New psychological tricks from the sales department
Still I think it's an interesting new sales model for both Linsoul and customers:
- Linsoul generates additional revenue by non-refundable micro payments for the reservations. And they get an estimate of interest in the product although this is only potential buyers (vs. actual buyers with pre-orders). Also, 1 USD is easily spent and provides another incentive for customers to purchase the product.
- For customers this means purchasing a 20 USD discount code (restricted to a single product) for 1 USD. Sure, that 1 USD is wasted if the code remains unused. But there is no commitment at this stage. Customers have the option for a discounted product but can decide after first reviews are out.
Sure, a pre-order can also be cancelled as long as it's not shipped. But this is only helpful if reviews are out early enough...
So I think the buy-a-discount model gives customers more flexibility with their purchase decision.
But probably the discount code expires very soon after release date

so not much time to decide then