KickstarterForum.org

Hi all,

Its been just over a week since I launched my Kickstarter Brave & The Bold Sunglasses. These are Ray Ban level Sunglasses, only designed for those who love the outdoors and at a quarter of the price https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/21 ... sunglasses

I thought I would share some of the ups and downs for those who are about to launch. Its been a hell of a week because, just as I was all geared up to work super hard on this... I took ill. I've hardly done anything because of it and if it wasn't for my other half I wouldn't have a single backer!

We did pay one of those Kickstarter promotion firms. I chose Backersclub.co and to be honest, it was a complete waste of money. I got 7 backers out of that. One had already backed me and then changed his bid to take the deal I offered to club members. Three of the others were part of Backersclub themelves and donated £1. I'm now very dubious about any other promotional company. I'm probably going to remove the banner from my page (they make everyone put a banner up).

Now that I'm feeling back on form a little, I've started reaching out to blogs and magazines. I also have a local radio interview on Friday. I also made the call to add another tier so that retailers could buy 10 pairs of Sunglasses at a wholesale cost. One just took up that offer so I'm going to reach out to other retailers.

Just got to keep plugging away, Got a HUGE way to go, but won't give up.

It is kind of sad how hard it is to get just $1 out of people. They will spend $4 on a coffee that takes them 2 minutes to drink, but giving a friend $1? What am I getting for that? What ever happened to just helping out a friend? Good luck dude. I have just kicked off my own project and it is slow going:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/10 ... uzzle-game

You're going to get there, you've got a great start.

I just launched Friday, I've got high hopes, but it's kind of an experiment and if I learn something, I think I'm successful. I'm glad you mentioned the promotion firm, I've had more traffic from them than backers.

Your glasses are cool - here's my project: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/47 ... 2-inch-art

Tellmejeff: I'm actually super disapointed with my friends. I think maybe 4 have backed me and only maybe 3 have shared by campaign. I've read so many times about how most of your backers come from family & friends. Its kind of made me realise who are real friends and who are there to ride the coat tails.

Kenbeacounter: Thanks. Its hard work, especially as I feel like I'm playing catch up. I don't think I realised how much stress it would be. I guess getting to your target will feel like winning the lottery! I wish you the best of luck with your project.

I actually had lots of folks share my post but only a handful actually contributed. I have actually had more people pledge $100 than just $1 or $5. I have been trying to think about other things I could do to get people to contribute like throwing in little extra rewards for people who contribute on a given day or doing something silly if I raise x dollars in a day. I would be curious to know what kind of strategies people have used to get more donations from people they know, aside from just emailing or calling them personally.

Can't expect to make money like Coolest Cooler or Exploding Kittens. They are millionaires to begin with and they know how to get backers like crazy.

I think exploding kittens was a kickstarter promotional pitch.. like you said they are millionaires to begin with.. but great job on your sun glasses.. glad to see someone work there ass off an get rewarded for it.. I mean people don't realize how much time it takes to build the project alone.. an then have to spend numerous hours tryin to promote it.. it will drain you

check out my project Age of Victory
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/19 ... of-victory

I guess I jumped the gun on both projects ive tried.. not spending enough time trying to get people interested in it before I send it to kickstarter

Don't let the initial issues slow you down. You have a great product, and as long as you stay focused through the campaign, you will be fine!

Thx MalorieMackey, I think you was replying to me, not sure.. but id like to pretend someone thx I have a great product

Great job! It's so hard to know what kind of backing trend to expect from the project timeline. We have 20-some days to go on our Sudsy Dough moldable bath soap, and 10% funded! Your experience is very encouraging.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/19 ... -bath-soap