A pre-order is a purchase made for an item, typically a product such as a book, video game, or electronic device, before it becomes available for general sale. Customers place pre-orders to reserve a copy of the item in advance, often before it is officially released to the public. Pre-orders are commonly used in industries where there is high demand for new or limited-supply products. By pre-ordering, customers ensure they will receive the item shortly after its release date without the risk of it selling out.