# #014 - Brick-and-mortar stores for crowdfunded projects to help reach consumers, with Damien Ng of Backers, Hong Kong

- Show: [The Hardware Entrepreneur](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur)
- Published: 2017-02-22
- Length: 23m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit
- Listen: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thehardwareentrepreneur/014.mp3

## Summary

Damien Ng, co-founder and CEO of Backers, a Hong Kong-based chain of physical stores for crowdfunded products, explains the gap between online crowdfunding campaigns and offline consumer experience. He details how Backers tests products in-store to bridge the communication gap between creators and backers, citing a specific incident where a laser razor project was removed from Kickstarter due to demo inaccuracies. Ng discusses the challenges of entering retail without prior experience, the funding landscape in Hong Kong, and provides tips for crowdfunding success, emphasizing early PR and transparent communication.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=0) Introduction: Damien Ng and Backers
- [2:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=149) Motivation: Bridging online crowdfunding and offline experience
- [7:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=429) Testing the concept: 6-month pilot in Hong Kong
- [9:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=540) Challenges: Retail inexperience and capital constraints
- [10:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=618) Funding landscape in Hong Kong and Asia
- [12:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=722) Crowdfunding tips: PR, transparency, and engagement
- [13:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=823) Team strengths and optimizing retail models
- [15:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=917) Inspiration, persistence, and work ethic
- [16:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=977) Advice to younger self and key books
- [18:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-02-22-014-brick-and-mortar-stores-for-crowdfunded-projects-to-help-reach-consumers-wit#t=1116) Routines, cultural challenges, and contact info

## Topics

- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Backers (company)
- Kickstarter (other)
- Indiegogo (other)
- MOMA (other)
- Cyberport (other)
- Influence (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Josh Lifton](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-09-09-an-interview-with-josh-lifton) (The Amp Hour)
- [033: Top Crowdfunding Mistakes with Khierstyn Ross of Crowdfunding Uncut](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2016-12-27-033-top-crowdfunding-mistakes-with-khierstyn-ross-of-crowdfunding-uncut) (Product Startup)
- [Kickstarter, IndieGoGo & Ignite - Jasperated Jimswinger Jobbery](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-04-24-kickstarter-indiegogo-ignite-jasperated-jimswinger-jobbery) (The Amp Hour)
- [117: Successful Equity Crowdfunding for Hardware Startups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-03-09-117-successful-equity-crowdfunding-for-hardware-startups) (Product Startup)
- [CES 2019 Special: Stas Gayshan, CIC-Boston](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2019-01-16-ces-2019-special-stas-gayshan-cic-boston) (EE Times Current)

## Citing this page

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