Pre‑Launch Reservation FAQ

This FAQ explains how BackerKit’s Pre‑Launch Reservation works from a backer’s point of view—what you’ll see, how to place a reservation, and the important rules to know before you commit.

What is a Pre‑Launch Reservation?

A Pre‑Launch Reservation lets you reserve an exclusive perk or pledge incentive before a campaign goes live by placing a small, one‑time deposit (typically $1–$5) on the project’s BackerKit Launch Party Teaser page, and to receive a notification as soon as the project goes live! This is only available prior to the campaign's official launch date.

Making a reservation is just the first step to confirm eligibility for special perks, reserving does not secure a pledge, but it does secure your special rewards for if and when you pledge, but you’ll still need to pledge after the project launches (and before it ends) to receive your perks.

When the campaign launches, your reserved perk will be attached to your pledge at checkout. :)

How do I place a reservation?

Visit the project’s BackerKit Launch Party page (Example project below):

👉🏽 If you have a BackerKit account:

👉🏽 If you need to sign up for a BackerKit account:

Review the reservation summary on the Teaser Page (including the amount, and rewards included.) (Example)

Follow the project "Yes, Count Me In" or "Sign up" to populate the ‘Reserve’ button:

Review the no‑refund policy on the confirmation page.

Click the "Confirm Your Reservation" button after adding your payment details. Confirm your reservation and payment.

You’ll see a confirmation on screen, and you’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How much does a reservation cost?

The amount is set by the project creator. Most reservations are $1–$5, though amounts may vary.

When am I charged?

You are charged immediately when you place the reservation.

Payment confirmation appears on screen

What if my payment fails?

Payment failures appear immediately if there’s an issue.
If your payment is unsuccessful, the reservation does not go through and will not be retried automatically.
In some cases, your bank may show a temporary pending authorization. This is not a completed charge and typically falls off within 1–2 business days, depending on your bank.
Because unsuccessful reservation payments automatically fail and are not saved, there is no charge to reattempt and no record of the failed reservation in your account or on our end. If you’d like to proceed, you can simply try again from the project’s Launch Party or Teaser Page using a valid payment method.
You will not be charged twice.

Can I reserve more than once?

No. Each backer can only place one reservation per project.
Once your reservation is complete, you won’t be able to reserve again.

Where can I see my reservation?

After placing a reservation, you can view it in your BackerKit account under:
- Account → My Pledges -> My reservations
Your reservation and its details will appear there.
If your reservation has failed, there will be no record of the transaction in your account.

Can I cancel or get a refund on my reservation?

No. Reservations are final and non-refundable.

Once a reservation is placed:

It cannot be canceled.
It cannot be refunded.

This information is included in the checkout process so you can review it before confirming your reservation. :)

What if I don’t end up pledging when the campaign launches?

If you choose not to pledge after the campaign goes live, the reservation deposit is not refunded.

Reservation deposits:

Do not carry over as credit
Do not always count toward campaign funding totals
If you do not pledge, your reservation will be deposited as a donation for the creator

What happens when the campaign launches?

When the project goes live:

You can pledge like normal.
Be sure to use the same email you used to opt into the reservation with.
Your Pre‑Launch Reservation incentive is automatically applied at checkout

You’ll see it listed with this label:

“Pre‑Launch Reservation — You reserved exclusive perks pre‑launch.”

What kind of perks can I get for reserving?

Perks vary by project and may include:

A free item
A discount
Exclusive bonus content

If a project has a specific incentive set up, you’ll see messaging like:

“Get a free [item name] by putting down a reservation deposit.”

If no specific incentive is set, you’ll see standard reservation messaging instead.

I followed the project already—do I still see the reservation button?

Yes. If you’re already on the project’s follower list:

You’ll see the reservation button
You’ll be prompted to log in
If your email is already associated with an account, you’ll go through the password reset / login flow

Once logged in, if you already have a reservation:

The reservation button will disappear
You’ll see confirmation that your reservation is already secured

Will I get an email confirmation?

Yes. After placing a reservation, you’ll receive a confirmation email confirming:

The project
The reservation amount
That the reservation is non‑refundable

Why do creators use reservations?

Reservations help creators:

Forecast demand more accurately
Plan production and fulfillment
Offer better exclusive perks to early supporters

Your reservation signals strong intent to pledge once the campaign launches.

👉🏽 Still need help?

If you have questions about your reservation or need account assistance, contact BackerKit Support and we'll be happy to assist!