Sponsorships

[JSR69]

Not sure if this is the right place, but here goes. I've noticed that some people reference sponsors for their cars. The question I would like some feedback on, is for those of you that have obtained sponsors. Specifically, what did you sell your sponsor on?

From my days racing midgets, we sold sponsors on the fact that the car would be painted with their name and logo and visible at races and available for displays and such where the sponsors name would be seen. Basically, we used the car as a mobile bill board trying to expose the sponsor/business to potential customers. For those with sponsors, I haven't seen sponsors names and logos plastered on the car, so how are you promoting your sponsor to a new customer base?

Obviously, the reason I'm asking is I would like to obtain sponsors for my car as well, but I'm having trouble developing a proposal telling the sponsor what they will get in return for their investment into my project. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

[JamesD]

From what I understand, if you don't put stickers and such on your car most companies expect your car to receive magazine/TV coverage. Their product will propably be either mentioned or photographed there.

[rockdogz]

Man I wish I would have tried this...:pat:

[astroracer]

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11291&highlight=sponsorships

[ProdigyCustoms]

Here is how we did it, better then stickers, but can get a little expensive

[Bill Howell]

The best way for someone to get sponsorship is have a track record. I got very few sponsors on the goat, pretty much paid my own way. I did get some discounted parts, but no freebies. However, once the car showed up at SEMA as promised and graced PHR in March, you would be surprised at the calls I have gotten. I think manufacturers have gotten burned so many times by people who promised big things but never finished their projects that they are a bit tight with free merchandise. Also, as mentioned here many times before, nothing is free. Parts are always given as a trade off for something. Be careful getting into too many deals, or you will find yourself in a very deep hole trying to make everyone happy.

[jeff s]

As Bill points out, gotta pay your dues first by getting media coverage on your own nickel, then when you've got a track record it gets easier.
And nothing is really free.

[Clean Cut Creations]

Build several of your own vehicles with gobs of your own cash, go to the big shows, get noticed, get shot for several mags, then develop a portfolio of your work to back up your intention for your next project that you intend to get sponsors for. You need to stick out from all of the other vehicle builders that call the sponsors looking for "FREE" parts. Tell them why they need you. Tell them how your future project will help them sell products. No company want to just "give" you free/discounted products and get no return on their investment.
Little known fact: not all sponsorships are for totally free products. Alot of companies will only give a discounted price to first time sponsored builders. Don't be discouraged...give it time...if you are good they will find you.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I really think that unless you can benifit from the sponsorship in more ways then just getting parts on you car, it is not worth it. In other words, if you are just a guy building himself a car, you can easily spend more then the value of the parts fullfilling your obligations to your sponsors. However, if you are in the business, and the project is a promotional tool for you business, and you already plan to hit the show or race circiut with your project anyway, may as well get some help, and help some sponsors. Most times though, when a individual is seeking sponsorship, it is because they do not have funds to buy the parts they desire for free, which means they do not have the money to promote those free parts either. Individuals seldom understand the level of exposure a company expects. These sponsors are not looking for exposure at the local Steak and Shake on Saturday night, however that is nice also. They are looking for big shows that can require travel which is expensive.

Another thing to know, as others said, building a car out of pocket and getting exposure will surely help, but it is by no means the keys to the sponsorship kingdom just because you built a car that got that got into a magazine. Many sponors will not even consider a application (I have one of these in front of me as we speak) without other sponsor references. So in reality, you may have to build one car out of pocket, then get a couple sponsors here and there on a second project, and as Clean Cut explained, you may only recieve a WD pricing discount and not free, then perform, then build a network of sponsors. So getting that first sponsor is the trick, and then performing.

[JSR69]

Thanks for all the input, and I have to agree that getting sponsors is extremely difficult until you prove yourself and that you have to be careful that you don't lose control of your own destiny. My main question was what exposure you were selling, and that was answered, SEMA and magazines. Living in Idaho, we're not in the media capital of the US and my car will be built for driving, because that's what I like to do. So, I'll keep working away building the car I want.

Thanks Again

Steve