Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

 MeanGreenStompa wrote:

He needs an initial investment to commence as a business, equipment, materials and the ability to feed himself whilst the business is establishing it's self.

That's all fine and good for crowdfunding... but not Kickstarter. People like to throw around claims of 'this doesn't belong on Kickstarter' all the time, but 'Starting a Business' and 'Fund my life' are some of the few things that are against Kickstarter's policies.

Lockark wrote:

 MeanGreenStompa wrote:

Lockark wrote:
Doesn't Blue table painting already offer a similar product already? I remember them showing off full boards and stuff they have made for customers before.

Why does this REALLY need a kick starter? What your doing is bassicly a commission based/made to order terrain serves. This isn't THAT new of a idea.

This can't possibly be a honest question? Another, established company makes a similar item so there's no need?

That's not what I was trying to say at all.

This is a idea that others have already done, and is a proven idea. If he wants to start a studio makes these boards for people, then I see nothing wrong with that.

But why does it need a kick starter? What are the over head coasts he is trying to cover with a kick starter? What risks is he trying to reduce by going to crowd sourcing? Foam board tables made on commission isn't that ground breaking is what I'm saying.... Why go threw the kickstarter, when one could just wait for him to open his site, and order from said site normally?

These are the basic guide lines kickstarter uses for excepting a new project and no where does it say an idea has to be new...



These are the Project Guidelines.

All projects must meet the guidelines to launch, so please read them carefully.

Kickstarter is a funding platform for creative projects — everything from traditional forms of art (like theater and music) to contemporary forms (like design and games). These guidelines explain Kickstarter’s focus. Projects violating these guidelines will not be allowed to launch.

Note that as you go through the site you may find past projects on Kickstarter that conflict with these rules. We’re making tweaks as we learn and grow. Thanks for reading!
Funding for projects only.

A project has a clear goal, like making an album, a book, or a work of art. A project will eventually be completed, and something will be produced by it. A project is not open-ended. Starting a business, for example, does not qualify as a project.
Projects must fit Kickstarter’s categories.

We currently support projects in the categories of Art, Comics, Dance, Design, Fashion, Film, Food, Games, Music, Photography, Publishing, Technology, and Theater.

Design and Technology projects have additional guidelines. If your project is in either of these categories, be sure to review them carefully. View Design and Technology requirements
Prohibited uses:
No charity or cause funding.

Examples of prohibited use include raising money for the Red Cross, funding an awareness campaign, funding a scholarship, or promoting the donation of funds raised, or future profits, to a charity or cause.
No "fund my life" projects.

Examples include projects to pay tuition or bills, go on vacation, or buy a new camera.
Prohibited content.

Toadkiller wrote:

Lockark wrote:

 MeanGreenStompa wrote:

Lockark wrote:
Doesn't Blue table painting already offer a similar product already? I remember them showing off full boards and stuff they have made for customers before.

Why does this REALLY need a kick starter? What your doing is bassicly a commission based/made to order terrain serves. This isn't THAT new of a idea.

This can't possibly be a honest question? Another, established company makes a similar item so there's no need?

That's not what I was trying to say at all.

This is a idea that others have already done, and is a proven idea. If he wants to start a studio makes these boards for people, then I see nothing wrong with that.

But why does it need a kick starter? What are the over head coasts he is trying to cover with a kick starter? What risks is he trying to reduce by going to crowd sourcing? Foam board tables made on commission isn't that ground breaking is what I'm saying.... Why go threw the kickstarter, when one could just wait for him to open his site, and order from said site normally?

These are the basic guide lines kickstarter uses for excepting a new project and no where does it say an idea has to be new...

lawl at people still not reading what I said.

I'm not slaming the idea because it's "not new".

Why do you need $5000 to start making foam terrian boards out of your garage? Others have done the same thing with out needing to go to Kickstarter.

"why does it need a kick starter? What are the over head coasts he is trying to cover with a kick starter? What risks is he trying to reduce by going to crowd sourcing?"

Bassicly why exactly do you need $5000 for so you can start doing this? Sorry if these questions anger you, but they are kinda important questions to ask of any Kick Starter. It's kinda sketchy what exactly your trying to raise funds for. It's not like your trying to raise the funds for a Injection Moulding Machine. Your carving terrian out of foam and painting it.

Hey, this is from an old Greybeard.

I paid 100 bucks for a battlefield once, and that was back in 1989 when 100 bucks would buy the intimate attentions of young ladies 4 times. (Dinner and a movie could be had for 20 bucks back then) So it was a lot of money. A LOT of money. And worth every penny.

What did I buy? A set of Geo-Hex. They're awesome and I still use them. What I can't do is find more of them at a reasonable price or purchase hexagonal pre-cut tiles to make my own. I've only found those tiles at places that sell bridal cake supplies and while they're perfect, they're insanely expensive if you want 20 of them to cover a table with. What I don't like about my Geo-Hex is they're all the same green flocking with no different strata. That is, no pools, no streams, no cliffs, no road hexes...just green flock.

But I can cover a 4x6 table in any shape I want with hills, valleys etc. Round table? Not a problem. 3x8 table? Not a problem. Square table? again, not a problem.

Hexagonal modular tiles would be something I would pledge to a Kickstarter campaign. And that would make sense because you need a lot of cash to be able to buy the correct material in bulk to get the price down to where you can make a profit and it be worth the money to the customers. Square/Rectangular are just not as versatile and I've got everything I need to make them out in my garage, most of which I rescued from my company's dumpster.

I'm just sayin'. I'm not trying to be a hater, because there IS a market for pre-made battle boards, especially stuff that's modular, creative, and difficult to make at home. Your idea isn't bad, you just need to break the mold and come out with something more out of the ordinary.

 Alpharius wrote:
The beauty of Kickstarter/Indiegogo/etc. is that they are crowdfunding sites - the 'people' will vote with their wallets, and those projects deemed 'worthy' will succeed, and those that are not, won't!

So, let's keep this thread on topic and polite - thanks!

This was posted a page back---this isn't a thread that debates the ideology of Kickstarter. Kickstarter has approved his project at this stage, either you can ask questions regarding the product/timeline/pricing or you can skip the thread and enjoy all the other DakkaDakka there is to be had. Thanks.

Toadkiller wrote:

no value in craftsmanship here. I guess water hazards mean nothing too.

No value in being sarcastic or passive-aggressive either. If you're in the role of (trying to) sell stuff to people, it serves you far better to suck it up and take the high road. Note that I have no dog in this fight, but the snark is a turn-off when it comes to considering if I'll back your project. Just like if I'm getting annoyed by people at my job, it does me no good to be snarky or passive-aggressive towards them.

Wow, a bunch of useless, detritus comments questioning the propriety of a Kickstarter project.....

The comments regarding attitude are spot on. Any customer service related business is rough and you have to roll with the punches. Sure, there will be plenty of jerks tearing you down, but you can't snap because that will drive away your actual customer base. Also, in a very niche business, their is a very vocal group that will always criticize unless it meets their arbitrary vision. Just ignore them.

Pay attention to the valuable information. Amongst the (considerable) noise of this thread, there is signal. The points on costing material and labor are important, as is the analysis of competitors and perceived value.

Realize that some people will never be a customer. (Me for example- I have a garage full of tools and enjoy making detailed terrain and gaming surfaces.) That is the nature of business. What you have to do is offer something that draws your potential customer base. There is an old saying that you can have something quickly, well done, or cheap. Pick two. You are offering convenience and will have to balance quality and price. Since you are selling on price, you need to make sure it clearly is a economically more attractive than other options. While the price has come down, I don't think you have reached that point. Indeed, it may not be viable to do so, in which case if you want to compete, you will need to up quality to increase the perceived value.

Shipping is also going to be a killer on these. Weight is not the only factor- unusual and large sizes increase postage. As does suitable packaging to make sure it gets there in good condition.

Good luck!

Thread now locked at the OP's request.