With every comeback, Stray Kids takes the world by storm—and their latest album, “ATE”, is no exception. The excitement buzzing through the fandom is electrifying. But for many fans, especially newer ones, figuring out how to properly preorder the album can feel overwhelming. Questions like “Which version should I get?” or “What is a POB?” are common, and navigating the maze of online retailers, group orders and exclusive benefits can be a challenge.
At The Kids Point, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. Whether you’re a veteran Stay or diving into your first K-pop album preorder, this guide walks you through the essentials—and all the little details—to ensure you get the most out of your support for Stray Kids.
Why Should You Preorder “ATE”?
Preordering an album isn’t just about getting it before anyone else—it’s about being part of a bigger effort. Every preorder counts toward Stray Kids’ overall success. When fans buy the album ahead of release, those numbers contribute directly to Korean and international charts like Hanteo, Circle and Billboard. These rankings determine music show wins, awards, and the global impact of the album.
On top of that, preorders often come with exclusive benefits—limited edition items such as special photo cards or posters that won’t be available after the release. For collectors, these extras are highly sought-after and make preordering a no-brainer.
When Do Preorders Start—and When Should You Order?
Once JYP Entertainment officially announces the release of “ATE,” preorders typically open immediately or within 24 hours across various online platforms. This usually happens 3–5 weeks ahead of the release date. During this window, albums are available with all the extra perks tied to preordering.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking you can wait until the last minute. Some benefits, especially store-exclusive items, can sell out quickly. Certain editions might also go out of stock due to high demand. That’s why fans are encouraged to preorder as early as possible.
Mark your calendars, set up alerts, and follow official Stray Kids channels—timing is everything in K-pop.
Understanding the Versions and Inclusions
Stray Kids albums are known for having multiple versions, and “ATE” is expected to continue that trend. Each version typically represents a different visual concept—one might be bold and dark, another soft and ethereal, and another vibrant and experimental.
So, what do you actually get in the album package?
- A photobook unique to that version, often packed with stunning concept photos
- 2–3 random photo cards, which are a major draw for fans who want their bias (your favorite member)
- Stickers, postcards, and lyric booklets
- A CD with its own themed design
- And if you preorder early, you’ll get exclusive POBs (Preorder Benefits) such as additional cards or posters
Buying different versions allows fans to experience the full spectrum of the group’s concept and collect every visual element of the comeback.
Where Should You Preorder From?
There are two main categories of stores you can preorder from: Korean-based shops and international/global retailers. The choice depends on where you live, what shipping costs you’re comfortable with, and whether you want your purchase to count for Korean or international charts.
Korean retailers like Ktown4u, YES24, WithDrama, and the official JYP Shop are ideal for fans who want their purchase to count toward Korean charts like Hanteo. They often offer store-exclusive preorder benefits and sometimes even access to fansign entries.
If you’re outside of Korea, you might prefer Amazon, Target, Barnes & Noble, or specialized K-pop stores like Choice Music LA, SubK Shop, or Cokodive. These stores often bundle their own perks or POBs, and they’re easier to navigate in terms of payment and shipping.
That said, always check:
- Does this store report to the chart you care about (Hanteo, Circle, Billboard)?
- Are preorder benefits included?
- Are the items official or reseller-based?
- What are the shipping fees and delivery times?
A few extra minutes of research can make a big difference in your buying experience.
What Are POBs—and Why Are They So Important?
POBs, or Preorder Benefits, are essentially exclusive extras given only to fans who preorder albums. These can include:
- Special photo cards (often store-exclusive and random)
- Mini posters
- Lenticular cards
- Postcards
Every store has its own unique POBs. For instance, Ktown4u may give out an OT8 card, while Soundwave might offer a rare holographic card or lucky draw entry. These items aren’t found inside the standard album packaging, making them extra collectible.
For photo card collectors, POBs are gold. Many fans try to preorder from multiple stores to collect every unique card across versions and retailers.
Group Orders: What You Should Know
Another popular way to preorder is through Group Orders (GOs). These are organized by fans (often on Twitter or Discord) who buy albums in bulk directly from Korean stores, sort the contents, and send them to participants.
Why join a GO?
- Lower international shipping costs
- Bias sorting—you can request specific members’ photo cards
- Access to store-exclusive POBs that might not be available to individual buyers
- Participation in fansign raffles (in some cases)
But it’s important to proceed with caution. Always join group orders from trusted hosts who provide order updates, receipts and track records of successful previous orders. GOs often take longer to deliver because the host waits for everything to arrive before shipping to individual buyers.
Which Version Should You Get?
If you’re only planning to buy one copy of “ATE,” go with the version whose concept you love most. Each will offer a satisfying experience, both musically and visually.
However, if you’re a collector—or simply obsessed—you might want to buy every version available. Some fans even buy multiple copies of each version to increase their odds of pulling their bias’s photo card.
That’s where budget planning comes in. Check for combo deals or bundle discounts from certain retailers and remember: quality over quantity is perfectly okay. Supporting Stray Kids doesn’t mean spending beyond your means.
Shipping and Delivery Insights
Shipping can vary widely based on where you order from. Korean stores may take a week or two after release to ship internationally, with EMS, DHL, and FedEx being faster (but pricier). U.S. or European stores may have albums in stock sooner or already on the way by release week.
Before placing your order:
- Double-check your shipping info
- Track your parcel if possible
- Be patient—customs and holidays can delay delivery
- Avoid using nicknames or fan handles if you’re joining a fansign raffle (use your legal name)
Don’t Forget Digital!
While physical albums are exciting, digital sales and streaming are equally vital—especially for global charting. Purchase “ATE” on iTunes or Google Play, and stream on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Every stream counts, especially during the first 24–72 hours after release.
Fans often organize global “streaming parties,” where Stays work together to boost the numbers in real-time. Joining in is a great way to feel connected to the community—and support the boys in a meaningful way.
Preordering Stray Kids’ “ATE” is more than just a transaction. It’s an act of love, support, and unity with millions of other fans around the world. From choosing the perfect version to securing that coveted photo card, every step of the process is a way to engage deeper with the music and the fandom.
At The Kids Point, we believe in empowering young fans to be part of something meaningful—and fun. Use this guide to navigate your preorder journey with clarity, confidence and excitement. Stay proud, Stay strong, and above all—Stay Stray!