Yes, that happens.
It’s quite often the reasonable reaction. Even more so if you know the dealer. Again, it’s another reason to wonder why dealers do this?
Here are some more thoughts that might help explain the behaviour … business process and seller interactions with a buyer …
My qualification is that I’ve worked in dealership businesses and think I understand the business model. Which requires any dealer absolutely MUST no.1 priority encourage the customer to visit your dealership and see, feel, touch, listen or otherwise experience the product first. Knowing that you are so much less likely to sell (anything) without that first step.
However, for any dealer, there is a constant tension, a question in their minds - “will they, won’t they” - buy as a result of their commitment, (of time and resources).
The way they deal with this, is often a result of their own personal experiences and learned behaviour with all prospects, over time.
I think when dealers are busy, or maybe doing okay (for business), they over “qualify” prospective business and overly protect access to their sales space and demo equipment.
The prospect “qualification” step can be too zealous.
And it’s almost always a missed opportunity.
I’ve seen this a few times in audio dealers too.
In my humble experience, despite tolerating a lot of “no sale” outcomes, your business is far better serviced by encouraging ALL customers. Even in a busy, successful dealership, there is time to accommodate reasonable requests. You just work it into your demo’ room schedules.