Crowdfunding Guide for First-Time Makers
Last Updated: July 23, 2026
Wadiz is Korea’s leading reward-based crowdfunding platform, where creators present a product or service idea and backers pre-order it before mass production begins. This guide walks first-time creators through Wadiz crowdfunding and the entire 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 key 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 reduces 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 a Crowdfunding Campaign 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 required to earn supporters’ trust. Even without a physical product, a compelling story and a clear production plan can be enough to attract supporters.
03. Eligibility to Launch a Campaign on Wadiz
“Can I actually do this?” is the most common question makers ask before their first project.
If you are a global maker, business registration is not required to launch a campaign.
Products with an existing sales history are also eligible. A maker who already sells through their own website or another e-commerce channel can still launch a Wadiz campaign. Running multiple projects at the same time is also possible.
| Situation | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Global makers without a Korean business registration | Yes |
| Product with a prior sales history | Yes, subject to certain conditions |
| Product distributed domestically and internationally at the same time | Yes, with conditions |
| Multiple projects running simultaneously | Yes |
| Pre-order and in-store sales running simultaneously | Yes, under certain conditions |
➡️Requirements 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 to mind,” but once preparations are truly 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 has been verified —a working prototype and a production plan are in place.
- The story is structured —the reason for creating the product can be clearly explained.
- Promotion channels are ready —an early fan base is lined up to respond as soon as the campaign launches.
On Wadiz, the first three days after launch typically account for 60% of a campaign’s total funding, making the preparation stage a strong predictor of a campaign’s outcome.
05. How Long Should the Campaign Last?
Wadiz recommends a campaign duration of about 20 days as the general standard.
| Situation | Recommended duration | Key focus |
|---|---|---|
| Makers with an existing fan base | 10–15 days | Short, intensive promotion |
| Typical campaign (recommended default) | 15–20 days | Time to build trial groups and build momentum for petition signatures |
| High-involvement or higher-priced rewards | 20–25 days | More time for supporters to review information |
Campaign length should not be determined in isolation—it must be planned in conjunction 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 creators is: “How long does it take to launch?”
From document preparation to launch, the process typically takes a minimum of 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the product category and how quickly the 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 the required documents) |
| 3 | The "Launching Soon" page goes live to collect "Notify Me" sign-ups (recommended duration: about 10 days) |
| 4 | The main campaign launches |
Useful information to keep in mind 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.
- Sales through other channels are only permitted 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 that combines a 12% service 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 their readiness 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 Rewards
- 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 in place to engage your early fan base immediately 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 backers if the campaign reaches its funding goal, while Pre-order confirms orders regardless of whether the goal is met. The right choice depends on how complete the product is and how much inventory is already available.
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 will be possible after the campaign ends.
Q. What happens after the campaign ends?
A. A successfully funded product can move to the 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 scratch.
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