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Vol.15, No.2, May 2026. ISSN: 2217-8309 eISSN: 2217-8333
TEM Journal
TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT, INFORMATICS Association for Information Communication Technology Education and Science |
The Economics of Reward Tiers in Crowdfunding
Tomáš Štofa
© 2026 Tomáš Štofa, published by UIKTEN. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License. (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Citation Information: TEM Journal. Volume 15, Issue 2, Pages 1134-1143, ISSN 2217-8309, DOI: 10.18421/TEM152-17, May 2026.
Received: 08 July 2025.
Abstract:
This paper presents an empirical study of reward scheme design in reward-based crowdfunding, using data from the HitHit platform, which serves Czech and Slovak users. Combining descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, regression analysis, and behavioural economics, the paper examines how reward features such as price, scarcity, prestige, and delivery time affect backer behaviour and campaign results. The study refines the common inverted U-shaped link between the number of reward tiers and campaign success, finding that the optimal number of rewards is higher in this regional context than in global studies, specifically 34–39 tiers. This is only effective when supported by transparent and user-friendly platform design, highlighting the importance of interface clarity. The analysis reveals distinct backer segments, with most choosing lower-priced rewards while mid- and high-priced tiers generate the majority of revenue. Shorter and more reliable delivery timelines are linked to increased backer trust and participation. Additionally, certain combinations of reward characteristics, such as scarcity and prestige, have positive effects on engagement and funding. The findings underscore the roles of platform design and user experience in crowdfunding outcomes, offering practical guidance for campaign creators to optimize reward structures and maximize success.
Keywords – Reward-based crowdfunding, reward tier structure, pricing strategy, scarcity effect, anchoring effect, prestige signalling. |
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