Based on looking at the website, Whatwewant.co.uk presents itself as a crowdfunding platform designed for ease of use and community-focused fundraising. The platform aims to simplify the process of raising funds from friends and family, with a reported high success rate for campaigns.
Overall Review Summary:
- Service Offered: Crowdfunding application for personal and small business fundraising.
- Target Audience: Individuals and small businesses seeking to raise funds from their immediate network.
- Key Features: 0% fees for organisers, immediate withdrawal, mobile app (iOS and Android), straightforward campaign setup.
- Reported Metrics: 11,000+ users, £100,000+ raised, 62.5% campaign success rate.
- Ethical Consideration (Islamic Finance): The platform facilitates crowdfunding, which can involve elements that require careful consideration from an Islamic perspective, particularly regarding the nature of the “contributions” and whether they represent loans, gifts, or equity. While the platform claims “0% fees for organisers,” the underlying mechanism of how funds are contributed and utilised needs further scrutiny to ensure full adherence to Islamic finance principles, which strictly prohibit interest (riba) and transactions with excessive uncertainty (gharar). The website does not provide sufficient detail to ascertain if these contributions are structured in a Sharia-compliant manner, making it difficult to fully endorse without deeper investigation into their financial model.
Whatwewant.co.uk positions itself as a user-friendly solution for those looking to garner financial support from their inner circle. The platform highlights its mobile accessibility and a strong success rate, which it claims significantly surpasses the industry average. It emphasizes direct engagement with known contacts, suggesting a more personal approach to fundraising compared to broader, public-facing crowdfunding sites. However, for those keen on ensuring their financial dealings align with Islamic principles, the lack of explicit information on the nature of financial contributions (e.g., whether they are loans, gifts, or investments structured to avoid riba) raises a cautionary flag. While the concept of helping one another is deeply rooted in Islam, the specific mechanics of crowdfunding platforms must be scrutinised to ensure they adhere to strict prohibitions against interest and excessive risk. Without this clarity, a cautious approach is warranted.
Best Ethical Alternatives for Fundraising and Community Support:
When considering ethical fundraising and community support, particularly from an Islamic perspective, the focus shifts to models that are free from interest, excessive uncertainty, and speculative elements. While direct crowdfunding platforms might pose challenges without explicit Sharia-compliance assurances, here are excellent alternatives for ethical financial support and community initiatives:
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Qard Hasan (Interest-Free Loans) through community initiatives
- Key Features: Providing financial assistance without any interest or additional charges. It’s a benevolent loan where the borrower repays the exact amount borrowed.
- Average Price: 0% interest. Repayment is based on mutual agreement.
- Pros: Highly encouraged in Islam, fosters brotherhood, helps those in need without burdening them, builds trust within the community.
- Cons: Requires a robust system for tracking repayments and managing defaults, less scalable for large-scale projects without a formal structure.
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- Key Features: Dedicated platforms for charitable giving, including Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity). These often have clear guidelines on how funds are distributed.
- Average Price: N/A (donation-based).
- Pros: Direct adherence to Islamic principles, funds go to specified needy causes, many reputable organisations ensure transparency.
- Cons: Not suitable for personal business funding, strictly for charitable purposes. Examples include Islamic Relief UK and Human Appeal.
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- Key Features: Establishing endowments for public benefit, such as educational institutions, hospitals, or social welfare projects. The principal amount is preserved, and its income is used for the specified cause.
- Average Price: Varies based on the endowment.
- Pros: Sustainable form of charity with long-term impact, highly meritorious in Islam, creates lasting legacy.
- Cons: Requires significant capital to establish, complex legal and administrative structures. Examples include Awqaf Charitable Trust.
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Ethical Investment Funds (Halal Equities/Sukuk)
- Key Features: Investing in Sharia-compliant businesses and assets, avoiding industries like alcohol, gambling, and conventional finance. Sukuk (Islamic bonds) offer an alternative to interest-bearing bonds.
- Average Price: Investment amounts vary.
- Pros: Allows individuals to grow wealth ethically, supports responsible businesses, offers diversification.
- Cons: Returns can fluctuate with market conditions, requires understanding of Islamic finance principles. Example: Wahed Invest.
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- Key Features: Groups of individuals pooling resources to achieve a common economic or social goal, based on mutual assistance and ownership.
- Average Price: Membership fees or shared contributions.
- Pros: Promotes solidarity and collective effort, empowers local communities, can be adapted for various needs (e.g., housing, small businesses).
- Cons: Requires strong governance and consensus among members, can be slow to implement.
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Barter Systems and Skill-Share Networks
- Key Features: Exchanging goods or services directly without money. Skill-share networks allow individuals to trade their expertise for others’ skills.
- Average Price: No monetary cost.
- Pros: Builds community, encourages resourcefulness, avoids financial transactions entirely, promotes mutual benefit.
- Cons: Limited by what others need or can offer, difficult to scale, not suitable for direct cash fundraising.
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Crowdfunding for Specific Humanitarian or Social Projects (Sharia-Compliant)
- Key Features: Platforms specifically designed to raise funds for charitable or social impact projects, ensuring that the financial mechanics are vetted for Sharia compliance (e.g., no interest, clear ownership if it’s an investment).
- Average Price: N/A (donation/investment based).
- Pros: Can raise significant funds for noble causes, transparency in fund utilisation, aligns with Islamic values of helping the community.
- Cons: Requires careful vetting of the platform’s Sharia advisory board and operational model, still a niche area compared to conventional crowdfunding. An example might be specific campaigns on reputable Islamic charity sites that function like crowdfunding for a specific goal.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Whatwewant.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on an initial review of Whatwewant.co.uk, the platform positions itself as a straightforward crowdfunding solution, primarily for individuals and small businesses looking to raise capital from their immediate network. The website presents a clean, user-friendly interface, immediately highlighting its core value proposition: “Easy To Use Crowdfunding App Freedom To Do What You Want That’s WhatWeWant.” This direct messaging is a strategic choice, aiming to resonate with potential users seeking simplicity and control over their fundraising efforts.
The platform prominently features key selling points like “0% fees for organisers” and the ability to “withdraw whenever you want,” which are significant differentiators in the crowded crowdfunding market. These promises are designed to alleviate common concerns associated with fundraising platforms, such as hidden charges or delays in accessing funds. The emphasis on a mobile-first approach, with clear calls to action to “Download and invite your crowd now” for both iOS and Android, indicates a focus on accessibility and on-the-go campaign management.
A quick scan of the homepage reveals several trust signals: testimonials from seemingly satisfied users, reported statistics such as “11,000+ Users” and “£100,000+ Has Gone Through Our Platform,” and a striking “62.5% Campaign Success Rate” which is presented as significantly higher than the industry average of 19.6%. While these figures are compelling, the website does not provide direct links or explanations for how these industry averages are calculated or verified, which would strengthen their credibility. For a critical assessment, one would ideally look for independent verification of these statistics or a detailed methodology.
The structure of the website is intuitive, guiding users through a simple three-step process: “Upload Your Campaign On The App,” “Share Your Campaign Link With Friends & Family,” and “Receive & Manage Funds.” This clear step-by-step guide demystifies the crowdfunding process, making it seem accessible even to those unfamiliar with online fundraising. Featured campaigns and customer testimonials further illustrate practical applications and build a sense of community, suggesting that the platform is actively being used by real people for diverse projects, from small business start-ups to community sports clubs.
However, from an ethical standpoint, especially when considering Islamic finance principles, the website’s lack of explicit detail on the nature of financial transactions is a notable omission. Crowdfunding, by its very nature, involves pooling funds, and the underlying contractual relationships between contributors and recipients must be transparent. Without clarification on whether contributions are gifts, interest-free loans (Qard Hasan), or equity-based investments structured to avoid riba (interest) and gharar (excessive uncertainty), it remains challenging to definitively categorise Whatwewant.co.uk as fully Sharia-compliant. This lack of transparency is a critical point for any platform dealing with financial transactions that claims to be ethical or is being reviewed for ethical standards.
User Experience and Accessibility
The user experience on Whatwewant.co.uk appears to be a core focus, driven by its app-centric model. The website is designed to be highly intuitive, with clear calls to action for downloading the app. This suggests a seamless transition from website discovery to app usage, aiming to minimise friction for potential users. The layout is clean and uncluttered, ensuring that essential information is easily digestible.
- Mobile-First Design: The prominence of “Get it for iOS” and “Get it for Android” buttons indicates a strong mobile-first strategy, catering to a user base that increasingly manages financial activities on smartphones.
- Simple Navigation: Key information like “What is WhatWeWant?” and “How It Works?” are readily available, providing quick answers to common user queries.
- Visual Appeal: The use of clean graphics and a modern aesthetic contributes to a positive first impression, making the platform feel contemporary and reliable.
Transparency and Disclosure
While the website highlights operational benefits, deeper transparency concerning financial models and legal frameworks is less explicit. The presence of links to “FAQs,” “Terms and Conditions,” “Cookie Policy,” and “Privacy Policy” is standard and necessary. However, the content within these sections would need thorough review to ensure comprehensive disclosure, particularly regarding how funds are processed, potential liabilities, and the specific contractual agreements between parties. For instance, understanding the legal nature of a “contribution” is paramount for both consumer protection and ethical compliance.
- Terms and Conditions: A detailed examination of the terms is crucial to understand the legal framework, rights, and responsibilities of both organisers and contributors.
- Financial Flow Clarity: The website states “0% fees for organisers,” but details on payment processing fees (if any, charged by third-party processors) or how the platform sustains itself are not immediately apparent on the homepage. This is a common point of concern for users.
- Data Privacy: The privacy policy should clearly outline how user data is collected, stored, and used, especially given the financial nature of the service.
Whatwewant.co.uk Pros & Cons
When evaluating Whatwewant.co.uk, it’s essential to weigh its strengths against its limitations, particularly from a holistic perspective that includes ethical considerations relevant to the UK and an Islamic viewpoint.
Pros of Whatwewant.co.uk
The platform boasts several appealing features designed to attract users, primarily focusing on ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
- 0% Fees for Organisers: This is a significant advantage, as many crowdfunding platforms charge a percentage of funds raised. This model potentially maximises the funds received by the campaign creator. This transparency in fees can be a major draw for individuals and small businesses trying to stretch every pound.
- Quick Fund Withdrawal: The promise to “withdraw whenever you want” and a user testimonial stating funds were paid out in “less than 24 hours” suggests a streamlined and efficient payment process, which is crucial for campaigns with urgent financial needs. This speed differentiates it from platforms with longer holding periods.
- High Campaign Success Rate: The reported 62.5% campaign success rate, significantly higher than the quoted industry average of 19.6%, is a powerful marketing tool. If verifiable, it suggests that the platform’s model (focusing on friends and family first) yields better results for its users. This could be due to the inherent trust within close networks, making campaigns more likely to hit their targets.
- User-Friendly App Interface: Testimonials consistently praise the platform’s ease of understanding and use. An intuitive interface reduces the barrier to entry for individuals who may not be tech-savvy, broadening its appeal. The mobile app availability for both iOS and Android also enhances accessibility.
- Focus on Personal Networks: The “idea of turning to family and friends first” is highlighted as a “genius” approach by a user. This model leverages existing social capital, which can be more reliable than relying on anonymous public donations. It fosters a sense of community support and shared responsibility.
- Customer Testimonials: The website features several detailed and positive testimonials, which provide social proof and credibility. These testimonials often touch upon the ease of use, quick fund access, and transparency, reinforcing the platform’s core messages.
- Direct Communication: The option to “Book a call with us” indicates a willingness for direct engagement and customer support, which can be reassuring for users embarking on their first crowdfunding campaign.
Cons of Whatwewant.co.uk
Despite its advantages, several aspects of Whatwewant.co.uk warrant closer examination, particularly concerning broader ethical standards and financial transparency. Nocsameday.co.uk Review
- Lack of Detailed Financial Transparency: The website does not explicitly detail the underlying financial structure of “contributions.” It’s unclear whether these are structured as gifts, interest-free loans, or other forms of financing. For individuals adhering to Islamic finance principles, this ambiguity is a significant concern, as conventional interest-based transactions (riba) and excessive uncertainty (gharar) are prohibited. Without clear disclosure, it’s impossible to ascertain Sharia compliance.
- Revenue Model Ambiguity: While stating “0% fees for organisers,” the website doesn’t clearly explain how the platform generates revenue to sustain its operations. This lack of transparency can raise questions about the long-term viability of the platform or potential hidden charges not immediately apparent to users. Are there fees for contributors? Are there premium features? This information is not readily available on the homepage.
- Limited Public Information/Verification: While the platform reports impressive statistics (e.g., 62.5% success rate), there’s no immediate third-party verification or detailed methodology provided to substantiate these claims. Independent audits or transparent reporting would significantly boost credibility.
- Focus on ‘What We Want’ vs. Broader Impact: While the name “WhatWeWant” is catchy, the emphasis is primarily on individual desires. While not inherently negative, a stronger articulation of the broader societal or communal benefit beyond individual projects could enhance its ethical appeal, especially for those seeking to align their activities with social good.
- Potential for Misuse: Like any fundraising platform, there’s a theoretical risk of misuse if proper vetting and monitoring mechanisms are not rigorously applied. The website’s homepage doesn’t elaborate on its fraud prevention measures or how it ensures campaigns are legitimate and ethical.
- Limited Scope for Public Discovery: By emphasising sharing campaign links with friends and family, the platform seems less geared towards discovery by the general public. While this can increase success rates within a close network, it might limit the reach for campaigns that could benefit from broader public awareness and contributions.
- General Crowdfunding Concerns: Crowdfunding, in general, can sometimes lead to situations where funds are raised but projects aren’t completed, or outcomes differ from expectations. While not specific to Whatwewant.co.uk, platforms must have robust mechanisms to address contributor expectations and recourse, which isn’t overtly detailed on the homepage.
Whatwewant.co.uk Alternatives
Given the ethical considerations, particularly the lack of explicit Sharia-compliance assurances for the financial transactions on Whatwewant.co.uk, it’s prudent to explore alternatives that align more closely with Islamic financial principles. These alternatives focus on ethical wealth management, community support, and charitable giving, ensuring that financial activities are free from interest (riba), excessive uncertainty (gharar), and other prohibited elements.
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- Key Features: A global crowdfunding platform specifically for Muslim communities, focusing on projects aligned with Islamic values, including charity, education, social enterprises, and creative works. It has a Sharia advisory board to ensure compliance.
- Pros: Explicitly Sharia-compliant, strong community focus, supports diverse causes, transparent in its operations and fund distribution.
- Cons: Primarily for projects with a public benefit or charitable angle, not ideal for purely personal fundraising without a broader community objective.
- Price: Charges a platform fee (typically 5%) from the funds raised, in addition to payment processing fees.
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- Key Features: A well-established international NGO that provides aid and development assistance globally. While not a crowdfunding platform in the direct sense, it offers various ways to contribute to humanitarian and development projects, including Zakat and Sadaqah.
- Pros: Highly reputable and transparent, aligns perfectly with Islamic charitable giving, reaches vulnerable communities worldwide, tax-efficient giving.
- Cons: Focuses solely on charitable giving, not for personal or business fundraising.
- Price: N/A (donation-based).
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- Key Features: Another prominent UK-based Muslim charity engaged in humanitarian aid and development work across various sectors globally. They facilitate donations for specific campaigns, mirroring a form of charitable crowdfunding for defined projects.
- Pros: Strong focus on alleviating poverty and suffering, clear project outcomes, widely recognised and trusted in the UK Muslim community.
- Cons: Similar to Islamic Relief, strictly for charitable donations, not for personal financial needs.
- Price: N/A (donation-based).
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- Key Features: An ethical digital investment platform that offers Sharia-compliant investment portfolios. While not a fundraising platform, it provides an avenue for individuals to grow their wealth ethically through investments in halal stocks, Sukuk, and gold, promoting financial well-being within Islamic guidelines.
- Pros: Fully Sharia-compliant investment options, easy-to-use platform, suitable for long-term wealth building, diverse portfolio choices.
- Cons: Investment involves market risk, not a solution for immediate fundraising needs, capital is locked in for investment period.
- Price: Monthly advisory fees vary based on portfolio size (e.g., 0.99% for portfolios under £50,000, 0.79% for larger portfolios).
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- Key Features: The first and largest Sharia-compliant retail bank in the UK. Offers a range of ethical banking products, including Sharia-compliant savings accounts, home purchase plans (Ijara), and business finance options, all structured to avoid interest.
- Pros: Fully regulated UK bank, provides a comprehensive suite of ethical financial services, suitable for personal and business finance, promotes ethical wealth management.
- Cons: Not a fundraising platform, conventional banking processes may still apply, eligibility criteria for finance products.
- Price: Varies by product (e.g., profit rates for savings, rental payments for home purchase plans).
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National Zakat Foundation (NZF)
- Key Features: A UK-based charity that collects and distributes Zakat within the UK to eligible recipients. While primarily for Zakat collection, it represents a crucial part of the ethical financial ecosystem for Muslims.
- Pros: Ensures Zakat is distributed effectively within the UK, professional and transparent operation, helps address local needs.
- Cons: Strictly for Zakat distribution, not a crowdfunding platform for personal or business ventures, only for those eligible to receive Zakat.
- Price: N/A (donation-based).
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- Key Features: An international NGO providing humanitarian relief and development programmes worldwide, similar to Islamic Relief and Human Appeal. They run various campaigns for donations towards specific crises or long-term projects, offering a structured way to contribute ethically.
- Pros: Global reach, focuses on sustainable development and emergency relief, reputable and transparent in its operations.
- Cons: Limited to charitable giving, not a platform for personal fundraising.
- Price: N/A (donation-based).
How to Cancel Whatwewant.co.uk Subscription
While Whatwewant.co.uk primarily operates on a “0% fees for organisers” model, implying no direct “subscription” fee in the traditional sense, understanding how to cease using the service, particularly cancelling a campaign or deleting an account, is crucial for user control. The website’s homepage doesn’t explicitly detail a step-by-step cancellation process, which is a common omission for many apps and services that prefer to keep users engaged. However, based on industry best practices for app-based services, the cancellation or account deletion process would typically reside within the app itself or through direct contact with customer support.
Campaign Cancellation/Closure
For organisers who wish to stop a campaign or have reached their goal and no longer need the campaign active, the control would likely be within the campaign management section of the Whatwewant.co.uk app. Jdprinting.co.uk Review
- In-App Campaign Management: Most crowdfunding apps allow organisers to pause, close, or mark a campaign as complete directly from their dashboard. Look for options such as “Edit Campaign,” “Campaign Settings,” or “Close Campaign” within the app interface.
- Reaching Goal: Once a fundraising goal is met, the campaign might automatically be marked as successful and close for further contributions, though the organiser might still need to manually confirm closure and finalise withdrawals.
- Contacting Support for Manual Closure: If an in-app option isn’t readily apparent or if there are complications, contacting Whatwewant.co.uk customer support directly would be the next step. The website does provide a “Contact Us” option and the ability to “Book a call with us,” which would be the appropriate channels.
Account Deletion
Deleting an entire user account typically involves a more formal process due to data retention policies and financial transaction records. This is generally handled through the app’s settings or by making a formal request to customer support.
- App Settings: Navigate to the “Profile” or “Settings” section within the Whatwewant.co.uk app. Look for options like “Account Settings,” “Privacy Settings,” or “Delete Account.”
- Direct Request to Customer Support: If an in-app option is not available, users should send an email or submit a formal request through the contact form provided on the website, explicitly stating their desire to delete their account. It’s advisable to specify the account details (e.g., registered email) to expedite the process.
- Data Retention Policies: Be aware that even after account deletion, some platforms are legally required to retain certain transaction data for a specific period, as outlined in their Privacy Policy. Users should review the Privacy Policy linked on the website for specific details on data retention and deletion rights.
Whatwewant.co.uk Pricing
Whatwewant.co.uk clearly states its primary pricing model on the homepage: “0% fees for organisers.” This is a significant competitive advantage in the crowdfunding space, where many platforms charge a percentage of the funds raised. This transparent approach aims to maximise the amount received by the campaign creator, making it an attractive option for those looking to avoid platform commissions.
Core Pricing Model
- Organiser Fees: As prominently advertised, there are no fees charged to the campaign organisers by Whatwewant.co.uk itself. This means if an organiser sets a goal of £500 and receives £500 in contributions, the platform will not deduct a percentage of that £500 as its service fee.
Potential Hidden Costs or Revenue Streams
While the “0% fees for organisers” is a powerful claim, it’s essential to consider how the platform sustains itself and if there are any other costs involved that might not be immediately obvious on the homepage.
- Payment Processing Fees: It is standard practice for payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal, or similar services) to charge a transaction fee for processing contributions. These fees are usually a small percentage plus a fixed amount per transaction (e.g., 1.4% + 20p for UK cards). It’s highly probable that these standard payment processing fees are borne by the contributor or are subtly deducted from the contributions before they reach the organiser. The website does not explicitly state who covers these fees. For example, if a contributor donates £10, a small portion of that might be taken by the payment processor. This is a crucial detail often overlooked by users. A comprehensive review of the Terms and Conditions would clarify this.
- Contributor Fees: Some crowdfunding platforms might charge a small fee to contributors. While the Whatwewant.co.uk homepage doesn’t mention this, it’s a possibility that would be detailed in the contribution process or the Terms and Conditions.
- Optional Premium Features/Services: The platform might offer premium features or services that come with a cost, such as enhanced visibility for campaigns, dedicated support, or marketing tools. These are common revenue streams for “free” platforms. The homepage mentions “You Could Be Here Get in contact with us if you would like to be one of our featured campaigns!” which hints at potential paid promotional opportunities.
- “Our Time To RISE” Book: The website promotes a book titled “WhatWeWant and ‘Our Time To RISE’”, which might be a revenue source through sales. While not a direct fee for using the platform, it represents an associated product.
- Future Monetisation: As with many platforms, Whatwewant.co.uk might introduce new monetisation strategies in the future as its user base grows. This could include advertising, data monetisation (within privacy policy limits), or new service offerings.
Comparison to Industry Norms
The “0% fees for organisers” model stands out compared to many mainstream crowdfunding platforms:
- Kickstarter/Indiegogo: Typically charge 5% platform fees plus payment processing fees.
- GoFundMe: Charges 0% platform fees but standard payment processing fees (around 2.9% + £0.25 per transaction in the UK) are usually deducted from each donation. This makes Whatwewant.co.uk’s model similar to GoFundMe’s, with the caveat that the exact handling of payment processing fees needs clarification.
- JustGiving: Charges a platform fee (though they are transitioning to a voluntary contribution model) and payment processing fees.
In summary, while Whatwewant.co.uk’s 0% organiser fee is highly attractive, users should delve into the Terms and Conditions to understand if payment processing fees are passed on to them or absorbed, and if there are any other potential charges or future premium services. For those operating within ethical financial frameworks, understanding the flow of every penny is paramount.
Whatwewant.co.uk vs. GoFundMe
When comparing Whatwewant.co.uk with a dominant player like GoFundMe, it’s essential to look beyond the headline features and delve into their operational models, target audiences, and underlying philosophies. Both platforms aim to facilitate fundraising, but they approach it with distinct strategies and cater to different needs.
Operational Model and Fees
- Whatwewant.co.uk:
- Organiser Fees: Explicitly states “0% fees for organisers.” This is a strong selling point, positioning it as highly cost-effective for campaign creators.
- Payment Processing Fees: While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, it’s highly probable that standard payment processing fees (charged by third-party processors) are incurred. The website doesn’t clarify if these are passed to the contributor or subtly deducted from the funds, which is a crucial detail for full transparency.
- Focus: Appears to be heavily focused on raising funds from immediate networks (friends and family) and may primarily be mobile-app driven.
- GoFundMe:
- Organiser Fees: Also operates on a “0% platform fee” model for organisers in many regions, including the UK. This means GoFundMe itself doesn’t take a percentage of the funds raised.
- Payment Processing Fees: Clearly states that standard payment processing fees (e.g., 2.9% + £0.25 per transaction in the UK) are deducted from each donation before the funds are transferred to the organiser. This is transparently communicated.
- Focus: Caters to a broad range of personal causes, emergencies, and charitable campaigns. It has a strong emphasis on virality and sharing beyond immediate networks, allowing for broader public discovery.
Target Audience and Reach
- Whatwewant.co.uk:
- Target Audience: Seems to target individuals and small businesses who wish to leverage their existing social circles. The emphasis on “invite your crowd now” and testimonials highlighting “turning to family and friends first” supports this.
- Reach: Primarily relies on organisers sharing their campaign links, potentially limiting organic discovery by strangers. The reported high success rate (62.5%) might be attributed to this focused, trust-based approach within closed networks.
- GoFundMe:
- Target Audience: Broad and diverse, encompassing personal emergencies (medical, housing), memorial funds, community projects, and various charitable causes.
- Reach: Benefits from significant brand recognition and a large user base. Campaigns have the potential to go viral and attract donations from strangers, leveraging social media sharing and GoFundMe’s own platform visibility.
Features and User Experience
- Whatwewant.co.uk:
- Features: Emphasis on ease of use, quick fund withdrawal, and a mobile app-centric experience. The three-step process outlined on their homepage simplifies the journey for new users.
- User Experience: Praised for its simplicity and intuitiveness, making it accessible even for those less familiar with online fundraising.
- GoFundMe:
- Features: Robust set of features including detailed campaign pages, team fundraising options, integration with social media, and dedicated customer support. Offers various tools for campaign management and updates.
- User Experience: Generally considered user-friendly, though the sheer number of features might make it slightly more complex than a highly streamlined app.
Ethical and Transparency Considerations (Islamic Finance)
- Whatwewant.co.uk:
- Transparency: Lacks explicit details on the contractual nature of “contributions” (gifts, loans, investments) and who precisely bears payment processing fees. This ambiguity is a concern for those seeking Sharia-compliant financial activities, as riba (interest) and gharar (uncertainty) must be avoided. The platform does not explicitly mention any Sharia advisory board or compliance measures.
- GoFundMe:
- Transparency: Clear about payment processing fees. However, like most conventional crowdfunding platforms, it doesn’t explicitly address Sharia compliance. The nature of donations is typically considered a gift, but the platform does not have an explicit mechanism to screen for projects or transactions that might conflict with Islamic principles (e.g., funding for non-halal businesses).
Conclusion
For users prioritising simplicity, an app-first approach, and leveraging their immediate network with clear organiser fees, Whatwewant.co.uk might appear appealing. However, for those requiring explicit Sharia compliance in financial transactions, the platform’s lack of transparency on the nature of contributions is a significant drawback.
GoFundMe, while also not explicitly Sharia-compliant, offers greater brand recognition, broader reach, and transparent handling of payment processing fees. For ethical fundraising within an Islamic framework, both platforms would necessitate careful individual scrutiny of the specific campaign and its underlying financial arrangements. Alternatively, purpose-built Islamic crowdfunding platforms or direct charitable giving channels remain the most robust choices for assured Sharia compliance.
FAQ
What is Whatwewant.co.uk?
Whatwewant.co.uk is a crowdfunding platform that allows individuals and small businesses to raise funds, primarily from their friends and family, through an easy-to-use mobile application available on iOS and Android.
How does Whatwewant.co.uk work?
The platform operates in three main steps: users upload their campaign details and fundraising goal on the app, share a unique campaign link with their network, and then receive and manage contributions directly through the app, with the ability to withdraw funds quickly. Chichinionline.co.uk Review
Are there any fees for organisers on Whatwewant.co.uk?
No, Whatwewant.co.uk explicitly states that there are “0% fees for organisers.” This means the platform itself does not take a percentage of the funds raised from the campaign creator.
Does Whatwewant.co.uk charge contributors any fees?
The website’s homepage does not explicitly state whether contributors are charged any fees. It is common for payment processing fees (charged by third-party payment gateways) to apply, but it’s not clear from the homepage if these are passed to the contributor or absorbed elsewhere.
Is Whatwewant.co.uk a legitimate platform?
Based on the information provided on its homepage, Whatwewant.co.uk presents itself with user testimonials and reported statistics, suggesting it is an active platform. However, for full legitimacy assessment, independent verification of its stated success rates and detailed financial terms would be beneficial.
What is the campaign success rate on Whatwewant.co.uk?
Whatwewant.co.uk claims a 62.5% campaign success rate, which it states is significantly higher than the industry average of 19.6%.
Can I withdraw funds instantly from Whatwewant.co.uk?
The platform advertises the ability to “withdraw whenever you want,” and a user testimonial mentions funds being paid out in “less than 24 hours,” indicating a quick withdrawal process.
Is Whatwewant.co.uk suitable for large-scale public fundraising?
While the platform can facilitate fundraising, its emphasis on sharing links with “friends & family” suggests it is primarily geared towards leveraging personal networks rather than broad public discovery like some larger crowdfunding sites.
Does Whatwewant.co.uk offer customer support?
Yes, the website offers options to “Book a call with us” and a “Contact Us” section, indicating channels for customer support.
What kind of campaigns can I run on Whatwewant.co.uk?
The examples provided on the website suggest it’s used for diverse campaigns, including small business start-up costs, community projects (like a capoeira club), and social enterprises.
How does Whatwewant.co.uk make money if there are no organiser fees?
The website does not explicitly detail its revenue model beyond the “0% fees for organisers.” Potential revenue streams could include payment processing fees (if passed on to contributors), premium features, or associated products like the “Our Time To RISE” book.
Is Whatwewant.co.uk Sharia-compliant?
The website does not provide explicit details or assurances regarding its Sharia compliance. The nature of “contributions” (e.g., whether they are interest-free loans or gifts) is not specified, which is a key factor for adherence to Islamic finance principles. Dwc.co.uk Review
What are the alternatives to Whatwewant.co.uk for ethical fundraising?
Ethical alternatives include platforms like LaunchGood (specifically Sharia-compliant crowdfunding), or direct charitable giving through organisations like Islamic Relief UK and Human Appeal, and ethical investment platforms like Wahed Invest.
Can I start a campaign on Whatwewant.co.uk without downloading the app?
The website heavily promotes downloading the app (“Download and invite your crowd now”) and describes campaign setup as happening “On The App,” suggesting the app is central to initiating a campaign.
Where can I find the Terms and Conditions for Whatwewant.co.uk?
Links to the “Terms and Conditions,” “Cookie Policy,” and “Privacy Policy” are available in the footer of the Whatwewant.co.uk homepage.
What kind of information do I need to upload for a campaign?
According to the website, you need to set your fundraising goal, tell your story, and add pictures to your campaign on the app.
How many users does Whatwewant.co.uk have?
The website reports having “11,000+ Users” and over “£100,000+ Has Gone Through Our Platform.”
Can I share my campaign link on social media?
Yes, the instructions on the website mention sharing your campaign link “on social media” in addition to text messages and email.
Does Whatwewant.co.uk provide any guidance for successful campaigns?
While not explicitly detailed as a service, the website mentions a book “Our Time To RISE” with a foreword by its founders, which might offer guidance. The high success rate suggests the platform’s model itself is conducive to success.
How do I delete my Whatwewant.co.uk account or cancel a campaign?
The website’s homepage does not provide explicit instructions for account deletion or campaign cancellation. Typically, these options are found within the app’s settings or require contacting customer support directly.
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