Fulfillment Delays: What to do When Timelines Shift

Overview

Fulfillment delays can happen for various reasons, and even the most carefully planned projects might face some setbacks. This help guide highlights the most common causes of delays, offers recommended steps for creators, and shares best practices for communicating effectively. This way, you can keep your backers informed and confident every step of the way.

Common Reasons for Delays

Manufacturing delays caused by material shortages, production errors, quality control issues, or required product revisions.
Freight and logistics slowdowns due to port congestion, limited carrier capacity, weather disruptions, or transport scheduling issues.
Fulfillment and warehouse bottlenecks including receiving backlogs, inventory mismatches, damaged cartons, or complex SKU configurations.
Customs and import delays resulting from incorrect paperwork, unpaid duties, inspections, or changing regional regulations.
External marketing factors such as geopolitical instability, pandemics, fuel cost increases, or global supply chain disruptions.
Financial and payment processing delays caused by verification holds, fraud checks, failed backer payments, or missing tax documentation.
Backer or creator-driven issues such as missing survey responses, address errors, expanded project scope, or late-stage production changes.

What You Can Do

Notify your BackerKit Success Rep as soon as you’re aware of the delay. Or email hello@backerkit.com
Update Important Dates in your BackerKit dashboard so timelines stay accurate
Communicate with your fulfillment partner about updated ETAs or packing needs
When working with a team, document the change internally so your messaging stays consistent and clear
Communicate with backers through campaign updates

How to Communicate With Backers

Best practices

Explain the cause of the delay clearly and politely
Provide a revised timeline (or the expected window)
Share next steps so backers know what to expect
Reassure backers that their pledges are secure and production is still progressing
Avoid placing blame or oversharing internal details

Where to post updates

Campaign updates
Social channels
FAQs

Example phrases

“We recently hit a delay due to X and are working with our partners to resolve it.”
“We expect our next update by [date].”
“No action is required from you at this time.”

Campaign Update Messaging Templates

Delay Announcement

“We encountered a delay due to X. We are currently working with our manufacturers and logistics partners to adjust timelines. This does not affect your pledge or shipping fees. Our next update will be posted by [date]. Let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Example:

Follow-Up Update

“Here is the latest status on our delay. We have completed X and are now moving into Y. No action is required from you at this time. Thank you again for your continued patience and support.”