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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Look around the Café about items that folks have pre-ordered and you can see what a bad idea this is.
You usually get teased that it's a limited run (only to find this isn't true) it's delayed for months and...when it finally does get released, you find you over paid for it. I'm talking strictly as a consumer. I understand there are production glitches. But, why throw our hard earned money away? I will never pre-order anything again.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
CardMaker Inner circle Ludwigsburg/GERMANY 1063 Posts |
Any special-to-mention experiences?
CardMaker/Bernd Maucksch
Finest gaffed cards for magicians |
mrunge Inner circle Charleston, SC 3716 Posts |
Yeah...anything in particular one should steer clear of at the moment?
Mark. |
Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
It's an overall feeling I have now about pre-ordering. I just don't see the benefit. Items are always delayed (that happens) and you your money sits in someone else's account. When it comes out, you find it less expensive elsewhere.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
Father Photius Grammar Host El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo) 17161 Posts |
I've only pre-ordered two items from the forums. Both came in on time, and at reasonable price. Though I would agree with you that I've read a great deal of threads about pre-release orders that do exactly what you say. Possibly these stand out because there tend to be more posts on them and they stay up as active threads longer, nothing like not getting what you paid for and late to get folks to start screaming.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
I should say I won't pre-order with dealers. Individuals that create killer magic for the community I feel should always get our support. If they get behind in the manufacturing, I'd be glad for them to take their time to get it right.I think that sort of creativity needs to be supported.
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
Mehtas Inner circle England, UK 1649 Posts |
Thanks for starting this thread Chris.
I've never been a fan of pre-order. I think it just creates an atmosphere that if you don't buy it now, you'll be left alone. I see NO reason whatsoever to pay money upfront and wait for it. I can understand that on things that are collectors items which costs great deal of money to make, which always come as limited edition and you need to jump on it before they sellout. but on things like card or close-up tricks... Which is the reason I've NEVER bought anything through a pre-order. With just a bit of patience I've managed to get pre-order stuff at half prices. |
cgscpa Elite user Ashton, MD 447 Posts |
When I got back into magic several years ago I attended a lecture where the performer was offering an exclusive publication that would run for one year and be published monthly, starting with the month after the lecture. I paid for it up front. It took about 30 months, many emails and many excuses to get all twelve issues. The whole experience soured me to pre-order anything (although publications could have its own thread!)except for one time, in a moment of weakness, and the transaction went well.
Personally, I'd rather give up the small discount (if any) and wait to order when I know the item is available to be shipped. It saves me any possible frustrations that often come with pre-ordering. |
KC Cameron Inner circle Raleigh, North Carolina 1944 Posts |
I have learned to read the reviews of people who actually have their hands on the item before I make a purchase. Too much hype. It has saved me a fair amount of cash.
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bugjack Inner circle New York, New York 1624 Posts |
I pretty much agree with you. In the case of individuals, it's great to support the creator and everything, but, on a pure consumer level, the product can usually be found cheaper once it's on the market. More importantly, however, even if one is okay paying the higher price (as I have been), the dealers get the product faster. I hate having pre-ordered for something and then sitting here on the Café reading the reviews of people who ordered from Hocus Pocus or Penguin while I'm still waiting. Also, if the "special offers" were really adhered to -- that is, runs were limited, or special bonus items only available through pre-order were not released to the broader market anyway -- then I'd be fine. But often the argument the dealer uses to get you to pre-order winds up being faulty once the product is released.
Also, the simple fact is, the last thing most of us here need is another magic trick. It is fun, however, to whip ourselves into the pre-release hype... but by not pre-ordering and waiting for reviews and feedback, we probably save ourselves money, time, and space in the proverbial sock drawer. |
DStachowiak Inner circle Baltimore, MD 2158 Posts |
I have only rarely pre-ordered items, and have not had a bad experience. Custom coin gaffs are only produced to order, and naturally require a pre-order. I have only dealt with one coin gaffer for these, and he has provided stellar service. Those who know gaffred coins will know who I mean.
I also have pre-ordered Darwin Ortiz' "Cardshark", but there is no risk involved here as I know Darwin and he has been keeping everyone up to date on the progress of the reprint. I would not pre-order from anyone I didn't know, unless I received good references first, from a source I knew and trusted. Don
Woke up.
Fell out of bed. Dragged a comb across m' head. |
boppies2 Elite user Arizona 422 Posts |
Ooch!!
I am still learning. Paid money February 2006. Lots of promises, so far no merchandise. I suppose it takes a long time to ship from the east coast. At my age, now I forgot what it was I ordered. Max |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Pre-Orders may have their place but the reputation of vendor really needs to be outstandingly good and well-known. A pre-order is not the same as "custom made". My experience with custom made items has been very good compared to pre-order. Too often, "Pre-Order" really means "I MAY get a source of this someday".
I've been the import business since 1969. As the magicians' silk importer, I can tell you that if it takes you a month to get it, go to Plan B. Dealers do not stock good silks very deep (keep a good backup stock) because they know I always have it in stock here in the States. There are over 300 line items always in stock. Shops can't afford to carry that. But waiting two weeks is a long wait. Pre-sales can be a gamble. Be careful. Bob Sanders Magic By Sander PS --- In many of the more advanced economies of the world buying/selling "Options to buy/sell" are legal but actual "pre-order sales" are not. In those countries the vendor must have title to existing goods before he can offer it for sale. |
Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Quote:
On 2007-08-28 23:51, boppies2 wrote: WOW. Did it evr show up? What shop?
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
Moonshadows New user 37 Posts |
I've nothing against pre-orders. But I do have against backorder. Like purchasing a bunch of effects and not receiving one of them because it's backordered. If a dealer places one of the items on backorder you'll probably know when you receive the order, so you have no control over that. Pre-orders you can control, you have free will. The customer has the freedom to choose.
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Review King Eternal Order 14446 Posts |
Back orders are a lot of fun because you open your package and instead of all your items that you paid for in the box, you have a slip of paper saying it's backordered. SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Of all words of tongue and pen,
the saddest are, "It might have been" ..........John Greenleaf Whittier |
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