- 01
You are the proof
Put your face in the first photo, explain your background in two sentences and show something you have already made. Backers back people first and plans second.
- 02
Keep the scope small
The first milestone should fit one person's time and skills. Outsource only what you cannot do, and give those costs their own milestone so Backers see them.
- 03
Protect your time
Post proof when a step is done, answer chat once or twice a day and keep your story current. A steady rhythm builds more trust than bursts of activity.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Condition differs on arrival
A used instrument may have wear that was not clear in photographs. Request detailed condition evidence before reserving and include an inspection checkpoint and adjustment allowance after delivery.
- R2
The fit is unsuitable
An instrument may sound appealing but feel uncomfortable to play. Arrange a trial where possible, compare practical requirements and use the selection milestone to explain the final choice before purchase.
- R3
Transport causes damage
Sensitive parts can shift or suffer damage during delivery. Confirm protective packing before dispatch and budget a suitable case, arrival inspection and basic setup within the later milestones.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a musical instrument dream in Lisbon, shown in EUR. Backers are charged the equivalent in US dollars.
Example goal
€4,000
- Instrument purchase€3,000 · 75%
- Setup and adjustment€400 · 10%
- Case and accessories€400 · 10%
- Delivery and care€200 · 5%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €4,000
- Platform fee (15%)
- −€600
- You receive
- €3,400
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a musical instrument dream with a goal of €4,000. Backers fund the whole goal, but each milestone's money stays held until you post the proof and Backers release it.
Milestone 1
€800 · 20%
Select and reserve instrument
Post comparison notes, trial photographs and a redacted reservation record identifying the selected instrument and condition.
Milestone 2
€2,200 · 55%
Purchase and receive instrument
Share the purchase receipt with personal details hidden, arrival photographs and identifying specifications of the instrument.
Milestone 3
€600 · 15%
Complete setup and protection
Post a setup record, case photographs and close-ups of completed adjustments showing the instrument is ready to play.
Milestone 4
€400 · 10%
Record a playing demonstration
Share a dated playing clip, maintenance checklist and final condition photographs demonstrating the instrument in use.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to release their share or ask for more. Money not released in time goes back to the Backer.
15% fee, deducted — never added
Backers pay exactly what they choose. The 15% fee comes out of each backing: €100 gives the Dreamer €85. The fee is kept if money is returned.
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
Can one person really fund a musical instrument dream?
Yes. Backers do not require a company. They need to understand your goal and see proof as you go, and a small first milestone is the best way to show you deliver.
Can I fund a used instrument instead of a new one?
Yes. Explain the condition, suitability and any expected servicing rather than treating a lower purchase price as the whole budget. Share redacted purchase records and an arrival inspection before demonstrating the adjusted instrument.
How can I show ownership without exposing private purchase details?
Post a receipt with your address, payment information and private identifiers hidden, alongside photographs of the instrument you received. Keep enough description visible for Backers to connect the purchase to the selection milestone.
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