The adventure of turning an idea into a tangible product doesn’t end with a successful crowdfunded campaign. The real test begins after the glittering numbers and fanfare of your Indiegogo page give way to the responsibilities of actually getting your product into the hands of eager backers.
Indiegogo fulfillment is a phase that demands as much attention as a campaign strategy, for a misstep here can tarnish your brand’s image. In this blog, we look into the multifaceted world of fulfilling orders through Indiegogo and the essential strategies to see your product launch through to successful completion, building bridges with your earliest supporters.
What you need to know about Indiegogo Fulfillment
Your campaign’s hit its goal, and the champagne corks have popped. Now what? Fulfillment planning should have started before the first dollar came in, but it’s never too late to refocus and direct attention to this vital task.
Where to get money to fulfill Indiegogo orders
Unfortunately, there’s no way to get extra money to fulfill Indiegogo orders after your campaign has closed and the funds have been disbursed. Indiegogo’s system is designed to work on an all-or-nothing basis for Fixed Funding campaigns, and backers can request refunds for Flexible Funding campaigns if the goal isn’t reached.
However, there are a few options you might consider:
- Use the raised funds efficiently: Carefully analyze your budget and see if there are areas where you can cut costs without affecting the quality of the perks.
- Offer pre-orders: If there’s still demand for your product, consider opening pre-orders on a separate platform to raise additional funds. Be sure to be clear that these are pre-orders and not a crowdfunding campaign.
- Reach out to backers: If you have a good relationship with them, you could explain your situation and see if any would be willing to contribute additional funds in exchange for their perks.
Helpful resources:
Setting realistic timelines
Your backers have trusted you – they expect a product according to the timeline promised. Giving yourself a generous margin of error while setting delivery dates will save you from unmet expectations and give you some breathing space for any unexpected delays.
You should add at least 2-3 months to your initial timeline to account for potential setbacks. As much as everyone wants their product ASAP, most backers will understand and appreciate the honesty in a realistic timeline.
Otherwise, here are some tips for setting realistic timelines when it comes to Indiegogo fulfillment:
- Factor in product manufacturing: Research and understand the lead time for manufacturing your product. This includes ordering materials, production time, and quality control. Be sure to communicate with your manufacturer about any potential delays.
- Consider shipping times: Research shipping times from your manufacturer to your backers’ locations. Factor in potential delays due to customs or international shipping.
- Account for campaign duration: Indiegogo campaigns typically run for 30-60 days. Factor in this time when setting your fulfillment timeline.
- Be transparent with backers: Clearly communicate your estimated fulfillment timeline on your campaign page. Set realistic expectations and update backers if there are any delays.
More resources from Indiegogo:
How Indiegogo Fulfillment Works
Understanding the mechanics of Indiegogo fulfillment is about linking the pieces of a complex puzzle. It involves timelines, costs, and, most importantly, your product.
Preparing for fulfillment
From a clear understanding of your product’s dimensions and weight to creating a scalable plan encompassing different volumes, there’s a lot to consider. Packaging that protects your product is eco-friendly when possible and enhances the unboxing experience is a critical element often overlooked. Here are some tips for preparing for fulfillment:
Before your campaign launches:
- Plan your fulfillment strategy: Decide whether you’ll fulfill orders yourself (self-fulfillment) or use a fulfillment center. Consider factors like product size, volume of orders, and budget.
- Finalize packaging: Design secure, cost-effective packaging that reflects your brand. If possible, consider using eco-friendly materials.
- Research shipping costs: Get quotes from different shipping carriers to determine the most cost-effective options for domestic and international shipments. Factor in weight, dimensions, and destination.
- Set clear timelines: Communicate realistic fulfillment timelines on your campaign page. Account for manufacturing, shipping, and potential delays.
- Gather backer information: During checkout, collect accurate backer addresses, including any specific details needed for international shipping (postal codes, etc.).
During your campaign:
- Communicate clearly: Regularly update backers on the progress of your campaign and fulfillment timeline. Be transparent about any potential delays.
- Offer tracking information: Once orders are shipped, provide backers with tracking numbers so they can follow their perk’s journey.
After your campaign ends:
- Finalize production: Order the exact quantity of products needed based on the number of backers for each perk. Communicate with your manufacturer about lead times.
- Organize fulfillment: If you’re self-fulfilling, create a system to organize and track orders. If using a fulfillment center, finalize the details and provide them with accurate order information.
- Ship orders: Ensure proper packaging, labeling, and postage for each order. Consider using batch shipping to save on costs.
- Maintain communication: Keep backers updated on the shipping process. Respond promptly to any questions or concerns.
By following these steps and using the provided resources, you can effectively prepare for Indiegogo fulfillment and ensure a positive experience for you and your backers.
Indiegogo fulfillment options
Choosing the right fulfillment option is paramount and can sometimes be daunting with many variables. We explore some of the most reputable options available to Indiegogo campaigners.
Easyship x Indiegogo
Easyship has been a game-changer, offering simplified international shipping options for Indiegogo campaigns. Integrating directly with the platform provides access to over 250 shipping solutions worldwide.
These are the platform’s main benefits:
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Easyship offers competitive rates, potentially saving campaigners up to 70% on shipping costs by providing access to exclusive discounts from courier services.
- Global Reach: With over 250 shipping solutions and services, Easyship ensures that campaigners can ship their products worldwide, reaching backers in remote locations.
- Customs and Duties Transparency: Easyship calculates customs duties and taxes in advance, providing transparency and allowing campaigners to communicate these costs to backers upfront.
- Automated Shipping: The platform automates the fulfillment process, from generating shipping labels to providing tracking numbers, making the shipping process smooth and efficient.
- Courier Recommendations: Easyship recommends the best couriers for each package based on cost, delivery time, and reliability, helping campaigners make informed decisions.
- Customs Paperwork Assistance: Easyship assists in generating and managing the necessary customs paperwork, reducing the hassle and complexity of international shipping.
- Tracking and Support: Backers receive tracking numbers and regular updates on their shipments, enhancing the post-campaign experience and reducing inquiries to campaigners.
Other platforms
While Easyship is an excellent choice, it’s not the only one. Other platforms offer various services, from warehousing and packing to shipping and returns, often tailored to different business sizes and product types. Here are some of the most notable alternatives:
- ShipBob: Focused on fulfilling e-commerce orders, ShipBob offers discounted shipping rates and same-day fulfillment for domestic shipments, streamlining order processing.
- Freightos: Ideal for heavy or bulky items, Freightos provides international sea freight options at competitive prices, ensuring cost-effective shipping solutions.
- Red Stag Fulfillment: Focusing on inventory management, Red Stag Fulfillment offers advanced tracking capabilities for precise inventory control.
Post-campaign marketing through fulfillment success
After a successful Indiegogo campaign where you fulfilled your perks and delivered your product, post-campaign marketing is crucial to maintain momentum, build brand loyalty, and reach new customers. Here’s what post-campaign marketing through Indiegogo fulfillment success can look like:
Engaging Your Backers:
- Express Gratitude: Thank your backers publicly and personally (through email or social media) for their support. Highlight the role they played in bringing your product to life.
- Gather Feedback: Send surveys or host Q&A sessions to gather feedback from backers about their experience with the product and the campaign. This feedback is invaluable for future product development and marketing efforts.
- Exclusive Offers: Reward your loyal backers with exclusive discounts or early access to future products as a token of appreciation and to incentivize repeat purchases.
Content Marketing and Brand Building:
- Share Success Stories: On your website and social media channels, showcase positive customer experiences and product reviews. This builds trust and credibility with potential new customers.
- Highlight Production Process: Share behind-the-scenes content about the product’s development and manufacturing, showcasing the effort and passion behind your brand.
- Engage Your Audience: Continue to engage with your audience on social media by sharing product updates, usage tips, tutorials, or collaborating with relevant influencers.
Expanding Your Reach:
- Indiegogo InDemand: Utilize Indiegogo’s InDemand platform to continue selling your product after the campaign ends. This allows you to transition smoothly from crowdfunding to a more traditional sales model.
- Expand to Other Marketplaces: To reach a wider audience, consider selling your product on other online marketplaces like Amazon, Shopify, or your website.
- Public Relations & Media Outreach: Contact industry publications, bloggers, or YouTubers for product reviews or features. Positive media coverage can significantly increase brand awareness and drive new customers.
Additional Strategies:
- Run Paid Advertising Campaigns: Leverage targeted social media ads or pay-per-click campaigns to reach new audiences interested in your product category.
- Offer Excellent Customer Service: Provide prompt and helpful customer service to ensure your backers and new customers have a positive experience with your brand.
- Community Building: Create a community around your brand by fostering interaction between backers and customers through online forums or social media groups.
By implementing these post-campaign marketing strategies, you can capitalize on the momentum of your successful Indiegogo campaign, turn backers into brand advocates, and reach new customers to ensure long-term success for your product.
Conclusion
The story of your product doesn’t end with the launch; that’s just the beginning. Mastering the fulfillment process sets the stage for growth and scalability. Invest in this essential business component and watch your brand reputation and customer loyalty flourish.
If you’re looking for a dedicated team of experts to support you every step of the way, contact us at TCF today.
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