diff --git a/cli/app/backup.go b/cli/app/backup.go
index 662b80a7..b9e1509c 100644
--- a/cli/app/backup.go
+++ b/cli/app/backup.go
@@ -119,6 +119,10 @@ This single file can be used to restore your app. See "abra app restore" for mor
 				logrus.Fatal(err)
 			}
 		} else {
+			if len(backupConfigs) == 0 {
+				logrus.Fatalf("no backup configs discovered for %s?", app.Name)
+			}
+
 			for serviceName, backupConfig := range backupConfigs {
 				logrus.Infof("running backup for the %s service", serviceName)