How do you 'pre-order' something?

Question

I ask because I saw a notice in a games shop window exhorting passers-by to 'pre-order' their GoggleGames 3000X, or something. It struck me that if I were to go into the shop for that purpose, would they take my name so that they could take my order at a later date and no-one who was not on the pre-order list would be allowed to order at that later date?
Nah!
I presume they just meant 'Order your GoggleBox 3000X NOW!' as there's no such thing as a 'pre-order' - just 'order'.

Answer 1

To pre-order something, you go to the counter, or ask a sales person where to go to do so. They will take your name, and more than likely make you pay for it then. Places do it differently, some will just have it sent out to your house or you have to go back and pick it up.*they will tell you, or just ask*. This guarentees you will get one of these items.

There's a video store in my town...and you can pre-order movies before they come out for cheaper than they would be in stores such as walmart,target ect. You just have to pay for it right then and there, and they actually have it sent to your house (and no shipping!!)

Answer 2

"Pre-order" is just another marketing fad in which companies grab the consumer's attention for a hot product. What they are really trying to do is get the sales but pretend they are helping you, the consumer, get the item first. These game boxes are hot items because even though retailers order a certain amount for their stores, they can run out (this has happened to various products in the past like Tickle Me Elmo). So the consumer thinks he has to pre-order (you will be required to make a payment, if not just a partial one to hold the order) so that they can make a better estimate on the quantity to order from the manufacturer/supplier.

You're right - technically, you aren't pre-ordering, rather, just pre-paying!