Online crowd-funding strategy: a game-theoretical approach to a Kickstarter case study

  • S.I.: Business Analytics and Operations Research
  • Published: 27 November 2020
  • Volume 315 , pages 1019–1036, ( 2022 )

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kickstarter case study strategic management

  • Nafisa Mahbub   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5891-3107 1 ,
  • Anh Le 1 &
  • Jun Zhuang   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4830-6570 1  

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There are many factors that can inhibit the potential of promising projects from being completely funded in crowd-funding campaigns. In order to study this, a game-theoretical model is constructed to display irrational fear and help creators maximize their chances of facilitating a successful campaign. This research shows that once irrational fear is modeled along with the strategies associated with the design of the reward system, the total pledged amount for a project can be predicted in order to scheme their strategies based on the situation. For simplicity and consistency, the model is based on Kickstarter funding campaigns of physical products that are used as rewards for support. This paper discusses the influence of potential strategies for increasing the total pledge, such as modeling irrational fear and limiting rewards.

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Mahbub, N., Le, A. & Zhuang, J. Online crowd-funding strategy: a game-theoretical approach to a Kickstarter case study. Ann Oper Res 315 , 1019–1036 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-020-03857-5

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Accepted : 31 October 2020

Published : 27 November 2020

Issue Date : August 2022

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-020-03857-5

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Crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns description.

Crowdfunding is considered an alternative to traditional angel and venture capital funding that has helped get many business ventures off the ground. The basic idea of crowdfunding centers on pitching a business idea to a large group of people and seeking financial support. Although crowdfunding has existed for hundreds of years, it has recently gone to online platforms. The most successful platforms to date have been Kickstarter and Indiegogo, which have helped many ventures raise initial funding. This case is concerned with two different startups, one started by a twin sister duo (Marla and Annie) and the other by a Babson College student (Hanson). Enerchi Bites is a startup featuring a new food product that was developed out of a passion for fitness and yoga. Identical twin sisters (Marla and Annie Feldman) started experimenting with different combinations of foods with a chia-seed base. Once they had developed three different flavors, they began distributing their products at various yoga conventions. They quickly built some buzz about their new products and were faced with the problem of scaling their new venture. They decided to try a Kickstarter campaign where they would attempt to raise $10,000. They figured this was the amount they needed to help scale up their operations. After the completion of the Kickstarter campaign, the sisters found the final results disappointing as they netted only about $5,000 after expenses from advertising and the rewards that were due to the campaign backers. Think Board is the creation of a Babson student, Hanson Grant. This business venture was born out of one of Hanson's earlier ideas. He had created white board t-shirts. He found that the t-shirt idea was not going to work and was thinking through how to use this to his advantage until his friends connected the dots for him. If he put pieces of the material together, he ended up with an oversized dry-erase board that could be printed to feature any pattern. With the interest from his friends, Hanson thought that he could use Kickstarter to gauge the market and the opportunity. He planned to raise $10,000, but his intent was more focused on marketing his new product. He successfully raised the money and more important than that, his focused marketing paid off as he was contacted by a news station to give an interview. The publicity made the campaign worthwhile for Hanson.

Case Description Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns

Strategic managment tools used in case study analysis of crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns, step 1. problem identification in crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study, step 2. external environment analysis - pestel / pest / step analysis of crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study, step 3. industry specific / porter five forces analysis of crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study, step 4. evaluating alternatives / swot analysis of crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study, step 5. porter value chain analysis / vrio / vrin analysis crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study, step 6. recommendations crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study, step 7. basis of recommendations for crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study, quality & on time delivery.

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Case Analysis of Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns

Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns is a Harvard Business (HBR) Case Study on Innovation & Entrepreneurship , Texas Business School provides HBR case study assignment help for just $9. Texas Business School(TBS) case study solution is based on HBR Case Study Method framework, TBS expertise & global insights. Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns is designed and drafted in a manner to allow the HBR case study reader to analyze a real-world problem by putting reader into the position of the decision maker. Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns case study will help professionals, MBA, EMBA, and leaders to develop a broad and clear understanding of casecategory challenges. Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns will also provide insight into areas such as – wordlist , strategy, leadership, sales and marketing, and negotiations.

Case Study Solutions Background Work

Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns case study solution is focused on solving the strategic and operational challenges the protagonist of the case is facing. The challenges involve – evaluation of strategic options, key role of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, leadership qualities of the protagonist, and dynamics of the external environment. The challenge in front of the protagonist, of Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns, is to not only build a competitive position of the organization but also to sustain it over a period of time.

Strategic Management Tools Used in Case Study Solution

The Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns case study solution requires the MBA, EMBA, executive, professional to have a deep understanding of various strategic management tools such as SWOT Analysis, PESTEL Analysis / PEST Analysis / STEP Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, Go To Market Strategy, BCG Matrix Analysis, Porter Value Chain Analysis, Ansoff Matrix Analysis, VRIO / VRIN and Marketing Mix Analysis.

Texas Business School Approach to Innovation & Entrepreneurship Solutions

In the Texas Business School, Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns case study solution – following strategic tools are used - SWOT Analysis, PESTEL Analysis / PEST Analysis / STEP Analysis, Porter Five Forces Analysis, Go To Market Strategy, BCG Matrix Analysis, Porter Value Chain Analysis, Ansoff Matrix Analysis, VRIO / VRIN and Marketing Mix Analysis. We have additionally used the concept of supply chain management and leadership framework to build a comprehensive case study solution for the case – Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns

Step 1 – Problem Identification of Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns - Harvard Business School Case Study

The first step to solve HBR Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns case study solution is to identify the problem present in the case. The problem statement of the case is provided in the beginning of the case where the protagonist is contemplating various options in the face of numerous challenges that Kickstarter Hanson is facing right now. Even though the problem statement is essentially – “Innovation & Entrepreneurship” challenge but it has impacted by others factors such as communication in the organization, uncertainty in the external environment, leadership in Kickstarter Hanson, style of leadership and organization structure, marketing and sales, organizational behavior, strategy, internal politics, stakeholders priorities and more.

Step 2 – External Environment Analysis

Texas Business School approach of case study analysis – Conclusion, Reasons, Evidences - provides a framework to analyze every HBR case study. It requires conducting robust external environmental analysis to decipher evidences for the reasons presented in the Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns. The external environment analysis of Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns will ensure that we are keeping a tab on the macro-environment factors that are directly and indirectly impacting the business of the firm.

What is PESTEL Analysis? Briefly Explained

PESTEL stands for political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors that impact the external environment of firm in Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns case study. PESTEL analysis of " Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns" can help us understand why the organization is performing badly, what are the factors in the external environment that are impacting the performance of the organization, and how the organization can either manage or mitigate the impact of these external factors.

How to do PESTEL / PEST / STEP Analysis? What are the components of PESTEL Analysis?

As mentioned above PESTEL Analysis has six elements – political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal. All the six elements are explained in context with Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns macro-environment and how it impacts the businesses of the firm.

How to do PESTEL Analysis for Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns

To do comprehensive PESTEL analysis of case study – Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns , we have researched numerous components under the six factors of PESTEL analysis.

Political Factors that Impact Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns

Political factors impact seven key decision making areas – economic environment, socio-cultural environment, rate of innovation & investment in research & development, environmental laws, legal requirements, and acceptance of new technologies.

Government policies have significant impact on the business environment of any country. The firm in “ Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns ” needs to navigate these policy decisions to create either an edge for itself or reduce the negative impact of the policy as far as possible.

Data safety laws – The countries in which Kickstarter Hanson is operating, firms are required to store customer data within the premises of the country. Kickstarter Hanson needs to restructure its IT policies to accommodate these changes. In the EU countries, firms are required to make special provision for privacy issues and other laws.

Competition Regulations – Numerous countries have strong competition laws both regarding the monopoly conditions and day to day fair business practices. Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns has numerous instances where the competition regulations aspects can be scrutinized.

Import restrictions on products – Before entering the new market, Kickstarter Hanson in case study Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns" should look into the import restrictions that may be present in the prospective market.

Export restrictions on products – Apart from direct product export restrictions in field of technology and agriculture, a number of countries also have capital controls. Kickstarter Hanson in case study “ Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns ” should look into these export restrictions policies.

Foreign Direct Investment Policies – Government policies favors local companies over international policies, Kickstarter Hanson in case study “ Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns ” should understand in minute details regarding the Foreign Direct Investment policies of the prospective market.

Corporate Taxes – The rate of taxes is often used by governments to lure foreign direct investments or increase domestic investment in a certain sector. Corporate taxation can be divided into two categories – taxes on profits and taxes on operations. Taxes on profits number is important for companies that already have a sustainable business model, while taxes on operations is far more significant for companies that are looking to set up new plants or operations.

Tariffs – Chekout how much tariffs the firm needs to pay in the “ Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns ” case study. The level of tariffs will determine the viability of the business model that the firm is contemplating. If the tariffs are high then it will be extremely difficult to compete with the local competitors. But if the tariffs are between 5-10% then Kickstarter Hanson can compete against other competitors.

Research and Development Subsidies and Policies – Governments often provide tax breaks and other incentives for companies to innovate in various sectors of priority. Managers at Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns case study have to assess whether their business can benefit from such government assistance and subsidies.

Consumer protection – Different countries have different consumer protection laws. Managers need to clarify not only the consumer protection laws in advance but also legal implications if the firm fails to meet any of them.

Political System and Its Implications – Different political systems have different approach to free market and entrepreneurship. Managers need to assess these factors even before entering the market.

Freedom of Press is critical for fair trade and transparency. Countries where freedom of press is not prevalent there are high chances of both political and commercial corruption.

Corruption level – Kickstarter Hanson needs to assess the level of corruptions both at the official level and at the market level, even before entering a new market. To tackle the menace of corruption – a firm should have a clear SOP that provides managers at each level what to do when they encounter instances of either systematic corruption or bureaucrats looking to take bribes from the firm.

Independence of judiciary – It is critical for fair business practices. If a country doesn’t have independent judiciary then there is no point entry into such a country for business.

Government attitude towards trade unions – Different political systems and government have different attitude towards trade unions and collective bargaining. The firm needs to assess – its comfort dealing with the unions and regulations regarding unions in a given market or industry. If both are on the same page then it makes sense to enter, otherwise it doesn’t.

Economic Factors that Impact Crowdfunding: A Tale of Two Campaigns

Social factors that impact crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns, technological factors that impact crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns, environmental factors that impact crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns, legal factors that impact crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns, step 3 – industry specific analysis, what is porter five forces analysis, step 4 – swot analysis / internal environment analysis, step 5 – porter value chain / vrio / vrin analysis, step 6 – evaluating alternatives & recommendations, step 7 – basis for recommendations, references :: crowdfunding: a tale of two campaigns case study solution.

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Kickstarter 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Crowdfunding Success

by Ian | Jun 2, 2024

Kickstarter 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Crowdfunding Success

In the current digital age, crowdfunding has emerged as a means for entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators to turn their dreams into reality. This introductory guide offers a comprehensive insight into the world of crowdfunding, with a specific focus on the renowned platform, Kickstarter.

Crowdfunding is the practice of raising funds from a large number of people, typically through online platforms. Its popularity is linked to its democratizing potential, enabling individuals and groups to secure financial backing for their creative projects or innovative ideas without relying solely on traditional funding sources. Crowdfunding allows creators to harness the power of community support and engagement, transforming backers into active participants in the journey from concept to realization.

Kickstarter, one of the pioneering crowdfunding platforms, provides creators with a dynamic space to showcase their projects, seek funding, and engage with a global audience. Understanding how Kickstarter works is crucial for success, as it involves setting fundraising goals, crafting compelling pitches , and offering enticing rewards to backers.

Crowdfunding on Kickstarter also presents its unique set of challenges, from the intense competition for attention to the pressure of meeting fundraising goals within set timelines. In this article, we’ll explore these challenges and provide invaluable insights and strategies to maximize your crowdfunding success. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or innovator, this guide is your essential roadmap to navigating the exciting world of Kickstarter and achieving crowdfunding success.

Compare Kickstarter’s features with those of other crowdfunding platforms

Choosing the right crowdfunding platform is essential for your crowdfunding campaign’s success. Start by researching platforms that align with your project’s goals and target audience. Consider factors like fees, funding goals, and the platform’s track record with projects similar to yours. Kickstarter is a popular choice for creative projects, but platforms like Indiegogo offer a bit more flexibility in project types.

Evaluate Kickstarter’s community and outreach tools, as well as the level of support they provide to creators, and compare this with Indiegogo and Patreon. Pick the platform that best suits your project’s needs and has a strong user base interested in your idea.

Getting started with Kickstarter

  • Identify your project: Before diving into crowdfunding, you need a clear idea of your project. It could be a new product, a film, a book, or any creative ideas. Define your project’s purpose, target audience, and why it matters.
  • Research Kickstarter: Explore Kickstarter to get a sense of what successful campaigns look like. Study projects similar to yours to understand their strategies, rewards, and campaign structures.
  • Create a Kickstarter account: If you haven’t already done so, this is a good time to sign up on Kickstarter. It’s free and allows you to launch and manage your campaign.

How to create a Kickstarter account

  • Visit the Kickstarter website.
  • Click on the “Sign Up” button located in the top right corner of the homepage. You can sign up using your email address or connect your Kickstarter account to your Facebook profile or Apple ID.
  • Provide the required information, including your name, email address, and a chosen password.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your registration.
  • Verify your email address by clicking on the confirmation link sent to your inbox.

Once you’ve done this, your Kickstarter account will be ready, and you can start exploring crowdfunding projects or creating your own Kickstarter campaign .

Manage your crowdfunding strategically for maximum results

Set a crowdfunding goal.

Your funding goal is a critical element of your campaign. It should cover your project’s expenses, Kickstarter fees (5% of funds raised), payment processing fees (around 3-5%), and leave room for unexpected costs. Be realistic and transparent about how you’ll use the funds.

Create a crowdfunding campaign budget

To set a realistic goal, create a detailed budget outlining every expense associated with your project. Include production costs, marketing expenses, shipping, and fulfillment. This budget will help you determine your funding goal and demonstrate your financial responsibility to backers.

Write a crowdfunding campaign description

Craft a compelling campaign description that clearly communicates your project’s purpose, why it matters, and why people should support it. Use engaging language, storytelling techniques , and visual aids like images or infographics to make your description stand out.

Create a crowdfunding campaign video

A well-designed Kickstarter video can significantly boost your campaign’s success. Create a short, engaging video (1-3 minutes) that introduces your product, explains your project, and conveys your passion. Show prototypes or visuals to build trust and excitement.

Set up crowdfunding rewards

Rewards are incentives for backers to support your project. Create a range of rewards at different price points, offering value to backers. Make sure to include an enticing “early bird” reward for early supporters. Consider unique and personalized rewards to make your campaign more appealing.

Promote your Kickstarter campaign

After launching your project, it’s time to focus on promotion to increase your chances of success with crowdfunding.

Promote your Kickstarter campaign on social media

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word about your Kickstarter campaign. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Choose the right platforms

Identify which social media platforms your target audience uses the most. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok can be great for showcasing your project.

Create engaging content

Share engaging visuals, videos, and updates about your project. Use compelling storytelling to connect with your audience emotionally.

Leverage hashtags

Utilize relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of your posts. Research popular crowdfunding and industry-related hashtags to reach a broader audience.

Engage with your followers

Interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly. Building a community around your campaign can lead to more backers and support.

Collaborate with influencers and bloggers

Influencers and bloggers can help you reach a larger audience, especially if they have followers who are interested in your project’s niche. It’s important to learn how to work with influencers to boost your campaign success:

Identify relevant influencers

Look for influencers and bloggers in your industry or niche who align with your project’s values and target audience.

Craft persuasive pitches

Reach out with a compelling pitch that explains why your project is worth featuring. Offer them exclusive content or early access in exchange for promotion.

Build genuine relationships

Building a genuine relationship with influencers and bloggers is crucial. Engage with their content and show appreciation for their support.

Run paid advertising campaigns

Paid advertising can give your Kickstarter campaign a significant boost, but it requires careful planning:

  • Set a budget: Determine your advertising budget and allocate it wisely across Facebook Ads, Google Ads, or Kickstarter’s own advertising options.
  • Targeted ads: Use precise targeting to reach potential backers who are interested in similar projects or relevant keywords related to your campaign.
  • A/B testing: Continuously test different ad creatives and messaging to optimize your advertising performance.

Build an email list for your crowdfunding campaign

Building an email list is essential for keeping potential backers informed and engaged:

  • Create a landing page: Develop a landing page that highlights your project and encourages visitors to subscribe to updates.
  • Offer incentives: Provide incentives such as exclusive content or early bird discounts to encourage people to join your email list.
  • Issue regular updates: Send regular updates to your email subscribers, keeping them excited about your project’s progress.

Participate in other crowdfunding campaign

Participating in other crowdfunding events can help you connect with potential backers and other creators:

  • Research events: Find crowdfunding events, conventions, or meetups in your area or within your niche.
  • Network: Attend these events to network with fellow creators, backers, and industry experts. Share your project and learn from others.

Implementing these promotion strategies increases your campaign’s visibility and attract more backers to support your Kickstarter project. Remember crowdfunding success often depends on a combination of these tactics, so be prepared to adapt and iterate as you go along.

Running a successful Kickstarter campaign

Running a successful Kickstarter campaign requires careful planning, dedication, and a strong connection with your backers. Here’s a beginner’s guide to crowdfunding success:

1. Prepare for the campaign

  • Start by researching successful campaigns in your niche to understand what works.
  • Set clear goals for your project, including a realistic budget and timeline.
  • Craft a compelling campaign page with a captivating video , high-quality images, and a compelling story that resonates with your target audience.

2. Engage your backers

  • Building a community around your project is crucial. Interact with potential backers through regular updates and engage with them on social media.
  • Respond promptly to comments and messages. Show appreciation for backers’ support, and make them feel like an integral part of your project.

3. Stay flexible when setbacks happen

  • It’s common for campaigns to face unexpected challenges. Be transparent about any setbacks you encounter and how you plan to overcome them.
  • Adjust your campaign strategy as needed, and communicate changes clearly with your backers. Flexibility and adaptability are key.

4. Ship rewards on time

  • Plan your fulfillment process meticulously to ensure you can deliver rewards as promised.
  • Factor in shipping costs, packaging, and potential delays. Remember, it’s better to overestimate rather than underestimate costs and delivery times.
  • Regularly update backers on the progress of production and fulfillment to keep them informed.

5. Conduct post-campaign communication

  • After your campaign ends, maintain open and honest communication with your backers.
  • Provide regular updates on the status of your project, even if there are no significant developments.
  • Be responsive to inquiries and concerns from backers, and keep them informed about any delays or changes to your original plan.

Some successful Kickstarter campaigns

Kickstarter has witnessed numerous triumphs across diverse industries. Take, for instance, the Pebble Time smartwatch campaign, which raised over $20 million, showcasing the power of innovative tech ideas. The Pebble team leveraged effective storytelling and well-designed rewards to engage backers.

In the board game sector, Exploding Kittens raked in an astounding $8.8 million. Its creators, Matthew Inman and Elan Lee, skilfully tapped into their existing fan base and offered humorous, exclusive content to backers.

The success of these campaigns underscores the importance of compelling storytelling, engaging rewards, and a loyal community.

The bottom line

If you’re venturing into the world of crowdfunding for the first time, you should plan your project carefully, create compelling content, establish a strong online presence, and maintain open communication with backers. Remember that success on Kickstarter is achievable with dedication and strategic effort.

To all aspiring creators, keep learning and exploring the world of crowdfunding and Kickstarter. Delve deeper into case studies, attend webinars, and network with experienced campaigners. Your journey to crowdfunding success is just beginning, and with continued dedication, you can turn your creative ideas into reality through the power of crowdfunding.

How Pressfarm can help to promote your Kickstarter campaign

Do you need help generating publicity for your Kickstarter campaign? With a team of PR specialists, expert writers, and certified designers from Pressfarm , you can do just that!

With a professional press release, some winning guest posts, and an eye-catching media kit from Pressfarm, you can make a splash and stand out from other Kickstarter projects. Beyond creating quality content for you, Pressfarm can also help you put it in front of the right eyes.

By submitting your content to the right media outlets and startup directories, Pressfarm can help your startup rank in relevant search results across different search engines. Additionally, with custom media lists and access to a database of 1 million+ journalists, you can connect with the best journalists in your niche.

With a PR package from Pressfarm, you can generate publicity and win backers over to your Kickstarter project.

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Kickstarter Project Updates Blog

Successful Kickstarter Fulfillment: Easyship Guide

Finding Kickstarter fulfillment complex? Find out how to reduce costs and create a delivery experience your backers love with Easyship today!

Easyship

Key points:

  • Kickstarter fulfillment involves managing and shipping rewards to backers after a successful campaign.
  • Choosing the right fulfillment partner can streamline logistics and reduce costs, especially for international shipping.
  • Careful planning, including inventory management, packaging, labeling, and cost-effective shipping strategies, is crucial for successful Kickstarter fulfillment.
  • Easyship is your one-stop solution for warehousing, shipping, and tracking with full visibility on taxes, duties, couriers, and fees. To get started, visit our dedicated sign up page .

Running a successful Kickstarter campaign is an exhilarating experience, but the real challenge often starts after the funds have been raised: the fulfillment process. This guide is tailored specifically for Kickstarter creators who are navigating the complex terrain of shipping their first product, aiming to do so efficiently, transparently, and within a tight budget.

What Is Kickstarter Fulfillment?

Kickstarter fulfillment involves managing and shipping rewards to backers after a campaign has successfully met its funding goals. The order fulfillment stage is crucial as it directly impacts your reputation and the satisfaction of your backers. 

Efficiently managing this process helps establish a solid foundation for your business, demonstrating that you can deliver on promises and meet customer expectations.

Choosing the Right Fulfillment Center Partner

Selecting an effective fulfillment partner can greatly influence your Kickstarter campaign's success. Effective fulfillment companies can help streamline the complex logistics of packing and shipping, particularly if you’re dealing with international backers.

For campaigns where backers could be outside the U.S., international shipping expertise for Kickstarter orders is critical.

Choosing a crowdfunding fulfillment and shipping partner like Easyship can provide you with access to better shipping rates, comprehensive logistics support, and the tools needed to handle customs and international shipments effortlessly.

kickstarter case study strategic management

Donut Media: A Case Study in Successful Fulfillment

Donut Media's highly successful Kickstarter project for a collectible model car encountered manufacturing delays and a complex fulfillment process, due to the costs involved with importing goods from China to the US.

Challenges:

  • Donut Media's Kickstarter campaign for a model car, Project Stocky, raised over $430,000 but faced delays in manufacturing and a changing timeline
  • This made planning and managing shipping and fulfillment difficult
  • Additionally, the team worried about customs clearance for importing the model cars from China to the US
  • Easyship provided a custom flexible shipping plan to accommodate the changing timeline
  • They used their network of US warehouses for efficient storage and fulfillment
  • Easyship's expertise ensured smooth customs clearance
  • Easyship saved the client 100% of import duties to the United States through an innovative last-mile label-at-origin solution, utilizing de minimis value
  • Easyship successfully delivered all model cars on time and within budget.
  • Over 7,500 backers pledged over $430,000 for the project, which only shipped within the US.
  • Easyship's services included receiving inventory in their Shenzhen warehouse, picking and packing for secure transport, end-to-end tracking, bulk shipping to the US, customs clearance, last-mile delivery, and all necessary documentation.

How to Ship Rewards Efficiently

When you’re ready to ship rewards to your backers, consider the following steps to ensure a smooth process:

  • Inventory Management: Ensure your inventory arrives safely and is accounted for before shipping. This includes quality checks and secure storage.
  • Packing: Use durable, cost-effective packaging that ensures the safe arrival of rewards while keeping your costs down. This is where a fulfillment partner can advise on the best materials for the job.
  • Labeling and Documentation: Accurate labeling and proper documentation are vital, especially for international shipments. This may include customs forms and other necessary paperwork.

Planning for Successful Kickstarter Campaign Fulfillment

To avoid common pitfalls in Kickstarter fulfillment, plan meticulously. This involves understanding and negotiating shipping rates, choosing the right shipping options, and anticipating potential challenges that might arise with international orders.

Easyship’s Crowdfunding Shipping Cost Estimate tool can help you forecast and manage shipping costs more effectively. By reducing shipping expenses, you also protect your project’s profitability.

kickstarter case study strategic management

Reducing Shipping Rates with Strategic Decisions

Shipping costs can be a significant burden, particularly when unexpected fees arise. To manage and reduce these costs:

  • Consolidate Shipments: Whenever possible, consolidate your shipments to reduce the number of trips required
  • Negotiate Rates: Use a fulfillment partner’s bargaining power to secure better shipping rates
  • Optimize Package Sizes: Smaller, lighter packages often cost less to ship. Evaluate your packaging strategy to find cost savings

Kickstarter fulfillment can be a complex and daunting phase in your journey as a creator. However, with the right strategies and partners, it can also be a smooth and successful experience that sets your project apart in the eyes of your backers.

By partnering with a fulfillment company like Easyship, you can leverage their expertise and infrastructure to meet the growing expectations of your customers, reduce your operational workload, and ensure that your first venture into product shipping is successful and scalable.

Shipping Your Kickstarter Rewards Just Got Easier!

Kickstarter has rolled out a suite of features designed to streamline your campaign experience, from launch to fulfillment. Partnering with Easyship, the leading shipping platform, Kickstarter is taking the pain out of reward fulfillment. Check out our most popular features for Kickstarter campaigns:

  • Discounted shipping rates and a suite of tools to manage the entire process – budgeting, comparing rates, automating paperwork, creating labels, and tracking shipments – all from a single dashboard
  • Free consultation with Easyship specialists and waived membership fees. Qualifying campaigns can even score free shipping credits! Get in touch with us.
  • Improved backer communication with a new filter in Backer Reports and a refreshed design for easier navigation
  • Enhanced fulfillment tracking with three new reports – Item Level, Reward, and Add-on summaries – for better planning and preparation

Easyship is committed to making your project a success, and these new features are a big step forward. Don't miss out – leverage these tools and focus on what you do best: bringing your creative vision to life!

What is Kickstarter fulfillment?

Kickstarter fulfillment is the process of getting the Kickstarter rewards promised in a successful campaign to the backers.

What shipping company does Kickstarter use?

Kickstarter itself doesn't use a specific shipping company, creators partner with fulfillment vendors.

What is crowdfunding fulfillment?

Crowdfunding fulfillment is the general term for the logistics of getting rewards to backers after a crowdfunding campaign.

What is the success rate of Kickstarter delivery?

There's no official success rate, but Kickstarter provides resources to help creators fulfill their projects.

Who is the shipping company for Kickstarter?

Kickstarter doesn't have a designated shipping company, creators choose their fulfillment partner.

Who pays for shipping on Kickstarter?

Shipping costs can be built into the reward tiers backers choose or charged separately.

How does Kickstarter fulfillment work?

Creators partner with a fulfillment vendor who stores, packs, and ships rewards to backers based on backer surveys.

What happens if a Kickstarter project doesn't deliver?

If a project doesn't deliver, backers can request a refund through Kickstarter.

Case Study: How L'Oréal Paris Partnered with Kickstarter to Launch a New Product

Discover why L'Oréal used Kickstarter to introduce Colorsonic, their innovative at-home hair coloring device, and connect with a community of early adopters.

Fundraising for Musicians: Why Kickstarter Is a Great Choice for Musicians Seeking Funding

Musicians who have innovative concepts but face financial constraints may benefit from utilizing Kickstarter as a means to bring their ideas to fruition, connect with their audience, and secure funding without the need for traditional industry gatekeepers. In this detailed guide, we will explore how musicians use Kickstarter to fund

New Kickstarter Games Leader: Meet Maggie Clayton

Maggie Clayton joins Kickstarter from Exploding Kittens.

Courtney Brown Warren Named Kickstarter’s CMO

We're excited to announce that Courtney Brown Warren has been appointed as Kickstarter’s new Chief Marketing Officer.

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Strategic Management: Text and Cases ,written by authors Dess, McNamara, Eisner, and Sauerwald continues itstradition of being readable, relevant, and rigorous. Its engaging writing styleminimizes jargon to maximize readability. It provides examples frommanagement practice and societal themes including environmental sustainability,ethics, globalization, entrepreneurship, and data analytics to make the contentrelevant. It draws on the latest research by management scholars andinsights from executives to balance accessibility with rigor. 

The authors provide separate chapters on the role of intellectualassets in value creation (Ch. 4), entrepreneurial strategy and competitivedynamics (Ch. 8), and fostering entrepreneurship in established organizations(Ch. 12). This version includes all the text and 38 cases. 

PART 1: STRATEGIC ANALYSIS 

Chapter 1: Strategic Management: Creating Competitive Advantages 

Chapter 2: Analyzing the External Environment of the Firm 

Chapter 3: Assessing the Internal Environment of the Firm 

Chapter 4: Recognizing a Firm’s Intellectual Assets: Moving beyond a Firm’s Tangible Resources 

PART 2: STRATEGIC FORMULATION 

Chapter 5: Business-Level Strategy: Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantages 

Chapter 6: Corporate-Level Strategy: Creating Value through Diversification 

Chapter 7: International Strategy: Creating Value in Global Markets

Chapter 8: Entrepreneurial Strategy and Competitive Dynamics 

PART 3: STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION 

Chapter 9: Strategic Control and Corporate Governance 

Chapter 10: Creating Effective Organizational Designs 

Chapter 11: Strategic Leadership: Creating a Learning Organization and an Ethical Organization 

Chapter 12: Managing Innovation and Fostering Corporate Entrepreneurship 

PART 4: CASE ANALYSIS 

Chapter 13: Analyzing Strategic Management Cases

Cases: 

1. Robin Hood

2. The Global Casino Industry: Emerging from the Pandemic 

3. Theorybridge.com: Making Academic Research Relevant to Practitioners 

4. Dirty Laundry in the Fast Fashion Industry: H&M's Dilemma 

5. Pocket Radar: The Disruptive Innovator in the Sports Radar Gun Market 

6. Haribo and the Gummi Bear Business: A Sticky Situation 

7. Coinbase Global Inc. 

8. Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton 

9. Southwest Airlines: Can “Luv” Be a Competitive Advantage? 

10. JetBlue in 2022 

11. Emirates Airline 

12. Ford: Traveling Two Roads 

13. General Motors: Plugging In? 

14. Lime: Is E-Bike Sharing the Next Uber? 

15. WW in 2022: Can Weight Watchers Shape Up? 

16. The Boston Beer Company: Competition is Brewing   

17. Heineken 

18. Tata Starbucks: A New Brew for India? 

19. Nintendo: Could the Switch Turn on Gamers? 

20. Apple Inc.: Limits to Growth? 

21. Samsung Electronics 

22. Zynga: Is the Game Over?  

23. Flipkart in the Indian E-Commerce Market 

24. eBay: Still Misunderstood 

25. Alibaba Group: Rivals at the Gate? 

26. Venmo: Better than Cash? 

27. Johnson & Johnson 

28. Procter & Gamble 

29. McDonald's in 2022 

30. United Way Worldwide 

31. Campbell: How to Keep the Soup Simmering 

32. World Wrestling Entertainment in 2022 

33. Microfinance: Going Global . . . and Going Public? 34. Greenwood Resources: A Global Sustainable Venture in the Making 

35. Kickstarter and Crowdfunding 2022 

36. QVC in 2022 

37. Cirque du Soleil in 2022 

38. Walt Disney Company 

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About the Author

Gregory Dess

Gregory G. Dess is the Andrew R. Cecil Endowed Chair in Management at the University of Texas at Dallas. His primary research interests are in strategic management, organization environment relationships, and knowledge management. He has published numerous articles on these subjects in both academic and practitioner-oriented journals. He also serves on the editorial boards of a wide range of practitioner-oriented and academic journals. In August 2000, he was inducted into the Academy of Management Journal  Hall of Fame as one of its charter members. Professor Dess has conducted executive programs in the United States, Europe, Africa, Hong Kong, and Australia. During 1994 he was a Fulbright Scholar in Oporto, Portugal. In 2009, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Bern (Switzerland). He received his PhD in business administration from the University of Washington (Seattle) and a BIE degree from Georgia Tech.

Steve Sauerwald

Steve Sauerwald is an Associate Professor of Strategic Management in the College of Business at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His research interests focus on corporate governance, strategic leadership, and stakeholder strategy. He pursues this research program in a global setting by examining how institutions surrounding domestic and international firms shape organizational outcomes. His scholarship has been published in journals such as Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science, Journal of International Business Studies, Journal of Management , and Journal of Management Studies . His research has been covered by Forbes, Harvard Business Review, and BBC. He received his MBA and PhD from the University of Texas at Dallas. He was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Texas at Dallas and a visiting scholar at Free University Berlin.

Alan Eisner

Alan B. Eisner is Dean of the School of Management and Professor of Management at Clark University. He received his PhD in management from the Stern School of Business, New York University. His primary research interests are in strategic management, technology management, organizational learning, and managerial decision making. He has published research articles and cases in journals such as Advances in Strategic Management, International Journal of Electronic Commerce, International Journal of Technology Management, American Business Review, Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management , and Global Journal of Business Pedagogy . He is the former associate editor of the Case Association’s peer-reviewed journal, The CASE Journal.

Gerry McNamara

Gerry McNamara is the McConnell Broad Professor of Management at Michigan State University. His research draws on cognitive and behavioral theories to explain strategic phenomena, including strategic decision making, mergers and acquisitions, and environmental assessments. His research has been published in the Academy of Management Journal , the Strategic Management Journal, Organization Science, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes , the Journal of Applied Psychology , Personnel Psychology , the Journal of Management , and the Journal of International Business Studies . Gerry’s research has also been abstracted in the Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, New York Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek , the Economist , and Financial Week . He has served as an associate editor for the Strategic Management Journal and the Academy of Management Journal . He received his PhD from the University of Minnesota.

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