# Kickstarter to Let Creators Add Surcharges to Cover Trump’s Tariffs

## Kickstarter to Let Creators Add Surcharges to Cover Trump’s Tariffs

Kickstarter is introducing a new tool that could mean you’ll be paying more for the projects you’ve already backed. The platform is launching a “Tariff Manager” that will allow project creators to add surcharges to cover rising import fees resulting from former President Donald Trump’s tariffs, as first reported by *404 Media*.

This new feature, slated to roll out in the coming weeks, will enable creators impacted by tariffs to request permission from Kickstarter to apply per-item surcharges specifically to backers with US shipping addresses. These additional fees will appear as a separate line item on the backer’s payment page.

Kickstarter acknowledges the potential for friction this could create. “We understand that asking backers to pay an additional fee — especially after a campaign has ended — can be sensitive,” the company stated. For backers unwilling to pay the added cost, Kickstarter suggests they contact the project creator directly to negotiate a solution, potentially involving adjusting their pledge or requesting a refund.

While larger campaigns, like Peak Design’s successful Roller Pro Carry-On project, have absorbed the tariff costs themselves, smaller projects may struggle to do so. Several board game campaigns, including those led by Curt Covert and Gap Closer Games, have already cautioned backers about potential delays or price increases due to tariffs, according to a *Fast Company* report. The Tariff Manager aims to provide a mechanism for these smaller creators to navigate the financial burden of tariffs without jeopardizing their project fulfillment.

The introduction of this tool raises questions about the long-term impact on backer trust and the overall Kickstarter experience. While intended to alleviate the burden on creators, the added fees could lead to frustration and potentially discourage future participation on the platform. It remains to be seen how effectively creators will utilize the tool and how receptive backers will be to paying unexpected surcharges.