Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Pre-order

In , a (or quasiorder) is a on a set that is reflexive—every is related to itself—and transitive—if one element relates to a second and the second to a third, then the first relates to the third—but lacks the antisymmetry required of partial orders, allowing distinct elements to relate mutually without . generalize partial orders by permitting such equivalences, which induce a natural where elements are identified if mutually comparable, yielding a structure that is a (poset). This framework underpins key results in , such as the extension of preorders to linear orders via or choice principles, and finds applications in (as preordered sets model approach relations), (where preorders enrich categories without strict identities), and (modeling preferences without indifference resolution). Unlike stricter orders, preorders accommodate "thick" relations tolerant of approximations or tolerances, as seen in resource theories or finite approximations.

Definition and Fundamentals

Core Concept

A pre-order constitutes a commercial transaction wherein a buyer commits to acquiring a product, typically via partial or full upfront , prior to the item's manufacture, release, or general availability. This mechanism enables sellers to secure customer interest for forthcoming goods, often specifying estimated delivery timelines to manage expectations. Unlike reservations, which generally involve no financial commitment and serve merely to hold a without , pre-orders bind the buyer through monetary deposit or charge authorization, thereby creating enforceable demand signals. In contrast, backorders pertain to delays for products already released but temporarily out of stock, without the anticipatory alignment characteristic of pre-orders. Central to pre-orders are elements such as advance collection, which secures product allocation amid potential , and the provision of delivery estimates to mitigate fulfillment uncertainties. This differs fundamentally from conventional paradigms, where precedes stocking and sales occur from existing , exposing producers to overproduction risks absent confirmed . By requiring commitment before availability, pre-orders facilitate precise demand gauging, allowing manufacturers to calibrate output and minimize excess , while streamlining supply chains through buyer-funded scaling. Such dynamics reduce financial exposure for sellers, as upfront funds offset costs and validate market viability prior to full-scale commitment. Prevalence of pre-orders has surged in , particularly since the early , driven by platform integrations that embed these tools into digital storefronts. For instance, Shopify's pre-order functionalities have gained traction among merchants, coinciding with the platform's exceeding $292 billion in 2024, reflecting broader adoption amid 's post-pandemic expansion to 18% of total by 2020. This growth underscores pre-orders' utility in validating demand and enhancing efficiency, as evidenced by their role in forecasting and optimization across online sales channels.

Historical Origins

The practice of pre-ordering emerged from 19th-century mail-order catalog systems, which allowed consumers to place advance orders for goods that would be manufactured or sourced post-purchase, thereby reducing producers' inventory risks and capitalizing on anticipated demand. , Roebuck and , founded in 1893 as a mail-order operation initially focused on watches and jewelry, expanded its annual catalogs to encompass thousands of items including , tools, and even prefabricated homes, enabling rural and urban customers alike to commit to purchases before items were stocked locally. This model addressed scarcity in remote areas and production uncertainties by aligning supply with verified orders, a causal mechanism that minimized while ensuring availability for popular goods. Following , mail-order systems proliferated amid economic expansion and rising consumer disposable income, extending beyond rural markets to urban households and diversifying into a broader array of consumer goods such as appliances and electronics. However, frequent delays in fulfillment—often due to bottlenecks or underestimated demand—prompted regulatory intervention; in 1975, the U.S. promulgated the Mail Order Merchandise Rule, mandating that sellers ship orders within 30 days or obtain buyer consent for delays, with options for refunds or cancellations to protect consumers from indefinite waits. This addressed causal frictions in scaling production to match advance commitments, formalizing accountability in an era when mail-order sales surged but reliability lagged. The 1990s digital revolution accelerated pre-ordering through online platforms, which streamlined order processing and amplified scarcity-driven hype for forthcoming releases by leveraging accessibility. Amazon.com, launching in as an online bookstore, facilitated pre-publication orders for titles with set release dates, allowing publishers to gauge demand upfront and mitigate printing risks while enabling global s to secure copies amid anticipated shortages. Into the , this evolved with broader adoption, where digital interfaces reduced transaction friction and integrated pre-orders into cycles for diverse products, driven by the causal interplay of lead times and consumer FOMO in an increasingly connected marketplace.

Economic and Business Mechanics

Producer Incentives and Benefits

Pre-orders enable producers to secure upfront payments from consumers prior to or full production, thereby generating immediate streams that can directly fund operational costs without incurring or expenses associated with loans. This mechanism is particularly advantageous for operations, where collected funds cover raw materials, labor, and assembly, as evidenced by strategies employed on platforms like that prioritize pre-order fulfillment to sustain during scaling phases. In terms of inventory management, pre-orders facilitate precise signaling, allowing producers to scale volumes based on verified orders rather than speculative forecasts, which empirically curtails and associated holding costs. This data-driven approach minimizes waste in capital-intensive sectors, such as those involving custom or high-variability goods, by shifting from push-based to pull-based systems responsive to actual market commitments. Pre-order initiatives also amplify efficacy by fostering and exclusivity perceptions, which drive heightened and contribute to elevated launch velocities. analyses report that pre-orders can account for 20-30% of initial sales in competitive markets, thereby compounding post-launch momentum through validated hype and reduced entry barriers to production scaling.

Consumer Motivations and Incentives

Consumers pre-order products primarily to secure guaranteed availability, especially for high-demand items prone to shortages, such as limited-edition or during launch periods. This motivation stems from rational concerns over , where pre-ordering ensures access without competing for post-launch stock, as evidenced in markets with uncertain supply like perishable or trendy goods. Additional attractions include exclusive bonuses, such as , special editions, or , which enhance perceived value; for instance, in , a 2023 YouGov survey identified to franchises as a leading driver among pre-orderers, often tied to these perks. Psychological factors like (FOMO) amplify these incentives, but empirical evidence links pre-ordering more directly to heuristics, where limited availability increases product attractiveness and prompts commitment before release. In launches, consumers rationally prioritize securing stock over waiting, as shortages can delay gratification by weeks or months; this behavior is particularly pronounced for innovative products where hype builds anticipation. Loyalty programs further reinforce participation by offering tiered rewards, though these are secondary to core availability guarantees. While pre-orders involve trade-offs like potential delays, consumers often accept them for the net value of incentives, with studies showing positive anticipatory —enjoyment from waiting—boosts evaluations and willingness to . Repeat pre-orderers, shaped by prior successes, tend to weigh perks higher than risks, demonstrating lower susceptibility to delays when experienced with the . This voluntary overcommitment reflects a calculated for exclusivity over immediate in sectors like and .

Broader Market Dynamics

Pre-orders function as a that lowers financial for producers by securing upfront revenue commitments from consumers, akin to reward-based but integrated into commercial sales channels. This approach enables startups and smaller firms to fund production without relying heavily on or loans, thereby promoting and a broader diversity of product offerings in competitive markets. Empirical indicates that pre-order strategies yield superior outcomes compared to traditional campaigns, as consumers exhibit toward uncertain ventures, preferring tangible commitments to forthcoming products. By aligning production volumes with verifiable demand signals, pre-orders mitigate risks and excess inventory costs, contributing to efficiency amid market volatility. This demand-matching reduces the economic waste associated with speculative , allowing firms to scale output precisely and stabilize pressures that arise from mismatched supply and fluctuating interest. In sectors prone to rapid shifts, such as , these commitments provide causal foresight into viable quantities, countering narratives of producer by demonstrating optimization grounded in voluntary participation. Data from metrics between 2022 and 2025 reveal pre-orders' role in accelerating market responsiveness, with conversion rates of 10-20% for pre-order campaigns significantly outpacing standard averages of 2-4%, facilitating quicker capital turnover and product refinement cycles. Global retail sales, bolstered by such pre-commitment models, reached an estimated $6.42 trillion in 2025, reflecting a 6.86% year-over-year increase that correlates with enhanced iteration speeds as firms leverage early for iterative improvements. This dynamic underscores pre-orders' contribution to macroeconomic efficiency, where reduced entry costs and validation foster sustained without distorting free-market incentives.

Applications Across Industries

Video Games

Pre-orders in the originated as a to secure physical copies amid and allocation limits, particularly for high-demand titles in the when was absent. Retailers allocated stock based on pre-order commitments, reducing the risk of shortages on launch day for consumers and publishers alike. Contemporary pre-orders, facilitated by platforms such as and the , have largely supplanted physical reservations, enabling instant access upon release alongside platform-specific perks like testing phases. Publishers frequently bundle incentives such as exclusive , weapon skins, or (DLC) to drive commitments, with digital formats allowing low-cost distribution of these bonuses. Deluxe and collector's editions amplify pre-order appeal by incorporating tiered pricing for enhanced value, often including periods, expanded season passes, or physical memorabilia like art books, which cater to dedicated fans seeking comprehensive ownership. These editions contribute to pre-launch revenue streams, with industry data indicating that 20-30% of a game's first-year typically stem from pre-orders, providing upfront capital to offset costs exceeding hundreds of millions for titles. The transition to always-online and digital-first models post-2010 facilitated broader in pre-order campaigns, as publishers could gauge without risks and iterate on based on reservation metrics. This evolution supports sustained funding for ongoing post-launch updates but exposes projects to scrutiny if milestones slip, as pre-order funds are committed prior to full . Despite persistent online criticism regarding unfulfilled promises in some cases, pre-orders empirically bolster financial viability, with 15-28% of pre-launch sales occurring on the initial availability day, affirming their efficacy in for studios.

Consumer Electronics

Pre-orders in consumer electronics, particularly for smartphones and hardware gadgets, enable manufacturers to anticipate demand surges driven by marketing hype and product reveals, allowing for precise production scaling to avoid shortages or excess inventory. Companies like Apple leverage pre-order data to ramp up assembly lines with suppliers such as Foxconn, where initial commitments signal volumes needed for global distribution. This approach has been integral since the iPhone's debut, with pre-order windows typically opening shortly after announcement events to capture early adopter enthusiasm. A prominent example is Apple's annual iPhone launches, where pre-orders frequently exhaust allocated stock within hours or days, directly informing manufacturing adjustments. For the iPhone 16 series announced in September 2024, pre-orders reached an estimated 37 million units over the first weekend, a figure used to guide component procurement and final assembly rates despite a year-over-year decline from the iPhone 15. Similar patterns occurred with the iPhone 17 series in 2025, where initial pre-order demand exceeded prior models in key markets like China, breaking local sales records and prompting accelerated production to meet release-day fulfillment. These volumes help mitigate stockouts, as evidenced by reduced instances of launch-day shortages compared to eras without robust pre-order systems, where forecasting relied more on surveys and historical sales. To incentivize pre-orders amid competitive launches, carriers bundle devices with service plans and offer trade-in credits, effectively subsidizing costs for consumers switching providers or upgrading. In the U.S., providers such as , , and commonly extend up to $1,100 in bill credits for trading in eligible smartphones like recent or models, applied over 24-36 months and tied to new line activations. These mechanics not only boost pre-order conversions but also secure long-term subscriber lock-in, with empirical carrier reports indicating higher retention rates from bundled pre-order promotions. Such incentives have proven effective in high-hype scenarios, where consumers prioritize securing devices over waiting for in-store availability. A growing trend involves hybrid models blending traditional pre-orders with , particularly for innovative like wearables and smart home devices, where platforms validate prototypes through upfront pledges. has facilitated billions in funding since 2011, with many campaigns functioning as de facto pre-order stores that gauge viability before —raising $4.35 billion across by 2015 alone and continuing to support ventures. This fusion reduces manufacturer risk by funding development while providing consumers commitments, though it introduces delivery uncertainties absent in established brand pre-orders like those from Apple or .

Publishing and Books

In the publishing industry, pre-orders serve as a critical mechanism for demand and optimizing print runs, allowing publishers to align production with anticipated sales and minimize overstock risks. Since the late , platforms like have provided real-time pre-order data that directly influences these decisions, with strong pre-order performance signaling publishers to increase initial print quantities for titles expected to perform well upon release. Publishers and authors leverage various incentives to drive pre-orders, particularly in competitive launches where early commitments boost visibility. Common offerings include signed copies or bookplates, bundled merchandise such as stickers or art prints, and exclusive digital bonuses like deleted scenes or author notes, which are especially prevalent in independent author strategies during the 2020s to build momentum without relying on traditional budgets. For instance, indie campaigns often promise limited-edition or discounts verified post-purchase, encouraging fans to order early from retailers like or independent bookstores. Pre-orders significantly impact bestseller positioning by concentrating sales velocity in the first week of release, as they count toward aggregated totals used by lists such as or Amazon's charts. This front-loading effect creates algorithmic advantages on platforms, where high initial rankings increase organic discoverability and can propel a title higher on charts, with reports indicating that targeted pre-order campaigns correlate with up to 3.2 times greater sales momentum in the launch period compared to non-pre-order reliant strategies. Such dynamics also inform author advances in subsequent contracts, as demonstrated pre-order success evidences market viability, prompting publishers to offer higher guarantees for proven performers.

Other Sectors

Pre-orders in the sector often manifest through limited-edition apparel drops, as exemplified by Supreme's strategy of releasing scarce items weekly, which generates immediate demand and minimizes risks by producing only to confirmed levels, with select collaborations extending into pre-order phases for custom runs. Similarly, brands leverage pre-orders for new collections to validate designs before full-scale , reducing deadstock accumulation that plagued the industry with an estimated $70 billion to $140 billion in unsold inventory value in 2023. In the toys industry, pre-orders facilitate production alignment for seasonal exclusives, such as LEGO's Holiday Express Train set or Pop! holiday figures, which are available for advance purchase to gauge demand during peak periods like , thereby curtailing excess stock and enabling just-in-time fulfillment. This approach empirically lowers unsold by tying output to pre-committed , avoiding the common in mass-produced toys. Crowdfunding platforms like extend pre-order mechanics beyond traditional via post-campaign "InDemand" phases, where backers continue pledging for products, effectively validating custom manufacturing volumes and bridging to commercial production without upfront inventory risks. Variations in models include subscription-based pre-orders for ongoing apparel or accessory lines, forecasting sustained supply needs and further optimizing inventory turnover.

Risks, Criticisms, and Regulatory Oversight

Inherent Risks and Consumer Drawbacks

Pre-orders expose consumers to production delays stemming from disruptions or manufacturing overruns, though overall fulfillment rates remain high, with successful brands achieving perfect order rates of 95% or above. Such delays, while frustrating, function as market signals prompting producers to refine and practices, rather than indicating widespread unreliability. Non-fulfillment remains rare in established channels, as pre-order commitments align producer incentives with delivery to preserve revenue streams and reputation. Quality shortfalls represent another inherent risk, particularly in complex products like , where pre-order funding accelerates development timelines but may result in launches featuring unresolved or optimization issues due to incomplete pre-release testing. Developers often prioritize core functionality over exhaustive polishing under time pressures, leading to post-launch patches that address glitches, though initial experiences can fall short of expectations. on bug incidence rates is limited, but high-profile instances amplify perceptions of beyond their frequency, as the majority of titles receive iterative fixes that restore playability. Consumers face pitfalls from sunk costs incurred by upfront payments, which identifies as a fallacy prompting continued tolerance of subpar products to justify the investment, even when turns negative. This can exacerbate when the delivered item mismatches hyped previews, a discrepancy fueled by emphasis on anticipated features over verified . Without immediate recourse baked into the model, such mismatches heighten dissatisfaction, particularly for novelty-driven purchases where expectations outpace reality. These drawbacks are mitigated through consumer agency in selecting producers with verifiable track records, as historical delivery reliability strongly predicts future fulfillment and quality outcomes. Informed evaluation of past projects reduces exposure to hype-driven errors, enabling higher alignment between pre-order commitments and actual value, thereby channeling market feedback to penalize inconsistent actors while rewarding competence. The Federal Trade Commission's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule, originally promulgated in 1975 and amended in 2014 to explicitly cover online transactions, mandates that sellers ship merchandise within the time promised or, absent a specific promise, within 30 days of receiving a properly completed order. If shipment will be delayed beyond these periods, sellers must notify consumers of the revised shipping date and either obtain express consent to the delay or offer an opportunity to cancel for a full refund. This rule applies to pre-orders by treating promised delivery estimates as binding shipment timelines, requiring sellers to disclose reasonable expected shipping dates upfront to enable informed consumer decisions. Refunds under the must be issued promptly upon cancellation requests or unshipped , using a method at least as fast and reliable as first-class mail, such as electronic transfer for modern orders, and include any overpayment differences if partial shipment occurs. Non-compliance can result in civil penalties enforced by the , with documented cases involving fines for failure to provide timely refunds or notifications, underscoring accountability for verifiable delivery promises over indefinite holds on consumer funds. State laws supplement federal requirements with variations on cancellation rights, often mandating clear disclosure of refund policies and allowing rescission for undisclosed material delays, though no uniform national standard exists beyond baselines. In law, pre-order agreements remain binding if terms are explicit, but buyers may revoke for substantial breaches like unnotified delays exceeding promised windows, particularly where time is deemed "of the essence" or under provisions permitting termination for non-conforming performance that impairs value. prioritizes documented promises in purchase confirmations, enabling s to demand refunds or without reliance on seller discretion.

Notable Controversies and Case Studies

One prominent case in the involved , developed by and released on August 9, 2016, following extensive pre-order marketing that promised expansive and multiplayer features not fully realized at launch. The game's failure to meet advertised scope led to widespread consumer backlash, with review scores plummeting and sales impacted despite initial pre-order success exceeding 1 million units. Platforms responded by extending refund policies; granted refunds beyond its standard two-hour playtime limit for dissatisfied buyers, processing thousands of requests in the weeks post-launch. Over subsequent years, revenue from pre-orders and sales enabled to release multiple free updates, gradually fulfilling promised elements like base-building and multiplayer, demonstrating how upfront funding facilitated iterative improvements without regulatory intervention. Similarly, BioWare's , launched February 22, 2019, after heavy pre-order promotion emphasizing shared-world shooter mechanics, suffered from technical instability, including server crashes and progression bugs that rendered gameplay frustrating for many. On , glitches reportedly caused system instability, prompting to issue full refunds to affected digital purchasers starting March 4, 2019, even after the standard return window. , the publisher, acknowledged shortcomings and released patches, but ongoing issues contributed to the game's service shutdown on January 12, 2026, with no further refunds offered for legacy purchases. This case highlighted platform-enforced remedies, as 's voluntary refunds mitigated consumer losses, underscoring market-driven accountability over calls for broader oversight. The December 10, 2020, release of by CD Projekt Red exemplified console-specific pre-order pitfalls, where versions for last-generation hardware like exhibited severe performance issues, including crashes and visual glitches, despite pre-release assurances. delisted the game from the on December 17, 2020, and provided full refunds to all digital buyers requesting them, affecting an estimated tens of thousands of transactions. CD Projekt Red facilitated refunds through other channels and committed to patches funded by launch revenue, which by had stabilized the title sufficiently for re-listing and expansions. This self-correcting response—driven by reputational pressure and platform actions—illustrated how pre-order capital supported post-launch remediation, countering narratives of inherent exploitation by evidencing developer incentives to recover trust. Beyond gaming, crowdfunding platforms mimicking pre-order models have seen outliers like the campaign on , which raised $13.3 million in pledges for a multifunctional cooler but delivered incomplete or defective units to backers years later, resulting in lawsuits and scrutiny by 2016. Such defaults, while generating headlines, remain statistically rare; analyses of data identify fraudulent reward-based campaigns as comprising less than 1% of projects, with most failures attributable to overambitious scoping rather than outright scams. These incidents prompted platform policy refinements, such as enhanced verification, enabling consumer recovery through chargebacks and legal avenues without necessitating systemic regulatory expansion, as empirical fraud incidence in analogs hovers around 2-3% globally. Critics of pre-orders often decry "pay-to-hype" dynamics, arguing they incentivize , yet evidence from cases like reveals upfront revenue enabling sustained patching—Hello Games invested years in updates post-backlash, transforming viability. Similarly, 's patch trajectory relied on initial sales to finance fixes exceeding $100 million in development costs. This causal link debunks overregulation advocacy by showing voluntary market mechanisms—refunds, delistings, and iterative —predominantly resolve disputes, with low fraud persistence indicating self-regulation efficacy over imposed controls.

References

  1. [1]
    Lecture 3 - Preorders - UCR Math Department
    A set with a relation obeying these rules is called a preorder. This is a fundamental concept! After all, humans are always busy trying to compare things ...Missing: mathematics | Show results with:mathematics
  2. [2]
    Rel: Properties of Relations
    A preorder is almost like a partial order, but doesn't have to be antisymmetric. Definition preorder {X:Type} (R: relation X) := (reflexive R) ...
  3. [3]
    preorder in nLab
    Dec 25, 2023 · A preorder or quasiorder on a set S S is a reflexive and transitive relation, generally written ≤ \leq . A preordered set, or proset, is a set ...
  4. [4]
    [PDF] symmetric monoidal preorders and applications to finite spaces
    If x ≤ y and y ≤ x, we write x ∼= y and say x and y are equivalent. We call a pair. (X, ≤) consisting of a set equipped with a preorder relation a preorder.
  5. [5]
    Preorder -- from Wolfram MathWorld
    A relation " <= " is called a preorder (or quasiorder) on a set S if it satisfies: 1. Reflexivity: a<=a for all a in S. 2. Transitivity: a<=b and b<=c implies a
  6. [6]
    [PDF] Order Theory - Columbia University
    If R is reflexive and transitive then R is a preorder (what we have also been calling a. preference relation)
  7. [7]
    [PDF] Sets and Correspondences - Berkeley Math
    Aug 27, 2010 · A relation R ⊆ A×A is called a preorder if it is transitive and ∆A ⊆ R. • A relation R ⊆ A×A is called an equivalence relation if it is a ...
  8. [8]
    [PDF] Resource theories: Monoidal preorders and enrichment
    Enriching in a monoidal preorder V (V, ≤, I, ⊗) means “letting V structure the question of getting from a to b.” All of the structures of a monoidal preorder— ...
  9. [9]
    Preorders: Meaning and How To Boost Sales in 2025 - Shopify
    Jun 7, 2025 · A preorder allows customers to buy products before they're officially released or restocked. Merchants collect full or partial payment upfront, ...
  10. [10]
    Pre-Orders For Ecommerce Stores: Meaning & How To Guide
    Sep 12, 2025 · A pre-order is an order placed for an item that is not yet released. For ecommerce pre-orders, retailers will either charge the customer when the order is ...Why offer pre-orders? · Why not offer pre-orders? · How to run a successful...
  11. [11]
    The advantages of pre-order and backorders in B2B e-commerce
    Aug 15, 2023 · Pre-order definition. Pre-ordering allows customers to guarantee their order before the stock has become available for purchase on the web store ...
  12. [12]
    Backorder Meaning, Causes, and Solutions - ShipStation
    Jul 14, 2025 · Pre-order vs Backorder Items​​ A pre-order is an item available for purchase that has never had available stock. This differs from a backorder ...
  13. [13]
    What Is Pre-Order in E-commerce? Definition, Benefits & Strategy
    May 1, 2025 · A pre-order in e-commerce is a sales model that allows customers to reserve and purchase a product before it is officially released or ...What Is Pre-Order In... · How Pre-Orders Work · Pre-Order Payment Models
  14. [14]
    Why Pre-Orders Make Sense for Your Business | Pimberly
    May 20, 2024 · What does pre-order mean? ... Buying a product that hasn't been released or manufactured yet is known as a preorder. Using pre-ordering to charge ...
  15. [15]
    4 Key Benefits of Pre-Orders for Retailers - HotWax Commerce
    Sep 12, 2022 · Pre-orders help retailers forecast demand more accurately for new product launches, which empowers them to make smarter product and inventory decisions.<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    The Ultimate Guide to Pre-Orders: How They Work, Benefits, and ...
    Jan 7, 2025 · Pre-orders eliminate guesswork by aligning inventory with actual demand, helping businesses optimize stock levels and avoid these common ...
  17. [17]
    Shopify Statistics 2025: Users, Stores & Revenue (Updated)
    Jul 22, 2025 · In 2024, Shopify's Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) hit an all-time high of $292.28 billion, marking a 24% year-over-year growth. With a 10.56% ...
  18. [18]
    Ecommerce growth from 2010 to 2020 | Red Stag Fulfillment
    Jul 8, 2025 · During this decade of eCommerce growth, that number more than tripled to 18%. Much of that growth happened in 2020, when eCommerce sales ...Ecommerce Growth By The... · 2010s In Ecommerce -- The... · The Good: Smart Devices
  19. [19]
    The early history of mail-order catalogs - Recollections Blog
    Jun 11, 2021 · Sears became a watch mogul. The company evolved into selling exclusively by catalog in 1893. This led swiftly to mail-order catalogs also ...
  20. [20]
    A Brief History of Mail-Order Catalogs
    Nov 15, 2024 · After the second World War, American consumerism continued to climb due to people having more disposable income than ever before. In return, ...
  21. [21]
    Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule
    The Rule, issued in 1975, requires sellers who solicit buyers to order merchandise through the mail, via the Internet, or by phone to have a reasonable basis ...
  22. [22]
    RAIL ORDER RULES ARE SET BY F.T.C. - The New York Times
    Oct 18, 1975 · If the buyer fails to respond to the seller's invitation, the mail‐order concern can construe that as a consent to another 30‐day delay. If the ...
  23. [23]
    Here's What People Thought of Amazon When It First Launched in ...
    Jul 3, 2019 · Amazon was founded on July 5, 1994, and launched its online store in 1995, letting people buy books from the comfort of their homes.Missing: pre- | Show results with:pre-
  24. [24]
    A Brief History of eCommerce: Past, Present, and Future
    Sep 15, 2024 · The 1990s were a transformative decade for eCommerce, primarily due to the invention of the World Wide Web by Tim Berners-Lee in 1991. The ...The Dot-Com Boom And Bust · Modern Ecommerce · Future Expectations<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    How To Run A Successful Pre-Order Sales Strategy - Forbes
    Jul 1, 2022 · As well as easing financial pressures and boosting cash flow, a pre-sales strategy can be a valuable way of gauging an audience's interest in ...
  26. [26]
    How To Set Up Pre-Orders On Shopify? Easy Guide & Tips
    Rating 5.0 (2,154) · Free · DeveloperUpfront Revenue: Pay Now pre-orders provide companies with instant cash. This advance income might cover manufacturing expenses, inventories, and other company ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  27. [27]
    Pre-Order Inventory Planning for Fashion Brands: A Complete Guide
    May 19, 2025 · 1. Reduces Overstock and Unsold Inventory · 2. Improves Cash Flow and Lowers Upfront Risk · 3. Enables Demand-Driven Design and Production · 4.1. Reduces Overstock And... · Get A Free Inventory Health... · Faqs On Pre-Order Planning
  28. [28]
    Pre-Orders for E-Commerce: How to Boost Sales, Forecast Demand ...
    Apr 9, 2025 · · Reduce overproduction and avoid excess inventory costs‍. For example, if a clothing brand receives higher-than-expected pre-orders for a ...
  29. [29]
    Pre-orders in eCommerce: How They Work & Impact Returns ...
    Jul 26, 2024 · Pre-orders are a purchasing strategy where customers can order products before they are officially released.<|separator|>
  30. [30]
    How Preorders Can Transform Your E-commerce Strategy - Mailchimp
    Preorders increase revenue, manage inventory, engage customers, build excitement, streamline supply chain, and help with cash flow and product launches.<|separator|>
  31. [31]
    Why It's Critical To Increase Pre-order Sales - Xsolla
    Between 20-30% of a game's first-year sales are made up by pre-orders. Don't be shy, share your game early and take advantage of the benefits a good pre-order ...
  32. [32]
    Do backers prefer crowdfunding or pre-order? An empirical study
    Nov 1, 2022 · Pre-order is the sale model in which the seller accepts orders from customers and guarantees the availability of the product before the official ...
  33. [33]
    Advance Demand Information, Price Discrimination, and Preorder ...
    Sep 4, 2012 · This paper studies the preorder strategy that a seller may use to sell a perishable product in an uncertain market with heterogeneous consumers.
  34. [34]
    Why do gamers preorder video games? - YouGov
    May 30, 2023 · When those who do preorder games are asked why, the most popular motivations include brand loyalty – i.e. that the game is part of a franchise ...
  35. [35]
    Scarcity tactics in marketing: A meta-analysis of ... - ScienceDirect.com
    This research presents a meta-analysis of 416 effect sizes from 131 studies. Results show that demand-based scarcity is most effective for utilitarian products.Missing: pre- | Show results with:pre-
  36. [36]
    Marketing Psychology: Hacks To Use To Get More Pre-orders
    Marketing psychology is a branch of psychology that helps marketers understand how consumers think, reason, and make their purchase decisions.
  37. [37]
    "The Effect of Positive Anticipatory Utility on Product Pre-Order Evalu ...
    Sep 20, 2021 · This research presents a systematic set of four studies exploring how increasing positive anticipatory utility impacts consumers' pre-order evaluations.
  38. [38]
    The effect of the preorder strategy on consumers' product choice
    The results reveal that consumers who preorder are more likely to choose a high price, high performance option rather than a low price, low performance option.
  39. [39]
    To Wait or Not to Wait, or How Consumers Decide to Preorder
    Dec 15, 2021 · Customers are willing to delay the gratification of their purchases via preorders, especially when they are offered something that they can savor in the ...
  40. [40]
    Pre order: Pre Order Success Stories: How Entrepreneurs Built ...
    Apr 8, 2025 · Cash Flow Management: Pre-orders can improve cash flow, providing the necessary funds to cover initial production costs without the need for ...
  41. [41]
    Do backers prefer crowdfunding or pre-order? An empirical study
    Oct 31, 2022 · The results indicate that pre-order items have better fundraising outcomes than crowdfunding projects, suggesting that backers are risk-averse on the ...
  42. [42]
    BEST PRE-ORDER CONVERSION STATISTICS 2025 - Amra & Elma
    Jul 25, 2025 · Offering special discounts or early‑bird bonuses drives pre‑order conversions up roughly 30%. 6. Tiered Access Reward Gain (25%) Implementing ...
  43. [43]
    36 Up-To-Date Ecommerce Statistics for 2025 - Backlinko
    May 5, 2025 · Retail ecommerce sales worldwide are estimated to reach $6.42 trillion in 2025, which is a 6.86% year-over-year increase.
  44. [44]
    When and why did pre-ordering games first become an option?
    Jun 2, 2014 · I remember that you could pre-order games in the mid-90's for sure. I think I still have some slips for Toys'R'Us pre-orders for N64 games.Why do people pre-order books? Are they afraid they will run out?Do you pre-order books? - QuoraMore results from www.quora.com<|separator|>
  45. [45]
    When did the 'Pre-Order' trend start and what do gaming companies ...
    Jan 28, 2022 · So when big releases came around, pre ordering was a way of guaranteeing that you would have a copy on release day and not have to worry about ...Serious question: Why are we pre-ordering games? : r/boardgamesHow common is receiving a preorder early? : r/BarnesandnobleMore results from www.reddit.com
  46. [46]
    Pre-orders | Official PlayStation™Store US
    4.5 15K · Free deliveryPre-orders ; ARC Raiders - Deluxe Edition · $59.99 ; ARC Raiders · $39.99 ; Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7 - Vault Edition · $99.99 ; Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7 - Cross- ...
  47. [47]
    Breaking Into The New Market: Pre-orders - Xsolla
    Most game companies these days opt for digital pre-order bonuses. These come with a lower financial overhead but are still effective at driving purchases before ...Missing: surveys 2023
  48. [48]
    Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses - Silent Hill f Guide - IGN
    If you pre-order the Deluxe Edition, you'll receive exclusive 48-hour Early Access that starts on September 23, 2025. It should also be noted that Deluxe ...
  49. [49]
    How Did Game Pre-orders Evolve From Physical To Digital?
    Sep 25, 2025 · How Did Game Pre-orders Evolve From Physical To Digital? Have you ever wondered how the way we reserve new video games has changed over the ...
  50. [50]
    Apple breaks records in China with high iPhone 17 preorders
    Sep 13, 2025 · The iPhone 17 launch is a massive success in China, with preorders for the new models breaking sales records in the usually turbulent market ...
  51. [51]
    iPhone Carrier Deals - Apple
    AT&T Get up to $1100 in credit after trade-in. · Boost Mobile Get up to $830 in credit. · T-Mobile Get up to $1100 in credit after trade-in. · Verizon Get up to ...
  52. [52]
    Our best deals on Apple iPhones, Watches, & iPads. - T-Mobile
    iPhone 17 Pro On Us. TRADE IN YOUR ELIGIBLE PHONE IN ANY CONDITION on an Experience Beyond or Go5G Next plan to get up to $1,100 off.Airtag 1 Pack Airtag 1 Pack · More Apple Deals From... · Explore T-Mobile<|separator|>
  53. [53]
    AT&T to Offer Apple's All-New iPhone 17 Lineup
    Sep 12, 2025 · Up to $1100 off (iPhone 17 Pro 256GB for $0) after 36 monthly credits. Req's trade-in of iPhone 13 or higher (excluding iPhone 13 mini) in any ...The At&t Difference · Additional Offers · The Latest Iphone ModelsMissing: bundles incentives
  54. [54]
    Financing Hardware Products: Kickstarter vs Indiegogo vs Pre-Orders
    2011: $138 million, 2013: $1.17 billion, 2015: $4.35 billion (source); 443 hardware ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  55. [55]
    Why Book Pre-Orders Matter - Carol Newman Cronin
    Jan 2, 2020 · First, strong pre-orders may influence a publisher's print run size. They can also bump up a book's rankings, which in turn determine ...Missing: history 1990s
  56. [56]
    How do pre-orders affect release day sales? - Books Forward
    Jan 3, 2023 · Historically, pre-orders have been viewed as a predictor of a book's success by retailers. If your book is making waves before publication day, ...
  57. [57]
    Book Preorder Campaigns & Offers: Current Incentives
    Find current and upcoming book preorder offers, incentives, campaigns and swag - perfect for collectors and book lovers. Updated weekly.Missing: bundles examples
  58. [58]
    How to Market Your Book with 13 Pre-Order Strategies
    Oct 17, 2023 · How to market your book with 13 rock solid pre-order strategies that will bring in early buyers and promote early sales and early reviews!<|separator|>
  59. [59]
    The Importance of Pre-orders - Brian McClellan
    Apr 21, 2014 · Why are pre-orders important? The most obvious reason would be bestseller lists. Pre-orders count toward first week sales that often determine ...Missing: history runs 1990s
  60. [60]
    7 Data-Backed Strategies to Become a Best Selling Author in 2025
    Sep 30, 2025 · Our analysis of 15 industry reports reveals authors who implement these 7 evidence-based tactics achieve 3.2x higher sales velocity within 12 ...
  61. [61]
    How Indie Authors Can Use Preorders to Crack the Bestseller Lists
    Nov 20, 2015 · This can cause your book to spike higher in the bestseller lists on release day, which increases the visibility and desirability of your title, ...<|separator|>
  62. [62]
    Pre-order is catching on as a solution to fashion's overproduction ...
    Apr 21, 2021 · They're using pre-order to reduce production costs and waste, achieve profitability, strengthen their DTC sales and boost their sustainability bona fides.Missing: toys empirical
  63. [63]
    Tackling Fashion's Excess Inventory Problem | BoF
    Jan 3, 2025 · Excess stock in the fashion industry was estimated to be worth between $70 billion and $140 billion in sales in 2023.Key Insights · Subscribe To The Daily... · Managing Inventory Is Key...
  64. [64]
    LEGO® Exclusives & Hard to Find Sets | Official LEGO® Shop US
    4.8 6.1K · Free delivery over $35 · Free 90-day returnsProducts ; Holiday Express Train. $129.99 ; Up-Scaled Santa Minifigure. $54.99 ; Death Star™. $999.99 ; Gingerbread AT-AT™ Walker. $59.99 ; Willy Wonka & ...
  65. [65]
  66. [66]
    Fashion is Facing Mountains of Unsold Inventory—Is the Pre-Order ...
    May 19, 2020 · “With pre-order and custom orders, you can minimize a lot of waste, because you're only getting what the customer needs. You aren't sitting down ...Missing: toys empirical
  67. [67]
    InDemand - Indiegogo | How it Works
    InDemand is the bridge between crowdfunding and commerce. InDemand is available to all campaigners after they meet their original campaign goal.How Indemand Works · Move Into Indemand · Indemand Faqs
  68. [68]
    Lessons From 6 Kickass Pre-Order Campaigns (eCommerce)
    Jul 17, 2025 · But this eCommerce pre-order campaign had a more far-reaching effect on the brand from various other angles: 700 million earned impressions. ...
  69. [69]
    7 Perfect Order Rate Statistics For eCommerce Stores - Opensend
    Apr 28, 2025 · Most successful eCommerce brands aim for a perfect order rate of 95% or higher to stay competitive in today's digital marketplace.
  70. [70]
    Pre-Release Bug Fixing in Game Development: expectation vs reality
    May 28, 2021 · Developers get more time to polish the game and fix video game bugs during pre-release, as well as a lot of quality feedback on support emails and forums.
  71. [71]
    Why do game companies launch games that are so buggy ... - Quora
    Dec 21, 2022 · All code has bugs. Some larger, some smaller. Some of these bugs are known, some are not. Each bug takes time to fix. Some bugs are simple.
  72. [72]
    The Sunk Cost Fallacy - The Decision Lab
    The sunk cost fallacy is our tendency to follow through with something that we've already invested heavily in (be it time, money, effort, or emotional energy)
  73. [73]
    How important is the developer's track record, delivery history, and ...
    Aug 31, 2025 · A developer with a history of successful projects brings predictability. You're not just hiring skills—you're hiring consistency. Delivery ...
  74. [74]
    How to evaluate a developer's reputation and track record...
    Jan 17, 2023 · A developer's reputation and track record can have a significant impact on the quality of the property, the completion of the construction, and ...
  75. [75]
    Factors That Affect the Level of Success of the Transaction between ...
    Mar 19, 2021 · It is, therefore, important that the developer acquires a track record of honesty, smooth interaction with home buyers, sincerity, risk sharing ...
  76. [76]
    Mail or Telephone Order Merchandise Rule - Federal Register
    Sep 17, 2014 · The Rule further requires a seller to seek the buyer's consent to the delayed shipment when the seller learns that it cannot ship within the ...
  77. [77]
    16 CFR Part 435 -- Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Merchandise
    (B) The seller has received from the buyer within thirty (30) days of said applicable time, a response specifically consenting to said shipping delay. Where the ...<|separator|>
  78. [78]
    Understanding the FTC's Pre-Order Regulations - Purple Dot
    Jul 25, 2025 · What the FTC has to say about pre-orders · 1. Provide a reasonable estimate of when you will be able to ship · 2. Communicate any shipping delays, ...
  79. [79]
    Business Guide to the FTC's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order ...
    If you ship some, but not all, of the merchandise ordered, you must refund the difference between the total amount paid and the amount the customer would have ...
  80. [80]
    How Comply FTC Mail, Internet or Tele Order Merchandise Rule ...
    If a customer asks to cancel, or if a seller decides to do it itself, a seller is required to promptly issue a refund. A seller in this situation cannot just ...
  81. [81]
    Customer Returns and Refund Laws by State - FindLaw
    Jan 16, 2024 · Customer returns and refund laws vary by state. Generally, federal law mandates refunds for defective products or broken sales contracts.
  82. [82]
    Return and Refund Laws in the U.S. - TermsFeed
    While no state laws truly require a Return & Refund Policy, there are circumstances where you need to make your Return & Refund Policy conspicuous at your ...
  83. [83]
    Contract delay or disruption? What can you do? - Clarion Solicitors
    Aug 13, 2025 · If your contract states that time or a deadline is “of the essence”, then any delay should allow you to terminate the contract and claim damages.
  84. [84]
    § 28:2–608. Revocation of acceptance in whole or in part. | D.C. Law ...
    The buyer may revoke his acceptance of a lot or commercial unit whose non-conformity substantially impairs its value to him.
  85. [85]
    What are the FTC laws regarding refunding pre-purchases if ...
    Customers must be allowed to cancel and receive a full refund if the new date is unacceptable. Failure to ship or refund within a reasonable time may violate ...<|separator|>
  86. [86]
    No Man's Sky Refund Claims Prompt a New Notice on Its Steam Page
    Aug 29, 2016 · Generally speaking, you're only eligible for a refund within 14 days of making a purchase and if you've played no more than two hours.
  87. [87]
    Sony offers refunds over Anthem game glitch - BBC
    Mar 5, 2019 · System crashes caused by bugs in the Anthem video game have led Sony to offer full refunds to players. Many people reported on social media ...<|separator|>
  88. [88]
    Sony Removes Cyberpunk 2077 from PS Store, Will Offer Refunds ...
    Dec 17, 2020 · Sony has delisted Cyberpunk 2077 From the PS Store. Update: CD Projekt says it will bring back the game as soon as possible.
  89. [89]
    Cyberpunk 2077's Disastrous Launch Gets Worse As Sony ... - Forbes
    Dec 18, 2020 · Sony has pulled Cyberpunk 2077 from the Playstation Store and is offering full refunds to anyone who purchased a digital copy of the video game from the online ...
  90. [90]
    16 Biggest Crowdfunding Scams and Failures of All Time
    Nov 16, 2023 · In this article, we shall discuss the 16 biggest crowdfunding scams and failures of all time. To skip our detailed analysis of the global crowdfunding sector ...
  91. [91]
    Characteristics and Detection of Fraudulent Crowdfunding Campaigns
    Oct 10, 2022 · This paper fills the gap by collecting, labeling, and analyzing publicly available data of a hundred fraudulent campaigns on a crowdfunding platform.
  92. [92]
    59 eCommerce Fraud Statistics (2025) – Latest Trends & Facts
    May 31, 2025 · Only 2.6% of domestic eCommerce orders were fraudulent in 2022 compared to 3.1% in the previous year. 3.0% of international eCommerce orders ...
  93. [93]
    Stop Giving Your Money to Game Publishers That Sell Now, Patch ...
    Dec 14, 2022 · We only need to look to EA's Battlefield 2042 and CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077 as examples. Those high-profile games were not anywhere near ...