BackerKit FAQ
How does BackerKit crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding is a collaborative way to bring ideas and projects to life. Project creators post their idea for a project, and backers pledge money to make the project possible. Backers get behind the scenes access and backer-only rewards, which can include exclusive products, special pricing, creative input, content, and more.
To become a backer, select a pledge level that features the reward(s) you would like to receive when the project is successfully completed and make your contribution.
All-or-nothing crowdfunding model: The creator sets a funding goal and a deadline to raise funds. If the project does not meet the goal by the deadline, backers credit cards are not charged and no money changes hands.
Crowdfunding projects can happen at various stages of the creative process. Make sure to check the estimated timeline of when rewards will be delivered. Project creators will keep you updated on the progress toward completion and delivery of your rewards.
Backing a crowdfunding campaign is not the same as purchasing an item from a store. When you back a campaign you are supporting the creation of something new. Rewards are almost always delivered, but are not guaranteed.
When will I be charged for my pledge?
Your payment method will not be charged right away. You will be charged for the amount of your pledge when the campaign ends and the project reaches its funding goal. You will not be charged if the campaign does not reach its funding goal.
What happens after the campaign is over?
The Creator will send out a survey that will ask you for more information about your pledge, your shipping information, additional items you may want to add to your pledge, and collect shipping fees if applicable.
The survey will be sent to the email address we have on file with your pledge.
Any additional payment will be charged when you complete your survey and confirm your order.
Project FAQ
When will my rewards ship?
Allegory projects work a little differently than most crowdfunding projects because we manufacture in our Chicago studio and ship each item as soon as it's ready. We crowdfund our projects so we can order large amounts of raw materials and get backers involved in helping finalize product design decisions. The first Flight Satchels will ship within a few weeks of the project closing, and we will be making weekly shipments from there on.
I’m an international backer, Will I have to pay customs, fees, or VAT?
That depends on the cost of the reward and the laws in your specific country. Most countries charge some fees on products purchased internationally. We do not pre-pay those fees. You will be responsible for paying them in full before receiving your package. We cannot mark your reward as "gift" to avoid any fees as this is against regulations and can result in significant fines for us.
Where do you get the materials you use to make your products?
We source our materials from all over the world, focusing on the story and quality-of-life for the animal or people involved in making or sourcing the material.
How to get in touch with us.
You can email our service team at at [email protected].
When will I be charged shipping?
You’ll pay for shipping via the BackerKit post-project survey to allow for the most accurate shipping on your specific rewards. This lets us not have to overcharge for shipping in order to cover cost increases.
How do you ship?
We ship via USPS. For US-based backers that means your package will be delivered to you mailbox by your mail person. For international backers that means that our US Postal Service gets the package to your country and then your local post delivers to you. If USPS is not a good option for you for whatever reason, please shoot us a message at [email protected] and we can arrange alternative shipping. We can also ship via UPS, FedEx, and DHL. Additional fees may apply.
Where do you make your products?
ALL of our products are made by us (Chad & Jess, and our small team of craftspeople) in our Chicago-area workshop. :) Yep! You read that right we make everything ourselves!
Can I add-on items that aren't included in one of the reward packages?
Yep! Just increase your pledge amount by the appropriate dollar amount. Then you’ll make your final add-ons selection in the post-project survey.
When do I make my color selections for my rewards?
You will be able to choose your colorway in the post-project survey that we will send via BackerKit.
How do I add a second bag to my pledge?
You can just increase your pledge amount by the amount of the second bag. That additional amount will show as a credit in your post-project survey, and you'll be able to select the second bag then.