Reddit roundup: veteran creator warns against setting a funding goal below real costs
Campaign Discussion · PledgeRadar Editorial ·
u/BryceOConnor, who says his publishing company has run more than 50 funded campaigns, argued that new creators should not set an artificially low goal just to get a "funded in hours" badge. If the campaign then ends between the low goal and the real cost of production, the creator is stuck delivering at a loss.
For backers, this thread explains why a tiny goal on a hardware or manufacturing project can be a risk signal rather than a strength.
What Reddit users said
Thinks the post should be pinned. Says they watched three board game campaigns in a year end up short of their real costs, including one creator who talked about selling a car to cover the gap. Also argues relaunching a failed campaign is underrated.
Original commentProposes a middle ground: leave money you've already spent (R&D, art, prototypes) out of the goal, so you can hit it early without risking a loss. If the campaign is tracking below what you actually need, cancel and rethink.
Original commentSpeaking as a backer, says underfunding rarely ends well. The only case where a low goal makes sense is when the creator already has the full production budget in hand.
Original commentSays their first campaign failing was a blessing in hindsight, because they hadn't budgeted for shipping, import taxes and fees, which would have eaten a large share of the money.
Original commentA first-time hardware creator says that working out the minimum needed for steel tooling and the factory's minimum order quantity was eye-opening. They asked how to set a realistic goal without scaring off early backers.
Original commentRealised they had set their goal without accounting for Kickstarter's fees, and asked what percentage the platform takes.
Original commentSource: A word of advice from a veteran creator... If you are a new creator, please DO NOT set your goal lower than what you need to actually produce your product. (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.