Late pledge refers to the option for backers to pledge their support for a campaign after the initial funding period has ended. Kickstarter introduced their Late Pledge beta on April 16, 2024 to a small number of creators. They will likely allow access to Late Pledges to all creators very soon.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of late pledging, including its definition, the process involved, its benefits, and answering FAQs.
Contents
Understanding the Concept of Late Pledge
Definition of Late Pledge
A late pledge allows individuals to contribute funds to a Kickstarter campaign after the campaign’s official funding period has ended. Once the campaign reaches its deadline, project creators can make a late pledge option available. This enables backers who missed the initial fundraising period to still support the project and receive the rewards.
The Role of Late Pledge in Crowdfunding
Late pledges play a crucial role in the crowdfunding ecosystem as they provide an opportunity for backers to join a campaign they may have missed or discovered late. It allows project creators to continue gaining support even after the campaign has officially ended, helping them reach stretch goals and ultimately bring their vision to life.
The Process of Making a Late Pledge on Kickstarter
Steps to Make a Late Pledge
Making a late pledge on Kickstarter is a relatively straightforward process. To begin, backers must visit the Kickstarter campaign page for the project they wish to support. There, they will find a designated section explicitly mentioning the availability of late pledges.
Next, backers need to carefully review the late pledge options provided by the project creator. These options typically include various pledge levels and associated rewards. Once backers have determined their desired pledge level, they can proceed to make their pledge the same way they would on a live campaign.
It’s important to note that unlike a normal live Kickstarter campaign, your payment method will be charged immediately once you back the project.
Time Frame for Late Pledges
The duration in which project creators accept late pledges varies from campaign to campaign. Some creators may allow late pledges for a short period, extending the availability by a matter of days or weeks. On the other hand, certain projects may offer late pledge options for months or even longer after the campaign’s end date. Backers should check campaign updates and other communication from the creator to make sure they don’t miss out on the chance to late pledge.
Benefits of Late Pledging
Advantages for Backers
For backers, here are the top advantages of late pledging:
- Ability to support projects they didn’t know about during the initial campaign
- More time to assess the viability and progress of a project before deciding to pledge
- Help creators hit stretch goals they may have missed during the initial campaign
Advantages for Project Creators
For project creators, here are the top advantages of late pledging:
- Continue to raise funds and expand the potential pool of backers beyond the initial campaign
- Don’t have to rely on third party pledge managers
- Don’t have to set up an e-commerce website to continue to take pre-orders
Late Pledges on Kickstarter FAQs
How do I Late Pledge to a campaign that has ended?
To pledge, visit the project page and click “Back this project” or access the Reward tab to select available Late Pledges. Choose your reward and the correct country for shipping, then click “Pledge.” Add any optional add-ons on the following page, and click “Continue” to review your pledge summary. Late Pledges cannot be modified or canceled, so confirm all details are correct. Finally, enter your payment information and submit your pledge by clicking “Pledge” to complete the transaction immediately.
What payment methods can I use for Kickstarter Late Pledges?
You can use the same payment methods for a Late Pledge as you would for a live Kickstarter campaign, except SEPA is not available for Late Pledges.
When is my credit card charged for Kickstarter Late Pledges?
Your credit card is charged immediately for Kickstarter Late Pledges and funds are sent to the creator in a new payout. This is unlike a live campaign where credit cards are charged when the campaign ends.
Can I pledge to a project a second time with Kickstarter Late Pledges?
No. Backers can only pledge to a project one time on Kickstarter. If you already pledged to a project while it was live, it won’t be possible to pledge a second time through Kickstarter Late Pledges.
Can a Kickstarter Late Pledge be canceled or changed?
No. Since the funds are taken immediately and sent to the creator, a backer cannot cancel or modify their pledge. If you need to cancel a Late Pledge, you’ll need to reach out to the creator directly.
