[maczero]

I've only backed two projects and the results have been mixed.

The first project I backed is looking like it's not going to happen. The creator appears to have ghosted on his backers. Looking back, I can definitely say there was an obvious warning sign that I ignored. He created a second kickstarter for a new line before he delivered products for his first one. Now you might say "well that should've been enough reason to steer clear of this guy" and you would be right but I did contact him before investing. He explained the factory for his first project would give him a discount on producing his second project if he started production within the next few months so he decided to get funding for his second project now. As a bargain hunter, I could relate so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Well, here we are about a month past the expected delivery date and no figures. Now a month delay isn't unusual but I've learned his first project is over a year past its delivery date. And his communications on both projects have been sporadic at best (usually several months between updates).

My second Kickstarter backing happened a few months after my first one so I hadn't had the opportunity to learn from my mistakes yet. In any case, I did notice some differences in the different campaigns. The second Kickstarter creator highlighted his professional background as a toy designer. He put a lot more effort into advertising his campaign such as providing prototypes to reviewers, going on podcasts, attending conventions, etc. And he communicates regularly with backers and continues to promote the line even though the campaign has closed. He really appears to be in this for the long haul and wants to eventually see his figures in retail stores. Now he still hasn't delivered on the product yet but we're still months from the delivery date. However, I'm a lot more confident in his kickstarter than I am in the first one.

So after both experiences, I'm really skeptical about backing future projects but I thought it might be useful to have some criteria to evaluate projects (and their creators). I'd definitely like to hear from you guys as well so that we can put together a list.

Here are two definites for me before I back a project:
1) Must complete a project before asking for money on the next project.
2) The creator needs to send a prototype to an independent reviewer or reviewers before the campaign ends.

Some other criteria to consider:
1) Does the creator have a background in toy design or production? Should it be as a professional or is being an awesome customizer good enough?
2) Should the creator be well known in the toy collecting community? Another reason I trusted the first Kickstarter creator was that he appeared to be a regular at The Fwoosh. I figured a scammer isn't going to establish himself for years on a forum just to pocket a few bucks (well in this case, $93K). I may have been wrong on this one. lol.
3) Detailing the production process at the start of the campaign. Where are the figures being produced? What's the history of the factory that's producing them?
4) Personality of the creator. This one is kind of weird but I think it's relevant. Even though I believe the creator of the second project I backed will come through, he's shown himself to be "prickly" on numerous occasions. He's bad mouthed other Kickstarter campaigns and professional toy lines. He's talked down to those who have criticized his campaign. This kinda stuff makes me think he won't be able to handle production problems or customer service issues that well.
5) Having a failed Kickstarter. Should not being able to get funding for the first Kickstarter be a red flag not invest in a creator's second attempt?