Wasn’t it a kickstarter product? I wouldn’t consider venture a pre-order, tbf.

Pre-orders are reservations with pre-payment.

Crowdfunding is, well, funding. You aren’t buying a product. You’re funding it, which comes with additional risks and benefits.

Of course, there’s always a possibility that a product is being funded using pre-orders, which is financially irresponsible (norm varies from industry to industry). But you must be a moron to pre-order a product from a startup you know nothing about and expect not to get scammed. Outright buying their product would be risky enough.

Take housing market. You’re pretty much always either pre-ordering or buying second-hand.

Pre-ordering physical goods is fine, especially if you expect a price hike and supply limitations after launch. I wouldn’t, but I can see how it would make sense.

It’s the digital goods that make no goddamn sense to buy before they’re out. They’re not limited in supply, and their return window is often too small.