Wheels of Time products require reservation (pre-order) to insure that you have your model during our production cycle. Since all of our products are Built-To-Order, we have very limited left over stock to be sold once the product is released.  This is especially important for a small business like Wheels of Time, where the money is not tied up in inventory but is reinvested in new product stock for the benefit of the hobbyist  Therefore, it is critical that you don't miss the deadline date.