A retail arrangement exists where a large chain grants provisional approval for the purchase of a popular gaming console. This system allows customers to potentially secure a unit before general availability. An example would be a customer receiving an email confirming their eligibility to acquire the console at a specific future date, contingent upon stock availability and completion of the purchase transaction.
Such systems address high demand and limited supply challenges common with new console releases. The primary benefit is offering a degree of assurance to customers eager to purchase the product, mitigating the risk of immediate sell-outs. This method represents an evolution from purely first-come, first-served models, attempting to create a more equitable distribution process and customer experience.
