Pre-Order & Backorder
Last updated: March 2026
At AnimeSeki, we offer pre-orders and backorders so you can secure your favorite items before they sell out or before they're available. This page explains everything you need to know before placing one of these orders.
Pre-Orders
A pre-order is an item that has not yet been manufactured or released by the publisher or manufacturer. By placing a pre-order, you are reserving your copy ahead of the official release.
How does it work?
Once you place a pre-order, we reserve that item with our supplier on your behalf. Your order is confirmed and held until the item becomes available and arrives at our warehouse, at which point it will be packed and shipped to you.
What are the estimated dates?
Each pre-order listing shows an estimated release date and estimated arrival date. These dates are provided by the manufacturer and represent our best current estimate — they are not guaranteed. Anime merchandise is frequently subject to production delays, quality control holds, and shipping delays outside of anyone's control. We update our listings when new information is available, but delays can happen without advance notice.
What happens if the date changes?
If a release or arrival date is pushed back, we will do our best to notify you by email. Your order remains active and will ship as soon as the item arrives. If a product is cancelled by the manufacturer entirely, you will receive a full refund.
Backorders
A backorder is an item that was previously available but is currently out of stock, or is on its way to our warehouse from our supplier. By placing a backorder, you are reserving your spot in line for the next available stock.
How does it work?
When you place a backorder, we note your order and fulfill it as soon as new inventory arrives. Restock timelines vary depending on the supplier and product availability. You will receive a shipping notification by email as soon as your order is on its way.
What are the estimated dates?
Backorder listings show an estimated restock date where available. Like pre-orders, these are estimates and are subject to change. We cannot always predict exactly when a supplier will restock a given item.
What happens if the restock date changes?
If a restock is delayed significantly, we will notify you by email. Your order remains active unless you request a cancellation.
Payment & Charging
Payment is collected at the time of purchase for both pre-orders and backorders — not at the time of shipment. This is standard practice for pre-order and backorder fulfillment and allows us to secure your item with our suppliers.
Mixed Orders (Pre-Order or Backorder + In-Stock Items)
If your order contains a mix of in-stock items and pre-order or backorder items, all items will ship together once everything in your order is available. We do not offer split shipments at this time.
If you would like your in-stock items sooner, we recommend placing them as a separate order.
Cancellations
We understand that circumstances change. Cancellation requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If a cancellation is approved, a 15% restocking fee will be deducted from your refund to cover the cost of reserving and processing your order with our supplier.
Cancellation requests must be submitted before the order has shipped. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled. To request a cancellation, contact us at support@animeseki.com with your order number as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add items to an existing pre-order?
Unfortunately we are not able to modify existing orders. If you'd like to add items, please place a new separate order.
Will I be notified when my pre-order ships?
Yes — you will receive an email with tracking information as soon as your order ships.
What if my pre-order item is out of stock by the time it releases?
Pre-ordering guarantees your spot. As long as your order is placed and confirmed, your item is reserved for you regardless of what happens to general stock levels.
I have more questions — who do I contact?
Reach out to us anytime at support@animeseki.com. We typically respond within 1–2 business days.