Is anime figure pre-ordering worth it? A practical guide for collectors

If you collect anime,  video game, or pop culture figures, you’ve certainly come across this dilemma: should you secure your favorite piece through a pre-order, or is it better to wait until it’s released to buy it on the regular market?

Here at Anikimi, we get asked this question almost every day. The collectibles market has changed dramatically in recent years. Between release delays, unpredictable price fluctuations in the secondary market (aftermarket), and rising shipping costs, deciding to place a pre-order requires strategy.

However, when you weigh everything up, the benefits of securing your piece in advance far outweigh the downsides. In this comprehensive article, we take a deep dive into the reality of the market to help you understand why pre-ordering anime figures remains the smartest choice to protect your collection and your wallet.

The advantages of pre-ordering: guaranteed stock and fair pricing

The perfect insurance policy for your collection

For many collectors, the pre-order button acts as a safety net for their collection. There are very strong reasons to secure a figure months before its official release:

•    Absolute stock guarantee: Some limited-run figures or extremely popular characters sell out during the pre-order phase before they even leave the factory. Pre-ordering ensures you won’t be left empty-handed or dependent on rare re-runs.

•    Avoiding inflated aftermarket prices: Who hasn’t seen a Scale Figure double or triple in price on the resale market just weeks after release? Pre-ordering protects your wallet against aggressive secondary market speculation. You know exactly how much you’re paying from day one.

•    Access to exclusive manufacturer bonuses: Several renowned manufacturers, like Good Smile Company or Kotobukiya, often include extra parts, interchangeable faceplates, or exclusive bases strictly for those who buy in advance during the pre-order phase.

Current challenges in the collectibles market

Transparency and managing expectations

Despite the obvious advantages, the pre-ordering experience also comes with its challenges. At Anikimi, we like to be transparent, so it’s important for collectors to be aware of these factors to manage their expectations:

•    Constant delays: It’s simply today’s reality in the hobby. Prototyping phases, mass production, and complex global logistics mean a figure scheduled for early in the year might get pushed back until later.

“The secret is to look at the bright side: manufacturers prefer to delay a release rather than deliver a defective product, ensuring you receive a flawless piece“.

•    Long-term budget management: Since releases can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year, it’s easy to impulse-buy too many pre-orders and lose track of future payments. The key here is proper planning.

When is it really worth pre-ordering?

Not all figures require the same level of urgency. To help you focus your collector budget, we’ve divided the catalog into two priority categories:

Figures you should pre-order (High priority)

You should prioritize Scale Figures from premium brands (such as Kotobukiya, Myethos, FREEing, or Alter) and characters from anime at the peak of their popularity or with very few figures on the market. Nendoroids from classic or highly anticipated series also tend to increase in value quickly post-release, making pre-orders the safest option to avoid paying double later.

Figures you can wait on (Low priority)

Prize Figures and certain mass-produced Action Figure lines usually have much larger stock runs and longer availability windows. Barring rare exceptions featuring overly iconic characters, these pieces typically stay available after release, allowing you to pick them up calmly once they come into stock.

How to pre-order safely and smartly with Anikimi

The right partner to secure your items

If you decide to go ahead and reserve that figure you want so much, the secret lies in choosing the right partner to avoid headaches. That’s where Anikimi steps in to transform your experience:

•    100% licensed products: Choosing an official anime figure store like ours guarantees you’ll receive an original product, completely free of fakes or knockoffs. We work directly with official distributors.

•    No customs surprises: Since we are based in Portugal, when you pre-order with us you can completely forget about surprise customs duties or import paperwork. The price on the website is the final price.

•    Armored packaging: We know how important it is to keep the original box in pristine condition. Every order at Anikimi is handled with reinforced packaging and suitable protective materials to ensure your figure arrives at its destination in perfect condition.

•    Free shipping in the Iberian Peninsula*: To make collecting even more accessible, on purchases over €60 (the price point of most premium figure pre-orders), shipping is free for mainland Portugal and mainland Spain.

•    Specialized customer support: Have questions about a figure’s scale, a manufacturer’s expected date, or want to update your pre-order details? Our team is always here to help with personal, friendly, and expert support.

Verdict: Is it still worth it?

Yes, pre-ordering anime figures is still very much worth it, especially if you’re a collector focused on detailed pieces, limited editions, or if you simply want your favorite characters on your shelf as soon as they drop.

The key to modern collecting is planning your budget, being selective with your pieces, and of course, choosing a trusted store like Anikimi to make sure your journey in the hobby is safe, transparent, and stress-free. We’re here to help you secure your next special figure!