This success story had a sweet ride on the crowdfunding circuit…

Hot Rod Revue definitely has the lowdown on New Zealand’s hot rod culture – the online magazine’s fabulous team crowdfunded over $7160 (over their $6000 target!) to make their DVD, ‘The North’.Which they promise, they’ve put a lot of thought and love into.

The wait is almost over, with the DVD already winging it’s way to pledgers, and ready for general release next week.

Here’s what Cal from Hot Rod Revue had to say about his crowdfunding experience, with some well thought out tips:

What did you like about PledgeMe?

How did you find the experience?

Interesting! The funding progress, or lack of at times, definitely weighs on your mind. There’s stuff I would do different next time.

Any tips for newbies?

Be prepared to repeatedly bother people. I found lots of people liked the idea but needed reminding to act on it.

Be memorable but not too arrogant in your pitch. I probably bordered on arrogant but got away with it this time. And people definitely remembered and commented on it.

Video is good. Plan to release an update or two over the campaign. People forget pretty quick, you may need to get them onto the site a few times. [Below is Cal’s video pitch]

If you have other avenues of exposure, especially print, then plan your campaign dates and material in advance. Print deadlines are often a month or more in advance for magazines, local papers will often take a week or two to produce and run anything that’s not urgent. I didn’t do this well as it was an impulse thing.

Make supporters feel valued and thank them. Feel good factor is important and people like to be recognised for their contributions.

I say crowdfunding, you say:

Worked for me!