What is the point of offering a BD for pre-order if there are no incentives? - Blu-ray Forum

Member-38928 · 07-02-2009, 03:29 PM

I was just thinking about a few upcoming blu-rays and I swung by Amazon to see what they were priced at... #1 was Gladiator $27.99 , not an impressive price at all. Even if it was something like $23.99 id feel better about pre-ordering it.

Does anybody do better on pre-orders?

geneboi · 07-02-2009, 03:31 PM

Amazon is well known to lower the list price by 1-2bucks closer to release date....

Most people pre-order to build on the hype and anticipation. My opinion that is...

geneboi · 07-02-2009, 03:32 PM

and i think your topic is on the wrong section.

Nth related to hot deals at all...

Moefiz · 07-02-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bentvalve

I was just thinking about a few upcoming blu-rays and I swung by Amazon to see what they were priced at... #1 was Gladiator $27.99 , not an impressive price at all. Even if it was something like $23.99 id feel better about pre-ordering it.

Does anybody do better on pre-orders?

Nope....with pre-orders you might fine it cheaper at some place but not by much the only place that I do any pre-orders from is Amazon, you can cancel at anytime before the order is shipped.

DreamReamer · 07-02-2009, 03:35 PM

I think people have more money that brains. wait a couple weeks and there are price drops.

riddick preorder was 24.00 frys just had it on sale for 10.00 month or so after release.

Blu-Runner · 07-02-2009, 03:38 PM

I've always thought pre-ordering was just a reservation of sorts, and not necessary at all. I can remember going into Electronics Boutique or Software, Etc. as a wee lad (now collectively formed into GameStop), and the clerks were always like "If you don't pre-order Orcarina of Time or Chrono Cross, you won't find it on release day". B.S. I just walked down to Wal-Mart and picked up one of many copies on the shelves.

3p1ph3ny · 07-02-2009, 04:06 PM

It's all about marketing 101. Pre-orders is the "skimming" phase where people who want it badly will pay the price they dictate and when all those people have bought it at that price point and no one else is buying they'll start dropping the price to drive sales.

MikeekiM · 07-02-2009, 04:10 PM

I've never preordered...until recently...

I ended up picking up on the Lost Season 5 pre-order for December... I figure I'll monitor the situation and can always cancel before December comes around... But with the price match guarantee, I am sort of hoping for a limited time short-term dip in the price that I wouldn't catch otherwise, and then have my price automatically reflect the lower price...

And the pre-order isn't close to retail... Even at $49.99, it's no steal...but it's no rip-off either...

Blu-Benny · 07-02-2009, 04:12 PM

i've only pre-ordered when there was a sale (x-men trilogy for $48) or something like that.

i missed out on the lord of the rings sale on wbshop.com and was pretty upset about it.

otherwise if nothing sparks my interest, for a buck or 2 i'll go to my local best buy and grab it day 1 if it's a title i really want.

Rob J in WNY · 07-02-2009, 04:21 PM

Yes, the "hype" is a part of the option for pre-ordering.

I remember when Titanic was released on video back in '98. I pre-ordered mine at the store because of the claim that I may not find any on the shelves on release day...lol.

Release day finally came, and I went to the store to pick it up, and they had PILES of them out and ready. I was still glad to have pre-ordered (and pre-paid) it, but I take some claims of release day availability with a grain of salt. Nowadays, I can wait a few weeks for a sale price on a new release because I prefer to spend less than $20 on a BD title (like most people

), and a lot of sales promotions can get you well under $20.

Hmmm... The only BD title I have bought specifically on release day was Ghostbusters. It was $19.96 at Walmart and I had the Sony Pictures coupon for an additional $5.00 off.

AaronSCH · 07-02-2009, 08:35 PM

Retailers have traditionally used preordering to "lock in" a purchase prior to street date. It also enabled them to gauge consumer demand and order in larger volume to reduce the unit cost—something that was partially passed on to the consumer via discounts. However, Amazon doesn't offer such an incentive, so it is basically a very stupid thing to do unless you absolutely, positively must have it on release day—nevermind, it is always a stupid idea.

dash · 07-02-2009, 08:46 PM

the only time i preorder is when i feel like the price is to good to be true and only on amazon. for example, ghostbusters for 9.99 (stackin 2 coupons). i never ever preorder for the mere satisfaction of having it on the release day. for the most part, i just wait for a price drop

supersix4 · 07-02-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blu-Runner

I've always thought pre-ordering was just a reservation of sorts, and not necessary at all. I can remember going into Electronics Boutique or Software, Etc. as a wee lad (now collectively formed into GameStop), and the clerks were always like "If you don't pre-order Orcarina of Time or Chrono Cross, you won't find it on release day". B.S. I just walked down to Wal-Mart and picked up one of many copies on the shelves.

actually I've had that happen a couple times with games where I had to wait a few days extra to get it.

+ now with the exclusive content games are getting for pre-ordering extra gun color for gow2, demo early for kz2, some secret house in assassins creed 2 exc. I've got over 60 locked up in pre-orders.

As for movies I pre-ordered entourage season 5 and I was able to get it the first street date I guess bc amazon had it ready to go so I've been pre-ordering more stuff from them.

DetroitSportsFan · 07-02-2009, 10:30 PM

The only time I preorder is if a website has a really low price, and there's a chance it might go up before release day.

BlueMilkAndCheese · 07-02-2009, 11:06 PM

I never preorder.

AlaskaDon · 07-02-2009, 11:12 PM

If I'm browsing Amazon and see a title up for pre-order that I know for sure I want, then I usually go ahead and pre-order it. It's more of a convenience thing for me as I don't have to remember to do it later. That's especially true of catalog titles. For example, I know I want Towering Inferno in a couple weeks, and the chances are good that I won't be able to find it at all locally.

I quit doing that with box sets now though. I'm finding more and more often now that those can be picked up at the same price or less at Walmart or BB during release week. Since we have no sales tax here, I make out better buying locally if the prices are close.

JimShaw · 07-02-2009, 11:25 PM

I pre-ordered Knowing from Amazon for 23.99. At the same time, I ordered a book my wife that she wanted for 3.99=$27.98 total, free shipping

I save $$$ by not paying shipping, taxes or gas driving to Target to get Knowing for possibly 27.99 + 2.45 in taxes=$30.44

A savings of $2.46 plus a book for my wife plus not using gas driving to pick the Blu up.

That is why I pre-order

.

u_nick · 07-03-2009, 12:45 AM

I preorder for budget-sorting reasons. I know they wont be sold out or hard to find or anything. But just to get my buying habits in order. If I know I'm going to get something anyway, and if it's a price I dont mind paying, I'll preorder.

And I dont really thing of it as a pre-booking, but rather a pre-sale. Buying something now, just so I dont have to think about the cash when it arrives in retail.

I have zero problems waiting if I dont like the price.

liam1972 · 07-03-2009, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bentvalve

I was just thinking about a few upcoming blu-rays and I swung by Amazon to see what they were priced at... #1 was Gladiator $27.99 , not an impressive price at all. Even if it was something like $23.99 id feel better about pre-ordering it.

Does anybody do better on pre-orders?

I agree 100%. I want to build up my blu collection with older titles but I'll be damn if I'm willing to pay $24.99-$29.99 for catalog titles that have been on DVD for a couple years already.
For example, I've been wanting these titles for a while now, but no way I'm paying these prices.

Miracle - $24
The Guardian - $24
Across the Universe - $24

Theres no reason older titles like these cant be prices at $20 or less. We already pay a premium price for brand new titles, especially if you happen to miss picking up a new release the first week its out at Best Buy. I still cant believe how much they jack up the price after the 1st week. (See my Best Buy Thread for my ranting about that issue).

Travis · 07-03-2009, 02:40 AM

The only reason to pre-order is to get it shipped at the first possible moment. Pre-orders are great if you just can't wait.

07-02-2009, 04:21 PM	#10
Rob J in WNY Blu-ray Guru Member since:Dec 2008 Location:'Western' N.Y. State (MEMBER OF THE "ECPP")™ Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:30 Blu-ray collection:486 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15	Yes, the "hype" is a part of the option for pre-ordering. I remember when Titanic was released on video back in '98. I pre-ordered mine at the store because of the claim that I may not find any on the shelves on release day...lol. Release day finally came, and I went to the store to pick it up, and they had PILES of them out and ready. I was still glad to have pre-ordered (and pre-paid) it, but I take some claims of release day availability with a grain of salt. Nowadays, I can wait a few weeks for a sale price on a new release because I prefer to spend less than $20 on a BD title (like most people ), and a lot of sales promotions can get you well under $20. Hmmm... The only BD title I have bought specifically on release day was Ghostbusters. It was $19.96 at Walmart and I had the Sony Pictures coupon for an additional $5.00 off. Last edited by Rob J in WNY; 07-03-2009 at 04:29 AM.

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07-02-2009, 03:29 PM	#1
Member-38928 Banned Member since:Sep 2008 Trading Score:190	What is the point of offering a BD for pre-order if there are no incentives? I was just thinking about a few upcoming blu-rays and I swung by Amazon to see what they were priced at... #1 was Gladiator $27.99 , not an impressive price at all. Even if it was something like $23.99 id feel better about pre-ordering it. Does anybody do better on pre-orders?

07-02-2009, 03:31 PM	#2
geneboi Senior Member Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Singapore (ASIA) Trading Score:1	Amazon is well known to lower the list price by 1-2bucks closer to release date.... Most people pre-order to build on the hype and anticipation. My opinion that is...

07-02-2009, 03:32 PM	#3
geneboi Senior Member Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Singapore (ASIA) Trading Score:1	and i think your topic is on the wrong section. Nth related to hot deals at all...

07-02-2009, 03:35 PM	#5
DreamReamer Member Member since:Jul 2008 4K collection:66 Blu-ray collection:677 Blu-ray reviews:1	I think people have more money that brains. wait a couple weeks and there are price drops. riddick preorder was 24.00 frys just had it on sale for 10.00 month or so after release.

07-02-2009, 03:38 PM	#6
Blu-Runner Expert Member Member since:Aug 2007 4K collection:85 Blu-ray collection:203 DVD collection:3 Trading Score:16	I've always thought pre-ordering was just a reservation of sorts, and not necessary at all. I can remember going into Electronics Boutique or Software, Etc. as a wee lad (now collectively formed into GameStop), and the clerks were always like "If you don't pre-order Orcarina of Time or Chrono Cross, you won't find it on release day". B.S. I just walked down to Wal-Mart and picked up one of many copies on the shelves.

07-02-2009, 04:06 PM	#7
3p1ph3ny New Member Member since:Jul 2009	It's all about marketing 101. Pre-orders is the "skimming" phase where people who want it badly will pay the price they dictate and when all those people have bought it at that price point and no one else is buying they'll start dropping the price to drive sales.

07-02-2009, 04:10 PM	#8
MikeekiM Active Member Member since:Feb 2008	I've never preordered...until recently... I ended up picking up on the Lost Season 5 pre-order for December... I figure I'll monitor the situation and can always cancel before December comes around... But with the price match guarantee, I am sort of hoping for a limited time short-term dip in the price that I wouldn't catch otherwise, and then have my price automatically reflect the lower price... And the pre-order isn't close to retail... Even at $49.99, it's no steal...but it's no rip-off either...

07-02-2009, 04:12 PM	#9
Blu-Benny Michael Bay's #1 Fan Top contributor Member since:Aug 2008 Location:Wisconsin Home Theater Gallery:39 Blu-ray collection:552 DVD collection:108 Trading Score:138	i've only pre-ordered when there was a sale (x-men trilogy for $48) or something like that. i missed out on the lord of the rings sale on wbshop.com and was pretty upset about it. otherwise if nothing sparks my interest, for a buck or 2 i'll go to my local best buy and grab it day 1 if it's a title i really want.

07-02-2009, 08:35 PM	#11
AaronSCH Banned Member since:Sep 2007 Trading Score:1	Retailers have traditionally used preordering to "lock in" a purchase prior to street date. It also enabled them to gauge consumer demand and order in larger volume to reduce the unit cost—something that was partially passed on to the consumer via discounts. However, Amazon doesn't offer such an incentive, so it is basically a very stupid thing to do unless you absolutely, positively must have it on release day—nevermind, it is always a stupid idea.

07-02-2009, 08:46 PM	#12
dash Expert Member Member since:Apr 2009 Blu-ray collection:611 Trading Score:1	the only time i preorder is when i feel like the price is to good to be true and only on amazon. for example, ghostbusters for 9.99 (stackin 2 coupons). i never ever preorder for the mere satisfaction of having it on the release day. for the most part, i just wait for a price drop

07-02-2009, 10:30 PM	#14
DetroitSportsFan Hot Deals Moderator Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Michigan 4K collection:439 Blu-ray collection:2226 Trading Score:93	The only time I preorder is if a website has a really low price, and there's a chance it might go up before release day.

07-02-2009, 11:06 PM	#15
BlueMilkAndCheese Member Member since:Mar 2009 Blu-ray collection:140	I never preorder.

07-02-2009, 11:12 PM	#16
AlaskaDon Special Member Member since:Jan 2007 Location:Tennessee Blu-ray collection:-	If I'm browsing Amazon and see a title up for pre-order that I know for sure I want, then I usually go ahead and pre-order it. It's more of a convenience thing for me as I don't have to remember to do it later. That's especially true of catalog titles. For example, I know I want Towering Inferno in a couple weeks, and the chances are good that I won't be able to find it at all locally. I quit doing that with box sets now though. I'm finding more and more often now that those can be picked up at the same price or less at Walmart or BB during release week. Since we have no sales tax here, I make out better buying locally if the prices are close.

07-02-2009, 11:25 PM	#17
JimShaw Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Menifee, CA 4K collection:49 Blu-ray collection:1069 Trading Score:141	I pre-ordered Knowing from Amazon for 23.99. At the same time, I ordered a book my wife that she wanted for 3.99=$27.98 total, free shipping I save $$$ by not paying shipping, taxes or gas driving to Target to get Knowing for possibly 27.99 + 2.45 in taxes=$30.44 A savings of $2.46 plus a book for my wife plus not using gas driving to pick the Blu up. That is why I pre-order .

07-03-2009, 12:45 AM	#18
u_nick Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Jan 2007 Location:CT, US Trading Score:27	I preorder for budget-sorting reasons. I know they wont be sold out or hard to find or anything. But just to get my buying habits in order. If I know I'm going to get something anyway, and if it's a price I dont mind paying, I'll preorder. And I dont really thing of it as a pre-booking, but rather a pre-sale. Buying something now, just so I dont have to think about the cash when it arrives in retail. I have zero problems waiting if I dont like the price.

07-03-2009, 02:40 AM	#20
Travis Blu-ray King Top contributor Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Recliner Home Theater Gallery:71 4K collection:126 Blu-ray collection:2055 DVD collection:241 iTunes collection:40 Blu-ray reviews:4 Trading Score:14	The only reason to pre-order is to get it shipped at the first possible moment. Pre-orders are great if you just can't wait.

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