Let’s say you’ve just invented a brilliant new product – something that not only solves a problem, but is better than anything else that currently exists.

You’ve tested the idea and perfected the design. You know it works… and you know there are people out there who need it in their lives.

Awesome. Now… what do you do? How do you get this brilliant idea out into the world?!

Just ten years ago, you only had a few options: You could try to sell your idea to a large company, or you could try to build it yourself.

Neither situation is ideal for the average inventor (or the integrity of their idea). Either the big company ruins your idea just to squeeze out a bit of extra profit… or you discover that it’s extremely expensive to launch a product – no matter how useful and needed it is.

But now, there’s a third option: Crowdfunding. This new way of fundraising involves large groups of people pitching in small amounts to help products make it into the world.

Today we’re going to explore this interesting new “launchpad” for inventions. We’ll explain what crowdfunding is and how it works, along with showcasing some interesting examples of products that you can even help launch yourself. (And yes… that means you get your hands on them before anyone else knows they even exist!)

 

What is Crowdfunding?

In a nutshell, crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people.

There are many types of crowdfunding campaigns, but the most common campaigns are created to launch new products. The idea itself isn’t entirely new – but now that the internet exists, it’s finally become possible to launch massive, global crowdfunding campaigns.

 

For example, let’s say an inventor has just created a new product. They’ve designed it, tested it, made sure it works, and built a working prototype (so they can prove their product is real).

Now they can create a crowdfunding campaign to raise the initial money they need to mass-produce their invention. In this campaign, they’ll explain what their product is – then share it with the public, asking for donations. This is usually done through special websites designed for crowdfunding, such as Kickstarter, IndieGogo or GoFundMe.

Anyone who sees the campaign can decide if they want the product. If so, they’ll make a donation to help the product get produced. (This “donation” comes with a reward, of course – more on that in a moment!)

This new style of funding means the inventor gets the resources they need to produce the product in advance. That means they can produce inventions without turning to a big corporation or taking a massive personal risk. It’s a win-win situation: inventors get their products out into the world, while everyday people get access to the best innovations right as they’re invented!

 

How do you participate in a crowdfunding campaign?

These days, it’s easy for anyone to get involved. In most cases, you follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the crowdfunding page. Although there are a few different crowdfunding websites, they all look something like this – with a big button to “back the project”:

2. Check out the video and the description to see if you like the product.

3. Check out the rewards, which are usually listed right on the page. Note: If you want to be sure you get the product, make sure you donate the right amount! The reward you get for each donation “tier” is clearly listed.

4. Select the reward and complete the donation just like you’re purchasing any other product.

 

What do you get for participating in a crowdfunding campaign?

Of course, crowdfunding isn’t just about generosity and supporting inventors – it’s also about getting cool stuff before anyone else!

Most crowdfunding campaigns have monetary goals that they’re trying to achieve, and they reward you for your donation. If they reach the goal, they keep the money and produce the product, then deliver the rewards to those who donated. If they don’t reach their goal, everyone who donated gets refunded and the crowdfunding campaign is cancelled.

Each creator sets their own rewards. In most cases, you’ll get the product itself when you donate a certain amount (as soon as it’s created, of course). In some cases, you may even get an exclusive bonus, like having your name listed somewhere or even getting a personal visit from the inventor.

These rewards are clearly listed on the crowdfunding page, usually as “Pledge Amounts” or “Tiers”. In most cases, your donation is guaranteed – if you donate, you’ll either get the reward you paid for or your money back. However, this depends on the campaign and the website. That’s why we recommend going exclusively through trusted crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter.

Speaking of which… let’s check out some cool examples of crowdfunding campaigns that are happening right now!

6 Awesome Crowdfunding Campaigns You Can Participate In Today

Okay! Now that you know how crowdfunding works, it’s time to check out some projects.

Remember, if you like any of these, you can “buy” the product by donating!

1. ROTO-Q 360: The World’s First Non-Electric Rotisserie (Just Set It Up & Turn It On!)

Did you know? Rotisserie chicken contains up to 90% less fat than chicken cooked in a crock pot or tray. This innovative rotisserie allows you to enjoy healthy, delicious meals in a matter of minutes (not hours) – while saving money on energy costs. What’s not to love?!

Click HERE to back the ROTO-Q 360 Non-Electric Rotisserie!

2. SCRUBBIO: An 8-in-1 Eco-Friendly Magnetic Brush (That Saves You $100+ Per Year!)

This innovative silicone cleaning brush does it all (and then some). It combines all of the following into one magical device:

• Scrubber
• Potholder
• Soap dish
• Trivet
• Coaster
• Spoon Rest
• Shower Brush
• Vegetable Brush

Imagine all the space and time you’ll save!

Click HERE to back the SCRUBBIO 8-in-1 Brush!

3. Lumos Ultra: The Next Evolution In Bike Helmets

If you ride a bike, you know the dangers of darkness. From worrying about cars to keeping your eyes on the road, riding at night brings extra risks – but with the Lumos Ultra, you can ride like it’s daytime, any time! The breakthrough helmet design includes built-in lights, allowing you to signal your direction, see the road, and more. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your light getting stolen (which is a bigger deal than it might sound, sadly)!

Click HERE to back the Lumos Ultra Helmet!

4. Suntable: The Solar-Powered Outdoor Speaker + Charging Station

Is this the ultimate summer item?! The Suntable combines sleek design with a powerful JBL speaker with a wireless solar phone charging station. The result is an eye-catching (yet highly useful) table that fits with all types of outdoor decor. The 360-degree sound is amazing, and the charging station is cleverly designed to match the modern appearance.

Click HERE to back the Suntable!

5. Amicat: The Automatic Kitty Litter Cleaner

Let’s face it: cats are picky. But we love them, so we do whatever we can to keep them happy… yet sometimes, us humans aren’t enough. That’s where Amicat comes in: it automatically makes sure your cat has a clean, hygienic and comfortable sanitary environment. In other words, it’s the purrrrfect litter box!

Click HERE to back the Amicat Litter Box!

6. The Voyager: Easily The Coolest Outdoor Chair We’ve Ever Seen

The Voyager is a recreational chair that knows exactly what you need to have a good time outdoors! The ergonomic chair features a built-in insulated cooler, high-quality industrial framing, a bamboo armrest, and above all… maximum comfort! It even folds up into a backpack. Awesome!

Click HERE to back The Voyager Outdoor Chair!

Conclusion: Crowdfunding makes innovation democratic – we’re all for it!

With crowdfunding, people essentially “vote” on the products and solutions they think are most valuable. It’s a great way to mix your personal beliefs with the joy of experiencing something new and useful… we’re totally addicted!

So, how about you? Do you support crowdfunding campaigns? Let us know in the comments below!