Pre-Order & Backorder Policy
Last updated: 20 May 2026
This policy should be read alongside our Purchase Options and Cancellation Policy and Return & Refund Policy, which together form the complete set of terms governing pre-order and backorder purchases.
Pre-Orders
What is a Pre-Order?
A pre-order allows you to secure an item before its official release date, subject to our available supplier allocation. Full payment is collected at the time of ordering. By placing a pre-order, you agree to the terms set out on this page.
Estimated Release Dates (ETAs)
We endeavour to display an estimated release date on every pre-order product listed on our website. These ETAs are shown on the relevant product page and are provided in good faith based on information from our suppliers and publishers.
All ETAs are estimates only and may change due to circumstances beyond our control, including publisher or distributor delays, manufacturing issues, freight or logistics disruptions, and allocation or supply shortages. In the event of a delay, we will update the product listing to reflect the revised date. For significant delays generally exceeding two months, we will make reasonable efforts to notify affected customers directly.
Price Protection
The price you pay at the time of pre-ordering is the price you will pay, even if the retail price changes before the release date. We honour pre-order pricing as confirmed at checkout.
Dispatch and Release Date Conditions
Pre-order items will be dispatched or made available for collection as soon as stock arrives at our store. Where a publisher enforces a strict official release date, we are required to hold all pre-orders until that date. Orders will not be shipped or made available for collection prior to the official release date in these circumstances.
Mixed Orders
If your order contains both pre-order and in-stock items, the entire order will be held until all items are available unless you contact us to arrange partial fulfilment. Please email us at info@hobbycollectorsaustralia.com.au if you would like your in-stock items dispatched separately.
Allocation Shortfalls
Our pre-orders are subject to supplier allocation. In the event our allocation is reduced or insufficient to fulfil all pre-orders placed, we will prioritise fulfilment in order of purchase date. If your pre-order cannot be fulfilled due to an allocation shortfall, you will receive a full refund to your original payment method. We will contact you promptly if this occurs.
Product Cancellation by Publisher or Manufacturer
If a product is cancelled or discontinued by the publisher or manufacturer prior to release, your pre-order will be automatically cancelled and you will receive a full refund to your original payment method. No action is required on your part.
Pre-Order Cancellation by You
The following cancellation terms apply to change-of-mind cancellations. They do not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
| Timing of Cancellation Request | Outcome |
|---|---|
| More than 3 weeks before estimated release date | Full refund to original payment method* |
| Within 3 weeks of estimated release date | Store credit issued for the full amount — no expiry |
| Within 2 weeks of estimated release date, OR once supplier order is confirmed or goods are en route | Cancellation not accepted for change of mind |
*Where a refund is issued to the original payment method, no internal fee will be deducted by HCA. In limited circumstances, non-recoverable third-party payment processing fees may be deducted where applicable. This will be disclosed in writing before any deduction is made. For orders paid via Buy Now, Pay Later, please refer to the BNPL terms in our Purchase Options and Cancellation Policy.
To request a cancellation, please email info@hobbycollectorsaustralia.com.au with your order number and request in writing. Cancellation requests are not accepted verbally.
Pre-Order Does Not Guarantee Fulfilment
While we take all reasonable steps to fulfil every pre-order, a pre-order is placed subject to supplier availability. In the rare event an item cannot be supplied, you will receive a full refund to your original payment method. Hobby Collectors Australia will not be liable for any consequential loss arising from an unfulfilled pre-order beyond the refund of the amount paid.