Launching a Kickstarter project is an exciting journey, but fulfilling those rewards globally can be daunting. When your backers span the globe – from Europe and the UK to Canada, Australia, and beyond – you face a maze of logistics. International shipping for Kickstarter rewards comes with unique challenges: varying customs rules, extra costs, longer transit times, and the need for clear communication.

A misstep here can sour backers’ experience fast. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate these waters with practical tips on documentation, Incoterms (like DDP vs DDU), packaging, recent tariff changes (including the removal of the U.S. $800 de minimis exception in 2025), budgeting advice, and strategies for keeping backers informed and happy. Let’s deliver your campaign rewards smoothly across borders!

Jump right in: International Shipping for Kickstarter Rewards: A Guide

• International Fulfillment Challenges for Crowdfunding Projects
• Customs, Duties, and Documentation Basics
• Incoterms and Shipping Options: DDP vs DDU (Who Pays Import Fees?)
• Shipping Methods, Packaging, and Labeling Considerations
• Tariff Changes in 2025: The End of the $800 De Minimis Rule
• Budgeting for International Shipping During Campaign Planning
• Communicating Fulfillment Timelines and Expectations
• Leveraging Fulfillment Partners for International Success
• Summary

International Fulfillment Challenges for Crowdfunding Projects

Kickstarter’s global reach is a double-edged sword. It connects you with passionate backers worldwide, but shipping rewards internationally introduces significant hurdles. You’re not just sending a package – you’re dealing with variable shipping costs, longer delivery timelines, different customs regulations in each country, and potentially hefty import taxes. One of the quickest ways to derail backer goodwill is to surprise international supporters with unexpected import fees on delivery. No one likes getting a “pay due charges” notice along with their eagerly awaited game or gadget.

Common Pain Points: International fulfillment can strain even seasoned creators. Shipping rates can be much higher overseas (and can fluctuate), packages may take weeks in transit, and if customs paperwork isn’t spot-on, delays or returns can occur. Different regions have different rules: for instance, the European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) charge Value Added Tax (VAT) on almost all imports, while countries like Canada or Australia have their own thresholds and taxes. Without proper planning, you might face backer complaints, refund requests, or negative reviews that hurt your project’s reputation.

Why It Matters: Backers have essentially prepaid for a promise. Fulfilling that promise across borders requires proactive management. A smooth international delivery = happy backers who feel you delivered on your word. A bungled fulfillment with surprise costs or damaged goods = frustrated comments and a hit to your brand image. In short, mastering international logistics is crucial to maintain trust and ensure your campaign’s long-term success.

Customs, Duties, and Documentation Basics

When shipping rewards abroad, you’ll quickly discover that every package must clear customs in the destination country.

This means dealing with customs documentation, duties, and taxes. Here are the basics you need to understand:

Customs Declaration:

Legally, you (as the shipper) are responsible for correctly declaring the contents and value of the items on the customs forms. This usually involves a commercial invoice or shipping label where you list each item, its description, quantity, value, and origin. Provide clear, honest details – inaccurate info (or marking a sale item as a “gift” inappropriately) can lead to fines or confiscation. Ensure all paperwork – from invoices to shipping labels – is consistent and accurate (names, addresses, values) to avoid triggering extra inspections.

Harmonized Codes (HS Codes):

Every product can be classified with an HS code, a universal number that customs uses to determine the tariff rate. For example, a board game might have one code, electronics another. Getting the right code is important because duty rates depend on the product category and the country. If you’re unsure, consult resources or a customs broker to find the correct HS code for your reward items. This code will go on your customs forms.

Customs Duties (Tariffs):

These are taxes on imports, determined by the destination country’s tariff schedules. Duty rates vary widely – one country might charge 0% on books but 10% on toys, while another might be the opposite. Many countries have a de minimis value – a threshold under which shipments incur no duty. But be careful: these thresholds are often low or even zero. For instance, the EU now has no duty-free threshold for VAT (more on VAT shortly), and some countries charge duties on nearly all imports. Knowing the duty rate for your item in your backers’ countries helps avoid budget surprises. As a rule of thumb, assume that anything beyond very low-value merch could face duties unless you confirm otherwise.

Value Added Tax (VAT) and GST:

In many countries, backers will owe not just duties but local sales tax on imports. Europe is a prime example: the EU and UK apply VAT on imported goods regardless of value (recent rule changes eliminated previous small exemptions). VAT is typically around 20% (varies by country) of the item’s declared value plus shipping. Similarly, countries like Canada have GST/PST or HST, and Australia has GST. Unlike duties, which might not apply below a threshold, these taxes often apply to all imports or have very low thresholds. And even though VAT/GST is technically a tax on the consumer, the responsibility often falls on the seller or shipper to handle it ahead of time. We’ll discuss options for handling these in the next section.

Important: Every country’s rules differ, so it’s wise to research the key regions where you have many backers. For example, Canada generally taxes most imported packages over a CA$20 value if sent by mail (or CA$40 by courier), which means even a single card game could incur GST. Australia historically allowed imports under AU$1000 without duty, but since 2018 even low-value goods attract 10% GST (collected via the seller or the shipping process). The EU removed its €22 VAT-free allowance, so now VAT applies from €0 for imports. Knowing these specifics lets you decide how to tackle them (charge the backer, or pay on their behalf).

International rewards often pass through busy ports and customs checkpoints. Being prepared with proper documentation and understanding import rules ensures your packages aren’t stuck at customs longer than necessary.

Incoterms and Shipping Options: DDP vs DDU (Who Pays Import Fees?)

One of the biggest strategic decisions is how you handle those duties and taxes for your backers. In other words, who pays the import fees – you or the backer? This is defined by Incoterms, the international shipping terms that spell out seller vs. buyer responsibilities. The two most relevant Incoterms for small shipments are Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) and Delivered Duty Unpaid (often called DDU, or DAP – Delivered at Place)

Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU/DAP – Backer Pays on Delivery):

This is the default for many creators by necessity. You ship the reward internationally, and when it arrives in the destination country, the local postal service or courier bills the backer for any owed import charges (VAT, duties, etc.) before handing over the package. The advantage: it’s simple for you – you just pay shipping. However, this can lead to nasty surprises for backers if they weren’t expecting the charges. Imagine a €50 board game reward arriving in Germany with a €10–€15 VAT bill plus a customs processing fee due – your backer might be unhappy. If you choose this route, communicate clearly upfront that backers are responsible for their country’s import fees (Kickstarter’s guidelines note that this is generally the case by default). DDU is more acceptable to backers if they’re warned in advance; surprise fees are what cause anger. This approach might be fine for small projects or low-value items that often slip under thresholds, but it carries high risk of dissatisfaction if not messaged properly.

Delivered Duty Paid (DDP – You Pay in Advance):

With DDP, the creator (seller) takes on the import costs so the backer doesn’t have to pay upon arrival. Practically, this means you calculate the estimated VAT and duties for each package and collect that money in the campaign or pledge manager, then pre-pay those fees to the carrier or via a customs broker so the package is delivered hassle-free to the backer. The backer perceives it as “friendly shipping” – no extra bills later. The benefit is a better backer experience; the challenge is on you to estimate and cover these costs. You’ll need to work out fees for each country (or group countries by tiers) and often fill out additional paperwork so that your carrier bills you for the duties. Many fulfillment partners and shipping software can help automate DDP calculations. Keep in mind, DDP can become complex if you have many countries to handle, but it’s a proven way to boost international backer satisfaction.

“Friendly Shipping” via Regional Fulfillment Hubs:

Another strategy many larger board game Kickstarters use is regional hubs – essentially local shipping for backers. Here’s how it works: you bulk ship a pallet of rewards to a fulfillment center within a region (say an EU hub in Germany, a UK hub, a Canada hub, etc.), you take care of importing that bulk shipment (paying duties/VAT in one go for the whole batch), and then those local partners send out individual rewards as domestic shipments. To the backer, it looks like their package came from their own region – no customs process for them.

This approach requires more coordination (and is usually done by partnering with a 3PL that has a network of international warehouses or by hiring multiple fulfillment companies in different regions). It’s often the most cost-effective for campaigns with a large number of international backers, especially in the EU and UK. The downside is complexity in splitting inventory and possibly higher upfront costs to freight shipments to each hub. But if, for example, 40% of your backers are in the EU, shipping a bulk container to Europe and fulfilling from there can save everyone money versus mailing one box at a time from the US.

IOSS and VAT Pre-Collection:

The EU (and UK in a similar way) introduced the Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) system for VAT. If you have lots of European backers with relatively low-value rewards (each under €150), you can register for IOSS to collect EU VAT during your pledge manager and then remit it through a single EU tax portal. This means when you ship the package, you include an IOSS number on the label; EU customs see that VAT was prepaid, and the package moves on without asking the backer for money.

This is somewhat a hybrid approach – it covers VAT so your backer doesn’t pay that, but if any customs duties apply (for higher-value goods above €150), those could still be an issue. The UK has a similar system for goods under £135. Using IOSS requires either registering yourself (which can be a hassle for a one-time campaign) or working with a service provider or 3PL who can use their IOSS intermediary on your behalf. It’s worth considering if Europe is a big market for you, since it simplifies and legalizes the VAT pre-payment process.

In summary, decide early how you want to handle international fees. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – small creators might lean on the simplicity of “backer pays their own taxes” (DDU) due to budget, whereas larger campaigns often opt for “friendly shipping” solutions (regional hubs or DDP/IOSS) to keep backers happy. Just remember: if backers will have to pay upon delivery, say so clearly on your campaign page and updates. Conversely, if you’re covering import fees, factor that into what you charge for shipping during the campaign or pledge manager.

Shipping Methods, Packaging, and Labeling Considerations

Beyond customs and fees, the physical act of shipping the product overseas is another challenge. Choosing the right shipping method and preparing your packages properly will help ensure your rewards arrive intact and on time.

Choosing a Shipping Method:

You’ll generally choose between postal services or courier services for individual packages.

Postal services (like USPS in the U.S., which partners with destination country postal networks) are often cheaper for small parcels and have no extra recipient fees beyond government customs charges. They work great for lighter packages but can be slower and offer limited tracking.

Couriers (like DHL, UPS, FedEx) are usually faster with end-to-end tracking, but can be much pricier for international destinations – and they often hit recipients with “brokerage” fees if any import is due. For example, shipping a card game to Canada via USPS might take 2-3 weeks, whereas DHL could deliver in 4-7 days – but the cost difference could be significant.

Weigh speed vs. cost based on backer expectations and the value of your rewards. For bulk freight to regional hubs, you’d use freight forwarders (air freight for speed, ocean freight for cost savings if you have pallets of goods and longer lead time). Many campaigns use a mix: bulk freight to a region, then local postal for final delivery.

Packaging for International Transit:

Your rewards may travel thousands of miles and be handled by many hands. Sturdy packaging is a must. Use robust boxes that can withstand crushing and tossing. If you have a board game or delicate components, add ample internal padding.

Custom foam inserts or cardboard dividers (as shown in many deluxe board games) keep components from rattling around. Fill void space in shipping cartons with packing paper or bubble wrap so nothing shifts. Corners are vulnerable – consider corner protectors or double-boxing for heavy games or books.

Remember, international shipments often get jostled more (air cargo, long truck routes, etc.), so what might survive a domestic trip could get dinged on an international one. Backers have high expectations, especially for premium rewards – you don’t want the unboxing experience ruined by a damaged product. Investing in good packaging upfront can save you the cost and headache of reshipping replacements later

Thoughtful packaging is key for overseas rewards. Using sturdy boxes and custom inserts (like the foam core in this board game box) helps your product survive long journeys intact, ensuring the backer’s unboxing experience is as exciting as intended.

Labeling and Customs Forms:

When preparing international shipments, you’ll need to attach customs documentation to each package. For postal services, this might be a CN22/CN23 form or an integrated customs form on the label. For couriers, it’s usually a pouch with a printed commercial invoice.

Make sure the outside of the package clearly shows the recipient’s address (including country and postal code) and your return address. Also, include a contact phone number if possible (some countries require it). It’s good practice to also mark the package with the tracking number.

If you’re sending multiple packages together, avoid tape or labels that might obscure barcodes. Always double-check that the customs info matches what’s inside: description of items, exact values, and if required, the HS code and origin country.

Inconsistent or missing info can cause customs to hold the package. A tip: print your labels via a reliable shipping software or through your fulfillment partner so that all necessary fields are included correctly – this reduces human error compared to handwriting forms.

Local Regulations and Restrictions:

Be aware of any specific rules for the countries you’re shipping to. For example, lithium-ion batteries (if your product has them) have special shipping regulations. Some countries have import restrictions on certain materials or imagery (unusual, but for instance, games with magnets, or content that might be considered sensitive).

Most creators won’t run into these, but it’s worth scanning a country’s import guidelines if you have a very unique product. Also, ensure your product itself meets any labeling requirements – e.g., a “Made in China” mark on the product or box if required by the destination country’s laws. Your manufacturer usually handles this, but double-check so that you’re not snagged by an obscure rule at customs.

Tariff Changes in 2025: The End of the $800 De Minimis Rule

In the ever-evolving rules of international trade, laws can change in ways that affect Kickstarter fulfillments. A recent major change involves the U.S. de minimis threshold – and even if you’re a U.S. creator shipping to other countries, this can impact you if your product supply chain involves importing into the U.S. or drop-shipping to U.S. backers from overseas.

Historically, the United States allowed imports valued at $800 USD or less per person per day to enter without incurring duties (this was under Section 321, often used by e-commerce to send small packages duty-free).

However, effective May 2, 2025, the U.S. government eliminated the $800 de minimis duty-free exemption for packages coming from certain countries, most notably China. This change was part of a trade policy shift aimed at closing loopholes.

In practical terms, this means if you were producing your rewards in China and perhaps planning to ship some rewards directly from the Chinese factory to U.S. backers in small batches, that’s no longer going to dodge tariffs – every package from China, no matter how low the value, now incurs import duties when entering the U.S..

Additionally, a universal baseline 10% tariff on all imports into the U.S. was introduced in 2025, and higher rates apply to certain countries. In short, bringing goods into the U.S. got more expensive.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re a U.S.-based creator who manufactures abroad (which is very common, especially for board games and electronics), you need to budget for higher costs and possibly adjust your fulfillment strategy. Instead of mailing rewards individually from China to U.S. backers, it might be more cost-effective now to ship everything in bulk to your U.S. warehouse and send out domestic parcels – the import duty will apply either way, but bulk freight can be more efficient and avoids hitting backers individually. Also, check if your bill of materials or components might face high tariffs (for example, electronics from certain countries could have steep rates).

For international backers, U.S. tariff changes don’t directly impose anything on them, but they can indirectly affect your campaign costs and timelines. If your goods are stuck in customs or racking up fees, that can delay fulfillment to everyone. So, stay informed: follow trade news or updates from fulfillment partners. The Kickstarter community and fulfillment companies often share guidance when these changes happen (Kickstarter’s own April 2025 update urged creators to consider who “picks up the tariff tab” – you, your manufacturer, or your backers – because someone has to pay those added costs).

The bottom line is to factor in these macro changes into your planning. Tariffs can significantly impact your margins; it’s better to know and budget ahead (or adjust pledge pricing) than be caught by surprise.

Budgeting for International Shipping During Campaign Planning

Shipping internationally can be expensive – and nothing sinks a campaign faster than realizing too late that you undercharged for shipping or didn’t account for certain fees. That’s why budgeting for international fulfillment before you launch (and continuing to refine it during the campaign) is so important.

Research and Calculate Early:

Before you even announce your shipping costs to backers, do your homework. Reach out to carriers or use online postage calculators to get rates for various package weights to key countries (e.g., what’s the cost to send a 2 kg package to Germany, to Australia, to Canada?). If you’re using a fulfillment center or 3PL, ask them for shipping quotes or use their experience. Don’t forget to include bulk freight costs too – getting your product from the factory to your distribution point (by sea or air) is part of fulfillment cost and varies by route and season. If possible, get quotes from freight forwarders for that step as well.

Account for Duties and Taxes:

As we discussed, if you plan on DDP or regional fulfillment, you’ll be incurring import taxes on behalf of backers. Estimate these and include them in your budget. Even if you go DDU (backer pays), realize that some backers might abandon packages if fees are too high, and you might choose to reimburse some to keep goodwill – it’s rare but budget a little cushion just in case. Also, some countries charge handling fees (e.g., a $10 customs processing fee on top of VAT) – these little things add up.

Don’t Forget Fulfillment Labor and Materials:

If you’re fulfilling in-house, your time (or hired help) for packing, plus packing materials (boxes, tape, labels, padding) are part of costs. If using a fulfillment service, they will charge fees for receiving inventory, storing it, picking & packing orders, etc. Make sure to get their rate sheet and model out the cost per order. For example, a 3PL might charge a setup fee, $2 per order + $0.20 per item picked, plus packaging materials at cost. Know these numbers so you can work them into your financial plan.

Factor Dimensional Weight:

One aspect often underestimated is dimensional weight (DIM) – carriers charge by volume as well as weight. A lightweight but bulky box can be billed as if it weighs more. Board game creators, in particular, should pay attention to box dimensions. A large game might only weigh 2 kg, but due to its size, shipping carriers could charge for 4 kg. Check carrier DIM weight rules and consider this when sizing your game box or packing multiple items together.

Build a Buffer:

Even with careful research, things can change – carrier rates go up, fuel surcharges fluctuate, or you might have a few more backers in an expensive country than expected. It’s wise to add a contingency buffer of at least 10-15% to your shipping budget. That way, if costs run over, you have a cushion. If you somehow come under budget, that’s extra profit or wiggle room to handle any lost/damaged replacements.

Use the Pledge Manager Wisely:

Many creators charge shipping after the campaign using a pledge manager (like BackerKit, Gamefound, etc.). This can be advantageous because you’ll have more accurate counts and perhaps actual weight/dim info by then, enabling you to charge the correct amount per backer region.

If you do this, during the campaign still give estimates (and clearly label them as such) to backers so they know roughly what to expect. Then, in the pledge manager, you can adjust up or down as needed. You can also use the pledge manager to collect VAT for EU/UK if using IOSS, for example.

This approach helps avoid the issue of Kickstarter taking a fee on shipping (Kickstarter doesn’t take fees on funds collected outside the platform) and prevents a budget shortfall if you guessed wrong initially. Just be transparent about it.

In short, plan for every cost from factory floor to backer’s door. List out: manufacturing cost, freight to your warehouse(s), fulfillment service fees or labor, packaging materials, postage to each region, and import taxes. Creators who fail to do this often end up in a tight spot – one of the most common (and damaging) errors is underestimating the true cost of fulfillment. By researching thoroughly and baking in all these elements, you’ll set the right funding goal and shipping fees. It’s far better to be slightly conservative on costs upfront than to be hit with a budget shortfall later. Remember, as the saying goes, “shipping always costs more than you expect,” so expect the unexpected and you’ll be prepared!

Communicating Fulfillment Timelines and Expectations

Communication is the unsung hero of successful Kickstarter fulfillment. Even if you have a few hiccups in your international shipping process, keeping your backers informed and setting proper expectations will go a long way to maintaining trust.

Be Upfront from the Start:

Your campaign page and surveys should clearly spell out shipping information. If certain regions will incur customs fees (and you’re not covering them), state it plainly.

For example:

“Backers outside the US: You may be responsible for import fees/VAT as per your country’s laws.”

This way, no one can say they weren’t warned. Ambiguity about who pays VAT or how long shipping might take is a recipe for confusion and frustration. Conversely, if you’re doing DDP or using local hubs (so backers get “friendly shipping”), highlight that as a selling point – many international backers will be relieved to know you’ve got them covered.

Publish Realistic Timelines:

International fulfillment takes time. Don’t promise a backer in Australia that they’ll get their reward a week after you ship.

Provide a range (e.g., “Once shipped, we expect delivery in about 1-3 weeks for EU/UK, 2-4 weeks for Canada, 2-6 weeks for Australia/NZ, barring customs delays”). Set expectations a bit longer than you truly expect; if it arrives sooner, they’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Backers are generally patient if they know what to expect, but silence or unrealistic promises erode trust. Also, if you anticipate doing a bulk freight then local fulfillment, explain the steps: “we’ll freight everything to the EU first, which takes about 4-6 weeks, then ship out to individual backers, so EU backers, expect your packages around Month X”.

Regular Updates:

During the fulfillment phase, keep those Kickstarter updates coming! Even a quick note like “EU shipment has cleared customs and is now at our partner’s warehouse, individual packages will go out next week” is gold to backers hungry for info.

A major pitfall is going silent when there are delays. It’s much better to own up to a delay, explain what’s being done, and provide a new estimate, than to hope nobody notices. Lack of updates or vague “we’re working on it” messages breed speculation and frustration. Aim for a regular cadence (say, monthly updates at minimum once production is done and you’re in fulfillment mode).

If everything is on track, say that. If there’s a hiccup (e.g., “Canadian packages are taking longer in customs”), let them know you’re aware and addressing it.

Handle Backer Questions Promptly:

You’ll likely get individual questions – via comments, messages, or emails – about international shipping. Common ones: “Where’s my package? The tracking hasn’t updated.” or “I got a notice to pay fees, is this legit?” Assign time to respond to these.

Even if you don’t have an answer yet (“I’ve contacted the courier and awaiting a reply”), it’s reassuring to the backer that you acknowledged their concern. Ignoring backer inquiries is a surefire way to upset people. If you have a small team, consider drafting some FAQ responses you can paste for common questions to save time.

Transparency About Issues:

If you encounter an unforeseen issue – say a batch of rewards got returned due to a paperwork error, or a new tariff took effect that is causing some delays – tell your backers the truth.

They might not be thrilled, but almost everyone prefers honesty and a plan over silence. Explain what happened, what it means for them, and what you’re doing to fix it.

For example:

“The first wave of UK shipments were returned because of a missing post-Brexit form. We’ve corrected the issue and reshipped them – this caused about a 2-week delay. We apologize and are monitoring the remaining shipments closely.”

Such an update shows you’re on top of things, and most reasonable backers will appreciate it.

Celebrate the Successes:

Also, communicate the good news!

As fulfillment progresses, let backers know when milestones are hit: “All EU and UK rewards have been shipped!”, “95% of packages are delivered worldwide, only a few stragglers remain.”

This not only reassures remaining backers that they’re part of a large successful effort, but also gives you a chance to thank everyone and even collect feedback or encourage sharing of their rewards on social media.

In essence, treat your backers like partners in the project – keep them informed like you’d want to be if you were waiting for a package. Good communication can turn what could be a negative experience (like a long customs delay) into a tolerable one, because backers feel respected and kept in the loop. As one guide puts it, proactive and honest communication is invaluable and helps prevent small issues from exploding into big ones.

Leveraging Fulfillment Partners for International Success

Lastly, remember that you don’t have to tackle international fulfillment alone. Many Kickstarter creators, especially those dealing with large board game or TTRPG campaigns, choose to partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider or fulfillment service that specializes in crowdfunding. A good fulfillment partner can handle the heavy lifting of global shipping, customs, and warehousing, allowing you to focus on your product and your community.

What a 3PL Can Do:

An experienced fulfillment service (like eFulfillment Service and others in this space) can offer end-to-end solutions: receiving your inventory from the manufacturer, storing it, picking & packing backer orders, and shipping out to each country.

Crucially, they have done this many times, so they know the tricks of the trade – from generating accurate customs paperwork, to choosing the best carrier for each country, to advising you on how to split shipments for regional hubs.

They might even have volume shipping discounts you wouldn’t get on your own, possibly reducing your costs. Some 3PLs also provide guidance on customs clearance by working with specialized customs brokers (for example, eFulfillment Service partners with customs experts like Albert Wang to help navigate complex import rules). This kind of expertise can be invaluable if your campaign is larger or if you’re just not comfortable managing international logistics solo.

eFulfillment Service’s Kickstarter Experience:

To illustrate the value, consider the case of Worlds Within, a TTRPG Kickstarter campaign that teamed up with eFulfillment Service (EFS). This project had a small, passionate team but faced the daunting task of shipping game sets globally.

By partnering with EFS, they turned logistics from a nightmare into a strength. EFS handled custom kitting, warehousing, and international shipping intricacies so well that the creators could breathe easy. As the founder of Worlds Within put it,

“We felt genuinely cared for. That alone allowed us to focus on our game and community instead of worrying about logistics.” The result was 99% order accuracy and happy backers. This kind of testimonial underscores how the right fulfillment partner can transform your project’s outcome.

Choosing a Fulfillment Partner:

If you decide to go this route, do your homework. Look for a fulfillment company with proven crowdfunding experience – they should be able to cite campaigns (like the example above) and discuss how they handle surges of orders, special packing needs (common in board games with miniatures or multiple components), and international shipping scenarios.

Ask about their capabilities in key regions: Do they have an EU warehouse option? Can they ship DDP to the UK or Canada? What carriers do they use for Australia, etc.?

Also, consider software integration – good 3PLs integrate with pledge managers or your chosen platform to smoothly import backer orders. You’ll also want transparent pricing (no hidden fees) and good communication from your 3PL, mirroring how you’ll communicate with backers. Essentially, they become an extension of your team.

Cost vs. Benefit:

While a 3PL is an added cost, it can often save money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and taking advantage of their efficiencies.

More importantly, it saves you countless hours of packing boxes and generating customs forms. For many creators, that peace of mind and reclaimed time (to spend on product development or marketing) is worth every penny.

If you’re a small campaign, you might fulfill yourself and be fine. But if you’re scaling up – say thousands of backers worldwide – strongly consider bringing in professional help. It can make the difference between a chaotic fulfillment crunch and a controlled, successful delivery phase.

In short, plan for every cost from factory floor to backer’s door. List out: manufacturing cost, freight to your warehouse(s), fulfillment service fees or labor, packaging materials, postage to each region, and import taxes. Creators who fail to do this often end up in a tight spot – one of the most common (and damaging) errors is underestimating the true cost of fulfillment. By researching thoroughly and baking in all these elements, you’ll set the right funding goal and shipping fees. It’s far better to be slightly conservative on costs upfront than to be hit with a budget shortfall later. Remember, as the saying goes, “shipping always costs more than you expect,” so expect the unexpected and you’ll be prepared!