what you’re paying for. That’s a big deal for customers who want to avoid surprises.

Don’t Worry – Your Trade-In Doesn’t Have to Wait

One question we hear a lot is, “Do I have to wait to trade in my current vehicle?”

The short answer: no.

Most Ohio buyers trade in their old vehicle when the new one arrives. A lot of people keep their current car or truck during the wait and simply bring it in on delivery day. This keeps things simple and ensures you’re not stuck without transportation.

It’s Not Just for Trucks

RAM trucks are the most common factory orders, but we’re seeing more custom-ordered SUVs and vans too – especially the Chrysler Pacifica and Grand Cherokee. Families want specific seating setups. Commuters want certain safety features. And buyers who keep their vehicles long-term want the peace of mind that comes with choosing everything themselves.

Ordering gives them that control.

The Bottom Line

Most people who order a vehicle once say they’d do it again. It removes the compromises, the “almost right” builds, and the feeling of settling. Instead, you end up with a vehicle that fits the way you work, drive, and live here in Ohio.

And honestly, the process feels a lot less intimidating once you see how straightforward it is. At Sherry Chrysler, you tell us what you want, we help you build it, and the factory makes it happen. When it shows up, it’s yours –  exactly the way you pictured it.