Sponsorship?
- Thread starter NorCalSam
- Start date
kodiak1232003
Adventurer
most successful "sponser getters" i've heard of have a real vision for the use of their vehicle...
consider the events/places that a sponser will have its name seen at...
consider the time commitment that might be required of the "sponsoree"
other than that, its basically a matter of asking enough people, that out of the 100-200 companies you ask...maybe 4 or 5 will say yes.
also, look to small, new companies who are needing exposure. it would be worth it to them to give you a sample product(roof tent, rack, tires, etc) and some stickers/emblems, to simply get the word out.
then, take QUALITY pictures of yourself/your rig at said event....TDS, Jeep jamboree, etc. for their marketing department.
also, consider products that might not be that exciting (cupholders, storage containers, lights, etc.) first, cuz a company that see's a vehicle that is already sponsered by a few companies, might just get on board due to the fact that others have seen the benefit in sponsoring you. This could be your ticket to other high dollar (tires, suspension, refridgeration, comm. systems, tents, racks,etc) sponsers.
heck, i'd even consider asking a fuel/lube oil company. if you used their products specifically, advertised on your truck, and they could put you in an ad. saying that you used such and such fuel/oil/additive/etc. to "go around the world" or "to the end of the world" or something...it would be great PR for them and a endless gas card for you.
regards,
brian j.
consider the events/places that a sponser will have its name seen at...
consider the time commitment that might be required of the "sponsoree"
other than that, its basically a matter of asking enough people, that out of the 100-200 companies you ask...maybe 4 or 5 will say yes.
also, look to small, new companies who are needing exposure. it would be worth it to them to give you a sample product(roof tent, rack, tires, etc) and some stickers/emblems, to simply get the word out.
then, take QUALITY pictures of yourself/your rig at said event....TDS, Jeep jamboree, etc. for their marketing department.
also, consider products that might not be that exciting (cupholders, storage containers, lights, etc.) first, cuz a company that see's a vehicle that is already sponsered by a few companies, might just get on board due to the fact that others have seen the benefit in sponsoring you. This could be your ticket to other high dollar (tires, suspension, refridgeration, comm. systems, tents, racks,etc) sponsers.
heck, i'd even consider asking a fuel/lube oil company. if you used their products specifically, advertised on your truck, and they could put you in an ad. saying that you used such and such fuel/oil/additive/etc. to "go around the world" or "to the end of the world" or something...it would be great PR for them and a endless gas card for you.
regards,
brian j.
Scott Brady
Founder
Hi Sam,
What is your vision for the vehicle?
What is your vision for your unique brand and promotion method?
Then focus on return on investment to the sponsor. This means attending events, publication exposure and a really good website. Focus on the sponsorship effort like a business undertaking.
It really helps to have lots of business/marketing experience. Unfortunately, just having a cool truck or doing a cool trip doesn't work...
Please let me know if I can help.
What is your vision for the vehicle?
What is your vision for your unique brand and promotion method?
Then focus on return on investment to the sponsor. This means attending events, publication exposure and a really good website. Focus on the sponsorship effort like a business undertaking.
It really helps to have lots of business/marketing experience. Unfortunately, just having a cool truck or doing a cool trip doesn't work...
Please let me know if I can help.
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Look at it as you and the truck are applying for a sales position. That is what you are doing. Both of you need a resume.
One fairly successful salesman I came in contact with in the firearms biz told me that out of 100 cold calls he's doing good to get 2 responses. That's a lot of rejection, though he saw it as people whom he hadn't been able to educate enough about his product (technical plating & coating services) to generate interest.
One fairly successful salesman I came in contact with in the firearms biz told me that out of 100 cold calls he's doing good to get 2 responses. That's a lot of rejection, though he saw it as people whom he hadn't been able to educate enough about his product (technical plating & coating services) to generate interest.
neliconcept
Spirit Overland
I wasnt sure to start a new thread or not. But i was thinking of doing the same thing, so far Ive faxed a form to nitto, and Toyo, and have tried calling BFGs marketing depo but have had no luck getting through.
I do have two sponsors but are small
Inchworm and Budbuilt, but really its not a full on, basically i get a free part from both. but I will have huge stickers on my truck of both companies hopefully showing others that I am with the company
Sorry for going on a rant there
basically what would be a good specific use for a vehicle besides general expedtion travel?
Im also trying to get into petersens right now through Jim at inchworm and another person who knows the promo person.
Who would I call for a gas sponsor or oil sponsor? and im not sure who else to look at for my truck, I guess my only catch to say is my truck is unique with the inchworm setup on a 2wd drivetrain to make it 4wd. but i doubt that will catch their attention.
I dont know what else to ask but I may come up with something
I do have two sponsors but are small
Inchworm and Budbuilt, but really its not a full on, basically i get a free part from both. but I will have huge stickers on my truck of both companies hopefully showing others that I am with the company
Sorry for going on a rant there
basically what would be a good specific use for a vehicle besides general expedtion travel?
Im also trying to get into petersens right now through Jim at inchworm and another person who knows the promo person.
Who would I call for a gas sponsor or oil sponsor? and im not sure who else to look at for my truck, I guess my only catch to say is my truck is unique with the inchworm setup on a 2wd drivetrain to make it 4wd. but i doubt that will catch their attention.
I dont know what else to ask but I may come up with something
ujoint
Supporting Sponsor
It's difficult, even if you're in the industry. But like everyone said above, you have to let them know how they will gain exposure & more sales by hooking you up. Companies are getting tighter & tighter every day, especially this time of year. Let them know everything, even info on past projects & what/where you plan to take the vehicle. Magazines help as well, you almost HAVE to get mag coverage. I handle all of the sales & marketing for Kilby, and I can say that we don't give out much unless we know you & can guarantee the coverage. We just don't have the budget to give away much. At the end of the day though, it's all about who you know.........
I also inform my sponsors of every little thing I do with the van. Keeping them informed keeps them happy for future requests.
I also inform my sponsors of every little thing I do with the van. Keeping them informed keeps them happy for future requests.
neliconcept
Spirit Overland
ujointclothing said:
thank you for the info.
Best I can do for mag coverage right now is probablly 4wdtoyota owners.
which I have to send in pics in the next week and my article.
would that help If i get mag coverage from them already to show that Im willing to press my limits to do what I can?
ntsqd
Heretic Car Camper
Whole forum devoted to nothing but sponsorship:
http://speedtalk.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=4
No idea if it's any good, just found it & thot I'd share.
http://speedtalk.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=4
No idea if it's any good, just found it & thot I'd share.
neliconcept
Spirit Overland
FlyingWen said:
Basically Im building it to look like an expedition vehicle, do my trips and photography with it, but for sponsorship, ill gladly attend shows, exhibitions and do trips and get featured. (putting my conversion in 4wdto mag for next issue hopefully)
working on petersens, got a BFG form for tires, got Toyos form, Inchworm has agreed as well as Budbuilt,
What I really want is a gas company, then ill do anything!!! i mean anything, ill go anywhere, take billions of pictures, spend multiple hours on the phone getting coverage and what not. but that is probablly the hardest one in the freakin world to get.
BFG looks hard, want me to post up what coverage I have, which at this moment isnt any. but ill give it some time before I try to get the tires from them.
oh and another thing, i guess to get the 3rd gen 4runner's style and look out in the media too, nobody really knows about this truck as an offroad vehicle, you see more FJ cruisers, in magazines, tacomas, and landcruisers all over the place in mags, no 3rd or 4th gen 4runners, 2nd and 1rst gens do make it (esp when the 1rst is bobbed exoed, and clearing 40s.)
Last edited:
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
What stuff have you done in the past? What kind of trips? What kind of coverage?
I've been on both ends of the sponsorship deal, when I was competing in UROC, though thankfully we had some very forward sponsors, so very little soliciting. I've also solicited on behalf of the Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association for the last 5 years... big companies (tires, winches, etc) all the way to small mom/pop places. I wouldn't call myself a pro by any stretch, realistically having the U4 name behind me was everything.
On the opposite side, I get calls on occasion from individuals, magazines, etc. I really have to look at the benefits. I'm a small budget gig... plus I like to do plenty of wheeling/exploring myself (~50 trail days/year). I get to know plenty of folks wanting a "sponsorship of sorts". As of late there is a surplus of folks wanting to do "expeditions" and "voyages" very similar to your ideas, and really they likely have the least payoff for a potential sponsor (versus that of a motorsport that is in front of paying customers all day). Don't get me wrong, your ideas would lend some publicity towards a potential sponsor, just not to the degree of other sports IMO.
Good luck regardless!
I've been on both ends of the sponsorship deal, when I was competing in UROC, though thankfully we had some very forward sponsors, so very little soliciting. I've also solicited on behalf of the Utah 4 Wheel Drive Association for the last 5 years... big companies (tires, winches, etc) all the way to small mom/pop places. I wouldn't call myself a pro by any stretch, realistically having the U4 name behind me was everything.
On the opposite side, I get calls on occasion from individuals, magazines, etc. I really have to look at the benefits. I'm a small budget gig... plus I like to do plenty of wheeling/exploring myself (~50 trail days/year). I get to know plenty of folks wanting a "sponsorship of sorts". As of late there is a surplus of folks wanting to do "expeditions" and "voyages" very similar to your ideas, and really they likely have the least payoff for a potential sponsor (versus that of a motorsport that is in front of paying customers all day). Don't get me wrong, your ideas would lend some publicity towards a potential sponsor, just not to the degree of other sports IMO.
Good luck regardless!
NorCalSam
Adventurer
Well still no luck. I find it hard to understand why a company would not be interested in advertising on a vehicle like ours, being a daily driver and such an eye catcher and all. It is cheep and offers fairly high exposure. The construction company that I work for just bought a 40ft semi trail and parked it on the corner of my job site, not for storage but just for advertising. Advertising on vehicles is a great idea and I am surprised that it is not more popular yet.
I could send out an email to two hundred companies but like I said I am not welling to do that because I hate sales man! I absolutely will not support or endorse, try to sell anything to anyone if I don’t use, like, or think very highly of the product. I know this is reducing my odds of success but I am just that way (very idealistic).
Then again it’s all about who you know in this world, getting through the “screeners” and asking the right people.
I also find it hard to get anywhere with an email or letter, I mean did you ask your wife to marry you with an email?
I could send out an email to two hundred companies but like I said I am not welling to do that because I hate sales man! I absolutely will not support or endorse, try to sell anything to anyone if I don’t use, like, or think very highly of the product. I know this is reducing my odds of success but I am just that way (very idealistic).
Then again it’s all about who you know in this world, getting through the “screeners” and asking the right people.
I also find it hard to get anywhere with an email or letter, I mean did you ask your wife to marry you with an email?
dieselcruiserhead
16 Years on ExPo. Whoa!!
It is too funny I tried to do this too earlier this summer. It is really really hard. I actually do consider myself a decent sales person but had considerable trouble as well. I did in the end get a couple "comp" sponsors (offers for free stuff) but very little other than that. Same deal as yours, cool vehicle, etc. I think it really takes some good connections and friendships and of course cash to do it right. IE promo the vehicle, get some coverage, a good website, show that it has the ability to be something, then show it off.
But in the end, also, I realized that I personally did not want my own truck to be a rolling billboard particularly from companies I hardly support in the real world. And have to deal with restrictions and mandatory events from sponsors. You also have to really like much of the 4WD community. For me it is not that big a deal but it can get old, possibly quick I would imagine.
I am almost glad I never did it. I am still thousands from completing my truck with $$ (and time shortly after) currently being the largest restriction but in the end I will actually be psyched to have completely contructed, in all regards, the truck myself... So I don't know, I hope that is worth something...
But in the end, also, I realized that I personally did not want my own truck to be a rolling billboard particularly from companies I hardly support in the real world. And have to deal with restrictions and mandatory events from sponsors. You also have to really like much of the 4WD community. For me it is not that big a deal but it can get old, possibly quick I would imagine.
I am almost glad I never did it. I am still thousands from completing my truck with $$ (and time shortly after) currently being the largest restriction but in the end I will actually be psyched to have completely contructed, in all regards, the truck myself... So I don't know, I hope that is worth something...
dieselcruiserhead
16 Years on ExPo. Whoa!!
this is also an excellent thread... I almost which someone had told me, in the beginning, the statistics of getting sponsorship, for what its worth...
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6244
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6244