What to Do If Your Pre-Ordered Figure Is Delayed: A Collector's Guide

Quick Answer

When your pre-ordered figure is delayed, first check the manufacturer's official announcements and your retailer's updates for a revised release date. If the delay is significant or you're no longer interested, contact the store to discuss your options, including cancellation or order transfer.

Pre-ordering anime figures is an exciting way to secure your favorite characters, but delays are an unfortunate reality of the hobby. Whether it's a scale figure or a Nendoroid, release dates can shift due to production issues, quality control, or shipping bottlenecks. Understanding why delays happen and how to respond can save you stress and help you make informed decisions.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the typical causes of pre-order delays, practical steps to take when your order doesn't arrive on time, and how to decide whether to wait it out or explore other options. We'll also highlight a few current pre-orders so you know what to expect when you order from Nekotwo.

Why Do Figure Pre-Orders Get Delayed?

Manufacturers like Good Smile Company and TAITO often announce release dates far in advance, sometimes a year or more. During that time, production schedules can slip due to factory capacity, material shortages, or the need for additional quality checks. For example, a figure might be delayed from its initial month to a later date to ensure the final product meets the company's standards.

Shipping is another common culprit. Even after a figure leaves the factory, it must travel to warehouses and then to international retailers. Customs clearance, port congestion, and carrier issues can add weeks to the estimated arrival. Retailers like Nekotwo typically provide separate 'US Arrival' estimates that account for these logistics, but those dates can change too.

• Always check the manufacturer's official website or social media for delay announcements.
• Keep an eye on your email for updates from the retailer about your specific order.

Immediate Steps to Take When Your Order Is Delayed

First, don't panic. Delays are usually temporary. Start by reviewing the product page on Nekotwo for any revised release dates or notes. For instance, a pre-order might show a 'Release Date (Manufacturer)' and a separate 'US Arrival' date, and these can shift independently. If the product page lists a new date, that's your most reliable source of truth.

Next, check your email for any order-specific updates. Retailers typically notify customers when a release date changes. If you haven't received an update but suspect a delay, reach out to customer support with your order number. They can confirm whether the manufacturer has communicated a new timeline.

• Set a reminder to check the product page monthly for updates.
• If you're unsure about the status, contact Nekotwo's support team—they're there to help.

When to Wait vs. When to Cancel

Waiting is often the best choice if you still want the figure and the delay is modest—say, a few months. Many collectors find that the wait is worth it for a high-quality product. However, if the delay extends beyond a year or you've lost interest, consider canceling. Check the store's cancellation policy; some pre-orders are non-refundable after a certain point, so act early if you're leaning that way.

Another option is to transfer your pre-order to a different figure that's releasing sooner. For example, if you're waiting on a Hatsune Miku scale figure that's been pushed to 2027, you might find a prize figure or Nendoroid that satisfies your itch in the meantime. This way, you're not stuck with nothing.

• If you decide to cancel, do it as soon as possible to maximize your chances of a refund.
• Consider diversifying your pre-orders across different manufacturers and release windows.

Diagnosis: Is Your Pre-Order Delay Normal?

• Symptom: Your order hasn't shipped by the original estimated arrival date. Check for official delay announcements before contacting support.
• Likely Cause: Manufacturer production delays or shipping/logistics issues are the most common reasons. Understand that delays are often out of the retailer's control.
• Corrective Action: Review updated product pages, check your email, and contact customer support for confirmation. If the delay is acceptable, wait; if not, consider cancellation or order transfer.
• Stop or Choose Another Option: If the delay exceeds 12 months or you no longer want the figure, cancel or switch to an in-stock item. Make a decision based on your current collection goals and budget.

Current Pre-Orders to Watch

• [Pre-order] Hatsune Miku - Hatsune Miku (Shimian Maifu Ver.) 1/7 Scale Figure Good Smile Company: Release Date (Manufacturer): Jul-2027; US Arrival: Nov-2027 This scale figure has a long lead time, so plan for a possible wait of over a year from pre-order to delivery.
• [Pre-order] Wuthering Waves - Augusta 1/7 Scale Figure Hobbysakura: Release Date (Manufacturer): May-2027; US Arrival: Sep-2027 Augusta's timeline is slightly shorter, but still requires patience; keep track of the pre-order close date to avoid missing out.
• [Pre-order] Hatsune Miku - Snow Miku (Snow Miku All Stars 2013 Ver.) AMP+ Prize Figure TAITO: Release Date (Manufacturer): Sep-2027; US Arrival: Jan-2028 Prize figures are more budget-friendly, but this one has a long wait; consider if you need a quicker collectible fix.

Pre-order delays are an inevitable part of collecting anime figures, but they don't have to ruin your experience. By staying informed, communicating with your retailer, and knowing your options, you can handle any delay with confidence. Remember, the wait is often worth it for a figure you truly love—and if it's not, there's always another pre-order on the horizon.