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The Madison Avenue Field GuideA field guide to marketing & advertising, by Brandon Mina

GlossaryRetail Media & CommercePre-Order

Retail Media & Commerce

Pre-Order

Letting customers buy a product before it is in stock or released, securing demand and cash ahead of fulfillment.

By Brandon MinaCEO, BrandPilot AIUpdated November 2026

Short answer

A pre-order lets customers buy a product before it is in stock or officially released. The order is fulfilled once inventory arrives or the launch date passes. Brands use pre-orders to gauge and secure demand, collect cash ahead of fulfillment, plan production more accurately, and build momentum around a new product launch.