8 min read

Understanding Presales

A comprehensive guide to how token presales work on TokenKickstarter, from participation to claiming your tokens.

What is a Token Presale?

A token presale (also called IDO - Initial DEX Offering) is a fundraising event where new crypto projects sell their tokens to early investors before the public launch. Participants typically receive tokens at a discounted rate compared to the listing price.

Key Benefit

By participating early, you can acquire tokens at a lower price and potentially profit when they launch at a higher listing price on decentralized exchanges.

Presale Phases

Upcoming

The presale has been created but hasn't started yet. You can view details and prepare to participate.

Live

The presale is active and accepting contributions. This is when you can participate and purchase tokens.

Filled

The presale has reached its hard cap. No more contributions are accepted.

Ended

The presale time has expired. If soft cap was reached, it succeeded. If not, refunds are available.

Finalized

The project owner has finalized the presale, liquidity is added, and tokens are ready to claim.

How to Participate

1

Find a Presale

Browse active presales and research projects that interest you.

2

Contribute

Enter your contribution amount and confirm the transaction in your wallet.

3

Claim Tokens

After finalization, claim your tokens from the presale page.

Key Terms Explained

Soft Cap

The minimum amount that must be raised for the presale to be considered successful. If not reached, contributors can claim refunds.

Hard Cap

The maximum amount the presale can raise. Once reached, no more contributions are accepted.

Presale Rate

How many tokens you receive per unit of currency contributed. Higher rate = more tokens per investment.

Listing Rate

The token price when it launches on DEX. Usually higher than presale rate (your profit potential).

Liquidity %

Percentage of raised funds that goes to the liquidity pool. Higher % = more stable trading.

Lock Duration

How long the liquidity is locked. Longer locks provide more security against rug pulls.

Important Considerations

Risk Warning

  • Token investments are highly volatile and you may lose your entire investment
  • Always Do Your Own Research (DYOR) before participating
  • Only invest what you can afford to lose
  • Check for KYC verification and audit badges on project pages

Presale Success Criteria

Successful Presale

  • • Soft cap is reached before end time
  • • Project owner finalizes the presale
  • • Liquidity is added and locked
  • • Tokens become claimable

Failed Presale

  • • Soft cap not reached by end time
  • • Presale is cancelled by owner
  • • Full refunds available to contributors
  • • No tokens distributed

Start Exploring

Ready to find your first presale? Browse our active presales or learn best practices for investing.