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Kickstarter Backers Beware: New Tariff Fees May Increase Your Pledge Costs

Wondering if Kickstarter can charge you more after a campaign ends? The answer is yes—especially now, with Kickstarter's introduction of its new Tariff Manager tool. Designed to help creators manage rising import costs tied to Trump-era tariffs, this new feature lets project creators add surcharges to pledges even after funding campaigns have closed. If you’re backing a project with U.S. shipping, you might soon see an unexpected fee listed alongside your original pledge.

                    Image: Getty Images

What Is Kickstarter’s Tariff Manager and How Does It Work?

Kickstarter’s Tariff Manager aims to ease the financial strain creators face from high import taxes and tariff surcharges. If a project is impacted by new customs duties, creators can submit a request through Kickstarter to add per-item fees for backers based in the United States. Rather than rolling the extra costs into hidden charges, Kickstarter will display the tariff fee transparently as a separate line item on your payment page.

The platform expects the Tariff Manager to roll out within a few weeks, helping small businesses and independent creators weather volatile trade policies. However, while this tool supports creators, it introduces an unexpected burden for loyal backers who thought their financial commitment ended when they clicked “Pledge.”

How Are Kickstarter Backers Affected by New Tariff Fees?

Kickstarter acknowledges that asking for more money after a campaign ends is a sensitive issue. Backers who are unwilling or unable to pay the additional tariff fee must contact the creator directly to discuss alternatives like adjusting their pledge or seeking a refund. This policy places backers in a tricky situation, especially for campaigns with tighter budgets.

Some major campaigns, like Peak Design’s Roller Pro Carry-On, have assured backers they won’t impose extra tariff fees, absorbing the costs themselves. With over $13 million pledged to their campaign, they have the financial cushion to handle these unexpected charges—something smaller creators might lack.

Why Are Tariffs Impacting Kickstarter Projects Now?

The impact stems largely from President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports, a policy that continues to disrupt global supply chains. These tariffs affect a wide range of goods, from tech gadgets to board games, forcing creators to either absorb higher shipping and manufacturing costs or pass them along to backers.

Several smaller campaigns, particularly in the board game sector led by names like Curt Covert and Gap Closer Games, have already warned supporters about potential delays and cost increases. As manufacturing and shipping costs fluctuate, backers may find that the true cost of supporting a creative project is higher than anticipated.

What Should You Do If a Kickstarter Project Requests a Tariff Fee?

If a project you backed initiates a tariff surcharge, consider the following steps:

• Review the fee carefully on your payment page.

• Reach out to the creator if you have questions or concerns.

• Decide if you're willing to pay the additional amount or explore other solutions like refunds.

• Stay updated on Kickstarter’s evolving policies about post-campaign charges to avoid surprises in future projects.

Being informed about Kickstarter’s new Tariff Manager ensures you're prepared to make the best decision for your support—and your wallet.