Indiegogo Launches Express Crowdfunding to Speed Up Shipments
Indiegogo is shaking up the crowdfunding world with its new Express Crowdfunding format, designed to help creators ship products faster—even before their campaigns end. The move aims to address delays caused by the platform’s recent infrastructure shift under new ownership by Gamefound, a board game-focused crowdfunding company. For backers tired of waiting months after a campaign concludes, this change could be a game-changer.
Why Indiegogo’s Old System Slowed Shipments
Previously, Indiegogo required creators to wait until their campaigns ended before collecting backer information and finalizing orders. This phase, known as the Pledge Manager, could add weeks of delay before shipping could begin. According to Indiegogo spokesperson Maciej Kuc, the platform’s transition to Gamefound’s technology inadvertently created these bottlenecks. The system assumed creators only needed funds to develop a product, not to ship it mid-campaign.
Ayaneo Pocket AIR Mini Shows Delays in Action
A notable example of these delays is Ayaneo’s Pocket AIR Mini retro gaming handheld. Originally slated for November shipping, the handheld faced setbacks due to the Pledge Manager rules. Ayaneo could not collect shipping addresses until December 5th, after submitting a review request on December 2nd. The review process takes around three days, pushing shipments to around December 10th. For fans eagerly awaiting the device, this delay highlighted the friction in Indiegogo’s old workflow.
How Express Crowdfunding Works
The new Express Crowdfunding format allows creators to ship products while the campaign is still live. By integrating the Pledge Manager phase earlier, creators can collect shipping information sooner, process orders faster, and deliver products with minimal delay. The system is designed to reduce the traditional waiting period, keeping backers engaged and satisfied.
Benefits for Creators and Backers
For creators, faster shipping means quicker cash flow and stronger reputation among backers. For supporters, it translates to less waiting and a more transparent process. By enabling shipments mid-campaign, Indiegogo hopes to bridge the gap between crowdfunding hype and product delivery, addressing one of the platform’s biggest criticisms.
Adapting to New Technology Challenges
Moving to Gamefound’s technology wasn’t without hurdles. Kuc admits that switching platforms is a “major challenge,” given the system was originally built for more conventional board game campaigns. Indiegogo’s team has had to tweak the infrastructure to handle varied product types and timelines, ensuring that Express Crowdfunding doesn’t compromise backer experience.
Implications for the Crowdfunding Industry
This shift could influence other crowdfunding platforms to rethink their delivery timelines. Platforms like Kickstarter have faced similar criticism for slow shipping, and Indiegogo’s move may set a new standard for rapid fulfillment. Creators may increasingly prioritize platforms that allow flexible shipping schedules, reshaping campaign strategies across the industry.
Addressing Backer Concerns
Indiegogo’s transparency about delays, especially in high-profile campaigns like Ayaneo’s, demonstrates a commitment to addressing backer frustration. The introduction of Express Crowdfunding signals the company is listening to user feedback, aiming to enhance trust and engagement while maintaining operational integrity.
Early Reactions from the Community
Industry observers and creators have welcomed the change. Some see it as a long-overdue modernization of the platform, while others highlight potential challenges, such as logistics management for ongoing campaigns. Nonetheless, the general sentiment is positive, with anticipation building for the first products to ship under this new system.
The Road Ahead for Indiegogo
As Express Crowdfunding rolls out, the platform will likely monitor performance and user satisfaction closely. Success could position Indiegogo as a leader in backer-focused crowdfunding innovation, offering a model that balances speed, reliability, and transparency. For creators, it presents a fresh opportunity to deliver faster and build stronger relationships with supporters.
Faster Crowdfunding is Here
Indiegogo’s Express Crowdfunding marks a pivotal change in how campaigns operate, directly tackling delays that have long frustrated backers. By letting creators ship mid-campaign, the platform promises faster fulfillment, better engagement, and a smoother crowdfunding experience. For both creators and supporters, this update could redefine what it means to fund a product online.
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