Crowdfunding has long been viewed as a gamble—backing a project with no guarantee of a return. However, as more established companies use crowdfunding as a marketing tool rather than a fundraising necessity, platforms like Indiegogo are introducing measures to offer some reassurance to backers. Indiegogo’s new Shipping Guarantee Program is an effort to provide that extra layer of security.
This program isn’t for every campaign; it’s designed specifically for projects from companies that have a strong track record of successful crowdfunding on Indiegogo and whose products are in the final stages of manufacturing. Essentially, this policy is aimed at established companies that use crowdfunding primarily for promotion, not for funding their initial development.
To be eligible, a campaign must meet these stringent criteria, which might exclude many smaller, independent projects. For instance, the Lofree Edge, pictured above, is from a reputable company and is available for purchase outside of Indiegogo, having fulfilled its shipping commitments.
Campaigns that qualify for this guarantee will display a Shipping Guarantee badge on their Indiegogo pages, informing backers that they can receive a full refund if the product isn’t shipped on time. This badge communicates a clear promise: “Ships by [date] or your money back.”
While the program’s impact might be limited—mainly benefiting well-established companies with existing reputations like GPD—the additional peace of mind could be invaluable for backers wary of losing their money. Despite the rise of crowdfunding, the risk of losing funds remains a significant concern for many.
