How it works
Pre-order campaigns,
explained.
For fans
- 1
A brand posts a design with a goal
The brand sets a backer target and a deadline. The design isn't in production yet — the campaign tests whether enough people actually want it made.
- 2
You back it at a pre-order price
You pay the pre-order price (usually below the expected retail price). Part is charged immediately; the rest is charged automatically when the campaign closes funded.
- 3
Goal hit → production starts
If the campaign reaches its backer goal before the deadline, Graded releases an upfront tranche to the brand so they can go into production. Backing stays open until the deadline even after the goal is hit.
- 4
Goal missed → automatic refund
If the goal isn't reached, every backer is refunded in full automatically. No chasing, no forms — it just happens.
- 5
Brand ships, remaining balance releases
Once the brand marks the order as shipped, you have 10 days to raise a dispute. After that window closes, the rest of the funds are released to the brand.
Protected by Graded
If a campaign funds but the brand never ships, Graded will refund you in full. Your money is always protected.
Exact timeline
What happens, and when
Day 0
Campaign opens
Goes live the moment you launch it. Watchers and followers are notified.
Days 1–30
Fans back the design
Campaign runs for 7, 14, or 30 days (brand's choice). Your deposit is charged immediately when you back. Goal can be hit at any point during this window — upfront capital releases to the brand as soon as the goal is reached.
Deadline
Campaign closes
Backing closes at the deadline regardless of whether the goal was hit.
Goal not reached
Every backer is refunded in full automatically within 5–10 business days. No action needed.
Goal reached
Campaign is funded. The remaining balance (if any) is charged to each backer automatically. Backers have 48 hours to fix a declined card before their slot is released.
~Day 1 after close
Upfront tranche releases to brand
30–75% of total funds (depending on the brand's tier) transfer to the brand's connected account so production can start.
30–90 days
Brand produces and ships
Every campaign declares its ship window up front — 30, 45, 60 or 90 days from the campaign closing, shown on the campaign before you back it. The brand must mark the order as shipped with a tracking number inside that window. If they miss it, all backers are refunded in full and Graded claws back the upfront payment from the brand.
Brand ships
Dispute window opens
Once the brand marks the campaign as shipped, backers have 10 days to raise a dispute (item not received, not as described, or other). Graded reviews every dispute, and holds the brand's final payout until carrier tracking shows deliveries landing.
Dispute upheld
Backer is refunded in full. Graded claws back the upfront tranche from the brand where possible.
No dispute
Dispute window closes after 10 days. Remainder releases to brand automatically.
+10 days after shipping
Remainder releases to brand
The held portion of funds (minus Graded's success fee — 8% on backers the brand brings, 18% on backers Graded brings) transfers to the brand. Campaign is complete.
For brands
- 1
Post your design and set a goal
Upload photos, set a pre-order price, a backer goal, and pick a campaign length (7, 14, or 30 days). You only commit to production if the goal is hit.
- 2
Your campaign goes live immediately
Launch whenever your audience is primed — no queue, no waiting. Watchers of your design and followers of your brand are notified when it opens.
- 3
Goal hit → upfront capital releases immediately
When your backer goal is reached, Graded releases 30–75% of total funds (based on your tier) to your connected bank account so you can start production right away.
- 4
Ship within your declared window
You pick a ship window when you create the campaign — 30, 45, 60 or 90 days from the campaign closing — and backers see it before they commit. Miss it and all backers are refunded — Graded will also claw back the upfront payment.
- 5
Remainder releases after the 10-day dispute window
Once you mark the campaign as shipped, backers have 10 days to raise a dispute. After that window closes with no upheld dispute — and carrier tracking shows your parcels delivering — the remaining funds (minus the success fee: 8% on backers you brought, 18% on backers Graded brought you) land in your account.
Campaign tiers
Your cap grows as you deliver
Every brand starts with a A$3,000 total campaign value cap. Successfully deliver campaigns to unlock larger caps and a higher upfront payout percentage.
New brand
0 delivered
One delivery
1 delivered
Two deliveries
2+ delivered
Established brand
5+ delivered
The cap is based on total campaign value (backers × pre-order price). The upfront percentage is the share of total funds released when the goal is hit; the remainder releases after the 10-day dispute window.
Need to start bigger?
Get verified for a higher starting cap
Established brands with a track record outside Graded can apply for a verified override that raises the starting cap above the default A$3,000. This is assessed case-by-case.
To apply, send a brief introduction — who you are, what you make, and links to previous work or sales — to:
apply@ongraded.com