I do not understand how eBay allows all these sellers to get away with pre-orders that are OVER 30 DAYS due to arrive.
Granted I know the situation with Wolf has been odd and he's been pushed back, sparsely release in February, etc.
But I've seen pre-orders on eBay for items that aren't due out till DECEMBER (Medicom Super Saiyan Goku).
I pre-ordered a Takara Batman (original release, this was a while ago) from ABC and it took quite a while for me to get him
As I look at it, many of these eBay defilers can be considered legitimate on-line distributors or businesses. I agree that you are correct, in that they openly defy eBay regulations.
With pre-screening comes pre-orders, it is an efficient way to move product to expedite cash flow, to minimise loan or asset dipping, and recover income. It has become a necessary evil to ensure possession of an artistic piece. It is set up differently to how Sideshow operates. Pre-order also seemingly ensures a cheaper price, an added incentive. It also means a set pre-order price will be more equivalent to what would normally be thought of as a discount price, that you might expect, usually after sales have waned. It reverses the, what may be thought of as, the normal chain of retail. A higher price all round, because these items sell fast at their quality, and for online distributors with less overheads, this is gold. This is where it is imperative proto type pictures accurately equal their production counter parts. A reputation Hot Toys, and such companies, has acquired and on-line retails are exploiting, and where Sideshow once was and needs to re-ascertain. Though even Sideshow, now, aren't informing us of edition size till after a pre-order has been underway for some time. This builds expectations and relies on collector frenzy to drive more rapid sales and thus turnover. Sideshow is smart to take advantage of possible new found alliances and in return share their expertise and experiences.
If you don't have a reliable distributor, your chances become slim, and you look to how you can obtain one from an off shore supplier. That comes in the form of ABC or Toy Square and such. Some items can mean you may miss out if you, don't yourself, break the eBay warning and take the pre-ordering risk.
It is how things are now. The on-line distributors move lots of product, warning of expected release times and possible delays. Ebay are happy to make money and have time run out before any recourse can be taken. You can always ask for a refund and, though possible, wouldn't rely on it. On-line retailers are often happy to oblige many requests, but rejection can offend.
Take comfort at on-line forums discussing equivalent experiences and knowing you're not alone in the same boat, and sorry for ranting on.
