Kickstarter will soon allow creators to charge American backers extra fees to cover tariff costs, raising questions about customer loyalty and project viability in the current trade climate.
At a Glance
- Kickstarter is introducing a “Tariff Manager” tool to help creators offset additional costs from import tariffs
- The feature will allow creators to apply surcharges specifically to backers with US shipping addresses
- This tool responds directly to increased costs resulting from the Trump administration’s tariff policies
- Smaller creators are particularly vulnerable to these unexpected costs, which could otherwise delay or derail projects
- Backers who refuse the additional charges must contact creators directly for potential refunds or pledge adjustments
New Tool Targets US Backers for Extra Fees
Kickstarter plans to introduce a new “Tariff Manager” tool in the coming weeks, allowing project creators to charge additional fees to American backers after campaigns have already ended. The feature specifically targets US shipping addresses and is designed to help creators offset unexpected costs resulting from import tariffs. This development comes as many small-scale creators find themselves caught between honoring backer commitments and absorbing substantial new costs that weren’t factored into their original project budgets.
The extra charges will appear as separate line items on backers’ payment pages, creating transparency but also potential friction with customers who believed their financial commitment was complete. Creators must apply for approval to use the feature, detailing the specific per-item surcharges they need to impose. This approach allows for precise allocation of increased costs rather than blanket fee increases across entire orders.
Backers Face Tough Choices
When faced with these new tariff-related surcharges, backers will have options but no simple solutions. Those unwilling to pay the additional fees must directly contact project creators to negotiate alternatives, which may include modifying their pledges, arranging for refunds, or finding other accommodations. This extra step puts pressure on both parties in the Kickstarter ecosystem, potentially straining the trust-based relationship that underlies crowdfunding success.
“We understand that asking backers to pay an additional fee — especially after a campaign has ended — can be sensitive,” Kickstarter acknowledged in its announcement of the new feature, recognizing the delicate balance between creator needs and backer expectations.
The platform emphasizes that the tool provides creators with “control, flexibility, and transparency” during project fulfillment, though these benefits primarily address creator concerns rather than backer interests. Meanwhile, backers may feel they’re being asked to subsidize political trade policies they had no hand in creating, especially since the fees target Americans specifically.
Small Creators Most Vulnerable to Trade Policies
While larger, more established campaigns may have the financial cushion to absorb increased tariff costs, smaller creators often operate on razor-thin margins. Peak Design’s Roller Pro Carry-On project, for example, told backers they “made the decision to not add any additional tariff charges to your pledges,” demonstrating how well-funded campaigns can sometimes shield customers from these external economic pressures.
Board game projects appear particularly vulnerable to tariff impacts, with many creators already warning backers about potential delays or price increases. The tabletop gaming industry relies heavily on overseas manufacturing, making it especially susceptible to import fee fluctuations. Without tools like the Tariff Manager, many small creators would face impossible choices between delivering inferior products, absorbing unsustainable costs, or disappointing backers with canceled projects.
“Creators continue to launch, adapt, and find success on Kickstarter, even as the external landscape shifts. We know creators are navigating a lot right now, and we’re focused on giving them the tools and support to adjust as needed,” explained a Kickstarter spokesperson, framing the tool as part of broader support efforts.
The platform has also been developing additional resources to help creators navigate changing trade policies, shipping logistics, and backer communications. These efforts acknowledge the complex challenges facing the crowdfunding community as international trade tensions continue to impact small businesses disproportionately compared to larger corporations with more diversified supply chains and greater financial reserves.
