You had an amazing kickstarter or other Crowdfunding campaign, and your first run or products are ready to ship from the manufacturer here in the US or Overseas…
But have you thought about:
- Where exactly are you going to have the trucking company drop off the container?
- Who is going to help you put labels on the 10,000 orders you need to fulfill?
Sometimes, overwhelming successes can become overwhelming challenges. ShipCalm has worked with many Kickstarter brands to provide a complete turn-key solution to fulfill all pre-orders and future orders in a very short time window.
We’ve optimized our process to provide extremely low costs on these high turnover 24-48 hour shipping windows. Most importantly, we’ll work to ensure your new customers get the absolute best brand experience possible by offering marketing inserts and other special touches that will leave your backers ranting and raving about their new products!
Elements of Successful Kickstarter Fulfillment
A lot goes into knowing how to run a successful Kickstarter campaign. And it’s not just about the product you’re selling or the pitch you create. Funding is only half the battle. If you’re not prepared to actually fulfill orders, a great campaign can quickly turn into a failed venture.
So how do you successfully move from your Kickstarter campaign to order fulfillment? What should you be aware of before you even launch? Take note of the following, and you’ll be well on your way to selling and fulfilling like a pro.
Look for a fulfillment partner who can offer:
- Pricing and processing that’s on-demand, so as you grow, shipping and fulfillment don’t become an issue
- A fulfillment center close to major markets
- Automated fulfillment options that will choose packaging, decide on where to send inventory from and even save you money through optimized shipping
- Returns management and tracking features
- Ongoing sales support
- Order management software that allows you to process, track and fulfill orders seamlessly
Kickstarter Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to fulfill kickstarter orders?
Our typical processing time on Kickstarter campaigns is 24 – 72 hours from the moment we receive the product(s) until the final order is shipped out. The variability in timing is not based on order quantity because we often know that in advance and can staff the project accordingly to shoot for a 24 hour turnaround. The only time that this process takes longer and requires multiple days is if there are lots of different product configurations that require more than typical training and management of the project.
How can I check rates for shipping?
The best way to get an accurate shipping rate is to contact us. We often work directly with the carriers to negotiate a specific rate for these types of shipments. Because it’s going to be done in bulk and it’s pretty consistent our carrier relationships allow us to do a high volume product-specific rate quote to drive the price down.
What should I know about international shipping?
Since Kickstarter’s platform is global, it’s not uncommon to get at least some international orders. ShipCalm already fulfills lots of international orders on a daily basis for our customers so we’re very familiar with customer, duties, clearance delays, commercial invoices and even international dangerous goods shipments. In addition to our experience shipping internationally we also have some international freight consolidation services to drive down the cost of shipments going to a given country. Freight consolidation allows us to package all of the orders going to Australia for example and getting a heavily discounted rate by allowing the orders to go in bulk to Australia’s post office and then using the local postal service to distribute. This can save as much as 90% on international postage costs.
Do you have a minimum order requirement?
ShipCalm does not have any minimum order requirement at all. That said, we do have a minimum service package you would need to pay for. The easiest way to understand all of the costs involved would be to contact us and we’d be happy to walk you through it.
What are the setup fees?
We do not charge a set up fee.
How long does the set up process take?
ShipCalm prides itself on our speedy set up process. A good rule of thumb is to have your account completely set up one to two weeks prior to your inventory arriving at our fulfillment center.
Can you help me with customs?
Yes! We have extensive experience dealing with customs, duties and taxes.
Can I ship from my supplier directly to you?
Absolutely!
Let ShipCalm Handle Your Kickstarter or Crowdfunding Fulfillment!
ShipCalm takes the guesswork out of the order fulfillment component of a successful crowdsourcing campaign. From tracking inventory to kitting and shipping, we understand what it takes to keep your customers and backers happy. Because there’s no impression like a first impression. We’ll make sure yours is a good impression.
Contact us today to get a custom price and learn more about the ShipCalm difference.
