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Why Does Kickstarter Say My Reward Isn't Guaranteed?
If you've ever backed a project on Kickstarter, you've likely come across the cryptic warning when you complete your order that rewards aren't guaranteed. So, why is that and what does it mean for you as a backer or creator?
What Kickstarter means by "your reward isn't guaranteed"
Crowdfunding's nature
At the heart of Kickstarter is the idea that you're not just buying a product; you're supporting a creative vision. When you back a project, you're investing in someone's dream, not simply making a purchase. This distinction is fundamental to understanding why rewards are not guaranteed.
Challenges along the way
The path from idea to completion is rarely a straight line. Innovation can encounter unexpected hiccups, ranging from technical glitches to supply-chain challenges. These obstacles can cause delays and sometimes necessitate changes to the project's original vision. Kickstarter acknowledges these uncertainties through their checkout warning to keep expectations realistic.
Funding goals
Kickstarter projects have funding goals, which are minimum requirements for a project to move forward. If a project doesn't meet its goal, it might not happen at all. If you're an early backer, supporting the project before it reaches its goal, it's important for you to be aware that you're not yet guaranteed a product.
Importantly, on Kickstarter, payments from backers are only taken if a project is successfully funded and at the conclusion of the project. So, as a backer, you can support the project early on to lock in a deal, safe in the knowledge that the payment will not yet be taken from your payment method.
External factors
Even the best-laid plans can be affected by external factors. Creators might face unforeseen events like legal complications, economic shifts, or supply chain disruptions, which can impact the project's timeline. Kickstarter's "not guaranteed" disclaimer acknowledges that some things are beyond a creator's control.
The backer's role
As a backer, you're not just investing money; you're investing your belief in a project. You're embracing the unknown, taking a leap of faith, and supporting innovation.
Before pledging, it's essential to do your homework – read project descriptions, check the creator's background, and ask questions. Your role in this adventure is vital. Additionally, communication is a critical factor in determining whether you feel like you can trust a creator to fulfill their promises. Ensure the team behind the project is transparent, open and honest.
Kickstarter's watchful eye
It's not just backers doing due-diligence, though. Kickstarter has a Trust and Safety team that keeps an eye on projects and pledges. If a creator fails to deliver or engages in fraudulent activities, action is taken. This ensures the platform's integrity and protects backers' interests.
Kickstarter's "not guaranteed" warning is a reminder that crowdfunding is all about shared risk and reward, where you become a part of the creative process.
As a backer, you take on a risk of not receiving the product but, in exchange, the creator will usually offer substantial discounts for Kickstarter backers vs what the product will retail for later on.
How Russell Marketing approaches launch
Russell Marketing is a product launch agency based in Austin, Texas. Since founding the agency, Will Russell has applied the Five-Step High-Profit Launch System across dozens of products and industries — from consumer tech to home goods to crowdfunding campaigns.
The system is designed to be replicable, which means it works for a first-time entrepreneur with a $5,000 budget just as it works for an established brand entering a new market. What changes is the scale, not the structure.
Get in touch with the team