.png){kind=logo}
BackerKit Terminology: New to Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding has its own language, and it can be confusing when terms overlap. If you're new to crowdfunding or just need a refresher, this guide covers the most common words you'll encounter!
What is BackerKit? Learn more » | Why do I need a survey? Learn more » | Do I need a BackerKit account? Learn more »
👉 The basics
| Crowdfunding | Many people pledge money to help a creator make something new! Your pledge helps fund production, and if the goal is met, the creator uses the money to make and ship the rewards. Learn more » |
| BackerKit | A platform creators use to manage crowdfunding projects and pledge management. It doesn’t handle production, pricing, shipping, or refunds. Some projects fund on BackerKit, others fund on Kickstarter and then use BackerKit afterward. |
| BackerKit Crowdfunding | In addition to being a pledge manager for other platforms, BackerKit runs its own Crowdfunding platform, where creators run campaigns from start to finish. This is separate from Kickstarter — a BackerKit Crowdfunding campaign lives entirely on BackerKit |
| Backer | A backer is someone who pledges money to a crowdfunding project to help fund its early development in exchange for rewards. They’re only charged if the campaign successfully reaches its funding goal. Part adopter, part cheerleader, & first in line. |
| Rewards/Items/Perks | The physical or digital items (order contents) you are expected to receive in exchange for your pledge. Rewards are determined, produced and shipped by the project team after the campaign funds. |
| Live Campaign / Project Page | This is where a crowdfunding project raises money within a set time window, funding goal and end date. Once it closes, new pledges stop. Key details like timelines, shipping estimates, stretch goals, and pledge levels live here. |
| Example of a "live campaign/project page" |
|
| Project team/project creator team | The group running the campaign and creating your rewards. They control production, fulfillment, and refund decisions. While BackerKit provides the tools, the project team makes the decisions. |
| Topia /Group Collab/Cross-Collab | A themed BackerKit Crowdfunding event where multiple creators launch projects at the same time. Topias often feature cross-collab rewards for backers who support more than one project in the event. Learn more » |
💡 BackerKit and Kickstarter are separate crowdfunding platforms. You might pledge on Kickstarter, then get a BackerKit survey for shipping and add-ons. Why? »
Actions on one don’t automatically update the other (like email or payment changes or reward updates.)
Do I need a BackerKit account for a Kickstarter pledge? Learn more »
Before you pledge
| Reserving/Pre-launch reservation | A non-refundable way to secure exclusive perks before a campaign goes live. It isn’t a discount towards your pledge. Pledging to an applicable pledge level when the campaigns open is necessary to receive your reserved perk. Learn more » |
| Pledge/Pledging/Backing/Back a project | A pledge is when you commit to support a project and pick a pledge level, similar to an "order. You’re charged after the campaign ends, and while rewards aren’t guaranteed, creators are expected to deliver and follow BackerKit’s rules. |
| Pledge level/bundle | The first step to pledge – when backing, you choose your pledge level first. then may add additional items if available. Pledge levels are predetermined and cannot be modified. These control what rewards you'll receive. |
| An example of Pledge Levels and where to find them |
|
| Incentives (Early Bird, Returning Backer, etc) | Exclusive rewards for backing a project early, often within the first 48-72 hours —such as free or discounted items, or digital content. Returning backer incentives reward previous backers for supporting new projects, often with exclusive items. |
| Teaser or Launch Page | A dedicated “Coming Soon” page to give backers early access, sneak picks, and the opportunity to sign-up via email to stay engaged, receive updates, and sometimes get a chance for exclusive Early Bird perks through ‘Following’ and Pre-launch Reservations. |
| Cross-collab rewards | Special rewards you get for backing two or more partner projects during a collab event. They’re only available while campaigns are live and aren’t always included with digital-only pledges.. Learn more » |
| Campaign add-ons | Campaign add-ons are extra items you buy and pay for while the campaign is still live. Because they’re paid upfront, they’re locked and non-refundable. If prototypes aren’t finished, we advise waiting until the survey is sent to approve of the final result. |
| Example of Campaign Add-ons |
|
| Stretch goals | Bonus rewards or upgrades unlocked when a campaign goes beyond its funding goal. They’re usually added to eligible pledges automatically, but may not be included for late pledge or preorder backers. |
| Pay Over Time | An installment option that splits a pledge of $150 or more into four automated, interest-free monthly payments, not always available. Surveys are not sent until all payments are complete. Learn more » |
| Patreon | Patreon is a separate platform for ongoing, subscription-based creator support. Some creators use both Patreon and BackerKit together to offer special exclusive locked rewards for their subscribers. |
| Charge Shipping Later | You pledge for the project now, but the creator collects your address and shipping payment later, when costs are clearer and your rewards are almost ready to ship. |
After the campaign ends
| Project Updates | Posts from the creator with the latest info on your rewards: charge & lock dates, shipping estimates, production status. Since BackerKit doesn’t handle fulfillment, this page is your main source of truth for what’s happening with your pledge. |
| An example of where to locate BackerKit Crowdfunding, Kickstarter, and Preorder Project Updates |
|
| “Imported” | After a campaign ends, backer data is transferred—or ‘imported’—into BackerKit so surveys can be sent. This can take up to 72 hours for late pledges or finished payment plans. |
| Preorder store/Late pledge store | If available, opens after a campaign ends so people who missed the live campaign can still place an order. It’s meant for new orders, not editing existing pledges—if you want to add items to a pledge you already made, contact Support or wait for your survey. |
Your survey
| Survey/Pledge Manager | After the campaign ends, you’ll receive a survey email invite (usually within 14 days). This is where you'll confirm things like: your address, size, color, language, etc and pay any remaining balance (shipping, tax), if applicable —it’s not a feedback form |
| What do I need a survey? | For a full overview, learn more » |
| How do I fill out my survey? | Check out the full guide here » |
| Apple ID/Apple Relay Email | If you're not receiving emails from BackerKit, this may be why. Learn more here » |
| PayPal | Some project creators choose to accept PayPal — an external payment platform in the survey. If available, you'll see it as an option during checkout. |
| Survey Lockdown/Deadline/"Locking surveys" | The creator ‘locks’ survey answers to prevent further modification. It’s not a bad thing, it just means your order is being finalized so they can charge and plan production! |
| Address Lockdown | The creator locks shipping addresses so backers can’t edit them anymore. This usually happens right before shipping info is exported to fulfillment partners so labels can be printed and orders sent! |
Have a question not covered here? Contact BackerKit Support.