For preorders, the waiting time will usually be mentioned in the listing. It tends to be really long for first-protocol designs to accommodate delays.
For re-releases that are custom-made to size, you should order at least 2 months in advance:
- 1-2 weeks for production
- Up to 1 week for domestic shipping
- 1 to 2 weeks for express courier shipping (DHL takes 3 days but is really expensive)
- Additional couple of weeks to adjust / touch up your costume
Understandably it’s not always possible to plan ahead, with new events, new dream dresses and new hit anime popping up suddenly. Please make sure you have back-up plans so you can still enjoy yourself at the event even if you have to make do without your new purchase.