Indiegogo Unveils Shipping Guarantee for Crowdfunding Campaigns

Indiegogo Launches New Shipping Guarantee Program for Crowdfunding Campaigns

Indiegogo, a leading crowdfunding platform, is making headlines with its new initiative aimed at enhancing accountability in shipping products for backers of crowdfunding campaigns. The innovative Shipping Guarantee program promises that whenever supporters back an eligible campaign, they will receive their products on time or receive a full refund.

What is the Shipping Guarantee?

The Shipping Guarantee applies to campaigns that meet specific eligibility criteria, ensuring that backers are protected and have confidence when contributing to crowdfunding projects. For a campaign to qualify for this initiative, it must:

• Launch with a product that is in the final manufacturing stages.
• Demonstrate a proven track record of successful crowdfunding on the Indiegogo platform.

Eligible campaigns will display a Shipping Guarantee badge above the "Pick Your Perk" button, helping backers easily identify campaigns that offer this level of assurance.

How Does the Program Work?

According to Indiegogo's Chief Revenue Officer, Julie dePontbriand, backers can expect to receive shipping confirmation by the deadline promised by the campaign. If the confirmation is not received by this date, backers can immediately request a refund.

The refund process is managed directly by Indiegogo, which will prevent campaign operators from accessing funds until they successfully ship their products. This guarantees that backers receive their orders as promised. In cases where campaigners fail to fulfill their obligations, they risk losing their Trust Badge, part of Indiegogo’s ongoing effort to maintain a credible platform for backers and entrepreneurs.

The Importance of Accountability in Crowdfunding

This initiative is pivotal for established companies that use Indiegogo to gauge interest and secure preorders without needing the upfront cash flow to complete their projects. It contrasts with campaigns that depend heavily on immediate funding to finalize product development. Indiegogo has previously experimented with similar shipping guarantees in 2018 and aims to build on the outcomes of those initial test programs to further enhance backer trust.

Improving Trust through Innovation

Indiegogo has actively sought ways to improve transparency and honesty in crowdfunding, including implementing stricter screening processes and discussing possible collections actions against non-compliant campaigners. The expansion of the Shipping Guarantee initiative represents the platform’s commitment to ensuring a trustworthy experience for both backers and creators.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Shipping Guarantee program by Indiegogo signals an exciting development in the crowdfunding landscape. By ensuring that backers can expect timely deliveries or refunds, Indiegogo is taking significant steps to bolster confidence in its campaigns, ultimately benefiting both creators and supporters alike.