- 01
Gifts, not investments
A backing is a voluntary gift towards a goal. Nothing is sold, no ownership changes hands and no return is promised. Backers support a person; you keep control.
- 02
Why milestones still matter
Without contracts, Backers rely on transparency. You post proof for each milestone so they can review your progress and choose to support your dream directly with confidence.
- 03
What you owe Backers
Honesty: a true story, proof for each milestone and updates in chat. Not profits or repayment. Because Backers can pay milestone by milestone, they only send further support as you prove progress.
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.
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.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a barber shop dream in Las Vegas, 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
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.
Do I have to pay Backers back?
No. Backers send gifts directly to your own payment account. cohero never holds funds or reverses payments; any dispute or refund request is handled between you and the Backer through your payment provider.
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.
Ready when you are
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