How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
- 01
Before you back
Read the story and the milestones. Check that the amounts add up and that each step has something concrete to prove. If anything is unclear, ask in chat first.
- 02
While the dream runs
You can support a dream milestone by milestone. When proof is posted, you are notified and can review it, ask questions, and decide whether to send the next payment. You can back anonymously.
- 03
If something goes wrong
Because you pay directly and can give milestone by milestone, you remain in control and never have to fund unproven steps. You can report a dream or block a user at any time.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a barber shop dream with a goal of $25,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
$5,000 · 20%
Design the stations
Post a measured floor plan, station count and supplier quotes showing chair spacing, storage and wash area requirements.
Milestone 2
$8,750 · 35%
Fit out the shop
Share dated photos and invoices for completed lighting, flooring, wash connections and the prepared cutting stations.
Milestone 3
$7,500 · 30%
Install chairs and tools
Upload chair and tool receipts, station setup photos and a walkthrough of the cleaning and equipment storage areas.
Milestone 4
$3,750 · 15%
Rehearse appointment flow
Share a practice appointment schedule, supply inventory and photos showing reception, waiting space and finished stations.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Crowded station layout
Too many chairs can leave little room to work or wait. Check the measured station layout before fit-out and keep space for tool storage and movement between appointments.
- R2
Equipment delivery delays
Late chairs or wash units can stall an otherwise finished shop. Confirm lead times before ordering and separate room preparation proof from equipment installation proof.
- R3
Uneven appointment demand
Opening appointments may cluster at a few times of day. Use a practice booking schedule to test capacity and retain an operating buffer rather than fitting extra stations.
Questions and answers
What proof can I post without showing customers?
Use empty station photos, equipment receipts and a staged walkthrough of appointment flow. A practice schedule can demonstrate readiness without publishing customer names, faces or personal booking details.
Can I see how my money was used?
Yes. Each milestone shows the Dreamer's proof and confirmed support. You stay in control by choosing to send direct payments only for milestones you have personally reviewed.
Should every chair be installed before I open?
Base the initial chair count on the space and the service plan, not on filling every wall. Explain which stations this dream funds and show that the opening layout works without relying on later expansion.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a barber shop dream in Atlanta, shown in USD. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
$25,000
- Chairs and cutting equipment$10,000 · 40%
- Shop fit-out and fixtures$8,750 · 35%
- Grooming and cleaning supplies$2,500 · 10%
- Opening operations buffer$3,750 · 15%
What you receive
- Backers give
- $25,000
- 0% platform commission
- −$3,750
- You receive
- $21,250
Ready when you are
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