Contributing to an Indiegogo campaign is not the same thing as making a purchase in a store.
By contributing to a campaign you are supporting an idea, project, or cause you care about. One of the amazing parts of crowdfunding is pitching in and helping ideas you'd like to see come to life! It's very rewarding to see projects that you fund go from idea phase, to seeing the stages of its development, and (if all goes according to plan) see the project be successful.
It's important to know that you are not buying an existing product.
Like anyone getting in on an early-stage project, you accept the risk that the project may experiences changes, delays, unforeseen challenges, and it's possible that a project you fund might not come to fruition. We leave it up to you to make your own judgment about a campaign’s merits before making a contribution.
We've compiled the following list, as a starting point, to help you evaluate a campaign before making your contribution:
The More Information, The Better.
In order for a campaign to succeed, its team should have a thoughtful pitch that makes it clear how they will use the funds they raise to move their project forward. Campaigns that aren’t transparent with their story, goals, and project status tend not to attract contributors.
Before you contribute to any campaign, assess its story. Ask yourself a few questions:
Who Are The People Behind The Campaign?
The campaign owner and any team members will be listed in the 'Campaigner Profile Cards,' located below the Campaign Owner's Name. Click "About" to see more information about the campaign owner and the team behind the campaign.
- Who are they?
- Why are they raising money?
- What is their background and experience?
- Why are they passionate?
- Are photos of the team members included?
- Does the campaigner appear in the campaign’s video?
- Are external links included (websites, news/media coverage, etc.)?
If their background and motivation for the project are not clear in the pitch, you can always do a web search to learn more about their professional experience and how it may relate to the project.
What Is The Campaign Raising Money For?
The campaign’s pitch should be clear, transparent, and reflect the team’s passion and hard work.
- Is the pitch transparent and personal?
- How about the perk info? Any images of the perks? Descriptions?
- Does the pitch text provide any perk fulfillment information?
- When would you get your perk?
Has The Campaign Already Raised Funds?
Successful projects usually secure a strong funding base from close family and friends who know the campaign owners personally.
Has The Campaigner Added Any Content To Their Updates Tabs?
The “Updates” tab is used by campaign owners to keep their contributors informed on the progress of their project.
Where Else Can You Find Information About The Project?
Be sure you review the 'Campaigner Profile Cards.'
- Visit the "Websites" the campaign owner has chosen to list there, and review the campaign owner's information, experience, and past projects.
Need more information about the Campaign Owner?
- Do a quick web search on the project, company, campaign owner, and/or team members to find out more information about who they are and decide if you would want to do business with them.
What We Do.
Indiegogo has a comprehensive system in place to protect contributors from potentially fraudulent campaigns. Learn more.
If you see a campaign that you believe to be in violation of our Terms of Use, you can inform us immediately by flagging the campaign. Simply click on the "Let us know" link, located on the bottom of every campaign page.
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