Ready stock is available for dispatch; a pre-order is an advance purchase of an item that has not yet arrived at HMC. Before you buy, select the exact model and pack size, read its availability label and check the latest estimated arrival date. Ready stock and pre-orders ship separately, with shipping charges shown at checkout.
This guide explains the checks that help you choose the right option and understand what happens after you order.
1. Start with the option you want
A product page may offer a single car, a complete set or a factory case. Those options can have different prices and stock positions. A range appearing on the website does not mean every option is available.
Select your preferred option before reading the stock label. Check the model name, quantity and product description together. If the option changes, check again before adding it to your cart. Our sets versus cases guide explains the difference between buying a selected set and buying an assortment.
2. Understand ready stock and pre-orders
Ready stock has a different timeline from an item ordered ahead of arrival. Most in-stock orders are packed within 24 business hours, although busy launches, large arrivals and public holidays can extend processing time. Packing and dispatch are separate from the time your parcel spends travelling.
A pre-order lets you purchase an upcoming item before it reaches our warehouse. The product page provides the latest estimated arrival information. Do not treat an orderable pre-order as stock that can leave immediately.
If you are buying for a birthday, event or other fixed date, look for ready stock and allow time for dispatch and delivery. Check the shipping policy for current delivery estimates and contact us before ordering if the timing is essential.
3. Read an ETA as an estimate
An estimated arrival date describes when stock is expected, not a guaranteed delivery date to your door. Manufacturing schedules, supplier allocations, freight and customs can change that estimate. Stock may reach different retailers at different times, so another shop receiving a release does not confirm that HMC has received its shipment.
Check the current product page for the latest update. Once stock arrives, it still needs to be received, prepared and dispatched, followed by the delivery journey. Allow for each stage when deciding whether a pre-order suits your plans.
4. Check shipping for a mixed order
Ready stock and pre-orders ship separately. Mixed orders generally include a shipping charge for each shipment, so ready-to-dispatch items do not normally wait for the pre-order items to arrive.
Review the final shipping charges at checkout. If an order combining ready stock and pre-orders shows only one shipping charge, or the shipment timing is unclear, contact HMC so we can check the allocation. For an existing order, include your order number in your private enquiry.
Different pre-order releases can also arrive at different times. Check the information presented for your purchase rather than assuming every item will travel together or that one payment always covers every shipment.
5. Read the release-specific contents
The availability label explains timing; the description explains what you are buying. For assortments, read the listed castings, quantities and any conditions affecting the final mix. A larger case can include duplicates. It should not be treated as several complete sets unless the listing confirms that configuration.
A chase is not guaranteed unless the specific listing expressly says it is. Agreed sealed cases are supplied as received from the manufacturer or supplier. They can arrive double-taped, and that alone does not mean HMC has searched the case. We do not search agreed sealed cases for chase cars.
Your quick check before paying
- Have I selected the right car, set or case?
- Is that exact option ready stock or a pre-order?
- Have I checked the latest ETA and allowed for delivery afterwards?
- Do the checkout shipping charges match the shipments I expect?
- Have I read the release contents and any relevant conditions?
For the current ordering terms, read Important Information. If something is unclear, contact info@hotmatchcollectables.com before purchasing. A quick check now helps make the wait for your next addition easier to understand.