Pre-Order Policy

How Pre-Orders Work: A Guide for Music Enthusiasts

Pre-ordering is one of the best ways to secure your copy of a highly anticipated release, especially limited editions and exclusive pressings. But in the spirit of transparency, we want to share what goes on behind the scenes.

As an independent record store, we place orders with labels and distributors well in advance, based on demand from our passionate community. But despite our best efforts, the number of copies we receive — and when we receive them — isn’t always in our control.

Sometimes we’re allocated fewer units than we ordered. Other times, they arrive late due to manufacturing delays, shipping issues, or label decisions. These moments are just as frustrating for us as they are for you.

We’re collectors too — we get it.

That’s why we run a clear queue system, communicate openly, and do everything we can to make sure you’re treated fairly. We’ll always keep you informed when something major changes, and if a record becomes unavailable, we’ll make it right.

Thanks for supporting indie retail and trusting us with your collection.

How we run pre-orders

At Bondi Records, pre-orders operate like a queue system — giving our community early access to secure their place for upcoming releases.

First in, first out

Orders are fulfilled in the sequence they are received. The earlier you place your pre-order, the sooner you’ll receive your copy once stock arrives.

Global sourcing means staggered arrival times

We work with over 20 trusted suppliers worldwide and place orders across multiple vendors to maximise our chances of receiving stock allocations. As a result, some items may arrive after the official release date due to staggered supplier dispatches and international shipping timelines.

Shipments arrive in waves

Most releases are delivered in waves. We typically receive an initial shipment around the official release date from local suppliers, then stock from our international suppliers, followed by additional stock approximately 4–6 weeks later. These staggered arrivals are common for high-demand or limited-edition pressings.

Placing Your Pre-Order

  • Pre-orders must be paid in full at the time of ordering — this ensures we lock in your copy with our supplier.
  • Once your order is placed, your position in the queue is secured.
  • Pre-orders are final and non-refundable if you change your mind after placing your order.
  • Should a title become unavailable due to supply shortfall, you will receive a full refund.

Fulfilment & Shipping

  • We fulfil pre-orders in queue order once stock arrives.
  • If you have ordered other in-stock items alongside a pre-order, we generally hold the full shipment until your pre-order arrives, to minimise multiple shipments. If you prefer to receive in-stock items sooner, we recommend placing a separate order for those items.
  • Because of global sourcing and multiple shipment waves, please allow extra lead time beyond the official release date.
  • We will only reach out if there is a significant delay, or if we need to change or cancel your order. Minor changes to expected arrival windows will not be notified unless they impact your ability to receive the item in a reasonable timeframe.

What Happens If Stock Doesn’t Arrive As Expected?

  • In the event the supplier allocates fewer copies than anticipated or the title is cancelled entirely, we will contact you with options.
  • You can choose to stay in the queue for the next shipment wave or opt for a full refund or store credit if you prefer not to wait.
  • We appreciate your understanding: many factors (manufacturing delays, allocation decisions by labels, shipping disruptions) impact vinyl arrivals and are unfortunately beyond our control.

Release Date Variations & Variant Changes

  • The record label or distributor sets the "release date" listed for a pre-order and can change without notice.
  • Because different pressings and colour/variant runs may ship at different times, there may be slight changes to the version you receive. If we receive a variant different to the one listed, we will update you and offer a choice of wait/refund where possible.

Thank you for supporting independent vinyl retail. Your enthusiasm helps us bring the best releases from around the world to Bondi Records — while the supply chain catches up, we’re honoured to have you in our queue.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at help@bondirecords.com if you have any questions.

Thank you for your continued support!