Kickstarter Newbie. What should i Know or consider.

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  c64 on 09/04/2014 - 07:42

  +2

  Im looking at pledging abit over $1100 for a Axis 360 Modular motion control thingy which i find will help me a lot with the time lapses that i do.

  well there's your problem. you've got to describe it as a free energy machine and gullible people will give you lots of money

  • 

    Domingo on 09/04/2014 - 09:36

    He said he is looking at pledging, not asking for money.

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  Master Bates on 09/04/2014 - 09:48

  +2

  Important to note that your money is essentially seen as a donation and not a purchase. There is no security if the project gets funded; the Creator takes your payment and does not subsequently deliver the product or delivers a substandard product. Therefore it is important to judge for yourself by reading what they post and asking relevant questions to see whether it is worth the risk or not.

  I have bought a couple of things from Kickstarter:

  • One from a known source that has its own eCommerce website, but likes to use the crowd-funding path for releasing new products; the item was delivered on time, to a high standard and with nice bonus products.
  • The other product has been delayed more than once and is consistently being redesigned to meet various quality and safety standards. I trust I will get the product, but I'm glad I didn't go for the high value package and therefore only have only donated a small amount should it fail.
  • 

    Master Bates on 09/04/2014 - 21:22

    Having just watched the video, it looks like a cool gadget (I wouldn't mind one myself). Seeing as they have already reached their funding goal and the fact that you're only really saving $200 on retail for the most expensive single item package (against all OzBargain principles) I would be inclined to wait for a second gen version that addresses any initial problems. There is so much that could fail in such a complex product and you're not guaranteed much support from a recently established company; plus any repairs would have to be completed in the States, which would incur shipping costs.

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  Cyphar on 09/04/2014 - 10:56

  +1

  Also consider that while you are pledging the funds, the projector may fail and you are not entitled to your funds back. This is a risk vs reward decision. You may INVEST in the development of the product and receive the product for cheaper than the final sale price, but there is no promise the product may even see the light of day. You are pledging based on a promise and people break promises all the time

  Just like with lending the money, only pledge what you can afford to lose.

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  timmypete on 09/04/2014 - 15:04

  killperry and cyphar make incredibly valid points. While I've had 3 great experiences on Kickstarter and IndieGogo, I've also had an absolute shocker experience and was luckier than the majority of backers who got shafted even more.

  I backed a custom motherboard ($250USD, plus shipping) where the producer seemed to have his act in order. I was lucky to get my board 4 months late. Some are still waiting a year later for delivery even though the producer is now flagrantly selling them on his online store (and no one who paid $2k for a complete system has seen any updates in the last year). People who ordered additional Bluetooth/WiFi cards are yet to see them 12 months on, and a port bracket was never produced for the Firewire port which was a major selling point on the board (and it has a unique pinout so you can't just buy elsewhere).

  If you have problems your credit card chargeback window will have long elapsed by the time you recognise a need to act. Kickstarter will also do bugger all once the money is down and they've got their commission.

  While I've had wonderful experiences, understand that despite the producer's best intents you might not have the same luck. The best piece of advice I can give you is don't back them if you can't afford to lose the money entirely. While it would go against the OzBargain mentality, by forgoing the Kickstarter discount and paying retail when if the project is successfully backed saves a lot of hassles and a lot of risk on $1100 (3,333 soft serves or thereabouts).