Question about Amazon.co.jp and First Pressings

[VanG]

I remember some people mentioned that you can email their customer service to check if the first pressing is still available, I'm just wondering do you ask in English or Japanese? /images/graemlins/sweat200.gif

And do you always get the first pressings if they said they still have it?

Thanks in advance.

[raistlinmajere]

You can ask in English. Japanese would probably be better if you know it. And no guarantees for first pressings, but if you order early, the chances are decent. Preorder if you really want to make sure, though.

I wrote to them in English a few months ago, and they told me pretty much "if we have them, you'll get them, and if we don't, you won't", when I asked them about some specific DVDs, so I'd try Japanese if you know it, and maybe you'll get a better response.

[Gersen]

[ QUOTE ]
MKVarana said:
I wrote to them in English a few months ago, and they told me pretty much "if we have them, you'll get them, and if we don't, you won't", when I asked them about some specific DVDs, so I'd try Japanese if you know it, and maybe you'll get a better response.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep, I got exactly the same response when I ask them (in english too)

Gersen

[Alucard]

[ QUOTE ]
Raistlin said:
You can ask in English. Japanese would probably be better if you know it. And no guarantees for first pressings, but if you order early, the chances are decent. Preorder if you really want to make sure, though.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think (although I'm not sure) that in order to be sure you get a first pressing, your order also has to ship on the release date of the item with the FP, and not later (delayed by other items etc.)

[slerch666]

[ QUOTE ]
Alucard said:
I think (although I'm not sure) that in order to be sure you get a first pressing, your order also has to ship on the release date of the item with the FP, and not later (delayed by other items etc.)

[/ QUOTE ]
That's what their customer service has told others here before as well. For the most part, even if I order a DVD a month or so late, I have scored the FP.

If you want to guarantee you get a first press, use CD Japan. (http://www.cdjapan.co.jp) You may pay more for an item, but if it says First Press is in stock, you'll get a first press.

And if you can't find a FP either place, shoot an email over to Hoteiya Las Vegas (http://www.hoteiyalv.com). They will ask their supplier if a FP is available and let you know. If you order and ask for a FP only, they will only order it if FP is available. Communication can be slow with them, however. And ignore the out of date website. They still operate (i order from them rather frequently).

[VanG]

Thanks everyone for the answer, looks like I won't risk ordering from Amazon.co.jp.

Checked CDJapan and it's out of FPs, I'll give Hoteiya Las Vegas a try first, if not then I'll just have to get from YJ Auction... :\

[Sweeped]

Just for future reference, I've never lost any FP to an AJ order. Personally for me I usually pre order any DVD on AJ and have always gotten the FP. Only when the FP is a box or something along those lines, do I order from CDJ, for obvious reasons.

[Fieri]

[ QUOTE ]
Alucard said:
[ QUOTE ]
Raistlin said:
You can ask in English. Japanese would probably be better if you know it. And no guarantees for first pressings, but if you order early, the chances are decent. Preorder if you really want to make sure, though.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think (although I'm not sure) that in order to be sure you get a first pressing, your order also has to ship on the release date of the item with the FP, and not later (delayed by other items etc.)

[/ QUOTE ]

Not true. It really depends on the popularity of the series. I've actually ordered items and still got the first press item a month later. Basically if it's a really popular series in Japan, then chances are you won't score the first press unless if you order early.

[AbeChinchilla]

well, I had the Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium Collection pre-ordered for over a month before it's release and I got the first press pack-in (two postcards).

It probably has to do with the pre-orders more than anything. Just gotta' try your luck.