It's $1,000. I think a lot of people in the tech community can afford to part with $1,000 for a while. It's fully refundable until you actually convert your reservation into a concrete order, so you can change your mind later.

I'm thinking about getting a second car for my family. I don't need it immediately. A Model 3 sounds like it would be perfect for the job. I put $1,000 down to reserve one just in case. If I decide I don't want it, I'll get my money back. I'll miss out on maybe $15 of interest on that money in the intervening time, big deal.