Pre-Ordering, Pull & Hold, Package System, Hold Box - what is it? Call it whatever you want, but basically it's telling us what you want and then when we get it, we hold it for you. You may say to yourself, "I don't need this, I come in every week and pick up my stuff." Yes, that works, because we stock a wide variety of comics, action figures, collectibles, and various merchandise. But occasionally we sell out of the hot comics or we accidentally overlook ordering a particular item.
With your own "hold box" set up, however, you are guaranteed to get the items you want - no more hunting around for that single, elusive issue! Now you might be wondering how much this service costs... IT'S FREE! And on top of that, if you order enough titles, you can score yourself a discount!
The discounts are based on how many comic books and trade paperbacks (TPBs) you order each month. If you order 10-24 books per month, you'll receive a 10% discount. If you order 25 or more books per month you'll receive a 15% discount. This discount also counts towards most other items in the Previews catalog as well as most of your non-preordered purchases you make in the store.
For pre-ordering we ask that you fill out the Previews order book and return it to the store. All orders are then entered in a computer database, which we use to compile the monthly order. We prefer the order book instead of title lists for the reason that many comics and specialty items have a tendency to change the name of the items often and without notice. For example "Punisher" is now called "The Punisher" - anyone in our database that just has "Punisher" as a standing pull won't come up on our reports when "The Punisher" comes in. Also, if you just wish to just order a single issue of a title or a title for a limited time the order book ensures more accuracy in our pulling of your items. If you do not wish to purchase a copy of Previews every month, we can give you a free copy of the order book, and if you wish you can view a copy of the Previews catalog in the store.
Once you start pre-ordering it takes about 2-3 months for those specific items to arrive in the store. We start your discount immediately, however, based on your ordering volume. Also, we can provide you with the two prior Previews order books and place a backorder for the items you'd like. Keep in mind that the availability of any specialty items from those earlier catalogs are uncertain at best. We receive our Previews shipments every Wednesday (barring a holiday or UPS strike).
When you start pre-ordering items, we ask that you fill out the "Pre-Order Contract". This simply states the terms of pre-ordering, which are listed below:
- Order books must be turned in by the 22nd of the month. Any orders turned in after that day cannot be guaranteed.
- You agree to pick up all of your pre-ordered items at least every two weeks, unless prior arrangements are made.
- Certain pre-ordered items may be dropped after they were ordered and/or received. This is done on a case-by-case basis with the store manager.
- In the event that you are going to completely drop pre-ordering and are not going to pick up any of the remaining items or merchandise that hasn't arrived yet, you must pay a 15% restocking fee for items that you would normally not be allowed to be drop.
- Discounts are normally calculated based on the first order. In the event that your ordering volume goes up, your discount will also go up. If your ordering volume goes down for more than two months in a row, your discount will go down accordingly.
- For certain items we may ask for a partial or full payment up front before ordering the item.