Sure, they say it all the time. Prebook and save… but is it really true that you will come out ahead?

There is a risk. Both for the customer and the company.

On the one hand, you are committing ahead of time. This may be bringing in much needed resources – aka capital funding – to pay for the upcoming season. Companies who do this can also then forecast and make some estimated predictions on the volume they may achieve.

• Staffing.
• Inventory.
• Logistics.

On the other hand. Even with this early commitment, the rest of the forecast may not come true. This means you will have too many people on deck, too much – potentially perishable, trendy or dated – inventory and commitments for fulfillment that are not needed. A lot of waste and over spending but an obligation to deliver what was paid for in advance.

Sure, as a customer, you can earning a discount for an early commitment. But, the company could still run into shortages in manufacturing, failings in design or R&D, as well as completely depleting their funds before being able to deliver.

It is up to you to decide, whether or not the risk worth the reward if you prebook and save. The problem is (and there is a problem) there is no right answer. So, you must decide if you will say yes, or pass on the offer.

~ Dawn aka Hat Girl