Pre-Order vs Discounted Figures: Which to Buy
By Good Game Anime: Anime Figures and Collectibles | Published: 2026-10-18
Category: Buying Guides
Deciding between pre-ordering a figure and buying a discounted one depends on your budget, patience, and risk tolerance. This guide breaks down the trade-offs.
Quick answer
Pre-order if you want guaranteed availability and the lowest initial price. Choose discounted figures if you are flexible on timing and willing to accept potential stock issues or limited selection.
Why timing matters in figure collecting
The figure market moves fast. Pre-orders lock in a price before release, often at the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Once a figure ships and sells out, aftermarket prices can spike. Discounted figures, on the other hand, are usually overstock or slow-moving items that the retailer wants to clear. They offer a lower entry point but come with unknowns like longer wait times or limited variety.
Your decision rules for pre-order vs discounted
- Guaranteed availability: Pre-order if the figure is from a popular series or limited run. Discounted stock may sell out before you find a deal.
- Price certainty: Pre-order locks in the lowest price. Discounted figures are cheaper only if you find one you want; otherwise you pay more later.
- Patience for discounts: If you can wait months after release, discounted figures can save you 20–50%. But you risk missing out entirely if the figure is in high demand. Set a mental list of must-have figures to pre-order, and let everything else be a potential discount find.
- Condition concerns: Pre-orders arrive factory-sealed. Discounted figures may have shelf wear or be open-box. Check the product description carefully.
Example products to consider
- Lucky Star Kagami Hiiragi Trio Try iT Figure: A fully completed and painted figure, ready to display, approximately 190mm tall. Pre-ordering this figure at USD 16.80 gives you the lowest price and guarantees you get it when it releases, avoiding aftermarket markups.
Lucky Star Kagami Hiiragi Trio Try iT Figure - ENTRY GRADE DORAEMON Model Kit: An ENTRY GRADE model kit from Bandai, requiring assembly, priced at USD 3.10. Discounted at 38% off the original price, this kit is a low-risk entry point for collectors who enjoy building and don't need a rare item.
ENTRY GRADE DORAEMON Model Kit
Who should choose which path
Best for pre-order
- Collectors who want specific, popular figures without risk of missing out
- Buyers who prefer the lowest initial price and don't want to gamble on aftermarket
Not ideal for
- Budget-first shoppers who are willing to wait and browse for deals
- Collectors who only buy figures they can see in stock before paying
