Re: MAC - Venomous Villains discussion
Some places have you pay in advance, some just put it on reserve. From what I remember from the TTB thread, there's not much rhyme or reason to what counters do what, I don't think - or it might even vary depending on what MA you talk to!
When I 'pre-ordered' for TTB, my items were actually just put aside. They called me the day they put the products out, told me Marine Life was flying off the shelves, and if I still wanted it, I'd have to pay for it over the phone or come in right then and get it (which makes sense to me and I was fine with!). When I was getting my TTB stuff, I filled out a pre-order form for some stuff from Digipops - they will charge my card a few days before launch, and they'll actually ship the product straight to my house.
HTH?
My advice would be to call your counter and see what they do specifically!