Sourcing Dice for a Kickstarter Campaign: Timeline, MOQ, and Risk
Crowdfunded dice projects live or die on delivery dates. Here is a realistic production timeline, when to order samples, how to handle stretch goals, and the mistakes that cause late fulfilment.
The single biggest risk in a crowdfunded dice project is promising a delivery date before you have confirmed production lead time. Backers forgive a lot, but not silence and slipping dates. Here is how to plan a gemstone dice campaign so fulfilment matches what you promised.
A Realistic Timeline
Work backwards from your intended delivery month, not forwards from your launch:
| Stage | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Artwork and material selection | 1-2 weeks |
| Sampling and approval | 2-3 weeks (allow for one revision) |
| Campaign runs | 3-4 weeks |
| Production (custom/OEM) | 15-30 business days |
| Sea freight to US/EU | 4-6 weeks |
| Air freight (alternative) | About 1 week, higher cost |
| Fulfilment and distribution | 1-3 weeks |
Standard, non-custom items run faster — 7-15 business days in production — but a Kickstarter set is almost always custom.
Get Samples Before You Launch, Not After
The most common sequencing mistake is launching first and sampling later. Sample first, and you gain three things:
1. Real photography. Physical samples photograph far better than renders, and backers respond to real product shots.
2. Confirmed feasibility. You learn before funding whether your engraving reads clearly on your chosen stone.
3. Accurate costs. You can set pledge tiers against a real quotation instead of an estimate.
Samples are available before bulk production, so this step costs you time, not a full order.
Plan Stretch Goals Around Production Reality
Stretch goals are where timelines quietly break. Before you announce one, check:
- Does it add a new material? Each stone is a separate production run with its own MOQ.
- Does it add a new mould? Acrylic and resin add-ons need tooling with a 2,000-piece minimum — very different from gemstone's 100.
- Does it add packaging? Printed boxes have their own supplier minimums and lead times.
A stretch goal that adds one more gemstone colour is usually manageable. One that adds an injection-moulded accessory can add weeks.
Quantity Planning
Gemstone dice have a 100-piece MOQ per design, which suits crowdfunding well — you can offer several stones without committing to thousands of each. Unit price drops as quantity rises, with meaningful breaks around 300, 500, and 1,000 pieces, so it is worth quoting a few scenarios based on your funding targets.
Order a modest buffer above your backer count for replacements, damages, and late add-ons.
Shipping and Customs
Freight is usually the most underestimated line item.
- Sea freight is far cheaper but takes 4-6 weeks — plan it into your date
- Air freight is about a week but changes your unit economics
- Import duties are the importer's responsibility; check your country's rate before setting pledge prices
- We provide the commercial documents needed for customs clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to manufacture custom dice for a Kickstarter?
Allow 15-30 business days for custom production, plus sampling beforehand and freight afterwards. Sea freight adds 4-6 weeks.
Should I run samples before or after the campaign?
Before. Samples give you real product photography, confirm your design works on stone, and let you price pledge tiers accurately.
What is the minimum order for a gemstone dice stretch goal?
100 pieces per gemstone design. Acrylic add-ons are much higher at 2,000 pieces because of mould costs.
Can you ship directly to a fulfilment centre?
Yes. We export worldwide and regularly ship to the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, and Australia.
Plan Your Campaign With Us
We have produced complete gemstone dice programs for tabletop brands, including a 5,000-set amethyst run for a US tabletop gaming brand.
- WhatsApp: +86 150 1532 0471
- Email: info@customgemdice.store
Interested in Our Products?
Contact us for bulk orders, custom designs, and OEM/ODM services.
