Difference between GB and Preorder?

[granola bar enthusiast]

Is there really a difference between the two? I have been wondering since I got into the community. Thanks!

[HungerMechanic]

I think so.

GB is when you are in from the very start. As it is being launched and funded, with the full production time [other than IC] in front of you.

Pre-order is when the keycaps are already produced, but have not yet arrived at the distributor(s)/vendor(s).

For example, there was a GB for JTK Griseann / Royal Alpha back in 2021(?). You could get in at that point.

Later, in January 2022 or so, some vendors began allowing pre-orders for the sets. If you weren't in at the GB, you could still get in at that point, but at a higher price.

Basically, the cost to the buyer escalates from GB > pre-order > extras > aftermarket. Usually.

[tp4tissue]

It's like A vs C bonds.

Preorder is usually an investment,

GBs are speculative.


Then you fill the gap inbetween based on known members, etc.

[AlphaStudios]

The end result is the same no? You get what you want to pay for in advance.

[Leslieann]

Groupbuy is crowd funding, same as Kickstarter and really SHOULD be treated as such.
Pre-order is a part already designed (and sourced), hopefully by a fully operational company, otherwise it's just crowd funding under a different name.

Groupbuy is very sketch, it's an investment in a (usually) unknown entity, if it fails you lose your money with little to no recourse.
Preorder is only sketch if it's a new company or a company on the brink of going under. Odds are if it doesn't happen you get a refund.

[AlphaStudios]

Righttttt - I had not realised that GB was the sketchy verion. I thought and hoped that people would refund the money of the GB failed. I live and larns.

[tp4tissue]

Groupbuy is crowd funding, same as Kickstarter and really SHOULD be treated as such.
Pre-order is a part already designed (and sourced), hopefully by a fully operational company, otherwise it's just crowd funding under a different name.

Groupbuy is very sketch, it's an investment in a (usually) unknown entity, if it fails you lose your money with little to no recourse.
Preorder is only sketch if it's a new company or a company on the brink of going under. Odds are if it doesn't happen you get a refund.

//gasppp... speculative... speculative.....  groupbuy = gambling