3 ms·
The idea is usually that the project team either has already done the R&D and they're just raising money for the production run, or that they're going to do the
by msandford 11y ago
The idea is usually that the project team either has already done the R&D and they're just raising money for the production run, or that they're going to do the R&D for free because they're going to own the business and make a profit on every sale after the backers get the initial production run.
Both wildly naive it seems, but I suspect that's how people imagine it. The demo videos usually show a "done-ish" product and downplay how much more needs to be done to actually ship it. And they always talk about how strong their team is and how it's totally doable even though it's not done yet.
The wifi lightbulb people come to mind. Total smoke and mirrors demo video and it took a major multinational getting involved to actually ship the product. That's the Belkin WeMo.
- larrys 11y agoPart of the appeal of a product on kickstarter is the marketing which has way more appeal than just the actual product does itself. It's the "trust us" attitude and the generally soft spoken videos and collateral doing exactly what marketing is supposed to do. In other words it all seems so genuine, possible and down to earth in tone and builds up a trust factor. Even though the people behind the product are complete unknowns. Take away those videos and there would be a drastic drop in funding and not just because the videos explain features or benefits either or can go viral.