What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

I would like to get a consensus on what people believe a sponsor is suppose
to do. The reason I ask, is because I see a statement like this quite
often: "Yeah, I am sponsored by X Company and I just bought my X brand boat
(truck, rod, reel, etc) ." . . . .

--
Craig Bauer
a.k.a Baugher

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

That's a big can of worms. But in it's simplest form it is:

A sponsor provides either cash or products in exchange for the angler
becoming a spokesperson for them. There are varying degrees of sponsorship
based on the advertising budget of the sponsor and the Pro's name
recognition - skills, potential for producing return on investment etc.


"Craig" wrote in message
...
I would like to get a consensus on what people believe a sponsor is
suppose
to do. The reason I ask, is because I see a statement like this quite
often: "Yeah, I am sponsored by X Company and I just bought my X brand
boat
(truck, rod, reel, etc) ." . . . .

--
Craig Bauer
a.k.a Baugher

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

For everyone I know, a sponsorship was not a one-way street. For boat
deals, the angler got a discounted rate on the boat. A very good deal, but
it was just the boat. Usually the representative for the engine company
also offered a deal. Again, not a free boat, not a free engine, but a very
good deal. The angler was expected to promote those products. Work shows
and wear company logos. That also meant dressing nice and looking good.

I know guys who have never won a tournament that get these deals, because
they fit the image and are willing to work nearly every weekend in the off
season promoting the products they use. The more visible you are, the
better the deals. The more time you can spend on-camera, to be shown on TV,
the better for you and your sponsors.

There is a lot of hot air out there too. I have heard a lot of that.
Usually from guys that never work the shows. They were told they were being
given a real good deal on a boat, just to sell the boat. That they could
think of it as a sponsorship. That type of selling inflates some folks egos
and loosens their pocketbooks.

Good dealers can only do so much when it comes to sponsoring an angler. If
they are given some free or discounted tackle, they can spread that around a
bit. What they really have the power to do is to make introductions. If
you show the potential, the willingness and desire. If you fit the image.
You might get introduced to the factory reps that can help you, if they are
looking for someone at that time.

Carlos

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

Craig wrote:
n what people believe a sponsor is suppose
to do.


There is no hard and fast definition of what 'sponsorship' entails in the
fishing industry, so a sponsor's only obligation is to fulfill its
responsibilities under the contract negotiated between the two parties.
Same as the angler's obligation.

95% of the boat "sponsorships" are really nothing more than memo-bill
deals. On reality, anyone running a memo-billed boat is nothing more than a
very low volume boat dealer for that manufacturer.

When it comes to rods, reels, lures, etc., truth be told, there should be a
delineation between "product sponsored" and "paid" anglers. At the
local/regional level, there are some guys who get lures for wholesale or
distributor cost and call that a sponsorship. Other guys get product free.
But it's really only in the upper third or so of the "pro" populace that
you get into guys who have contracts that involve payment of cash, entry
fees or expenses.

Even at that, I wonder about the effectiveness of those deals for the
sponsor. Take a mid-level guy who has fished 2 or 3 classics over the past
decade, and has maybe one or two BASS or FLW wins to his credit. Depending
on how good he is at marketing himself and how much extra work he's willing
to put in, he might be getting 500 to 1000 a month from 3 to 5 larger
sponsors, and 100 to 500 from the little guys. If he is aggressive in
marketing himself, he can cover his expenses at that rate. He'll have to
generate some winnings to actually make a living though.

But is the sponsor paying him a grand a month getting its money's worth?
90% of the fishing tackle sold in this country is sold either through
distributors or at the distributor price level. That means the mfg gets
about 2.25 for that $5 spinnerbait. Which means that mfg, packaging, etc.
cost him somewhere between a buck and a buck and a quarter. Which means
that each pro he gives let's say $750 a month to, must increase his sales
by about 9000 spinnerbaits a year JUST TO COVER HIS BASIC COST, before he
ever put an extra nickel in his sponsor's pocket. The sponsor is in
business to make money. He SHOULD be able to get at least a 40% return on
that sponsorship, shouldn't he? Well, unless that pro somehow incrased his
sinnerbait sales by 12,000 units or so each year, he's not.


RichZ©
www.richz.com/fishing

Long: Rebuttal of RichZ's conclusion.
 

"RichZ" wrote in message
...
Craig wrote:
n what people believe a sponsor is suppose
to do.


There is no hard and fast definition of what 'sponsorship' entails in the
fishing industry, so a sponsor's only obligation is to fulfill its
responsibilities under the contract negotiated between the two parties.
Same as the angler's obligation.

95% of the boat "sponsorships" are really nothing more than memo-bill
deals. On reality, anyone running a memo-billed boat is nothing more than
a
very low volume boat dealer for that manufacturer.

When it comes to rods, reels, lures, etc., truth be told, there should be
a
delineation between "product sponsored" and "paid" anglers. At the
local/regional level, there are some guys who get lures for wholesale or
distributor cost and call that a sponsorship. Other guys get product free.
But it's really only in the upper third or so of the "pro" populace that
you get into guys who have contracts that involve payment of cash, entry
fees or expenses.

Even at that, I wonder about the effectiveness of those deals for the
sponsor. Take a mid-level guy who has fished 2 or 3 classics over the past
decade, and has maybe one or two BASS or FLW wins to his credit. Depending
on how good he is at marketing himself and how much extra work he's
willing
to put in, he might be getting 500 to 1000 a month from 3 to 5 larger
sponsors, and 100 to 500 from the little guys. If he is aggressive in
marketing himself, he can cover his expenses at that rate. He'll have to
generate some winnings to actually make a living though.

But is the sponsor paying him a grand a month getting its money's worth?
90% of the fishing tackle sold in this country is sold either through
distributors or at the distributor price level. That means the mfg gets
about 2.25 for that $5 spinnerbait. Which means that mfg, packaging, etc.
cost him somewhere between a buck and a buck and a quarter. Which means
that each pro he gives let's say $750 a month to, must increase his sales
by about 9000 spinnerbaits a year JUST TO COVER HIS BASIC COST, before he
ever put an extra nickel in his sponsor's pocket. The sponsor is in
business to make money. He SHOULD be able to get at least a 40% return on
that sponsorship, shouldn't he? Well, unless that pro somehow incrased his
sinnerbait sales by 12,000 units or so each year, he's not.


Rich,

I only partially agree about your assessment. First I think we both agree
that sponsorship of any kind is just another form of advertising from the
persepctive of the sponsor.

I'm also pretty sure you will agree that companies advertise when they need
to increase sales, or if competition is cutting into their sales to save
sales.

Now here is the part that you may not agree with which leads to where I do
not necessarily agree with your assessment.

Advertising does not necessarily have to lead directly to sales.
Advertising can increase product awareness. For example. If a person is
shopping for spinner baits, but has never heard of Secret Weapon Lures they
are no more likely to buy it than any other spinner bait they see hanging on
the shelf. They certainly won't buy it if it isn't even on the shelf. Now
if that same person has heard me say I won big fish at the season open for
ABA on a Secret Weapon Lures spinner bait they might atleast be partially
more likely to buy it. That is the secondary benefit. 99 out of those 100
anglers that heard me make the statement when they handed me the microphone
at that tournament will not run out and buy one. One might just because he
buys anything somebody says is wonderful. On the other hand, when those
other 99 are in Sportman's Hide-A-Way looking to restock on spinner baits
and they see them hanging prominantly on the pegboard next to others they
are much more likely to pick one or two or even restock their whole
collection with that brand. Not one of those anglers are likely to say they
bought it becasue of me, but they now recognize the name when they see them.
In addition, Lannie at the store is going to stock them because I went in
there and handed him a couple. I went the extra mile to show him what was
different about them, and I was there when he called Joe, so I could make a
telephone introduction.

In addition, every guy I have fished with since I started using those
spinner baits has one in his tackle box now. None of those guys will run
out and buy becasue I said so. They will recognize the name when they see
it though. They might even give a second look at the quick change blade
system, and the swing away no trailer hook needed design.

A sponsor needs to evaluate the big picture. Even at the outrageous price,
they could probably get exposure to more people per dollar spent by putting
a 30 second advertisement on during the Super Bowl. They also have to look
at the quality of the exposure. The dollar spent per angler exposed to the
product is probably considerably less than by putting Dave Willhide (the
regional director for ABA) on the prostaff, or giving me a couple free
spinner baits to make up for those I gave away.

Now before one person accuses me of spamming for Secret Weapon Spinner
Lures. I am not on their prostaff. I do not work for them. Joes has not
given me any free spinner baits, although he did say he would replace those
I gave away. I dd not list their website on this post, but anybody who is
interested can find it easily enough bydoing a Google search or evne asking
in this newsgroup.

So, in conclusion. I agree that advertising must be cost effective. I
disagree in how the numbers are measured to determine that.

I also add these:
1. If you can't produce fast enought to meet sales stop advertising.
Unsatisfied customers are bad advertising.
2. Advertsie, promote, and sponsor when you need to increase sales.
3. Increasing sales will never make an inefficient operation better.

Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
Promote Your Fishing, Boating, or Guide Site for Free
Simply add it to our index page.
No reciprocal link required. (Requested, but not required)

Long: Rebuttal of RichZ's conclusion.
 

Advertising does not necessarily have to lead directly to sales.
Advertising can increase product awareness.

Seems like product awareness leads to sales, and it doesn' t matter if it is
that day or a few days later. It still increases sales.
Ronnie

http://fishing.about.com

Long: Rebuttal of RichZ's conclusion.
 

There are so many different types of "sponsorships" that you could talk
about them till the cows come home...it's all about advertising, and
participation. It's the participation that makes the difference for the
majority of anglers that have not hit the top in the sport yet, but are
still sought after by many of the various companies in the fishing
industry . My son does very well with his sponsors, but he
participates...does the shows, helps with catalogue layouts, lure and
rod designs, accepts interviews, and promotes the sponsors products when
it's appropriate. In several cases he is on staff with the sponsors
management. In return he is rewarded (paid) in different ways, he has
signature rods and lures that provide income, he has entry fees paid,
and is supplied with product. He also receives bonuses for tournament
wins...the larger the win, the larger the bonus. There are also outright
payments for "advertisements", and show appearances. John understands
that the sponsor is in business to make money, and for him to
participate in any profits that company enjoys, he must contribute to
those profits. In short...you are paid in accordance to your "work", not
too different than any other "job" g.

JK

Long: Rebuttal of RichZ's conclusion.
 

"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
Advertising does not necessarily have to lead directly to sales.
Advertising can increase product awareness.

Seems like product awareness leads to sales, and it doesn' t matter if it
is
that day or a few days later. It still increases sales.
Ronnie

Ultimately you are correct. I guess my distinction is that advertising /
promotion of any kind may have benefits that are awfully hard to credit
directly to the advertisement.

In my example, if Lannie has SWs on the shelf he will sell some. If people
recognize them he will sell more of them. Who gets the credit for the
sales?


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
Promote Your Fishing, Boating, or Guide Site for Free
Simply add it to our index page.
No reciprocal link required. (Requested, but not required)

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

To me, you are not sponsored unless you are getting paid or receiving free
product. Discounts are just that, something you negotiate, and I can
negotiate my own discounts without the need to feel obligated to anyone.

I also agree that sponsorship is all about salesmanship and promotion.
One's ability to help their sponsoring company sell more product. The more
product one is able to move, the more they are worth.

When I see the words bought and sponsor in the same sentence I have to
smile.
--
Craig Baugher

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

I think you said it all there. Just as there are different levels of
sponsored guys, so are there different levels of sponsorship. The rarest
form of sponsorships are paid sponsorships. Only the very best & hottest
guys get those. Much more common are smaller sponsorships where anglers are
given product, or in the case of expensive items like boats & vehicles, are
given discounts on products.

Warren

"Illinois Fisherman" wrote in message
.com...
That's a big can of worms. But in it's simplest form it is:

A sponsor provides either cash or products in exchange for the angler
becoming a spokesperson for them. There are varying degrees of sponsorship
based on the advertising budget of the sponsor and the Pro's name
recognition - skills, potential for producing return on investment etc.


"Craig" wrote in message
...
I would like to get a consensus on what people believe a sponsor is
suppose
to do. The reason I ask, is because I see a statement like this quite
often: "Yeah, I am sponsored by X Company and I just bought my X brand
boat
(truck, rod, reel, etc) ." . . . .

--
Craig Bauer
a.k.a Baugher

Long: Rebuttal of RichZ's conclusion.
 

I agree with your above assesment in reply to RichZ Bob. A big part of
sponsorship is logo recognition. Just having your logo on a big pro's shirt
& your lure on a line or two of his inevitably sells a bunch of baits for
you.

THINK WHAT kvd 7 brauer have done for Strike King's sales etc...

Warren

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
"RGarri7470" wrote in message
...
Advertising does not necessarily have to lead directly to sales.
Advertising can increase product awareness.

Seems like product awareness leads to sales, and it doesn' t matter if
it
is
that day or a few days later. It still increases sales.
Ronnie

Ultimately you are correct. I guess my distinction is that advertising /
promotion of any kind may have benefits that are awfully hard to credit
directly to the advertisement.

In my example, if Lannie has SWs on the shelf he will sell some. If
people
recognize them he will sell more of them. Who gets the credit for the
sales?


--
Bob La Londe
Yuma, Az
http://www.YumaBassMan.com
Promote Your Fishing, Boating, or Guide Site for Free
Simply add it to our index page.
No reciprocal link required. (Requested, but not required)

Long: Rebuttal of RichZ's conclusion.
 

Very well put John.

Being sponsored means that you work for that company - no different from any
other job, with the exception that you get to work for a variety of
employers (as long as there is no conflict-of-interest issues), and that you
are pretty much guaranteed to be enjoying what you do. How much you get
paid is directly proptional to how good you are, and how you work.

DK

"John Kerr" wrote in message
...
There are so many different types of "sponsorships" that you could talk
about them till the cows come home...it's all about advertising, and
participation. It's the participation that makes the difference for the
majority of anglers that have not hit the top in the sport yet, but are
still sought after by many of the various companies in the fishing
industry . My son does very well with his sponsors, but he
participates...does the shows, helps with catalogue layouts, lure and
rod designs, accepts interviews, and promotes the sponsors products when
it's appropriate. In several cases he is on staff with the sponsors
management. In return he is rewarded (paid) in different ways, he has
signature rods and lures that provide income, he has entry fees paid,
and is supplied with product. He also receives bonuses for tournament
wins...the larger the win, the larger the bonus. There are also outright
payments for "advertisements", and show appearances. John understands
that the sponsor is in business to make money, and for him to
participate in any profits that company enjoys, he must contribute to
those profits. In short...you are paid in accordance to your "work", not
too different than any other "job" g.

JK

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

"Craig" wrote in message
...
To me, you are not sponsored unless you are getting paid or receiving free
product. Discounts are just that, something you negotiate, and I can
negotiate my own discounts without the need to feel obligated to anyone.

I also agree that sponsorship is all about salesmanship and promotion.
One's ability to help their sponsoring company sell more product. The
more
product one is able to move, the more they are worth.

When I see the words bought and sponsor in the same sentence I have to
smile.
--
Craig Baugher



Bought and sponsored can be in the same sentence. You may get the boat for
wholesale and a guaranteed buyback at the end of the year. Unless you are
in the top 20, you are going to be paying out for some of the stuff, but
hopefully you can show that the money they put into you is improving sales
and you can negotiate a bigger chunk next time. And a sponsor giving you a
big discount that he does not offer to the general public is money out of
his pocket. Guide I used to fish with at Lake Fork (would still fish with
him, but now I have to pay my own way to Dallas and Lake Fork is nice, but
not worth going to Dallas for) used to be on the tour. Was in the top
group. He stated that he made about 250K a year gross, with winnings and
sponsors, but after all the travel bills, other costs, etc, he netted about
$68k a year. Plus he had to spend 8 months on the road. So unless you can
get the TV show, or be in the very top, you are not getting free ride.
Fact is even at the top, you are working your booty off. Figure out all
those trade shows, store openings, fishing shows you have to spend time at
selling the products. And those seminars you give are selling the product.

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

I guess I have been very lucky, because every sponsor I have had the good
fortune to work with has given me free product. Yes, I did my very best to
help them move more product and in most cases sold that product before and
after tournaments. Mark Chevrolet (local dealership), not only gave me a
free tow vehicle, but also supplied me with a Champion boat.

My buddies who are at the top, also get free product, and for the most part
get paid well for appearing at shows and for conducting seminars on top of
their sponsor's contributions. It is the fact that they are invited to
appear and conduct seminars that makes them so valuable to the sponsor.
Their sacrifice is the time they spend away from home and family. But they
also know they need to capitalize on what little time they may have being at
the top. Burn out is the biggest reason most of these folks quit.

--
Craig Baugher

Long: Rebuttal of RichZ's conclusion.
 

If a fishing TV host goes to a lodge and plugs it in his show is the lodge
considered to be his sponsor? What would be the extent of it...like free
accomodation for him and hsi production staff...or what ?

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

Wait a minute there buckaroo - didn't you work full-time for that Chevy
dealership as a salesman? And didn't your boss LOAN you the tow vehicle &
boat? His boat? And didn't he take them both back, before he laid you off?
That sounds like less of a sponsorship than the one's you "smile" at. You
were getting paid to sell cars, not to catch bass.

Before you "smile" at what many fishermen value as the true sponsorships
they are, realize this. There's about ten guys in bass fishing that are
given boats. 99% of boat sponsorships involve the pro using the boat for
one season, then having to sell it at or around cost in order to be granted
a boat the next season. They must sell the boat or pay for it. And believe
me, they appreciate this arrangement. Boat-related expenses are huge for
big-tournament anglers, and to be given boats under this arrangement is a
godsend.

Curious, who are your buddies at the top? Top of what? And who's paying
them these big bucks? Because I met a hundred guys that fished the Opens
this year that do outdoor shows & seminars for sponsors, and none of them
made big bucks doing it. There's 3 guys from your area that are upper
echelon bass fishermen - Kevin VanDam, Kim Stricker & Art Ferguson. Of
those 3 only Kevin makes big bucks just for being Kevin. Kim & Art both
have to sell their boats at seasons' end. And they need & appreciate any &
all help they get, be it via cash, product or discount.

Craiger, the very few guys that truly reach the top of the bass fishing
world are loving every minute of it, particularly the big bucks they make
fishing. These guys don't quit, and lord knows they don't burn out.

Wasn't your article on rods supposed to be in FLW Outdoors this month?

Warren



"Craig" wrote in message
...
I guess I have been very lucky, because every sponsor I have had the good
fortune to work with has given me free product. Yes, I did my very best
to
help them move more product and in most cases sold that product before and
after tournaments. Mark Chevrolet (local dealership), not only gave me a
free tow vehicle, but also supplied me with a Champion boat.

My buddies who are at the top, also get free product, and for the most
part
get paid well for appearing at shows and for conducting seminars on top of
their sponsor's contributions. It is the fact that they are invited to
appear and conduct seminars that makes them so valuable to the sponsor.
Their sacrifice is the time they spend away from home and family. But
they
also know they need to capitalize on what little time they may have being
at
the top. Burn out is the biggest reason most of these folks quit.

--
Craig Baugher

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

Boy a lot to respond too.
Q:Wait a minute there buckaroo - didn't you work full-time for that Chevy
dealership as a salesman?
A: Yes (Internet Manager & Sales)

Q: And didn't your boss LOAN you the tow vehicle &
boat?
A: Received a new truck or SUV every week, and yes they were owned by the
dealership. Did I pay for it? No. Did I always have a vehicle? Yes

Q: His boat?
A: Again, I picked out the boat, the Dealership bought it and owned it. Did
I pay for it? No. Did I have it all the time? Yes

Q: And didn't he take them both back, before he laid you off?
A: No, I had the boat a good six months after being laid-off because of the
9-11 slow-down. Again, did I ever pay out a dime for the boat or insurance
or its maintenance? No.

I believe Due-Bill Boats and Tow Vehicles are getting something for Free,
because as you know, these guys sell their boats & trucks to people before
they ever pick them up, or at least the guys I know. So they get Free Use
for each season. What more could you want or expect?

Q: Wasn't your article on rods supposed to be in FLW Outdoors this month?
A: Yes, the December Issue. I already received & cashed my check, so I
assume they published it, but I have yet to receive a copy of the magazine.

As far as who are my friends, I have always kept that a secret to some
degree. But you can talk to Steve if you want to know a couple, as I have
lined them up to do his SHOTV show if he gets it on the air, and I will line
him up with a lot more once he is rocking. Realize I know some of these
guys like I know you. We talk, share stories, share advice, but haven't
broke bread at each other's homes. I consider you a friend, although we are
not close friends. I think if I asked you for something reasonable, you
would respond, as I would for you. Some are closer friends, and a couple
are good friends. But I will never mention their names here.

--
Craig Baugher

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

"But I will never mention their names here."


Why not share "friends" names here... sounds like we all have VD or
something !

--
God Bless America

Josh The Bad Bear

What is a sponsor suppose to do?
 

For for the record, Kevin might get paid "just for being Kevin", but he
works his @$$ off doing so. To spend 200+ days away from home - a home that
includes a pretty understanding wife and a couple of kids... How many of us
would do that??? I'm fan to be sure, but I don't envy the man.

DK

"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
Wait a minute there buckaroo - didn't you work full-time for that Chevy
dealership as a salesman? And didn't your boss LOAN you the tow vehicle &
boat? His boat? And didn't he take them both back, before he laid you
off?
That sounds like less of a sponsorship than the one's you "smile" at. You
were getting paid to sell cars, not to catch bass.

Before you "smile" at what many fishermen value as the true sponsorships
they are, realize this. There's about ten guys in bass fishing that are
given boats. 99% of boat sponsorships involve the pro using the boat for
one season, then having to sell it at or around cost in order to be
granted
a boat the next season. They must sell the boat or pay for it. And
believe
me, they appreciate this arrangement. Boat-related expenses are huge for
big-tournament anglers, and to be given boats under this arrangement is a
godsend.

Curious, who are your buddies at the top? Top of what? And who's paying
them these big bucks? Because I met a hundred guys that fished the Opens
this year that do outdoor shows & seminars for sponsors, and none of them
made big bucks doing it. There's 3 guys from your area that are upper
echelon bass fishermen - Kevin VanDam, Kim Stricker & Art Ferguson. Of
those 3 only Kevin makes big bucks just for being Kevin. Kim & Art both
have to sell their boats at seasons' end. And they need & appreciate any
&
all help they get, be it via cash, product or discount.

Craiger, the very few guys that truly reach the top of the bass fishing
world are loving every minute of it, particularly the big bucks they make
fishing. These guys don't quit, and lord knows they don't burn out.

Wasn't your article on rods supposed to be in FLW Outdoors this month?

Warren



"Craig" wrote in message
...
I guess I have been very lucky, because every sponsor I have had the
good
fortune to work with has given me free product. Yes, I did my very best
to
help them move more product and in most cases sold that product before
and
after tournaments. Mark Chevrolet (local dealership), not only gave me
a
free tow vehicle, but also supplied me with a Champion boat.

My buddies who are at the top, also get free product, and for the most
part
get paid well for appearing at shows and for conducting seminars on top
of
their sponsor's contributions. It is the fact that they are invited to
appear and conduct seminars that makes them so valuable to the sponsor.
Their sacrifice is the time they spend away from home and family. But
they
also know they need to capitalize on what little time they may have
being
at
the top. Burn out is the biggest reason most of these folks quit.

--
Craig Baugher