Budget example
A typical cost split for a fashion collection dream in Austin, shown in USD. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
$15,000
- Fabric and trims$6,000 · 40%
- Pattern cutting and samples$3,750 · 25%
- Garment production$3,000 · 20%
- Photography and packaging$2,250 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $15,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −$2,250
- You receive
- $12,750
- 01
Price from quotes, not hopes
Get at least two quotes for every large cost and note what is included. Backers rarely mind a high goal; they mind a goal that looks invented.
- 02
Plan for what you receive
The platform fee is deducted from each backing, so you receive 85% of what Backers give. Set the goal so that amount covers your real costs.
- 03
Add a small buffer
Prices move. A buffer of five to ten percent in your last milestone covers surprises without making the goal look padded. Say so openly in your story.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a fashion collection dream with a goal of $15,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
$3,000 · 20%
Develop patterns and samples
Post technical sketches, a style list and first-sample photographs showing the collection scope and construction plan.
Milestone 2
$5,250 · 35%
Refine fit and materials
Share fit-test notes, revised sample photographs and fabric purchase records with supplier contact details removed.
Milestone 3
$4,500 · 30%
Sew the production batch
Post garment counts, construction close-ups and quality-check records demonstrating completion of the planned batch.
Milestone 4
$2,250 · 15%
Present the finished collection
Share styled photographs, measurement sheets and packing records showing the finished pieces and presentation materials.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Fabric becomes unavailable
A sampled fabric may sell out before production begins. Check stock during sampling, identify a tested substitute and schedule the main material purchase before the production batch milestone.
- R2
Fit revisions multiply
One successful sample does not confirm the fit of every size. Define the size range early and budget repeat fittings and pattern corrections before cutting fabric for the full collection.
- R3
Sewing capacity slips
Complex finishes can take longer than the first sample suggests. Time a representative garment, reserve production capacity and include inspection and repair days within the batch milestone.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: $100 gives the Dreamer $85. The fee is kept if money is returned.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Questions and answers
Should my goal include the platform fee?
Yes. The fee is taken from the backing, never added for the Backer. With a goal of $15,000, you receive $12,750 once everything is released.
Do I need to offer every size in my first collection?
Define a size range that your sampling and production budget can support. Explain the choice, show measurement information and include fit checks for the planned range rather than implying that a single sample proves every size.
Does backing my collection mean receiving a garment?
Backings on cohero are gifts rather than garment purchases. Describe the collection you intend to make and the evidence you will share, keeping any clothing sales separate from the milestones Backers use to assess progress.
Ready when you are
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