Hey everyone! First, I want to apologize for the lack of updates. I should've done better about communication as we wrapped up this campaign, and I'm truly sorry for that.
What happened?
Long story short, the BackerKit interface is designed well when managing a single campaign, but unfortunately, managing multiple makes it hard to see what's needed for each and left me misunderstanding what was still needed to be sent out. I don't want to blame BackerKit. Ultimately, it was my job to update all of you, and I take responsibility for not checking everywhere. It was an overwhelming year, but that's no excuse for failing my International backers, and I'm sorry for that.
In addition to communication, the reason it's taken so long to send out International orders comes from 2 things: 1) There was an ongoing issue with BackerKit's Shipping interface that left me unable to purchase the shipping labels for international orders. An error kept preventing me from getting them, and it was only recently resolved. 2) Due to the issues around international trade policy in the US, I was unable to use a different shipping service, as the prices were all prohibitively expensive. However, now that I can use BackerKit shipping, I was able to buy all of the labels at a reasonable price and they are being sent to you all soon!
Where are We?
The last of the international orders have had their shipping labels purchased, and will be sent out this week. That will complete fulfillment to all backers, and close out the campaign. I want to truly thank you all for your support, as well as your patience and I've worked through these issues.
I'm excited for the last of you to finally receive your pledges! Thank you all, and stay safe out there :)
I wanted to chat about a few things, and to share a very exciting update! All pins and plush are finished manufacturing, and are on their way to our warehouse! Before we get into the heavy topic, I wanted to share some exciting photos from our manufacturer:
Plush!!!!
As for plush, manufacturing is also done on those, and they are on their way as well. They've had their safety certification completed, and now have tags! Here is what those tags look like:
Tariffs
Ok. Let's talk about the elephant that is currently stampeding through the china shop(pun not intended, but I'll keep it in anyway).
As you may have heard, the escalating trade war that is being perpetuated by a certain President of the United States has lead to astronomical tariffs being imposed on US companies purchasing from foreign manufacturers, specifically China.
As all of our manufacturing is done in China, this will take a huge toll on our business going forward. As of now, we are doing everything we can to lessen the impact, and will be absorbing all costs that this will impose. You WILL NOT have to pay extra for the pins that you already paid for. That being said, this situation is evolving day by day, and there remains a slim possibility that I will not be able to shoulder these costs myself. I'm trying my best, but this is certainly taking a significant toll on my business.
I hope you're staying healthy and well, and I will talk to you all again when there is more information.
Plush and Pins are fully ordered, and with the manufacturers now! It's always very exciting to press the big red button, but now comes the patient waiting for things to progress. Here's the rough timeline that we're looking at:
End of March: Pins and Plush Manufacturing Finish, and will ship from the manufacturer to here.
Mid-April: Pins and Plush arrive, and packing orders begins.
End of April: All Pins and Plush should be shipped out and on their way to your door for delivery!
Here is a peak at what the files look like that we send to our Pin manufacturer:
Now, you may notice something new in the bottom-left there...
What's next?
We have something VERY exciting to share with all of you! Now that manufacturing is underway, we are setting our eyes to our next project!
If you're a fan of TTRPGs and Zines, we are taking part in Pocketopia! A collaborative BackerKit event where a bunch of creators are making some incredible Zines and TTRPGs.
If you have previously backed one of my campaigns, and would like to get a FREE reward, consider backing my upcoming campaign for Wayfinder: The Roleplaying Game. A game about exploration, collaborative world-building, and mapmaking.
Thank you to each and every one of your for getting us this far! We're almost there, but we need YOUR help to get us over the finish line!
In order to get fully funded and ensure that these pins and plushies come to life, I'm asking that you please share this campaign with your friends and family! Whether its in Discord servers, Subreddits, or group chats, we could use all the help we can get!
Cross-Collab Pin!
I wanted to share the recently finished artwork for the Faerie Dragon Cross-Collab pin! If you back this campaign, and want to get this pin, plus their collab pin FOR FREE! Then simply back our partner's project:
