Jules
3 min read
Jan 14, 2020

Key Points:

  • Crowdfunding is projected to grow to US$114 billion by 2022
  • Before you go ahead and jump into launching a campaign for your business, it’s important that you understand the best way to use this financing option to take your business global
  • Easyship Collect is a premium crowdfunding tool designed specifically for crowdfunding campaigns

Crowdfunding is a great way to raise funds for businesses, ventures, projects, and even nonprofits. The idea went mainstream in 2009 and since then, has grown into a market that’s valued at over US$70 billion. It’s also raised over US$530 million for small and medium business owners. The market is so lucrative, in fact, that it’s projected to grow to US$114 billion by 2022.

If you’re planning to utilize this alternative fundraising option for your project or business venture, this guide will show you how to use crowdfunding to put your business before an international audience.

Global Crowdfunding: A Major eCommerce Trend for 2022

View this post on Instagram

Stop by and visit the Indiegogo Zone at #CES2018! Sands Expo (Tech West, Level 1), Hall G - #51225 #IndiegogoCES

A post shared by Indiegogo (@indiegogo) on Jan 9, 2018 at 10:30am PST

Although the concept of using crowdfunding to pay for business expansion began in the UK in 2007, it rapidly spread to the US and now, many regions across the world are adopting the strategy. This means it’s a major global eCommerce trend for 2020. Plus, with new regulations that now allow people to invest in a variety of projects, this industry is projected to keep growing.

Though the US is now the major player in crowdfunding, there are many other countries that have embraced the market. And, even more, are gearing up to use the many platforms available to crowdfund international projects. Some of the countries where there is huge potential for growth in these projects include China, Japan, and India - which also, incidentally, happen to be home to more than half the world’s population.

How Crowdfunding International Projects Can Take Your Business Global

Before you go ahead and jump into launching a campaign for your business, it’s important that you understand the best way to use this financing option to take your business global. It’s also good for you to know what all the benefits may be.

Why Should I Use Crowdfunding for Business Expansion?

It’s often tricky for businesses to raise funds for expansion, especially for small startups. Getting loans can be difficult and convincing investors to put their money behind your brilliant idea is exhausting and not always lucrative. This is where crowdfunding comes in. With one campaign, you can reach a huge number of potential backers worldwide and have a higher chance of putting your business in front of people who believe in it - and are willing to invest. There are plenty of benefits that come with using public money-raising campaigns for business expansion. Some of these include:

  • Validation: By gauging the response to its project, a startup can figure out if the general public will embrace the product(s) it’s about to offer them.
  • Increased Value: This is especially if you’re offering your product to your backers as part of your campaign. With these beta-testers using and talking about your project, there’s a chance to increase your potential customer base, quickly fix any problems that may arise. All of this, of course, adds value to your business.
  • Minimal Risk: Unlike the high risks that come with bank loans, raising capital through crowdfunding is a very low-risk prospect - you don’t have to put anything up as collateral.
  • Generate More Funds: When you apply for a loan in a traditional setting - like a bank - you will never get more than the amount that’s originally agreed to. However, with a public funding campaign to grow business, you have a far higher chance of generating more revenue than you originally intended.
  • Increased Chance of Business Growth: Once you’re able to prove to your potential customers that your product is unique, you’ll have a better chance of making more sales and growing your business around the world.

Global Crowdfunding Platforms to Consider

One of the major factors that determine the success of your crowdfunding campaign is the effectiveness of the platform you use. There are many global crowdfunding platforms available, but some work better for specific campaigns and products than others. Have a look at a few before you make a decision. To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of five of the best global platforms to consider:

  • KickStarter: Launched in 2009, this platform is mostly used to generate funds for comics, journalism, technology, video games, music, stage shows, and films. So far, it has generated funds for over one million projects and has a presence in several major countries that harbor creative projects.
  • GoFundMe: Rated as the largest social fundraising platform in the world with a community of over 50 million donors, this platform is mainly used for personal causes like medical bills and natural disasters. So far, it’s raised over US$5 billion.
  • Indiegogo: This is another platform that’s great for crowdfunding international projects. The platform’s fundraising campaigns are rewards-based, so backers receive gifts instead of equity. Launched in 2008, this platform is now accessible in more than 235 countries around the world. Plus, Easyship is now the exclusive shipping provider for Indiegogo campaigns, so getting your orders out is a breeze with all our useful tools!
  • Crowdfunder: Formerly known as RocketHub, this platform was launched in 2010 and since then, has been used to raise funds for creative projects and B2B technologies. It’s used in over 190 countries around the world, including in emerging nations.
  • Patreon: Podcasters, webcomic developers, YouTube content creatives, musicians, and artists use this platform to fund their projects. Among the global crowdfunding platforms, this is a great supporter of creatives. Once campaigns are set up, users can choose to request funding for their project on a recurring basis, or by the project.

View this post on Instagram

@indiegogo #FundWhatYouLove

A post shared by Indiegogo (@indiegogo) on Sep 24, 2018 at 2:07pm PDT

10 Tips For Crowdfunding International Projects

For any business owner considering crowdfunding, the most important aim is to carry out a successful campaign and raise the funds they need. To further increase your chances of making a huge success of your international campaign, here are a few things you should take into consideration:

  • Determine if it’s Right For You: Before you go ahead with a campaign, you should first figure out if you have the time and resources required to run the campaign. You should also decide if your new idea or venture is something people will really be willing to invest in.
  • Choose the Appropriate Platform: To make the most of crowdfunding international projects for business expansion, you should ensure that you choose the right platform for your business, product, or idea. Some focus on creative projects while others specialize in technology - choose wisely.
  • Can You Stand the Expenses?: This is an especially pertinent question if you’re planning a rewards-based campaign where you will need to pack and ship gifts to your backers. Don’t forget that you will also have to pay a certain percentage of your raised funds - or a flat fee - to the platform to run your campaign.
  • Can You Spare the Time?: This isn’t just about money. You will have to spend a lot of time and energy to make sure your campaign is a success. For example, you’ll need to work on it constantly, and later, prepare the gifts that you’ll send to your backers. All of this takes time.
  • Tell a Unique Story: You want to impress your potential customers and backers. Tell them a story that sets up a problem and shows how your product can solve it. This can be done through images, great text, or creative videos.
  • Write a Detailed Business Plan: Some of your backers will be smart, business-savvy types and they’ll want to know how you intend to make your business a success. Make sure you have a detailed business plan handy so they can see that you’ve got real plans behind all your ambition.
  • Don’t Limit Yourself: Don’t make the mistake of depending on the community for the success of your campaign. Use different social media platforms to create awareness around your campaign.
  • Be Realistic: Campaigns can live or die by honesty. Nothing will be more helpful than being realistic and honest - with yourself and your backers. Set realistic targets and be honest about what the funds will be used for.
  • Create a Formidable Team: Your aim is the raise funds and there’s no better way to do this than to liaise with reliable people that have the knowledge to help you achieve your goals.
  • Make it Seem Urgent: This is one strategy that has always worked for campaigners, no matter what platform they use. Set a short timeframe for your campaign to create a sense of urgency and spur your backers into action. This will, in turn, help you reach your funding goals faster.

Reach More Customers with Crowdfunding Campaign

Compared to traditional methods of fundraising for startups or growing businesses, crowdfunding for business expansion offers a wealth of benefits that have made it a viable, popular option for raising money.
Having supported some of the most successful campaigns in recent years, Easyship has plenty of experience with crowdfunding. We’re here to help you make your campaign a success (especially if you’re using Indigogo, where we’re the exclusive shipping partner!)

Sign up for an Easyship account now to find out more on how we can help you to successfully raise funds to grow your business.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key Points:

  • Crowdfunding is projected to grow to US$114 billion by 2022
  • Before you go ahead and jump into launching a campaign for your business, it’s important that you understand the best way to use this financing option to take your business global
  • Easyship Collect is a premium crowdfunding tool designed specifically for crowdfunding campaigns
Get Your Ship Together.

By submitting the form, you agree to receive marketing emails from Easyship.

Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Effortlessly compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Instant discounts. Start in minutes.

Shipping Internationally? Unsure What Tariffs or Duties Apply?
Try our FREE Tax & Duty Calculator

Trying to stay up to date on the latest cross-border shipping and import requirements? Get an instant estimate of all applicable taxes and duties for every country across 220+ global destinations or sign up and take advantage of our in-built HS Code lookup tool.

Calculate Tax & Duties Instantly (Free Tool)
Ready to Stop Overpaying for Shipping?
Try our FREE Shipping Rate Calculator

Looking for the cheapest way to ship a package? Get an instant shipping quote and compare rates from 550+ courier services across the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and more. Simply add your package size and delivery location, and you'll find the best deal in seconds.

Calculate Rates Instantly (Free Tool)
Planning Your Campaign?

Get in touch with us now and our shipping consultants can give you a detailed quote and additional info to help with your campaign.

Get in touch
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
The Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get in touch with our fulfillment experts!

We believe simple pricing is the best pricing. Get a quote with a simplified pricing structure and no hidden fees.

Contact us
Need help fulfilling your crowdfunding campaign?

We provide the necessary tools needed to keep you on budget for shipping and to safely deliver your product to backers around the world.

Learn more
Try our duty & tax calculator!

Need to estimate your shipping duties & taxes? Our calculator can give you an idea of what to expect.

TRY IT NOW
Save up to 91% on Shipping. Try for free.

Compare 550+ courier services with one global account. Start in minutes.

GET STARTED FOR FREE
Get a Free Quote for Your Campaign

Receive a personal cost estimate for your crowdfunding campaign from our trusted global fulfillment partners. Easyship is a certified Indiegogo partner.

GET FREE QUOTE
Looking for great rates from a top courier?

Save up to 74% on UPS shipping rates by shipping with Easyship. You can run a quote and generate your first shipments in literally minutes!

SHIP WITH UPS TODAY
The cheapest way to ship for eCommerce

Get instant access with volume-discounted shipping rates. Save up to 89% off on USPS, UPS, FedEx, and more. Easyship is free for 50 shipments each month.

SIGN UP FREE TO SAVE
Find your perfect fulfillment partner with expert help

Let Easyship connect you to the largest shipping and fulfillment network on Earth. You’ll find trusted partners for all things logistics. Guidance is free from our global shipping experts.

ASK AN EXPERT
Don’t miss our money and time-saving features!

Explore the powerful features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE ALL FEATURES
Start saving on shipping in seconds

Create your free Easyship account to streamline shipping and save with discounted rates. No hidden fees. No minimums. Just savings.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Create Your Shipping Policy Free

Use our guided walk-through to build the perfect shipping policy for your eCommerce business.

CREATE YOUR POLICY FREE
Looking to intergrate your Shopify store?

With 550+ pre-negotiated shipping services available with discounts of up to 91%, you can save time & money today when you integrate your Shopify store with Easyship

REGISTER FOR FREE
Use Easyship Free Every Month

Easyship is free to use for 50 shipments every month. You’ll save big on our discounted shipping rates up to 91% off, and save time with smart automation. Signup is fast and free.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Don’t miss the key steps to fulfillment success

Follow the easy path to fulfillment success. Easyship’s free fulfillment checklist provides a proven step-by-step so you can ship at scale without the guesswork.

VIEW THE CHECKLIST
Ship for less with any courier, guaranteed

Save up to 89% off all shipping rates. Easyship offers the guaranteed cheapest volume-discounted rates on the market from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers.

SIGN UP TO SAVE
Don’t miss all our money and time-saving features!

Explore the innovative features that 100K+ merchants use to ship smarter, not harder. Shipping automation, live rates at checkout, live duty and tax – all free to try with Easyship.

EXPLORE FEATURES
Want the cheapest rates?

Register for an Easyship account today and you will gain access to the cheapest rates, instantly.

REGISTER FOR FREE
Watch out for international duty and tax!

What exactly does it cost to ship cross-border? Use the free duty and tax calculator from Easyship to view accurate import costs for any shipment to anywhere.

USE FREE
Protect Your Crowdfunding Budget from Cost Creep

Prices are rising, deliveries are slowing. Get up to speed on the state of crowdfunding shipping with expert Easyship analysis and keep your campaign on budget.

LEARN MORE
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 550+ courier services at a glance.

GET A FREE QUOTE
Discover Your Cheapest Way to Ship

Find the guaranteed cheapest shipping in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discounted rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ global couriers at a glance.

COMPARE RATES FREE
Compare the best rates in seconds

Get an instant estimate of the cheapest shipping rates with our free calculator tool.

GET FREE RATE QUOTES
Save money on every shipment

Save up to 91% off shipping with Easyship’s discount courier rates. Create your free account to save instantly on 550+ courier services, including USPS.

CREATE YOUR FREE ACCOUNT
Ready to ship internationally?

Get help from our global shipping experts on warehousing, global shipping and to connect with our network of trusted 3PLs.

GET FREE SHIPPING TIPS
How’s Your Covid Shipping Policy?

Use our free shipping policy generator to formulate your safest, most customer-friendly shipping policy in seconds.

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Try Pre-generated Return Labels For Free

Register for an Easyship account today and get 30-days access to a Premier plan with access to Pre-generated Return Labels.

Generate Return Labels Today
Discover the Cheapest Shipping from USPS, UPS® & FedEx

Find the guaranteed cheapest rates for any courier in seconds with Easyship’s free shipping rate calculator. Compare discount rates from USPS, UPS, FedEx, and 250+ couriers at a glance.

GET RATE QUOTES FREE
Get Up to Speed On Covid Shipping

Explore our Covid shipping resources to make sure your shipment arrives on time and in good condition.

LEARN MORE
Free Shipping for the Holidays 101

Learn how the leading brands offer free shipping, calculate costs, and ship on a budget for the holidays in our free shipping guidebook.

LEARN MORE
Your Perfect Shipping Policy, Ready in Minutes

Use Easyship’s free shipping policy generator to formulate your perfect holiday shipping policy for returns, tracking, and more. Just follow the prompts and you’re done!

GET YOUR SHIPPING POLICY
Scale Your Growth Internationally With Pro Tips

Learn how to ship internationally without missing a step. Our case studies show you proven tactics for shipping worldwide from Easyship users who did it right.

READ CASE STUDIES
No items found.
Share on:

Related Articles

No items found.