As contactless payments and digital wallets take center stage, you might think the good old-fashioned wallet is becoming obsolete.
However, wallets have also evolved to adapt to the modern lifestyle.
And in recent years, Kickstarter has become a hotbed for these innovative wallet designs. From minimalist slim wallets to versatile modular designs, the world of Kickstarter wallets is brimming with options that are as stylish as they are functional.
In the last five years, there have been over 2,281 wallet project campaigns on Kickstarter. 1436 in the Design category, 530 in the Fashion category, and 170 in the Technology category, collectively contributing to $3.17 billion raised in these three categories.
In this article, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, carefully curating a list of the best Kickstarter wallets that cater to different tastes and requirements.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Wallets are popular on Kickstarter due to their universal appeal and potential for innovation
- Crowdfunding a wallet involves testing the market, building a pre-launch email list, and creating a solid campaign
- Successful campaigns often have a compelling story, unique features, and effective marketing strategies
- Key aspects include building a community, focusing on product positioning, and launching with a strong first 24-48 hours
What Makes Wallets Perfect for Crowdfunding?
In an article by Kickstarter titled “Why are there so many wallets on Kickstarter?” Nitsuh Abebe says, “Wallets are a perennial around here: one of a handful of products you’ll consistently see at least two or three of on the site, well on their way to being funded, any time you look.”
So, what makes wallets a popular choice for crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter?
High Demand
Wallets are widely used items, making them a high-demand product. Since wallets are a product that people need and the average wallet is relatively affordable, it’s not a huge investment to try a new wallet project.
Universally Under-served Market
The wallets available in stores are mostly the same, and they often don’t satisfy the needs of consumers.
People crave the perfect wallet, “a unicorn – a magical, unobtainable beast, its design perfectly poised between a dozen conflicting qualities.” This leaves an underserved market that’s open for new wallet projects.
Slim Wallet Trend
People are carrying less stuff. With fewer cards, less cash, and the ability to store things like business cards and shopping lists on phones, minimal wallets appeal to the Kickstarter demographic. Slim wallets also tend to use less material, making them more affordable to produce.
Customization
Wallets have to do a lot of different things at the same time.
“You can’t push one part of it without pulling on the others. Wallets are ultimately all about the small details, those tiny pebble-in-your-shoe subtleties that suit one person’s needs and ruin the next person’s day.”
—Dimatos
Therefore, wallet projects can offer customization, which mass-produced wallets cannot.
How Crowdfunding a Wallet on Kickstarter Works
Here are the steps to follow to crowdfund on Kickstarter:
Step 1: Adopt a Testing Mindset
Before diving into the crowdfunding process, it’s crucial to test your wallet concept and positioning.
To do testing, start by developing initial hypotheses about your product’s market positioning and target audience.
Then create advertisements and landing pages based on these hypotheses. Analyze the data from these ads to determine which positioning resonates best with your target audience.
This process, called TestBoom, helps to minimize risk and increase the likelihood of a successful campaign.
Step 2: Pre-launch Stage
At this stage, your main focus should be building a strong foundation for your crowdfunding campaign by developing your product positioning. This means identifying your target audience and effectively communicating the value of your product to them.
To build your product position, use the Consumer Based Brand Equity (CBBE) Pyramid framework.
This pyramid will help you get all the necessary information about your product and target audience out of your head and onto paper. The CBBE Pyramid is a lean yet powerful framework that helps form cohesive marketing messages you can test.
The underlying principle of the CBBE Pyramid is that you don’t own your brand; your customers do. The brand is something that lives in their mind.
Next, to start building your target audience, use a Reservation Funnel.
This involves creating a landing page that collects email addresses from potential backers. It offers them the opportunity to become a VIP by putting down a small deposit to reserve the product at a discounted price when the campaign launches.
By collecting email addresses at this stage, you can build your community and develop a relationship with your potential backers before the campaign begins. This is called creating a buzz for your campaign.
Lastly, build your community.
This includes collecting email addresses and engaging with potential backers on social media, forums, and other online communities. Share updates on your product development process, answer questions and build relationships with these people.
Step 3: Launching Your Campaign
Now you’re ready to launch. Aim for a “launch boom” by securing significant funding within the first 24 to 48 hours.
This early momentum will help your campaign gain traction and attract additional backers.
At this stage, share your launch announcement with your email list, VIP members, and social media followers. Encourage your community to share the campaign with their networks. Also, consider using targeted ads to reach a broader audience.
Our Picks: 10 best Kickstarter Wallets
The Most Funded Slim Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: The Groove Wallet
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $30,000 | $810,058 | 9,447 |
Key Features
- Single thumb swipe for easy card access
- Perfect array of up to 6 cards without elastic bands
- Ultra-slim design with RFID-blocking capabilities
- Durable 6063 Aluminum construction with a 94-Year No BS Warranty (lifetime warranty)
Picture this – you’re in line to pay for your morning coffee and fumbling through a bulky wallet trying to find the right card. Time slows down as you feel the impatient gaze of everyone behind you. Sounds frustrating, right?
Now imagine a world where you can access your cards with a smooth, single-thumb swipe – welcome to the Groove Wallet experience.
The Groove Wallet is designed for those who crave a sleek, minimalist look without compromising functionality. The ultra-slim profile means no more pocket bulge, allowing you to wear those skinny jeans without worry.
Most Backed Minimalist Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: The Crabby Wallet
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $10,000 | $308,838 | 15,129 |
Key Features:
- Compact design for a slim profile
- Elastic construction for versatility and durability
- Integrated attachment loop and card securing band
Born from a personal quest for the perfect minimalist wallet, its creator spent countless hours refining the design to ensure it meets the needs of even the most demanding users.
The Crabby Wallet keeps your cards/cash organized and offers the convenience of an integrated attachment loop and card-securing band. It also comes with a wide range of colors to choose from.
Best Modular Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: MagSnap Wallet
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $10,000 | $393,895 | 3,372 |
Key Features
- Ultra-thin design – 5.5mm for 1-5 card module
- Modular system
- Magnetic docking
What sets the MagSnap Wallet apart is its modular system that allows you to create your perfect wallet by mixing and matching various module types and materials.
Additionally, it features a magnetic docking system that can optionally be mounted to your phone for added convenience.
This wallet also offers RFID protection to keep your cards safe from digital theft.
Best AirTag Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: Snapback Slim Air
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $1,000 | $35,351 | 618 |
Key Features
- Specially designed for Apple AirTags
- A slim profile without compromising on style
- Handcrafted in the USA with premium Italian leather
With a capacity to hold up to six cards, a few folded bills, and an AirTag, this wallet offers a seamless blend of form and function.
Available in both black and brown, the Snapback Slim Air is not only a practical choice but also a stylish one.
It’s a perfect union of technology and sophistication.
Most Backed Slim Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: Bando 2.0
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $10,000 | $261,899 | 8,945 |
Key Features
- Long-lasting design with a 2-year warranty
- Made with sustainable, animal-free eco synthetic leather
- Improved band – Made with silicone beads for increased grip
BANDO 2.0 is a wallet designed to stand the test of time while minimizing its environmental impact.
“The BANDO 2.0 is a proud part of our long-standing commitment to using vegan materials since 2013.”
This wallet is an upgrade to the Bando wallet by Dash Wallets.
Project We Love Slim Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: Pad and Quill
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $5,000 | $12,925 | 145 |
Key Features
- Slim design with a 10-year warranty
- Handcrafted from American full-grain leather
- Each wallet is discreetly signed by the artisan who made it
These are five slim leather wallets designed to cater to your unique daily carry needs.
This collection has everything, whether you require a wallet with a money clip, hidden pockets, or an AirTag holder.
Crafted with American full-grain leather and parachute-grade nylon stitching, these wallets are built to last. As you use your slim wallet, its leather will develop a beautiful patina, reflecting your personal journey.
| Pad and Quill Wallet Models | Card Capacity | Cash Clip | Hidden Pockets | AirTag Pocket | Measurements |
| Slim Credit Card Leather Wallet | 5 cards | No | No | No | 4.35in x 3in |
| Camden Slim Leather Wallet | 11 cards | No | No | Yes | 4in x 2 5/8in |
| Slim Wallet and Money Clip | 6 cards | Yes | No | No | 4.35in x 3in |
| Slim Bi-Fold Wallet | 12 cards | No | No | No | 4 1/4in x 3 5/8in |
| Slim Passport Wallet | 7 cards | No | Yes | No | 3.8in x 5.4in x 0.3in |
Best Travel Passport Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: MiniT
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| HK$ 10,000 | HK$ 76,964 | 227 |
Key Features
- Ultra-slim and functional design
- Premium vegan leather and water-repellent materials
- Inbuilt RFID protection for cards
The MiniT travel wallet is designed to be your perfect travel companion. It’s slim and functional and boasts a premium vegan leather construction that’s durable, water-repellent, and eco-friendly.
It’s the ideal size for holding passports, cards, cash, coins, SIM cards, and even a smartphone pin.
In addition, the MiniT travel wallet comes with a large elastic cap pocket that can securely hold coins, keys, flash drives, and more.
Best Leather Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: Mbacco
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| CA$ 9,000 | CA$ 101,209 | 1,033 |
Key Features
- Expandable compartment for easy access to cards
- Secret compartment for small essentials
- Premium leather and ripstop fabric for durability
One of the most appealing aspects of the Mbacco wallet is its capacity to evolve with your needs. The expandable compartment and secret compartment ensure that you can carry everything you require in a compact and organized manner.
The premium leather and ripstop fabric guarantee that your wallet will look great and remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Most Funded Minimalist Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: DM1
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $5,000 | $519,070 | 4,013 |
Key Features
- CNC precision machined wallets for secure card retention
- Three distinct materials: Nickel, Titanium, and Carbon Fiber
- Available in 3 sizes: 4-card, 8-card, and 12-card
Inspired by a Stanford University Mechanical Engineering class, the creator sought to solve the problem of back pain caused by carrying thick wallets. They aimed to develop an ultra-slim wallet that could comfortably hold essential cards without compromising elegance.
As you browse your options, you’ll find that the DM1 wallet is a true game-changer in minimalist wallets.
You’ll not find elastic straps, velcro, or rubber bands holding your cards together. Instead, you’ll be greeted by a luxurious, high-quality wallet designed to make your life easier and more comfortable.
Best Front Pocket Wallet on Kickstarter
Brand: The Ridge
| Funding Goal | Amount Funded | Backers |
| $12,000 | $266,622 | 5,305 |
Key Features
- Slim, front-pocket design for ultimate comfort
- Integrated expandable track for versatile card capacity
- Optional integrated money clip for traditional cash-carrying
Daniel and Paul, a father-son duo, have reimagined the wallet to provide a stylish and minimalistic design.
If you get discomfort from carrying bulky wallets, by using a front-pocket wallet like The Ridge, you can alleviate lower back pain caused by sitting on a traditional wallet.
What These Successful Kickstarter Campaigns Have in Common
They offer unique features and benefits
Whether it’s a wallet that fans out your cards, a wallet that has a secret drawer, a wallet that blocks RFID signals, a wallet that has a bottle opener (I know), or a wallet that is made of titanium, these campaigns stand out from the crowd by offering something different and valuable to their potential customers.
They have high-quality materials and craftsmanship
These wallets are not cheap or flimsy products that will fall apart after a few uses. They are made of durable materials such as carbon fiber, leather, microfiber, aluminum and titanium. The wallets are built to last and to impress.
They have compelling videos and images
A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth even more. These campaigns use engaging videos and images to showcase the products, tell their stories, explain the features and benefits, and demonstrate functionality and quality.
They have clear and attractive rewards
These campaigns offer various rewards for different levels of backing, such as early bird discounts, exclusive colors, custom engraving, bundles and accessories. These rewards appeal to different types of customers and incentivize them to pledge more money and support the project.
They have positive feedback and reviews
The campaigns have received many positive comments and testimonials from their backers, who have received and are satisfied with their products. This feedback and reviews show that these campaigns are trustworthy, reliable, and deliver on their promises. They also help to spread the word and attract more backers to the project.
Wrapping Up
Wallet campaigns have a headstart on Kickstarter. These campaigns offer a tangible product with a clear function and appeal to a wide range of backers on the platform.
However, the success of a wallet crowdfunding campaign is not guaranteed. As with any crowdfunding campaign, proper planning and execution are key.
Focus on developing a strong product positioning and building a community of interested backers during the pre-launch stage. With this and other tips we have provided, your chances of success will be well above average.
LaunchBoom Can Help
Our team has extensive experience in crowdfunding. We’ll guide you through each step of the process, from developing your product positioning to building a reservation funnel and launching your campaign.
Talk to us today to learn more about how we can make your campaign part of the “fully funded” statistics.
