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The model
How Build Backers Works
Build Backers helps creators fund original physical works through reviewed Build Plans and approved Build Slots. Backers are reserving a place in a First Run, supporting a One-Off Build, or acquiring the finished work through an Acquisition Slot.
From Vision to fulfilment
- Creator submits a Vision — an original physical Build.
- Build Backers reviews the Build Plan — materials, pricing, production method, fulfilment risk, and delivery path are reviewed before the Build can collect funds.
- Backers reserve Build Slots — approved First Run Slots, Supporter Credits, Collector Slots, or Acquisition Slots.
- The Build is produced and tracked — funded Builds move into production with creator updates and fulfilment tracking.
Key terms
- Build
- The physical work, product, object, or limited run being created.
- Build Plan
- The reviewed plan for how the Build will be made, costed, fulfilled, and delivered.
- Build Slot
- A backer’s reserved place in an approved Build.
- First Run
- The first approved production run of a Build.
- Founding Slot
- A limited early slot for the first backers of a Build.
- First Run Slot
- The standard slot for receiving one item from the approved First Run.
- Collector Slot
- A premium slot, usually involving a signed, numbered, or upgraded version of the Build.
- Supporter Credit
- A lower-cost way to support a Build, usually with recognition rather than the main physical item.
- One-Off Build
- A Build where only one finished work is created.
- Acquisition Slot
- The single slot that allows one backer to reserve the finished one-off work.
- Build Window
- The estimated period when the Build is expected to be produced and fulfilled.
- Build Confidence
- A plain-language review summary showing what has been checked before launch.
- Run Expansion
- An approved increase in available Build Slots after the original First Run sells out or demand exceeds the approved quantity. (A controlled, future concept.)
Payment & legal
When payments are enabled, payments will be processed through Stripe. Backing a Build is a pre-purchase or support payment. It is not an investment, donation, subscription, equity interest, or ownership stake.
Before reserving a Build Slot
Before reserving a Build Slot, backers should review what the selected slot includes, whether a physical item is included, the estimated Build Window, the refund terms, and any fulfilment notes.
- What does this slot include?
- Does this slot include a physical item?
- Is this a First Run Slot, Supporter Credit, Collector Slot, or Acquisition Slot?
- What is the estimated Build Window?
- What happens if the Build does not fund?
- What happens if the Build funds but cannot be completed?
- What refund terms apply?
