Pre-order Information
What is a pre-order?
A pre-order is a reservation for an item before it has reached the shelves. This means as soon as the item arrives at our warehouse it will be shipped out to your delivery address (See below for multi item pre-orders with different release dates) before it is stocked on our site or other trade marketplaces. You can browse through our collections for pre-order items, they are labelled appropriately.
How do pre-orders work?
Pre-orders work almost exactly the same as a regular purchase through Otakumart, the main difference being the lead time before fulfillment. In most cases payment is required upfront just the same as a regular purchase however we can arrange Otakumart on account laybuys for pre-orders and we also have other buy now pay later options available at checkout.
Some things to note about pre-orders:
- Many photos of pre-orders are of a prototype and the final product may vary.
- Pre-order products are extremely susceptible to manufacturing and other release delays (We communicate any significant delays asap).
- NZ release dates for many products are not the same as other parts of the world, release dates in NZ are usually later.
What if the price changes during the release lead time?
Occasionally, the price of pre-order items change during their production/release lead time. If you have a pre-order with Otakumart and this does occur, you will always pay the lowest price that the item has been offered at. If you have already paid the higher price than the new price, the difference will be refunded. If the price of an item goes up however, no action is required, you have already reserved the item at the lowest price. This applies to any payment method.
My delivery address has changed since I placed my pre-order, what can I do?
Contact us via methods at the bottom of this page and we will be able to update the address on your order and invoice. One thing to note: If you have an account with us, changing your billing/delivery address will not update these details on your pre-orders.
I want to cancel my pre-order.
Pre-orders can be cancelled for any reason before order processing is complete however cancellations will be subject to a cancellation fee. See this page for more information regarding cancellation fees.
After order processing is complete, standard returns & refunds policy applies. Please contact us via methods at the bottom of this page if you wish to cancel a pre-order.
If you have multiple pre-order products or other items in a single order and choose to cancel, only the cancelled pre-order(s) will incur the applicable cancellation fee.
When will I receive my pre-order?
Pre-order estimate release dates will be listed on product pages. Please note: These dates are estimates only and the actual release can vary either side of the listed date. Release dates are defined as when we expect to ship pre-orders. Once the product has been released, our standard shipping targets apply. Release dates can possibly change without notice (In the case of minor shipping delays for example) however far more often than not we communicate delays via email. Information on delays can also be viewed through your account or on product pages.
Pre-orders items such as figures very often have delays in manufacturing and release dates are often very tentative. NZ release dates for many products are not the same as other parts of the world, release dates in NZ are usually 3-4 months later than Japanese release dates.
Manufacturer cancellations, binned products, & stock shortages.
From time to time, manufacturers will bin or cancel production of a product part way through the lead time. This can occur for a variety of reasons such as lack of interest in the product or difficulties with production. Rest assured, if for any reason Otakumart is unable to supply the item you have pre-ordered, you will receive a full refund, including shipping. There will be no fees or other costs/charges. Manufacturer cancellations are fairly rare but we have got you covered.
In the event of manufacturer shortages, pre-orders will usually be fulfilled on a first come, first serve basis however in some cases, stock may be rationed out.
Ordering multiple pre-order products that have different shipping dates in a single order.
For New Zealand based orders; if the order subtotal is over $200.00 NZD, items will be dispatched as they become available for shipping. Orders of less than $200.00 NZD will be dispatched once all items become available for shipping. International orders will always ship once all products are available for shipping regardless of cart value.
Ordering pre-order products with in stock products.
If the order subtotal is over $200.00 NZD, in stock items will be processed immediately and dispatched, pre-order items will be dispatched when they become available for shipping. Orders of less than $200.00 NZD will be dispatched once all items become available for shipping.