Kickstarter tail fund? Hmmm???

[Mermaid Caspiana]

So as I've stated previously in a couple other threads I would like to make my very own silicone tail. And I only have $200 ($250 orgigianally for a Merbellas octotop but mom didn't want me getting it yet and she wants me to use some for a Xmas/bday gift for meself. So $50 it is (; ) right now. And I'm thinking of trying to be bold and have it done effort my beach trip in August of 2014. If we can of course. So I want to earn money pretty speedy like and I found Kickstarter a while back and it seemed interesting and useful. So I know I've seen a few mets use it for multiple reasons and was wondering if any of you have and if so, tips? Like what theme should my ad be about, I'm thinking something realistic, like along the lines of save/adopt a mermaid. Like for adopt there could be a gift invoked or something. The higher you pay the cooler the gift. But idk. Has it worked for anyone? So just tell me all about it or any other ideas. I have my sequined fabric tail if that helps anything. But thanks and please reply. And any other questions feel free to comment or PM me. ;)
- with bubbles, fishes, and kisses; love, Mermaid Caspiana

[Mermaid Kelda]

It's always a bigger gamble when you try to raise money for your own interests, but it has worked for a few mers in the past (I believe Julz and Mermaid Star? Correct me if I'm wrong). No harm in trying!
For sure I'd say offer some rewards. The best rewards are things which don't cost you much to make, but are still worth nearly the amount people pledge for it due to time put in & quality.

[Prince Calypso]

I was honestly thinking about doing the same thing to start my mermaid tail since money has been so tight

[AniaR]

you may also want to consider applying for business grants too. considerably more money and in most cases as long as you give them all the info they ask for you're guaranteed at least SOME money. However, I wouldn't know specific grants for your area. It helps to look up (even just through google) business grants + your local government, your city, any schools you went to, for women etc.

[Seatan]

If you live in the US, the government does not offer grants to startup businesses, or many small businesses at all. One of the joys about living in our tight fisted, overly capitalistic country. But then what does our government provide to people? Not even enough food stamps to live on if you are homeless.

American Small Business Grants:


http://www.sba.gov/community/blogs/community-blogs/small-business-cents/government-grants-small-business—think-you-qual

you can look for grants from independent sources that target things like women's small businesses, though. Just be aware that America is a tight ass when it comes to helping small businesses out. It prefers to help the major companies who lay in bed with the politicians.

as for kickstarter, only do it if you think your real life friends and family will put out or set a VERY low goal. Unless you have a massive fan base, most mers are busy saving for their own tails. From what I understand, most kickstarter money comes from people outside the community.

[AniaR]

I found dozens just googling right now. SBA is government. Also grants.gov I'm doing a workshop at ncmerfest on starting up your business and participants are being provided with a two page resource list of american grants I researched they can apply for.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[AniaR]

I'm not just talking country wide government, I said local government. Searching your city/state plus grants turns up many hits too. I think the problem comes from just scanning the requirements and assuming you dont meet them.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Mermaid Caspiana]

I don't know much about economically business yet, considering I've only just turned 15 and don't even have a job yetand my mom wants me to wait a while before I start professional mermaiding.
As for Kickstarter, I would really only need to set a goal of like $700. And any neat, creative, and DIY ideas for rewards. I'm pretty sure my mom is on board if we can do this. :) and any other tips on Kickstarter or other fundings are welcome. :) thanks to you all for your comments! ;)
-Caspiana

[Mermaid Caspiana]

If I'm correct, to make a silicone tail, it only cost around $900. And even if I couldn't make it myself, I know Sirenalia is starting there business up and are selling full silicone tails for $900. So there is always that backup. ;)

[AniaR]

backups are good :)

[Seatan]

Not trying to argue, but as someone who lives in the US and has been a part of a successful HVAC startup business before, America (state and federal) really doesn't offer grants to startup businesses. My father is a business major and my grandfather was a highly successful entrepreneur. The few grants that the government does offer have stringent requirements and come with basically catches. I don't know anything about Canadian business because I don't live there, but I do know about US small businesses. Google small business grants in the US and you will find that the money is NOT out there for the taking. Much like our schools and welfare programs are underfunded and our social security is on the edge of collapse, the USofA just ain't know for its generosity. It's one of the crappy parts of living in America.

[Mermaid Caspiana]

It's all good. I'll probably try out Kickstarter and if that doesn't work. Earn money the old fashioned way. ;) or save up. So that might take longer. But I'm hoping that Kickstarter will work. So if I get it up, would you all like to try to pass it around? :) thanks

[Mermaid Julz]

Kickstarter i do not really know about. I setup a fundraiser on Indiegogo, but canceled it due to direct donations that got me started... And when I can get up so extra, I would gladly donate some to you... thought it might not be till march.... I will pay it forward.... I was helped, and I will do the same for someone else. Good luck!

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Great for you! :) And Wow! Thank you so much! I'm so excited now! And does anyone have ideas for a cool video that will entice the minds of viewers? Something that will make them want to help out and something that is creative. I'm thinking of something like an epic movie trailer. Maybe use of of my scale sequins and make it seem like I'm molting and need a new tail fast. (Which my tail is kinda molting. Haha) and maybe make it look like that is disrupting my swimming and is making it harder to live. So in the end it will have a message like, donate to save a mermaid from dying (meaning my dreams of becoming a serious mer- wow that's kinda depressing. Lol) and in turn you get: (whatever the prizes are)
???
help? :)

[MerKate]

I've actually got a kickstarter going for my silicone tail :D

[Mermaid Caspiana]

I've actually got a kickstarter going for my silicone tail :D
Oh yeah? How's it going for you? You should post a link. :)

[MerKate]

Oh yeah? How's it going for you? You should post a link. :)

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kaitey/kaiteys-custom-full-silicone-mermaid-tail-creation

I'm really hoping to use it as an opportunity for performance and raising awareness for Marine Wildlife Protection. :) I just started it today, so it's not too big now....

[PearlieMae]

Kickstarter is hard for trying to raise money for something so personal and not starting a project that somehow benefits the public. And if you don't make your goal, you don't get anything. In this economic climate, you are going to find strangers aren't likely to donate. You're better off using indiegogo or similar crowdfunding sites.

Don't be suprised if you get messages telling you to get a job, though.

[MerKate]

Haha. I have rewards set up for backers, and I am definitely used to receiving comments telling me to get a job. (I am a college student with a job on campus and a job in my home town, but I can't afford to use my earnings for the proper materials because I drive a car that requires near constant maintenance.)

[Mermaid Caspiana]

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kaitey/kaiteys-custom-full-silicone-mermaid-tail-creation

I'm really hoping to use it as an opportunity for performance and raising awareness for Marine Wildlife Protection. :) I just started it today, so it's not too big now....
That's funny, I just came across that today showing my friend who might help me make the Kickstarter. Love the design. :)

[Mermaid Caspiana]

Kickstarter is hard for trying to raise money for something so personal and not starting a project that somehow benefits the public. And if you don't make your goal, you don't get anything. In this economic climate, you are going to find strangers aren't likely to donate. You're better off using indiegogo or similar crowdfunding sites.

Don't be suprised if you get messages telling you to get a job, though.
I am actually going to do something in the video and description that says that I will do things for the publicans such. :)

[Mermaid Caspiana]

OKAY! Yay! Everyone mine is up! It's not for silicone but for a full sequin neoprene tail! I only ask for a grand total of like $400-$450! I only have 28 day and counting! I really need everyone's help as much as possible! I really thank everyone for donating and sharing, which is also super duper important. I talk about what ill so for the community as well. So please, read, watch, back, and share! All help is appreciated! :D https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/835606348/mermaid-caspianas-realistic-sequin-tail