Reddit roundup: why a $37K campaign paid out only $28K
Campaign Discussion · PledgeRadar Editorial ·
u/mehrdadfeller's campaign showed about $37K raised, but the payout was around $28K, and they asked whether Kickstarter splits payments.
Creators explained where the difference usually goes. This also explains why a campaign's headline number isn't the budget the creator actually has to deliver with.
What Reddit users said
Asked whether Kickstarter's fee and payment processing fees had been taken into account.
Original commentIf backers were allowed to pay in instalments, part of the money arrives later.
Original commentTheir rule of thumb: about 5% to Kickstarter, 3–5% to payment processing and around 5% in dropped pledges, so expect 13–15% of the headline total to disappear.
Original commentThe final backer report after the payment-retry period shows what was actually collected. Apart from instalment plans, don't expect a second payment.
Original commentInstalments are paid as backers pay them, and late pledges made after the deadline are paid out separately in the following weeks.
Original commentEnabling pay-in-instalments for even one backer means the campaign's funds are paid out in instalments.
Original commentTypically 5–10% of cards fail at the close (expired or maxed out), and creators need to follow up with those backers individually.
Original commentSource: Received significantly less than funded amount from Kickstarter (r/kickstarter)
Replies in this roundup summarize public comments posted on Reddit and are credited to their original authors, with links to the source. They are third-party opinions, not statements by PledgeRadar or its members. PledgeRadar does not verify these claims and accepts no legal responsibility for the content of community discussions.