Example milestone plan
An example plan for a online store dream with a goal of CN¥66,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
CN¥13,200 · 20%
Verify product samples
Share sample photos, supplier estimates and a product checklist comparing materials, dimensions and packaging needs.
Milestone 2
CN¥26,400 · 40%
Receive opening inventory
Post supplier invoices, counted stock records and photos of received products with any damaged items recorded separately.
Milestone 3
CN¥13,200 · 20%
Build the storefront
Upload screenshots of product pages, checkout test results and shipping settings with customer and payment details hidden.
Milestone 4
CN¥13,200 · 20%
Test packing and dispatch
Share a packing trial video, packaging receipts and a dispatch checklist covering order checks and return handling.
- 01
Make every step provable
A milestone only works if a Backer can look at your proof and agree it is done. 'Buy equipment' is weak; 'equipment bought, receipt and photo posted' is strong.
- 02
Order by risk
Put the cheapest, fastest step first. Each proven milestone proves you deliver and encourages Backers to fund the next. Leave the biggest amount for the step where most of the work is already done.
- 03
Keep the amounts honest
Milestones must add up exactly to your goal. Price each step from real quotes, include tools and services, and split any step that is too big to prove in one go.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Samples differ from stock
A good sample does not guarantee a consistent bulk order. Record product checks before buying inventory and budget for inspection, damaged units and supplier follow-up.
- R2
Shipping costs erode budget
Bulky packaging or fragile products can make dispatch more costly than expected. Test packed dimensions early and keep fulfilment room in the budget before launch.
- R3
Stock records drift
Incorrect stock counts can lead to orders for unavailable items. Reconcile the received inventory against product listings and test stock updates before opening checkout.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a online store dream in Wuhan, shown in CNY. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
CN¥66,000
- Storefront setup and designCN¥9,900 · 15%
- Opening product inventoryCN¥29,700 · 45%
- Packaging and product imageryCN¥9,900 · 15%
- Fulfilment and operating reserveCN¥16,500 · 25%
What you receive
- Backers give
- CN¥66,000
- 0% platform commission
- −CN¥9,900
- You receive
- CN¥56,100
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.
Questions and answers
How many milestones should a online store dream have?
Three to six works for most dreams. Fewer gives Backers little to review; more than seven makes each step feel small. The example plan on this page uses four.
Do Backers automatically receive products from my store?
Backings on cohero are gifts, not product purchases. Describe store inventory as a business cost rather than a promised reward, and keep any separate customer ordering process distinct from the funding milestones.
Can I show checkout proof without taking real customer orders?
Use a test checkout and share the result with payment and personal details hidden. Include product variants, shipping settings and stock changes so the evidence covers the ordering process, not just the homepage.
Ready when you are
Sign in or create an account to publish a dream or back the ones you believe in.
Sign in / Create account