What are Product Stages?
Product Stages provide backers with insights into the development phase of Tech & Innovation campaigns, helping them make informed decisions before contributing.
What are the Four Product Stages?
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Concept
Campaigns in the Concept stage have an idea for a physical perk they plan to create but have not yet developed a physical prototype. Campaigners may showcase mockups, drawings, or 3D renderings to illustrate the perk’s expected appearance or functionality. Basic prototypes made of materials like clay, wood, or paper may also qualify a campaign as being in the Concept stage. All Tech & Innovation campaigns that opt into Product Stages default to the Concept stage. -
Prototype
Campaigns in the Prototype stage feature a working version of their physical perk. The campaign’s video must successfully demonstrate the core functions and features described in the campaign story. To be approved for this stage, campaigners must embed a high-quality video on their campaign page that clearly shows the key features and functionality of the physical prototype. -
Production
Campaigns in the Production stage have begun turning their prototype into a mass-produced product. To qualify for this stage, campaigners must provide clear evidence that manufacturing at scale has started. -
Shipping
Campaigns in the Shipping stage have inventory ready and have started actively shipping perks to backers. Approval for this stage requires visual proof of shipping preparation, such as completed components or packaging. Campaigners using EasyPost, will automatically qualify for the Shipping stage once 80% of contribution tracking numbers have been uploaded.
How Does Indiegogo Approve Product Stages?
To help backers make informed decisions, our Trust & Safety team carefully reviews documentation for campaigns that select a Product Stage after launch. Once approved, a Product Stage badge will appear on the campaign page, giving backers greater transparency into the campaign’s progress.
What Is the Approval Process for Product Stages?
Campaigners choose the Product Stage that best represents their progress and provide detailed information about their production process on their campaign page or through updates. Our Trust & Safety team evaluates this information to ensure it aligns with our guidelines. If approved, the campaign will display the appropriate Product Stage badge, offering backers a clear view of where the project stands.
Where Can Backers Learn More About a Campaign’s Progress?
Backers can gain deeper insights into a campaign’s progress by exploring the campaign page, including the Story, Updates, and Discussion tabs. Campaigners often share valuable resources such as videos, photos, and updates to keep their backer community informed about development and production milestones.
Why Don’t All Campaigns Have Product Stages?
Currently, Product Stages are available exclusively for Tech & Innovation campaigns with physical perks. While this feature provides backers with valuable insights, we plan to expand it to additional categories in the future to give more backers a transparent view of campaigns.
What campaigns fall under the Tech & Innovation Category?
- Audio
- Camera Gear
- Energy & Green Tech
- Fashion & Wearables
- Food & Beverages
- Health & Fitness
- Home
- Phones & Accessories
- Productivity
- Transportation
- Travel & Outdoors