Limiting Rewards on Kickstarter: A Simple Solution for Achieved Goals

Successfully managing your Kickstarter campaign's rewards can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of launching this type of project. After reaching your funding goal, it's common to feel satisfied yet uncertain about what to do next. If you've doubled your original funding goal, like I did, and now find yourself in the position of not wanting any more backers, closing out your rewards might be the simplest and most efficient solution. In this article, we'll explore how to limit rewards on Kickstarter and discuss the benefits of taking such a step.

Understanding the Need for Reward Limitation

Kickstarter campaigns are designed to encourage supporters by offering them tangible products or services as incentives for their financial contributions. However, what starts as an exciting way to connect with your potential customers can turn into a logistical nightmare if not managed properly. Once you reach or exceed your funding goal, you might find yourself with a surplus of backers and a reward list that needs to be managed. In my case, after successfully doubling my initial funding goal, I decided I didn't want any more backers as I had already fulfilled the objectives I had set out to accomplish.

The Process of Limiting Rewards on Kickstarter

If you've reached this point in your Kickstarter journey and need to limit your rewards, here is a step-by-step guide to do so:

Log in to Your Kickstarter Account: Start by logging into your Kickstarter account using the details you registered with. Access the Campaign Page: Once logged in, navigate to the campaign page where you can edit and manage the various elements of your project, including the rewards. Locate the Reward Section: Find the section of the campaign page dedicated to the rewards and click "Edit" to make changes. Modify the Reward Settings: From here, you can reduce the quantities available for your rewards, making them unavailable to new backers but allowing current backers to still receive their rewards. Confirm Your Changes: After making the necessary adjustments, ensure you review all changes before finalizing them and hitting the "Save changes" button.

Benefits of Limiting Rewards

Limiting rewards on Kickstarter, especially after reaching your funding goal, comes with several significant benefits:

Streamlining Your Workflow: Managing an excess of backers can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. By limiting rewards, you simplify your workflow and focus on delivering to your initial supporters. Reducing Over-Supply Issues: Over-supplying rewards can lead to leftover products or services, creating logistical and financial strain. Limiting allows you to ensure that any remaining inventory is used efficiently. Enhancing Customer Satisfaction: Backers who funded during the earlier stages of the campaign might feel shortchanged if they believe the project has grown too much. Limiting rewards shows a clear commitment to meeting initial goals and maintaining customer expectations.

Communication with Your Backers

Limited communication with your backers is crucial when making changes such as limiting rewards. Here’s how you can approach it:

Update Your Kickstarter Page: Regularly update the Kickstarter page with progress and any changes, such as limiting rewards. This keeps your backers informed and prepared for any adjustments. Social Media Announcements: Utilize social media platforms to announce any changes, ensuring a broad reach and transparency. Direct Communication: Send an email or direct message to your backers explaining the reasons for limiting rewards and any next steps you are taking. Show appreciation for their support and transparency in your project’s journey.

Conclusion

Limiting rewards on Kickstarter, especially after reaching your funding goal, is a strategic and practical solution to the challenges of managing a successful campaign. By following the steps outlined above and communicating effectively with your backers, you can ensure a smooth transition while maintaining the trust and satisfaction of your initial supporters. As always, remember that transparency and honesty are key in the world of crowdfunding.