Crowdfunding is not only a way to raise funds - it is also an organisational challenge, related to the management of backer data, order fulfilment and communication with backers. In response to these needs, tools such as BackerKit, Gamefound and CrowdOx have emerged on the market to offer comprehensive subscription-based solutions. However, as the number of campaigns grows and the expectations of creators increase, the question is increasingly being asked: is it worth investing in off-the-shelf, subscription-based solutions or is it better to create your own Pledge Manager? In the remainder of this article, we will analyse both approaches.
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Overview of subscription tools
BackerKit
BackerKit is one of the most popular platforms for managing data after crowdfunding campaigns. Key features of BackerKit include:
- Data import and verification: Automatically retrieves information from crowdfunding platforms, making it easy to handle large numbers of requests.
- Add-onsand Late Pledge support: Allows for add-ons and post-campaign sales.
- Integration with payment systems: Enables efficient settlement of payments and handling of any refunds.
- Costs: The subscription model and transaction commissions can generate significant operating costs with a large number of backers.
Gamefound
Gamefound is a solution increasingly chosen by game developers, particularly because of:
- High level of integration: The system offers deep integration with crowdfunding platforms, enabling the automation of many processes.
- Sales flexibility: Allows the handling of both basic orders and additional options.
- Marketing support: Gamefound often integrates functionality to help build relationships with backers.
- Subscription model: Like BackerKit, Gamefound charges a fee, which can affect margins with intensive campaigns.
CrowdOx
CrowdOx is another tool dedicated to crowdfunding campaigns. Its key benefits include:
- Simple user interface: Intuitive solutions to make it easier for backers to finalise their orders.
- Process automation: Mechanisms for automatic data synchronisation and integration with payment systems.
- Operating costs: Subscription fee model and additional commissions, which can become a financial burden with large-scale campaigns.
Your own Pledge Manager - advantages of a dedicated solution
Investing in your own Pledge Manager system comes with a number of benefits that often outweigh the advantages of off-the-shelf subscription solutions.
Costs and savings
- No recurring fees: Investing in an in-house system is essentially a one-off expense for implementation and development, which, with sufficient campaign scale, can be more economical than monthly fees and commissions.
- Scalability: A dedicated system can be adapted to accommodate an increasing number of backers, without the additional costs typical of subscription-based pricing models.
Full control over data
- Security and privacy: the in-house Pledge Manager allows full control over supporting data, which is particularly important in the context of protecting personal information and compliance with regulations (e.g. RODO).
- Personalisation: The ability to fully personalise the interface, processes and integration with internal systems such as CRM or ERP. This allows the system to be tailored to the specifics of the campaign and brand.
Operational flexibility and integrations
- Rapid adaptation to change: An in-house system allows new functionalities to be implemented immediately, processes to be adapted and the interface to be modified in response to current campaign needs.
- Independence from external providers: No dependence on pricing policies, updates or restrictions imposed by subscription-based platforms. This gives developers full control over the development of their tool.
Application example - ICEberg CMS 5
Implementing your own Pledge Manager can be based on modern CMS systems, such as ICEberg CMS 5, which offer:
- Modular architecture: Facilitating integration with crowdfunding platforms and payment systems.
- Advanced data management tools: Process automation, encryption and full interface personalisation.
- Expert support: Working with experienced agencies such as Krakweb allows for professional implementation and ongoing technical support to guarantee campaign success and long-term savings.
Summary - Choosing between subscription-based tools and an in-house system
When comparing tools such as BackerKit, Gamefound and CrowdOx with investing in your own Pledge Manager, there are a few key aspects worth noting:
- Operational costs: Off-the-shelf subscription solutions can be advantageous at the outset, but with a large number of orders they generate recurring charges. An in-house system eliminates this problem, offering long-term savings.
- Data control and security: An in-house Pledge Manager gives you full control over your data, which translates into greater security and the ability to tailor processes to suit individual campaign needs.
- Flexibility and integration: A dedicated solution allows rapid adaptation to changing market conditions and full integration with internal systems, increasing operational efficiency.
As a result, for crowdfunding campaign developers, especially in fast-growing industries such as board games or gadgets, investing in an in-house Pledge Manager based on solutions such as ICEberg CMS 5 and professional support from Krakweb can be a competitive advantage, providing greater control, flexibility and savings in the long run.
The decision between a subscription-based tool and an in-house Pledge Manager system should be based on an analysis of the specifics of the campaign, the expected scale and the needs for control and personalisation of processes. Investing in an in-house solution is a step towards independence, greater operational flexibility and long-term savings, making it an attractive option for ambitious crowdfunding projects.
How can ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb help with this?
ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb combine to create dedicated Pledge Manager systems - solutions that give full control over data, flexibility in configuration and operational savings not available in a subscription model. The expert article below discusses how these tools and Krakweb's expertise can support the implementation of a custom Pledge Manager for crowdfunding campaigns.
Why invest in your own Pledge Manager?
Traditional subscription platforms such as BackerKit, Gamefound or CrowdOx offer turnkey solutions, but these come with a number of limitations:
- High subscription costs and commissions - with an increasing number of backers, these fees can put a significant strain on a project's budget.
- Limited personalisation - standard solutions often do not allow full customisation of features to suit the specifics of the campaign.
- Loss of control over data - data stored on external servers carries security and regulatory compliance risks.
Investing in an in-house Pledge Manager system avoids these issues, giving developers full control and the ability to quickly adapt to the changing needs of the campaign.
ICEberg CMS 5 - the foundation of a modern Pledge Manager
Modular architecture and flexibility
ICEberg CMS 5 is an advanced content management system that, thanks to its modular design, enables:
- Full customisation of the interface and processes: Developers can adapt the look and functionality of the system to the specific requirements of the crowdfunding campaign.
- Easy integration with crowdfunding platforms: Automatic import of data from Kickstarter, Indiegogo or other services allows for efficient synchronisation of orders.
- Support for multiple currencies and languages: This makes the system ideal for campaigns with international reach.
Advanced data management and security
With ICEberg CMS 5, developers have the ability to:
- Securely store data: Built-in encryption and permission management mechanisms ensure that backer information is protected to the highest standards.
- Automation of key processes: The system enables automatic notifications, report generation and data synchronisation to reduce the risk of errors and improve order processing.
- Full control over data: An in-house system allows central management of information, making it easier to analyse and optimise campaigns.
Krakweb - partner supporting the implementation of dedicated solutions
Krakweb is an experienced interactive agency and software house based in Kraków that specialises in creating custom e-commerce solutions and CMS systems such as ICEberg CMS Their role in the implementation of their own Pledge Manager includes:
Professional advice and consultation
- Analysis of client needs: Krakweb carries out a detailed analysis of the project's requirements, which allows us to develop a solution ideally suited to the specifics of the campaign.
- Individual approach: Krakweb experts support the client at every stage - from planning through data migration to final testing and team training.
Implementation and integration
- Process optimisation: Krakweb uses ICEberg CMS 5 to create a dedicated Pledge Manager that automates key processes such as importing data from crowdfunding platforms, managing orders and integrating with payment systems.
- Continuous technical support: Once the system is implemented, Krakweb offers full technical support, enabling rapid response to any needs and updates.
Savings and operational flexibility
- Lower operating costs: By investing in your own system, you eliminate fixed subscription fees and commissions, which, with a large number of backers, translates into significant savings.
- Independence from external providers: An in-house system gives you complete freedom to develop and adapt functionality, without the constraints of external platforms' pricing policies.
more on this topic: https://www.krakweb.com/en/nowoczesna-i-tansza-alternatywa-dla-backerkit-crowdox-gamefound-i-pledgebox-iceberg-cms-5-jako-pledge-manager
Summary - Synergistic benefits of ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb
Implementing an in-house Pledge Manager based on ICEberg CMS 5, in partnership with Krakweb, brings a number of key benefits:
- Financial savings: A one-off investment in developing an in-house system eliminates monthly subscription fees and commissions, resulting in real savings with more transactions.
- Full control over data: An in-house system enables central data management, which increases security, allows full personalisation of processes and easier analysis of campaign performance.
- Operational flexibility: Rapid adaptation to the changing needs of the campaign and full integration with other systems (CRM, ERP) ensure that the solution grows with the project.
- Professional support and advice: Krakweb's experience guarantees that the implementation will run smoothly and that the system will be constantly developed and optimised to meet the demands of the dynamic crowdfunding market.
Thanks to the synergy of ICEberg CMS 5 and Krakweb, campaign developers can create a dedicated, flexible and secure Pledge Manager that not only streamlines operational processes, but also contributes to building long-term relationships with backers and increasing the success of crowdfunding campaigns.
If you want to learn more or need a professional consultation - contact Krakweb for a free quote and expert support.
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