Pre-ordering Albums from Kpoptown vs. Ktown4u vs. Makestar

I rant about my struggles with online orders more than I would like on this blog, however I always want to share my experiences with various retailers in case others are skeptical about these sites.

First off, I generally pre-order albums from Makestar (for Golden Child) or Ktown4u (for all other Woollim artists). I like how Makestar explicitly states what is included in the set you're buying, including pre-order benefits (if you look at their events after an album has been released, you'll see that the pre-order benefits are no longer listed). Makestar also has their own exclusive set of photocards per project. The downside with Makestar is that you can't combine projects or even sets within the same project together, therefore the only option of expedited shipping can be expensive if you're buying just 1 album or would like to purchase a variety of projects or sets. As for Ktown4u, I also lean towards this site because when you place an item in your cart, they explicitly ask you if you would like each pre-order benefit, and if a pre-order benefit is out of stock, they'll say so. Another call out is that Makestar provides first press posters folded for free, and Ktown has the option for free posters either folded or rolled (plus extra for the tube and shipping for the tube), whereas a folded or rolled poster has an additional charge at Kpoptown. From both Makestar and Ktown4u, I like the reassurance that the pre-order benefits are included in my order especially when I'm purposely pre-ordering albums for these benefits.

Today I wanted to share my experience with pre-ordering Rocket Punch's first single Ring Ring from Kpoptown. Ever since I had pre-ordered Golden Child's first full album Re-boot from Kpoptown and they never refunded me for short shipping my order which you can read about here, I had stopped ordering from Kpoptown. But with Kpoptown now selling Everline and Woollim Mall merch, they have since been back on my radar. And because I had been wanting to get the Lovelyz Light Stick Pouch from Kpoptown, I thought bundling it with Rocket Punch's album would be the perfect opportunity.

I placed my order on May 15th KST and the Ring Ring physical album was set to release on May 18th. The pre-order benefit / first press items for Ring Ring are a special photocard set and one of two posters. I purposely pre-ordered the album so that I could receive the special photocard set.

My package shipped on May 21st KST and arrived on May 25th PT, but to my unpleasant surprise, the album did not come with the pre-order special photocard set. Shortly after receiving my package, I used Kpoptown's contact form to explain the situation.

Just over 24 hours later, Kpoptown replied back with the above, stating that the missing photocard is a manufacturing error that they can't replace, and that they'd grant me a $3 voucher. There are 2 things going on here - first, Kpoptown misunderstood me. When I had purchased Rocket Punch's mini album Red Punch from Kmall24 and that didn't come with the sticker sheet, Kmall24 was kind enough to work with the manufacturer and send me the sticker sheet separately. Here, Kpoptown didn't even bother trying. Second, I replied back to Kpoptown showing a screenshot of their item page indicating the pre-order benefit, however they haven't replied back to help rectify the situation. It's been 3.5 weeks and I just decided to trade my friend for the photocard set, as I doubt Kpoptown will reply back.

To summarize, I'll pre-order albums from Makestar or Ktown4u to guarantee the first press pre-order benefits, leaning towards Makestar for Golden Child because I'll buy multiple copies and want the exclusive Makestar photocard benefit while leaning towards Ktown4u to bundle my purchase with other items. And I'll lean towards Kpoptown for Everline and Woollim Mall merch as Ktown4u unfortunately isn't consistent with selling these items.

Lovelyz: Light Stick Pouch Woollim Mall Merch Review

I've been such a sucker for Woollim Mall merch, whether it's the items from the initial launch of the site during late 2020 or merchandise specific to the artists' latest comebacks. With the Lovelyz Light Stick Pouch that was first released during the initial launch of the site, I've been eyeing it for quite some time but was always on the fence because I wasn't sure if I would ever get the chance to use this pouch at a future event.

I finally caved in and decided to order the pouch from Kpoptown for $39.90 excluding shipping. This pouch is $29.65 on Woollim Mall excluding shipping. I'd rather be overly prepared, especially when events are usually announced so last minute.

The pouch came inside a clear resealable bag, with the item sticker and holographic Woollim seal on the backside.

The pouch is made of neoprene, the same material used for scuba suits so it's gentle yet has structure. The dimensions of the pouch are about 6" by 10" by 5". The strap is woven and easily adjustable to be like a handbag or a shoulder bag. 

The front has "LOVELYZ" imprinted at the bottom while the right side has a fabric label with "LOVELYZ" contrasting in black.

Both the left side and backside are blank.

The strap was packaged where one side was attached and the rest was tucked inside the pouch. The strap can be attached on both sides using the metal clasps, and both sides are removable.

There are 2 metal zipper handles running across the plastic zipper track to open and close the top half of the pouch.

Here is a closer look at the zippers and strap clasps.

Here is a comparison of the Lovelyz lightstick box and the pouch. They're roughly the same size, however the pouch can't open wide enough to accommodate the box.

Here is a comparison of the lovebong and the pouch. There's quite a bit of room inside the pouch. I wish that the pouch had more structure on the inside to secure the lovebong, but on the plus side it's roomy enough to store a sweater and other necessities.  

And actually because the pouch is so roomy, you can fit two lovebongs like this into the pouch. I would suggest adding additional cushion in between the lovebongs so that they don't rub or bump against each other.

And here are how the two lovebongs look like inside. The outside structure is pretty tight so the mouth doesn't open too wide, which is great so that there is less chance of the contents spilling out.

Without adjusting the strap, it works nicely leaving it hanging on one shoulder and sitting just above my hip. For reference I'm about 5'4". With this strap length, there is about 11" between the top of the strap and the top of the pouch when the strap is stretched out and lying flat.

And here is how the pouch sits when the strap is at its longest length, sitting at and below my hips. There is about 22" between the top of the strap and the top of the pouch when the strap is stretched out and lying flat.

Overall, I am quite happy with the design and quality of this pouch! It's very minimalist and can fit more stuff than I had originally thought for a light stick pouch. I'm just hoping for the day I can use this pouch for its purpose of cheering on Lovelyz!