- 01
You are the proof
Put your face in the first photo, explain your background in two sentences and show something you have already made. Backers back people first and plans second.
- 02
Keep the scope small
The first milestone should fit one person's time and skills. Outsource only what you cannot do, and give those costs their own milestone so Backers see them.
- 03
Protect your time
Post proof when a step is done, answer chat once or twice a day and keep your story current. A steady rhythm builds more trust than bursts of activity.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Samples differ from stock
A good sample does not guarantee a consistent bulk order. Record product checks before buying inventory and budget for inspection, damaged units and supplier follow-up.
- R2
Shipping costs erode budget
Bulky packaging or fragile products can make dispatch more costly than expected. Test packed dimensions early and keep fulfilment room in the budget before launch.
- R3
Stock records drift
Incorrect stock counts can lead to orders for unavailable items. Reconcile the received inventory against product listings and test stock updates before opening checkout.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a online store dream in Berlin, shown in EUR. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
€8,900
- Storefront setup and design€1,335 · 15%
- Opening product inventory€4,005 · 45%
- Packaging and product imagery€1,335 · 15%
- Fulfilment and operating reserve€2,225 · 25%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €8,900
- 0% platform commission
- −€1,335
- You receive
- €7,565
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a online store dream with a goal of €8,900. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
€1,780 · 20%
Verify product samples
Share sample photos, supplier estimates and a product checklist comparing materials, dimensions and packaging needs.
Milestone 2
€3,560 · 40%
Receive opening inventory
Post supplier invoices, counted stock records and photos of received products with any damaged items recorded separately.
Milestone 3
€1,780 · 20%
Build the storefront
Upload screenshots of product pages, checkout test results and shipping settings with customer and payment details hidden.
Milestone 4
€1,780 · 20%
Test packing and dispatch
Share a packing trial video, packaging receipts and a dispatch checklist covering order checks and return handling.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
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
Can I show checkout proof without taking real customer orders?
Use a test checkout and share the result with payment and personal details hidden. Include product variants, shipping settings and stock changes so the evidence covers the ordering process, not just the homepage.
Can one person really fund a online store dream?
Yes. Backers do not require a company. They need to understand your goal and see proof as you go, and a small first milestone is the best way to show you deliver.
Do Backers automatically receive products from my store?
Backings on cohero are gifts, not product purchases. Describe store inventory as a business cost rather than a promised reward, and keep any separate customer ordering process distinct from the funding milestones.
Ready when you are
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