Kickstarter adds a “Tariff Manager” to allow creators to add surcharges to previously funded projects
The consequences of President Trump’s tariff policy begin to begin. Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter is called a “target for tariff managers”, allowing creators to add new surcharges to funded projects. This should help these creators deal with the unexpected costs of Trump’s global trade war.
This is how it works. Creators will be able to apply for a surcharge per project to consider the cost increase associated with the tariff. These fees will appear on the payment page as payment page for the people who fund the project. It is only applicable to items heading to a shipping address in the United States.
Not everyone wants or is able to pay extra for something that was strong a few months ago or years ago. Supporters can choose to reject the surcharge, in which case the creator can get a refund. The blog post does show that supporters and creators can find “another solution” instead of refunds, but there is no detailed introduction.
“We know that asking supporters to pay extra fees, especially after the campaign is over – can be sensitive,” Kickstarter said. “Our goal is to give you the flexibility and transparency necessary to browse these conversations with clarity and care.”
Many Kickstarter projects rely on parts from China, Vietnam and elsewhere, which are now subject to high tariffs. This is expected to be very cruel, but Kickstarter’s creators face another hurdle. Supporters usually fund projects in months or years before fulfillment. Finding new surcharges for something funded in 2023 or any time will be unpleasant.
The tabletop game maker for these tariffs is called Stonemaier Games. The small Missouri-based company joined the upcoming lawsuit, saying the president’s action has been filed. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the tariffs and points to the additional import fees they will spend $1.5 million. Stonemaier is known primarily for its excellent Wingspan, which makes us list.
Retailers across the country are warning consumers that prices will rise in May and that many products may be completely unavailable. This is due to Trump’s tariffs and a recent executive order that allows small amounts of parcels to avoid additional costs of importing. If you’ve been following a specific gadget, you should probably get to that gadget as soon as possible.
