What Is Kickstarter Late Pledge? Definition and Benefits

Time: Dec 06,2024 Author: SFC Source: www.sendfromchina.com

Kickstarter campaigns are an amazing way to support creative projects and bring bold ideas to life. But what happens when you miss out on the campaign deadline? Enter Kickstarter Late Pledge—a second chance for both backers and creators to connect after the initial campaign has ended.

1. Understanding Kickstarter Late Pledge

Kickstarter late pledge refers to the opportunity for individuals to back a campaign after its official end date. Kickstarter launched its Late Pledge beta on April 16, 2024, initially available to a limited group of creators. Now It has been accessible to all creators. Late pledges are typically facilitated through third-party platforms like BackerKit, PledgeBox, or CrowdOx, which allow project creators to continue accepting contributions while fulfilling existing backer rewards.

Late pledges are particularly advantageous for creators who may have missed their funding goals or want to capitalize on post-campaign demand. They also benefit backers who missed the initial campaign window but are still interested in supporting the project.

2. Benefits of Kickstarter Late Pledge

So, why should you consider participating in a Late Pledge? Here are the key benefits:

Increased Funding Potential

Late pledges provide an extended revenue stream beyond the initial campaign duration. Creators can generate additional funds to meet stretch goals, enhance product features, or cover unforeseen production costs.

Kickstarter's late pledge has proven invaluable for campaigns that experience a surge in interest following their conclusion, ensuring no potential backer is left behind.

Reaching a Wider Audience

Many potential backers discover campaigns too late, often after they’ve closed. Late pledges allow creators to capture this untapped audience, expanding their supporter base and community.

By leveraging late pledge platforms, creators can maintain visibility and engage with audiences who may have hesitated during the initial funding phase.

Flexibility for Backers

Late pledges accommodate individuals who couldn’t commit during the original campaign period due to financial constraints or other reasons. These backers can still access rewards, fostering goodwill and inclusivity within the community.

Additionally, late pledges often offer the same or similar reward tiers, ensuring fairness for both early and late supporters.

3. How to Create Kickstarter Late Pledge

To create a late pledge on Kickstarter, follow these steps:

Step 1: Set Up Late Pledge Availability

- After your Kickstarter campaign concludes, decide if you’ll offer late pledges and for how long.

- Update your campaign page or project updates with a section explicitly mentioning late pledges. Clearly communicate the availability and deadlines for late pledges.

Step 2: Select a Platform for Late Pledges

- Kickstarter itself does not have built-in functionality for late pledges after the campaign ends. Use a third-party pledge management platform like BackerKit, PledgeManager, or similar tools. These platforms help you handle late pledges efficiently.

- Provide a link to the late pledge platform on your Kickstarter updates or campaign page.

Step 3: Define Late Pledge Options

- Offer the same or slightly adjusted pledge levels and rewards as during the live campaign.

- Include stretch goal items or add-ons, if applicable, to entice late backers.

- Clearly describe each reward tier and associated shipping details.

Step 4: Collect Payments

- Note that late pledges require immediate payment since there’s no Kickstarter campaign mechanism to hold payments post-campaign.

- Ensure your pledge management platform supports secure and reliable payment processing.

Step 5: Communicate the Time Frame

- Specify the duration for late pledges in your campaign updates. This can vary from a few weeks to months.

- Use updates, newsletters, or social media to remind backers about the late pledge deadline.

Step 6: Manage Backer Information

- Use the pledge management tool to gather shipping addresses and other necessary details from late backers.

- Keep late backers informed about production and fulfillment timelines, just as you would with regular backers.

Step 7: Incorporate Late Pledges into Fulfillment Plans

- Coordinate with your fulfillment partner (e.g., SFC) to include late pledges in your order quantities.

- Communicate any additional costs or timelines to backers transparently.

4. Kickstarter Late Pledge vs Indiegogo InDemand

Key Similarities

- Post-Campaign Support: Both Kickstarter late pledge and Indiegogo InDemand allow creators to collect additional funding after the initial campaign ends.

- Increased Revenue Potential: Both options are designed to extend the funding period, helping creators achieve financial goals.

- Reward Distribution: Late backers on both platforms receive similar rewards as initial campaign supporters.

Notable Differences

	Kickstarter Late Pledge	Indiegogo InDemand
Platform	Third-party tools like BackerKit required	Fully integrated on Indiegogo
Setup Process	Requires external setup	Automatic transition from campaign
Audience	Kickstarter-specific backers	Broader Indiegogo audience
Fees	Varies based on pledge manager	Indiegogo platform fees

5. Conclusion

Kickstarter Late Pledge is a brilliant way to ensure you don’t miss out on supporting groundbreaking ideas—even if you arrive late to the party. For backers, it’s an opportunity to claim rewards and contribute to exciting projects. For creators, it’s a valuable tool to raise additional funds and keep the momentum going post-campaign.

So, whether you’re a fan of board games, tech gadgets, or innovative art, keep an eye out for Late Pledge options the next time you discover a Kickstarter campaign you love.

6. FAQs

1. Can I Late Pledge through Kickstarter’s website?

No, Late Pledges are usually managed through third-party platforms like BackerKit, PledgeManager, or CrowdOx.

2. Do Late Pledge rewards cost more?

Sometimes. Creators may increase prices slightly for Late Pledges to account for added fees or the extended timeline.

3. Will I still get the same rewards as original backers?

In most cases, yes. However, some exclusive rewards may not be available during the Late Pledge period.

4. How long do Late Pledges stay open?

The duration varies by project. Some remain open for weeks, while others stay active for several months.

5. Is it safe to pledge through third-party platforms?

Yes, trusted platforms like BackerKit and PledgeManager are widely used by creators and have secure payment systems.