Online shopping has made it easier than ever to purchase products from the comfort of your home. But with the convenience of online stores comes a whole new set of terms and concepts that can sometimes be confusing. One term that often confuses, especially around new product launches or highly anticipated releases, is ‘pre-order.’
So, what does ‘pre-order’ mean, and how does it impact you as an online shopper? In this post, we’ll explain the meaning of ‘pre-order,’ how it works, and other key online shopping terms you should know to make informed decisions.
What Is a Pre-Order?
A pre-order is a purchase made in advance of an item becoming available for sale. Essentially, you’re ordering a product before it’s officially released or in stock. Pre-orders are common for products like:
- Newly launched gadgets (e.g., smartphones, game consoles)
- Limited-edition items (e.g., clothing, collectibles)
- Books, albums, or movies (often available before the official release date)
- Exclusive or highly anticipated products (e.g., designer collaborations or seasonal collections)
By pre-ordering, you’re securing your spot to get the item as soon as it becomes available, even if it’s not in stock yet. Pre-orders often come with the added benefit of receiving early access, special bonuses, or discounts, especially if you’re one of the first to reserve your copy or product.
How Do Pre-Orders Work?
When you place a pre-order, you’re committing to buy the item before it’s ready for shipping. Here’s how it typically works:
- Announcement: A company or retailer announces a new product, often with a set release date. It may be a product launch or a limited-edition item that you can only get by pre-ordering.
- Pre-Order Page: The retailer sets up a pre-order page where you can place your order in advance. On this page, you may be given details about the release date, availability, pricing, and shipping times.
- Payment: Depending on the retailer’s policy, you may be charged for the pre-order at the time of purchase, or you may be charged when the product is shipped. Some stores offer the option of a deposit with the balance due at the time of release.
- Release & Shipment: Once the product is officially released and available, the retailer will fulfill your pre-order, shipping your item as soon as it becomes available. In some cases, especially for high-demand items, pre-order shipments may take a little longer than usual.
Benefits of Pre-Ordering
- Secures Your Item: The biggest benefit of pre-ordering is that you’re guaranteed to receive the product once it’s available. This is particularly valuable for limited-edition or highly anticipated items that may sell out quickly.
- Early Access or Bonuses: Many retailers offer special perks for pre-ordering, such as early access to the product, exclusive content, or promotional bonuses (like discounts, accessories, or special packaging).
- No Risk of Missing Out: Pre-ordering ensures you don’t miss out on a sought-after product, particularly during high-demand seasons, like holiday shopping or product launches.
- Price Locking: In some cases, if you pre-order an item at a set price, you’re locked into that price, even if the product increases in cost before its release.
Things to Keep in Mind When Pre-Ordering
While pre-ordering can be exciting, it’s important to keep a few things in mind before placing your order:
- Release Dates Are Not Always Guaranteed: Release dates for pre-order items are estimates, and while retailers try to meet them, sometimes delays can happen. It’s important to be prepared for potential shipping delays or changes in availability, especially with high-demand items.
- Payment Policies Vary: Be sure to check the retailer’s payment policies. Some stores charge you right away, while others might only charge you once the item ships. Also, if you’re not ready to pay the full price upfront, see if the retailer offers an option for partial payments or deposits.
- Return Policies: Return policies for pre-ordered items can vary. Some retailers have more lenient return policies, while others may have stricter terms. Always check the return policy before pre-ordering, especially if you're uncertain about the product.
- Product Availability: Sometimes, a pre-order item may sell out quickly, and it might not be available when the release date comes around. If you’re on the fence about a product, it may be worth acting fast to avoid missing out.
- Canceling a Pre-Order: Not all stores allow cancellations of pre-orders, or they may charge a cancellation fee. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before committing to avoid any surprises.
Other Key Online Shopping Terms You Should Know
In addition to ‘pre-order,’ there are several other important terms that will help you shop smarter:
- Backorder: A backorder item is temporarily out of stock but will be shipped once it’s available again.
- Out of Stock vs. Sold Out: Out of stock means that the item isn’t available at the moment, but it may return soon. Sold out means the product is no longer available and may not be restocked.
- Limited Edition: A special version of a product released in small quantities. Pre-ordering often guarantees that you’ll get your hands on a limited-edition item.
- Drop: A “drop” refers to a surprise release or limited release of a product, often used for exclusive collaborations or high-demand products. Pre-ordering might be your best bet to get one.
- Exclusive: This term is used to describe products that are only available through a particular retailer or to a select group of customers (such as pre-order buyers).
Final Thoughts
Pre-ordering can be a great way to ensure you get the products you want, especially when they are new, limited, or in high demand. However, it’s important to consider the timing, price, and return policies before placing a pre-order to ensure you are fully comfortable with your decision. As an online shopper, being informed about terms like pre-order can help you make smarter, more confident purchasing decisions.
Next time you're browsing for the latest gadget, book, or limited-edition release, you’ll know exactly what to expect from the pre-order process. Happy shopping!
