Pledge Manager Backer FAQs

Can I change my address in the Pledge Manager?

Yes! Backers can change their shipping country when providing their address, provided the country they are looking to change to is one that has been set up as a shipping zone. Please note that it is only possible to change a backer’s shipping country before they complete the pledge manager. After this point a backer can only update their address to one in the same country until the creator locks addresses.

Once a creator has locked addresses, backers are no longer able to edit their shipping address themselves. If an address change is needed, contact the creator to request an update. Note that creators can update your address on their end, but they cannot change the shipping country.

Why do I have to provide my address for some digital rewards?

Most reward items will be taxable in the Pledge Manager, especially if they are downloadable items. An address is required for any taxable reward so that tax can be calculated accurately.

Some examples of non-taxable items may be:

• Thank you note
• Access to a newsletter
• Credit on a film, game, or book
• Social media shoutout

While some digital rewards may be non-taxable, below are some examples of digital rewards where tax should be collected:

• Downloadable content, such as a song, album, podcast, film, or game
• Steam key or access to an online game
• Digital artwork
• A pdf of a book or zine

Why am I being asked to pay taxes for my pledge?

Kickstarter operates as a marketplace facilitator. This means we are responsible for collecting and remitting sales tax for items shipped to all 50 US states, as well as collecting VAT (value-added tax) on items shipped to backers in the EU and the UK.

Creators using the Kickstarter Pledge Manager provided tax information for their reward items, and let us know where the rewards will be shipping from. This information enables Kickstarter to determine how much tax each backer is responsible to pay to ensure compliance with applicable tax regulations.

Why is there a tariff surcharge on my order?

To help creators cover additional costs as a result of the U.S. import tariffs, we’ve made it possible for creators to add a tariff surcharge to their pledge manager. By being able to offset rising costs, we hope to make the fulfillment stage as easy as possible for creators, while encouraging them to be proactive and transparent with backers. If you have any questions for the creator about this surcharge we recommend reaching out to them directly.

Please keep in mind that during this stage of their project a creator may be overwhelmed. We ask that you remain supportive, understanding, and patient while they work to bring their creative project to life. Remember, there is a human being behind every project.

What is a pledge manager and how do I complete it?

Kickstarter’s Pledge Manager provides creators with an easy tool to gather all the information they need in order to fulfill your reward. Using the pledge manager, a creator can collect your shipping address, reward preferences, as well as any applicable taxes and shipping fees, all in one place. It’s also a chance for you to finalize your reward and add-on selections before fulfillment begins. 

When a creator launches the pledge manager you’ll receive an email with a direct link to finalize your pledge. If you’re viewing the site through a desktop browser, you’ll also see a banner at the top of the page for any pledge managers awaiting your response. To complete the pledge manager for a project, simply follow the steps below. 

1. First, make sure that you are logged in to the correct Kickstarter account. Then, in the email you received, click the “Complete last steps” button to open the pledge manager.
2. On the ‘Welcome’ page, read the message the creator has written and click “Continue to pledge manager” to start submitting your information.
3. Next, you will see the reward tier you initially selected, if you backed the campaign while live or through late pledging. If the creator has configured any rewards to be available as an upgrade, you’ll see the option here to change to one of a higher tier, if any are available.
   • Similarly, for backers who originally pledged to the project with no reward selected, you will have the option to change that selection to an available reward.
4. If the creator has made additional add-ons available in the pledge manager, the next page you’ll land on will be ‘Add-ons’. Here you’ll have the option to increase your pledge with any available add-ons. Simply click “Add” and adjust the quantity as needed.
   • Please note: When a reward tier is a digital one, it won’t be possible to add physical add-ons to your pledge.
   • If no add-ons are being offered by the creator, this page will not appear in the pledge manager.
5. When ready, click “Continue” and you’ll be taken to the ‘Survey’ page. Here, you can answer any questions from the creator and submit your item preferences. If you upgraded your reward or added any add-ons, the survey will automatically include questions relating to those rewards. When this section is complete, click “Continue”.
6. Next, you’ll need to confirm your address. This should be the address you would like the creator to ship your reward to. We will also use this address to determine how much tax may be due for your reward items.
   • If you need to change the country your reward will be shipped to, you can do so here, provided the new country is included in the creator’s shipping zones.
7. After clicking “Continue” on the ‘Address’ page, you’ll be taken to the ‘Payment’ page. We recommend double-checking that everything is correct on this page. If there is a payment due, you can select a payment method and click “Pay” to finalize your pledge. If no payment is due, simply click “Complete” and you’re all set!

You will receive notifications reminding you once a week while the pledge manager is open. Make sure to complete this before they close it. After the pledge manager has been closed you will need to work directly with the creator to see if an alternative arrangement can be made. 

If you’re having trouble accessing the Kickstarter Pledge Manager through the email link or notification banner, another option is to access it via your Backed projects page.

1. Log in to your Kickstarter account and navigate to the Backed projects page.
2. Next, locate the specific project under the 'Successful pledges' section and click the round “+” button to the right-hand side of the project name.
3. On the Pledge summary page, select the 'Pledge manager' tab and click “Start pledge manager” to be taken to the pledge manager.
4. Follow the steps above to finalize your pledge and submit your response.