Being an international fan has its hardships - the distance, the time zone difference, the language barrier; the list goes on.
But these factors aren't things that cannot be overcome with determination and strategic planning. Over time, one learns to swiftly convert between time zones, identify key vocabulary in a foreign language, and communicate through virtual interfaces in order to sustain a sense of togetherness with their artist(s) of affection.
But these factors aren't things that cannot be overcome with determination and strategic planning. Over time, one learns to swiftly convert between time zones, identify key vocabulary in a foreign language, and communicate through virtual interfaces in order to sustain a sense of togetherness with their artist(s) of affection.
The responsibilities of being a fan also simultaneously develops one's critical thinking skills, especially when comparing and contrasting online shops for the crucial pre-order process. Primary factors of consideration are: base price, shipping costs and/or customs, benefits, and shipment speed.
While I do not consider myself a seasoned pro at purchasing from the online global market, previous experiences have led me to easily narrow down specific shop(s) at times of need.
YesAsia's delivery of Moonrise had not only been delayed, but also resulted in prominent dents on the CD in the process. (Not to mention: they had also exempted several of the preorder benefits that other retailers included.) As such, I looked towards other sources.
Locally- or domestically-operated group orders were another option, though forgetfulness and inefficient preparations on the GOM side easily resulted in extensive delays with no reduction in charges. West Coast-based GOs were ruled out as well.
YesAsia's delivery of Moonrise had not only been delayed, but also resulted in prominent dents on the CD in the process. (Not to mention: they had also exempted several of the preorder benefits that other retailers included.) As such, I looked towards other sources.
Locally- or domestically-operated group orders were another option, though forgetfulness and inefficient preparations on the GOM side easily resulted in extensive delays with no reduction in charges. West Coast-based GOs were ruled out as well.
Purchasing from Ktown4U was a first for me, but it did not disappoint in the slightest. The ever-expensive EMS was the single option for shipping, but it's speedy delivery was well worth it. A partially enclosed poster tube and three copies of Eyes On You arrived on my doorstep merely two days following the offline release.
A breakdown of the three versions can be found below:
- Eyes Ver. - cover design is slightly chaotic, high quality photos (Jinyoung made my heart stop again)
- On Ver. - cover design was adorable and, hands down, my favourite of the trio, high quality photos of every single member
- You Ver. - cover design is pleasant to gaze at though members appear to be too tiny, photos are of decent quality (the boys look great, but not stunning).
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Each version contained a small selection of photos from the other two jackets; variants included the underside of the sleeve, photocards, and mini posters.
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As luck would have it, I pulled a 왕개박개 sleeve/photocard/mini poster set for Eyes, then another Jinyoung mini poster for You!
The preorder bonus, Lookbook, carried a randomly-inserted photostrip. To my utter shock, Jinyoung appeared in all three booklets! (Oddly enough, this was the case for a certain potato's order as well...)
The preorder bonus, Lookbook, carried a randomly-inserted photostrip. To my utter shock, Jinyoung appeared in all three booklets! (Oddly enough, this was the case for a certain potato's order as well...)
Here's to hoping that Look will sweep the charts and finally crown our beloved Im Leader with the tangible recognition he deserves! Ahgases, keep streaming!!
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