Crowdfunding Guide for First-Time Makers
Last Updated: 2026-07-23
Wadiz is Korea's leading reward-based crowdfunding platform, where makers present a product or service idea and supporters pre-order it before mass production begins. This guide walks first-time makers through Wadiz crowdfunding and the overall process from preparation to launch.
01. What is Crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding raises funds from a large group of supporters rather than a single investor. It generally falls into four types, based on what supporters receive in return: reward-based, donation-based, lending-based, and equity-based.
Wadiz operates a reward-based model: a maker presents a product or service before it exists in finished form, and supporters pre-order it through a campaign. The core difference from standard e-commerce is that production follows demand, not the other way around — makers can confirm real demand before manufacturing at scale, which lowers inventory risk and validates the market in advance.
| Crowdfunding type | Core mechanic | Available on Wadiz |
|---|---|---|
| Reward-based | Pre-order, then receive the product or service | Yes |
| Donation-based | Pure donation, no reward | No |
| Lending-based | Principal plus interest returned | No |
| Equity-based | Equity or dividend return | No |
➡️How is Crowdfunding Different from Shopping?
➡️Wadiz Crowdfunding Terms You Need to Know
02. Can I Start Crowdfunding Without a Finished Product?
Makers do not need a finished product to launch on Wadiz. A campaign can start at the idea or prototype stage, since reward-based crowdfunding is not a purchase of a finished good but a process of building the product together with supporters.
| Preparation stage | Can launch a campaign | Recommended channel |
|---|---|---|
| Idea stage | Yes | Wadiz Funding |
| Prototype stage | Yes | Wadiz Funding |
| Finished product with inventory on hand | Yes | Wadiz Pre-order / Store |
A minimum level of demonstrated feasibility is still needed to earn supporter trust. Even without a physical product, a genuine story and a clear production plan can be enough to bring supporters on board.
03. Eligibility to Launch a Campaign on Wadiz
"Can I actually do this?" is the most common question makers ask before their first project.
A business registration is not required to launch if you are a global maker.
Products with an existing sales history are also eligible. A maker who already sells through their own website or another commerce channel can still launch a Wadiz campaign. Running multiple projects at the same time is possible as well.
| Situation | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Global makers without a Korean business registration | Yes |
| Product with prior sales history | Yes, with conditions |
| Product distributed domestically and abroad at the same time | Yes, with conditions |
| Multiple projects running simultaneously | Yes |
| Pre-order and Store running at the same time | Yes, with conditions |
➡️Qualifications required to become a Wadiz maker
04. When Is the Best Time to Launch a Campaign?
The safest time to launch is not "as soon as the idea comes up," but once preparation is genuinely in place. Four criteria indicate readiness for a stable launch:
- Reward design is finalized — reward tiers, the funding goal, and the shipping schedule are set.
- Production feasibility is verified — a working prototype and a production plan are in hand.
- The story is structured — the reason for making the product can be clearly explained.
- Promotion channels are ready — an early fan base is lined up to respond as soon as the campaign opens.
On Wadiz, the first three days after launch typically account for 60% of a campaign's total funding, which makes the preparation stage a strong predictor of a campaign's outcome.
05.How Long Should the Campaign Duration Be?
Wadiz recommends a campaign length of around 20 days as the general standard.
| Situation | Recommended length | Key focus |
|---|---|---|
| Maker with an existing fan base | 10–15 days | Short, concentrated promotion |
| Typical campaign (recommended default) | 15–20 days | Time to build trial groups and petition-signature momentum |
| High-involvement or higher-priced rewards | 20–25 days | More time for supporters to review information |
Campaign length should not be set in isolation — it needs to be planned together with the pre-launch "Launching soon" period (about 10 days) and the reward production and shipping schedule.
06. Funding Launch Steps and Timeline
One of the most common questions from first-time makers is: "How long does it take to launch?"
From document preparation to launch, the process typically takes a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks, varying by product category and how quickly documents are prepared.
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sign up for Maker Center and sign the maker agreement |
| 2 | Submit the project (write the story and upload required documents) |
| 3 | "Launching Soon" page goes live to collect notify-me sign-ups (about 10 days recommended) |
| 4 | Main campaign launches |
Useful things to know when setting a schedule:
- The campaign's public launch date can be reserved and scheduled in advance.
- A campaign must run for at least 7 days.
- There are restrictions on setting the end date to fall on a weekend.
- Selling through other channels is only allowed after a set period following the campaign's end.
- Launching the main campaign on a Monday through Wednesday tends to work in a maker's favor.
07.Wadiz Fee Structure
Wadiz operates a single fee plan combining a 12% service usage fee with a payment settlement processing fee ( 4% + $99 for makers outside Korea).
Makers launching their first project — meaning makers with no history of a successfully funded project — receive a 30% discount on the service usage fee. This discount applies equally to both domestic (Korean) and international payment projects.
➡️Wadiz Service & Payment Fees
08.Pre-Launch Checklist
Makers can use the checklist below to assess how ready they are before launching.
Concept and eligibility
- Understand how crowdfunding differs from standard e-commerce
- Choose the right Wadiz service type for the product and situation (Funding / Pre-order / Store)
- Confirm business registration status and requirements
Product and reward
- Verify the feasibility of the prototype or idea
- Design the reward tiers and set the funding goal
- Work backward from the expected shipping date to set a realistic schedule
Schedule and promotion
- Plan the full schedule, including the "Launching Soon" period
- Have a plan for an early fan base to respond right after launch
- Complete the maker agreement
09. FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. What is the difference between Wadiz Funding and Pre-order?
A. Funding only charges supporters if the campaign reaches its funding goal, while Pre-order confirms orders regardless of whether a goal is met. The right choice depends on how finished the product is and how much inventory is already on hand.
Q. Can a maker sell on other stores while a Wadiz campaign is running?
A.Selling through other channels may be restricted while a Wadiz campaign is active. Makers should confirm in advance when outside distribution becomes possible after the campaign ends.
Q.Does anything happen after the campaign ends?
A. A successfully funded product can move on to Wadiz Store for ongoing sales. Because the product already has a fan base validated through the campaign, it can generate revenue much faster than starting from zero.
Just Start on Wadiz.
Your step-by-step guide from preparation to funding success—available now at the Wadiz Maker Center.
Get 30% off your first Wadiz Campaign Fee