FAQ TCG Pre-Orders
A preorder call list is just a list of customer contacts — first and last name, plus a phone number. Once we’ve received allocations (which products we’re getting, and how many) from all our distributors for an upcoming set, we work down the list and call each person to offer pre-orders.
To get on a list, call our game store and tell us the name of the TCG set you want to purchase. As long as the publisher has officially confirmed that date and our list isn’t already full, we’ll add you.
Being on a TCG call list is never a guarantee you’ll receive any product.
When we add you, we’ll ask whether you’d like your item(s) mailed (flat $5 shipping) or set aside for in-store pickup. Either works — and if you change your mind before we call, just let us know.
Call List FAQs
We open a list only after the publisher officially announces a set’s release date — in mm/dd/yyyy format — on one of their own channels (their website or a verified social account), like Pokémon Center for Pokémon or Bandai for One Piece.
Fansites do great early reporting, but they can’t reliably predict production or distributor delays, and they’re not always accessible to families with younger collectors — so we go by official announcements.
There’s no reliable answer — it depends on the TCG’s popularity, the specific set, and how much stock our distributors allocate to us. Any number we gave would just be a guess, so stay on top of official channels to get in early.
In that case, we skip the call list and make each product a release-day exclusive instead. (This is why we must stress that there is no guarantee of a product if we put you on a list!)Â
Working down a long list top-to-bottom every time one piece of a staggered set drops just isn’t something our staff can keep up with.
No. We don’t advertise or announce new lists — it helps discourage scalping. Just call our game store (or your nearest TCG-carrying Third Eye) and tell us the set you want.
No — you’ll need to come to us with the specific set you want to be called about. Blanket sign-ups are how scalpers sweep every major release before collectors get a shot (and it would defeat the point of having specific lists).
They’ll need to call their local TCG-carrying Third Eye and ask themselves — we can’t hold a spot for someone until they’ve called in.
- Annapolis: 410-897-1076
- California, MD: 301-737-8838
- Waldorf, MD: 240-412-0633
- Glen Burnie, MD: 240-665-5752
- Short Pump, VA: 804-716-0378
We can’t — it’s against company policy to share list placement. It’s strictly first-come, first-served, so the earlier you call, the higher you are.
Phone Call / Point-of-Sale FAQs
As soon as we get our allocations for a set, we start working down its list — anywhere from a month to a week (sometimes less) before release. We’ll call to tell you what’s available to preorder.
Over the phone — when we reach you, or when you call us back if you missed us (as long as stock lasts). We never do unpaid holds on TCG products, especially preorders.
We won’t know until we have all our allocations inhand. Limits (if any) get set the moment we start working the list.
If you were on the list, we did try to reach you. The usual culprits:
- The number on the list isn’t automatically the one on your Third Eye account — give us the right one when we add you.
- AI voicemail screeners (Google and others) sometimes block our call — whitelist us or turn it off in the meantime.
- A full voicemail box means we can’t leave a message — keep some space free after you join a list.
Yes, if you get back to us before closing that same day and there’s still stock. After that we usually close preorders to protect release-day stock, and we can’t guarantee availability.
Yes — we treat it as a refund. See our refund policy for details (Contact > General FAQ > “What is your return policy?”).
No, as this is all dependent on how many items we are allocated. There are times that we may not run the call list to begin with, if allocations are too tight, and keep the items as first come, first serve. The call list is a courtesy for us, but not a guarantee.
Usually, yes. To keep preorder limits fair, our staff may ask each person paying to use their own separate form of payment, case by case. (Parents and guardians paying for a young collector’s order needn’t worry about this.)
Order Pickup FAQs
You’ll get an email the moment your order’s ready. Don’t see it? Check your spam folder, or call your store.
We can’t promise it’ll be ready on release day, though — distribution delays and other things outside our control happen. We’ll email you the second it’s in.
Bring a valid photo ID and have your order number ready. (A student ID is perfectly fine if you don’t have a license, passport, or other government ID.) If you’d like a friend or family member to pick up for you, tell us ahead of time and give us their full name so we know the right person is getting your order.
Yes — once it’s paid for, your order is 100% guaranteed and we never reshelve it. If it’ll be more than two weeks after it’s ready before you can come in, a quick heads-up call to your store is appreciated. Your order stays with us for as long as it takes you to come get it.