Imagine the following scenario: you’ve backed a large Kickstarter project, perhaps a board game with numerous miniatures. The project has gone ahead, and they have your money. All you need to do is pay shipping and import taxes.
Then, because you’re in the USA, tariffs are applied, and you have to buy the board game again or not get it at all.
That’s the actual situation some gamers and other Kickstarter fans are facing. Can backers just refuse to pay the tariff? Yes, but then campaign coordinators don’t need to send out the game.
Now, Kickstarter are sharing a first look at a new Tariff Manager. It’ll be exclusive to backers with U.S. shipping addresses.
Importantly, take note, BackerKit; the tool only applies to creators using Kickstarter’s own Pledge Manager.
Kickstarter explained the process.
- Submit a Request: Creators will see a banner in the pledge manager inviting them to contact Kickstarter if they need to apply a tariff surcharge.
- Add Surcharge Amounts: Once enrolled, creators will unlock the ability to apply per-item surcharges directly in the Kickstarter Pledge Manager.
- Backers Will See It Clearly: Once approved, the amount will appear as a separate line item on the backer’s payment page. This ensures full transparency around the added cost.
- The Funds Go to You: Included in your payout, the funds are yours to use toward covering unexpected import costs and keeping your fulfilment plan on track.
Kickstarter says the tariff tool and the new Pledge Manager will launch simultaneously in a few weeks.
