The shipping date is the expected shipping date. This date is the best possible estimate based on indications from our studio/printer and is almost always met. However, no rights can be derived from the expected date. You will, however, receive a nice wait-saving discount on a pre-order item. That much is true. Note: because the pre-order period and the production period partially overlap, it can sometimes happen that a product or size is already sold out before it arrives at our warehouse. So order on time! Should the product unexpectedly be sold out, please use the 'Unfortunately sold out - email me when available again' option during size selection for a handy email when it comes back in stock.