Crowdfunding is the latest and greatest in eCommerce. Instead of the good ol’ “click-and-ship,” crowdfunding takes a more immersive approach as customers, a.k.a. backers, pledge a monetary amount of their choice to a cause or product they believe in. Campaigns can last weeks or even months, but through every twist and turn, brands have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with both new and existing audiences. 

Of course, in a competitive market, it can be easy to get drowned out. While marketing is certainly half the battle, did you know that fulfillment also counts as a way to make a major splash? Yup, the right 3PL can add some serious sizzle to your crowdfunding campaign. How? Keep reading and we’ll tell you!

An Unforgettable Unboxing Experience

The way a package is delivered matters almost as much as what’s inside it. If you go the extra mile, unboxing a much-anticipated, long-awaited crowdfunding goodie can mimic a Christmas morning!

There are a few different methods when it comes adding that magic touch. Here are some ideas:

• Add colorful, brand-friendly crinkle paper 
• Include packaging inserts as a way to announce new products or provide discounts on future purchases
• Invest in branded packaging
• Use eco-friendly packaging to show customers you care
• Write a short and sweet thank you note with every purchase

Crafting a memorable unboxing experience does much more than wow your backers. Among other things, it boosts brand recognition, maximizes loyalty and sales, and drives engagement. Fulfillment centers are able to bring unboxings to life by scaling your personable touch to thousands of eager customers. You’ve got the vision — they’ve got what it takes to make it happen! 

Free & Fast Shipping

Want to know a secret? No one likes to pay for shipping. In a recent survey, 79% of shoppers  indicated that free shipping would make them more likely to click “Buy.” That’s one bandwagon you don’t want to miss out on!

In addition to free shipping, customers also want fast shipping. eGiants like Amazon have popularized overnight deliveries, which have raised the standard for other online retailers. In an extremely competitive digital landscape, speed does matter — even for patient backers who sometimes have to wait until the eleventh hour for their rewards to materialize!

But, if shipping is the name of the game, fulfillment centers are the chess masters. They’re able to provide both fast and free shipping due to one specific superpower: high volume. Shipping carriers, like USPS and UPS, are eager to secure a partnership with busy 3PLs, and steep savings are one way to sweeten the deal. And, because fulfillment centers are equipped with ooodles of technology, experience, and manpower, they’re able to turn orders around in a snap. Basically, it’s safe to say that joining forces with a 3PL may be crowdfunding’s secret weapon…

International Reach

Listen, no one said global domination is easy. Between endless acronyms and finicky regulations, it’s normal to want to throw your hands up and stick to the local crowd. While that may be easier in the short-term, you (and your potential customers) could be missing out on some serious opportunities.

We don’t mean to sound like a broken record, but if international shipping is your jam, then outsourcing fulfillment is your peanut butter. Fulfillment centers come in clutch by taking care of the most exciting parts of your global crowdfunding journey — filling out paperwork, calculating taxes, anticipating country-specific regulations and restrictions… all the juicy stuff, pretty much. Outsourcing will not only give you an invaluable international presence, but it’ll also save you from at least a few headaches!

Crowdfunding looks different for everyone, but product-based businesses can be serious contenders for outsourcing their fulfillment. Every Batman needs his (or her!) Robin, and 3PLs are there to do just that — sans cape and leotard. So, whether you’re still dipping your toes in the crowdfunding waters or have already made the plunge, consider reaching out to a fulfillment center for backup. It may be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!

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