How? Very easily.
First things first, let me give you a backdrop on the story at the time of writing.
I created a product and stumbled onto Reddit. Reddit became a growing community around my product and demanded it on Kickstarter.
I contacted Kickstarter to confirm if it was legitimate and within rules for me to post my project, they confirmed no problem.
I put it on Kickstarter and within the first day already exceeded $10,000 in funding making my project 100% funded.
Over the course of 14-21 days, my project reached north of $40,000.
With the success, I tried my best to capture all of the information of the customers from Kickstarter, but unfortunately Kickstarter's backend only gave the names and nothing else on the backers.
A voice in the back of my head kept telling me to capture their emails on my website but another voice echoed, "ehh, who cares? Nothing's going to go wrong. You're fully funded, you're going to get your money and their information in the end"
Long story short, the success came with an influential hater in the market and he had gotten his followers all to reported the project repeatedly.
Kickstarter ultimately suspended the project overnight leaving me short, dry, and with no customer information. I contacted them numerous times to no avail including the original contact that confirmed I was within the terms. I live in Brooklyn NY so I could visit their offices anytime, but their policy prohibits them from disclosing why etc.
What's worse? They tie your hands and eliminate your ability to comment on the project.
This is what happens when you give up control, albeit I could've minimized the risk, it was my mistake and I've fully accepted it.
I've since gotten some of those sales back but I've definitely learned many lessons here. Very humbling to say the least.
All of my other business ventures have been beefed up in terms of what I've learned.
HOW YOU CAN AVOID THIS:
1Do not give up 100% control
If you must give up part of your control, ensure that you have a thorough backend system to capture their information.
I've since implemented email capturing systems that enable me to secure the new clients information when he pays via other platforms.
So say you're deciding to start a Kickstarter/Indiegogo/gofundme campaign- when a new backer backs your project, ensure that you send out a personalized message to each person a brief survey to fill out with their info so that they can receive their product timely (You can outsource this if you have the resources, otherwise do it manually)
You won't get 100% of them to fill it out but at the end of the day- 1 is greater than 0. You must remember that. When I got dumped by Kickstarter, I was left with 0.
When I started out that's all I did and it has helped me gain exponential exposure and set me apart from the rest of other project creators. Backers poured in with awesome love and support saying they've never received such timely and personalized message from the creator himself.
TLDR:
Read the post. It might save you $40,000.
First things first, let me give you a backdrop on the story at the time of writing.
I created a product and stumbled onto Reddit. Reddit became a growing community around my product and demanded it on Kickstarter.
I contacted Kickstarter to confirm if it was legitimate and within rules for me to post my project, they confirmed no problem.
I put it on Kickstarter and within the first day already exceeded $10,000 in funding making my project 100% funded.
Over the course of 14-21 days, my project reached north of $40,000.
With the success, I tried my best to capture all of the information of the customers from Kickstarter, but unfortunately Kickstarter's backend only gave the names and nothing else on the backers.
A voice in the back of my head kept telling me to capture their emails on my website but another voice echoed, "ehh, who cares? Nothing's going to go wrong. You're fully funded, you're going to get your money and their information in the end"
Long story short, the success came with an influential hater in the market and he had gotten his followers all to reported the project repeatedly.
Kickstarter ultimately suspended the project overnight leaving me short, dry, and with no customer information. I contacted them numerous times to no avail including the original contact that confirmed I was within the terms. I live in Brooklyn NY so I could visit their offices anytime, but their policy prohibits them from disclosing why etc.
What's worse? They tie your hands and eliminate your ability to comment on the project.
This is what happens when you give up control, albeit I could've minimized the risk, it was my mistake and I've fully accepted it.
I've since gotten some of those sales back but I've definitely learned many lessons here. Very humbling to say the least.
All of my other business ventures have been beefed up in terms of what I've learned.
HOW YOU CAN AVOID THIS:
1Do not give up 100% control
If you must give up part of your control, ensure that you have a thorough backend system to capture their information.
I've since implemented email capturing systems that enable me to secure the new clients information when he pays via other platforms.
So say you're deciding to start a Kickstarter/Indiegogo/gofundme campaign- when a new backer backs your project, ensure that you send out a personalized message to each person a brief survey to fill out with their info so that they can receive their product timely (You can outsource this if you have the resources, otherwise do it manually)
You won't get 100% of them to fill it out but at the end of the day- 1 is greater than 0. You must remember that. When I got dumped by Kickstarter, I was left with 0.
When I started out that's all I did and it has helped me gain exponential exposure and set me apart from the rest of other project creators. Backers poured in with awesome love and support saying they've never received such timely and personalized message from the creator himself.
TLDR:
Read the post. It might save you $40,000.
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Last edited:
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
