Prereservation

Prereservation is the act of reserving or securing access to a product, service, or opportunity before it is publicly available. It typically involves submitting information and, in many cases, placing a deposit or paying a fee to hold the option to purchase or claim priority when the release occurs. Prereservation differs from a standard booking by taking place ahead of an announced release window and often without a guaranteed final purchase.

Applications vary by industry. In real estate and housing development, prereservation can mean a hold on a unit before official listing. In consumer electronics, fashion, or limited-edition products, it allows customers to secure a place in a preorder queue. In entertainment and travel, prereservation may grant early access to tickets, seats, or itineraries. Some programs use prereservation to gauge demand and manage production schedules.

Typical mechanisms include refundable or non-refundable deposits, non-binding holds, priority codes, waitlists, and explicit terms about eligibility and refunds. Deadlines, minimum commitments, and release dates are specified in the terms of service.

Benefits for buyers include priority access, price protections before general release, and reduced risk of missing out. For sellers, prereservation can improve demand forecasting and logistics. Risks include loss of money through non-refundable deposits, overcommitment, delays in release, and concerns about fairness or access for casual buyers.

Consumer protection varies by jurisdiction. Clear terms, transparent refund policies, and measures to prevent misleading marketing are common regulatory focuses. Prereservation is related to, but distinct from, pre-orders, waitlists, and traditional reservations.