Ever wondered about getting your car sponsored?

[65RoadRacer]

As many know, my car has gone through a lot of upgrades over the years being a magazine editor. Even now that I've left, the car is still a magazine project build and it still gets attention from many companies who want to see their parts on my car.

I've had a lot of friends say they wish they could get free parts, but when I tell them what I do for those "free" parts, they realize that there's a lot more to it than sharing a picture and telling people about it at car shows.

In my current position as a Director of Marketing, we get requests for sponsorship and I have to weigh out whether I think we'll get enough of an ROI from supplying parts. One guy called me and asked if we could give him parts so he could get started on the truck he and his stepfather were going to build. He was nice, courteous, and told me he would put our sticker on his truck.

When I asked how he will share the info on social media and where he would be showing the truck, he decided it was too much work. He was going to keep it local, and he isn't "much of a social media type". That doesn't work for us, unfortunately, so I decided to pen an article about ins and outs: "How Does A Vehicle Sponsorship Work", for those who are curious. Enjoy....

 

[Budnicks]

Marketing Partnerships,
sounds like you're in it together
they are not sponsors , don't ever call them that...

that was the 1st thing a real Marketing agent told me

What is it you can do for the company ?,
1st & foremost;
return on the dollar envestmants,
they need something for it,
you're asking to fund your project or racing etc.
they want marketing exposure 1st & foremost...
What can you do for them in return ?...

Don't call them sponsors...

 

[65RoadRacer]

lol... true... Brand Ambassador is what sounds significant, Market Partner is the correct terminology, but they guys who just want parts call you a "Vehicle Sponsor" because it's what they know. I used the more familiar tone, we aren't that fancy or all uppity like that! hahaha

 

[bschomske]

I use to race sprint cars and tryed to get sponsers...Good luck with that..I know how to make a million in racing,start with two million...

 

[65RoadRacer]

I use to race sprint cars and tryed to get sponsers...Good luck with that..I know how to make a million in racing,start with two million...

yeah, so true.... LOL

 

[moparnation74]

My Sponser was my employer....Every year I got a 3% bump from my review....They said don't spend it in one place.....but I did

https://www.forbbodiesonly.com/mopa...e-for-my-father-my-69-gtx-restoration.127388/

 

[Bb70charger500]

My brother in law is thinking about picking up a sponsor or two for his scca race car he had a few ask if he was interested he said he would think about it .I think he wants to hold out for bigger better things !

 

[65RoadRacer]

My brother in law is thinking about picking up a sponsor or two for his scca race car he had a few ask if he was interested he said he would think about it .I think he wants to hold out for bigger better things !

LOL... must be nice to pick and choose who gives you parts! haha

 

[Bb70charger500]

He doesn't need much it's a crappy little car but some how it gets first every time! He wants mazda or something to pick him up as a driver I think

 

[CudaChick1968]

I've given out quite a few "deals" over the years in exchange for putting my shop decal on a car. The ROI / future customer attraction is lousy but it's kinda cool seeing my little shop show up randomly in YouTube videos and show pics.

This guy's wife stalked his personal messages and determined our trade deal discussions to be "inappropriate." She blocked me from his account and his end of the trade never materialized. I quit sponsoring cars after that.

 

[65RoadRacer]

I've given out quite a few "deals" over the years in exchange for putting my shop decal on a car. The ROI / future customer attraction is lousy but it's kinda cool seeing my little shop show up randomly in YouTube videos and show pics.

This guy's wife stalked his personal messages and determined our trade deal discussions to be "inappropriate." She blocked me from his account and his end of the trade never materialized. I quit sponsoring cars after that.

Sounds like a real stormy romance. lol

There have been times where a shop that purchased our radiators was doing a build and we provided one for them. One kid that's a third gen builder put together his first sole build and has been winning awards and showing all over So Cal. We gave him the radiator because he accidentally damaged the one he bought, he and his dad have been so grateful they've become great partners and give us plenty of props.

I do still crack up, though, at the guy that said he would put our sticker on his truck. I thought, if it was that easy... nobody would be buying parts anymore!