When you can't find that hot new board game or limited-edition collectible on the shelf, a special order might be your only path forward—but wait times and costs vary wildly between retailers. Understanding what factors affect lead time, how much you'll pay extra, and which stores handle orders best will save you frustration and money. This guide breaks down the real timelines and logistics behind getting specific games and toys through special order channels.
Why Stores Use Special Orders
Not every toy or game warrants shelf space. Specialty retailers stock bestsellers and evergreen titles, but niche board games, obscure Japanese imports, rare collectibles, and pre-release titles often require a special order. This lets smaller stores meet customer demand without tying up capital in inventory that might sit for months. For you as a buyer, special orders unlock access to products that larger chains might never carry locally.
Typical Lead Times by Product Type
Standard Board Games & Puzzles If a title is in print and distributed domestically, expect 1–3 weeks. Most US distributors (like ACD Distribution or Alliance) fulfill orders within 2–5 business days, and stores typically place orders weekly or bi-weekly. A mid-tier Euro game or strategy title ordered on a Monday might arrive in-store by the following Thursday or Friday.
Limited Edition & Imported Games Expect 3–8 weeks. These items often come from smaller publishers or overseas distributors. European imports from Germany or Italy may route through specialty distributors, adding 2–3 weeks to standard timelines. Japanese games and anime-themed products sometimes require direct-from-publisher orders, stretching timelines further.
Collectible Figures & Rare Toys This is the wildcard category: 2–12+ weeks depending on rarity. In-print collectibles usually arrive within 4 weeks, but out-of-print or vintage items may require hunting through secondary distributors or direct manufacturer contact. Store staff may need to source these individually rather than from standard wholesale channels.
Pre-Order Games (Unreleased Titles) Lead times match the official release date plus 1–2 weeks for delivery and processing. Most stores receive pre-ordered stock a few days before the official launch, ensuring you get it at or near release day if you order early.
What Affects Your Wait Time
Several factors influence how quickly your order arrives:
- Store ordering schedule: Stores placing orders only once weekly will delay your request by up to 6 days before it even ships from the distributor.
- Distributor availability: A title in the distributor's warehouse ships faster than one requiring special requisition from a publisher.
- Shipping method: Rush or expedited shipping costs $15–40 extra but cuts lead time by 50%.
- Publisher stock status: If a publisher is between print runs or out of stock, your order waits for the next production batch—potentially 4–6 weeks.
- Seasonal demand: Holiday seasons (October–December) can add 1–2 weeks to timelines as distributors become backlogged.
Costs Beyond the Price Tag
Special orders rarely come cheap. Plan for these additional expenses:
- Special order fees: 10–20% markup on the base price is standard. A $50 game might cost $55–60.
- Expedited shipping: $10–40 depending on urgency and distance.
- Minimum order quantities: Some distributors require orders of 2–5 units; stores may ask you to cover extra costs if you're the only buyer.
- Deposit requirements: Many stores ask for 25–50% upfront to secure the order and confirm genuine demand.
How to Speed Up Your Order
Request expedited shipping at checkout if the store offers it. Ask the staff which distributors they use and whether the item is definitely in stock there—a quick check saves 2 weeks of waiting on a dead-end order. If you're flexible on variants (color, edition, language), mention that explicitly; alternative versions may arrive faster. Consider ordering in-print titles as soon as you decide you want them rather than waiting until they go out of stock.
Finding Reliable Specialty Retailers
Not all toy and game stores handle special orders equally. Look for stores that clearly post order policies, offer tracking, and provide realistic timelines upfront. Mercoly makes it easy to compare and find trusted Toys & Games Stores providers in one place, so you can check fulfillment practices and customer reviews before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cancel a special order after I've paid a deposit? Most stores allow cancellation within 48–72 hours if the order hasn't shipped to them yet; after that, you may forfeit your deposit or incur a restocking fee.
Q: Should I order from an online retailer instead to avoid waiting? Online retailers often have larger inventory and faster shipping, but local specialty stores provide personalized recommendations, same-day pickup for in-stock items, and support for your community.
Q: What if my special order item is discontinued before it arrives? A reputable store will notify you immediately and either source an alternative or refund your deposit; always confirm the store's cancellation policy upfront.
Start your search for the right specialty retailer today—compare options and read reviews on Mercoly to find a store that meets your timeline and service expectations.