Deposit ($1,000) is to hold your spot in line. The $2,500 fee is made when the order is actually placed and vehicle options are selected. Only upon configuration is there a real contract formed and I understand part of that contract says the amount is no longer refundable. $3,500 is less than 10% of the final price and well within normal business practices.
Go ahead and order a Dell computer and you will pay 100% in advance and wait for the custom build to complete and ship. Probably a restocking charge if you cancel even before shipping. So no real surprise here.
I believe your Ford or GM dealer may also ask for a small deposit when you configure your order. Not sure if that deposit is refundable if you purchase something else at a different dealer. Review your contract. GM or Ford dealer may not care too much if you bail out as they just put it on the lot. Go to the parts department and most will ask for the full price to order a part that is not stocked. No one even blinks at that.
Likewise most home improvement contractors will ask for a small deposit when you sign and ask for more when the work starts assuming it is a multi day or multi week project. Same day finish would ask for money when complete.
Just saying this seems normal and customary. $3,500 is not a huge amount on a $40,000 to $70,000 custom purchase. Remember there is no cooling off period as it comes to car purchases. No three day right to rescind the contract. You are all in once you sign whether that is with Tesla or any car dealer.
Yet throw in the name Tesla and everyone goes crazy.
