I get asked this all the time. . . . . .so here is my two cents worth. . .
Stores and sites want to know what YOU can do for THEM. . . .
Just putting their logo on your jersey is not really sufficent compensation. Can you do a trade stand at a local tourney series, can you work for one saturday a month at the local field cleaning the equipment or marshalling? Can you convert all your friends to loyal 'Brand X' product users?
. . .Sponsoring a team is not an inexpensive venture.. . make sure you walk around in their shoes. . . .
Set out a team portfolio or website, include pictures, accomplishments, media articles, statistics, team beliefs and mantras. Training regimes can also be interesting.
Also lay it out in black and white what you are looking for, no point on wasting your time - or that of your potiential sponsor if you can't get what you need/want.
Be realistic in what you ask for. A Rookie team can't expect to have all their entry fees paid for, or be 100% kitted out with everything from Gloves to Guns. . . . . where this would be much more the case for a high profile winning Professional team.
Also learn to spell 'S-P-O-N-S-O-R' and Sponsorship. After personally reading hundreds of them in my old job, nothing makes you drop the portfolio faster than bad 'speelings'. . . . .
Be Prepared. . . .Alot of companies offer you information right on their websites about sponsorship, such as
1. WE DO NOT ACCEPT SPONSORSHIP SOLICITATIONS, a la Ed and Warped Sportz
2. Who to contact directly, like Procaps / DraXxus
3. Exactly what to include in your team portfolio, like Dye / Proto do
http://www.dyeprecision.com/sponsorship.html
If you plan on calling said company, know what you want and speak professionally. . . Don't speak in Ebonics, or 'Shizzle', or use 'uh' or 'yo' between every word. . . .
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From the Dye Paintball Website in regards to Sponsorship. . . .
Quote:
Dye Paintball is always interested in associating our company with teams that represent the best in paintball. If you are interested in becoming a Dye sponsored team please submit the following information below. Please send the information typed and in the form of a resume binder. The requirements below are mandatory to be considered for a sponsorship program and you may add more information if you like.
1) Team name, home location and captain information.
2) Teams general history.
3) Names, ages and playing years of each team member.
4) Color printed photographs of each team member. (can be scanned and printed)
5) Teams practice schedule and home playing location.
6) Future tournament event schedule.
7) Current head to toe equipment list of each team member.
8) Teams past tournament achievements.
9) Teams current sponsors.
10) Team goals for the future.
For more information on sponsorhips you may email:
sponsorship@dyeprecision.com
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