Kickstarter has announced a significant change in its payment processing system. The company is dropping Amazon Payments and switching to Stripe, a move that promises to streamline the payment process for both creators and backers.
Stripe launched back in 2012 and has quickly become a trusted name in online payment processing. The company already handles transactions for major platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook. By partnering with Stripe, Kickstarter aims to offer a more seamless and efficient payment experience.
Benefits for Campaign Creators
The new system will make it significantly easier for people to set up payments for their Kickstarter campaigns. Previously, creators had to set up an Amazon Payments business account, a process that could take several days. With Stripe, payment details can be set up in just a few minutes, allowing creators to focus more on their projects and less on administrative tasks.
For example, imagine you’re an independent game developer looking to fund your next big project. Under the old system, you’d have to navigate the complexities of Amazon Payments, potentially delaying your campaign launch. With Stripe, you can get your payment system up and running quickly, enabling you to start raising funds almost immediately.
Today we’re excited to announce a seemingly small change that will actually make it a lot easier to use Kickstarter: We’re partnering with Stripe to seamlessly collect and process payments for all projects on Kickstarter. We’ve already started moving projects over to the new system, and by next week, it will be in place for all new projects.
Enhanced Experience for Backers
The switch to Stripe also means that people backing projects will be able to make their payments faster and more easily. Previously, backers were directed to Amazon Payments to complete their transactions, adding an extra step to the process. Now, payments will be processed directly through Kickstarter’s website, making the experience more straightforward and user-friendly.
Consider a scenario where you’re backing a new tech gadget on Kickstarter. Under the old system, you’d have to leave the Kickstarter site to complete your payment via Amazon Payments. This extra step could be a hassle and might even deter some potential backers. With Stripe, the entire transaction happens on Kickstarter’s platform, making it quicker and more convenient.
Moreover, Stripe’s robust security measures ensure that all transactions are safe and secure, giving both creators and backers peace of mind. This is particularly important in the crowdfunding space, where trust is a crucial factor.
Why the Change?
Kickstarter’s decision to switch to Stripe is part of a broader trend in the tech industry to simplify and improve user experiences. By eliminating unnecessary steps and reducing setup times, Kickstarter is making it easier for creators to launch their projects and for backers to support them.
Additionally, Stripe’s advanced analytics and reporting tools will provide creators with valuable insights into their campaigns. These tools can help creators understand their backers better, optimize their funding strategies, and ultimately achieve greater success.
For instance, a filmmaker running a Kickstarter campaign can use Stripe’s analytics to track which marketing efforts are driving the most pledges. This data can inform future promotional activities, making the campaign more effective.
In summary, Kickstarter’s switch to Stripe is a win-win for everyone involved. Creators benefit from a faster, simpler setup process, while backers enjoy a more streamlined and secure payment experience. As the crowdfunding landscape continues to evolve, these kinds of improvements are essential for maintaining user satisfaction and fostering innovation.
Source Kickstarter, The Verge
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