I don't like sponsorhouse.com
- Thread starter Inclag
- Start date
It's the trend with many employers. I'm a teacher in VT, most of the local school districts will only accept online apps. now. i guess it's a lot easier for them to weed out the wankers that way.
You said wank and weed in the same sentence - lonely night was it?General Lee said:
Being sponsored is lame. It's far cooler to rock up under your own steam with zero stickers or logos (preferrably everything completely black from the bike to your lid) and piss all over everyone. Actually you could write 'Your message here - 800 KissMyAss' on your butt.
you sir are my hero. there is nothing worse than a bunch of primma donna bullsh.. artist gathering up sponsers and bike deals and they aren't any better or as talented as just plain hardcore riders. we laugh at them around here.Bicyclist said:
Sounds more like "i think i am faster then these guys, yet i have to pay full price and they saved $1000 off of a frame because i can't be bothered to figure out how this sponsorship things works (or how to spell it)"dhbuilder said:
In the end, the kids who saved $1000 are getting the last laugh.
Except the person who started this thread (and I agree with him) was complaining that kids who can't spell or write a good letter get a bunch of sponsorships and he couldn't get any because Sponsorhouse doesn't take that into account.Transcend said:
He knows how sponsorship works and he's been sponsored before. The kids saved money on a frame because they paid $100 for a Sponsorhouse membership and he didn't. I disagree (along with the original poster I'm sure) with Sponsorhouse creating a monopoly on sponsoring. It will be horrible if you have to buy a membership to get sponsored, regardless of the people you meet or letters you write.
Pay attention to what the original poster said. Unless you said that directly to dhbuilder, but he sounds wierd and I couldn't tell what he said.
Pay attention to whom I was responding to, smartass. It is in friggin' quotes in the post.black noise said:
Also pay attention to the answers I have already made, and to how sponsorhouse works (I don't actually use it, but have team and personal accounts for all of my riders).
Case in point: They DO take that into account..you have to write a damn cover letter.
A quick summary of my stance on Sponsorhouse from the big thread on DM we just had about it...
SH sucks. Anyone can go on there, lie thier asses off, or blow thier team up with an inflated resume, and nobody will ever know.
Sponsorship at the grassroots level should be handled through shops and reps, thats it. You can't lie when a real person is at the events to see what happens.
Sh also allows for many riders who dont' deserve to be sponsored to get deals that they otherwise woulnd't have a shot at. You think they're ever going to want to pay close to retail again if they lose that hook up?
In theory SH works, but in practice its just to open to abuse.
SH sucks. Anyone can go on there, lie thier asses off, or blow thier team up with an inflated resume, and nobody will ever know.
Sponsorship at the grassroots level should be handled through shops and reps, thats it. You can't lie when a real person is at the events to see what happens.
Sh also allows for many riders who dont' deserve to be sponsored to get deals that they otherwise woulnd't have a shot at. You think they're ever going to want to pay close to retail again if they lose that hook up?
In theory SH works, but in practice its just to open to abuse.
I agree about how sponsorship SHOULD be handled, but it just isn't possible with the state the industry is in. There simply isn't enough manpower and $ to waste hours of time going over the hundreds of paper applications.dropmachine.com said:
I do, however, disagree about being able to lie your ass off. e13 uses SH exclusively this year, I know for a fact that they actually check into the results of every racer they are considering extending sponsorship too.
SH is simply another method to convey a message. A tool, as someone already said. If you send the companies in question a package, they have to open it, read it, get to the part about you being a 1st year beginner, trash it and start over.
With SH, they can get this all in one quick glance, deny and move on. It is simply a time, money and paper saver. At the end of the day, it is still up to the companies to check up on who they are sponsoring. Many of them give pro deals to anyone who sends them a paper package, this is the same damn thing. Only it is a little better on paper and postage.
Red Bull said:
There is nothing to prevent you from completely forging your identity, or padding your results.
And to say that making things personal is beyond thier capabilities is ridiculous. Riders know shops. Shops know riders. Riders know reps. Reps work for the company. They can either stamp yes, or no on a proposal. Done. That filters out a TON of crap resumes, gets it back to being personal, and gets the right people sponsored.
In the end, it just opens up to many spots for abuse, and to fix that takes way more manpower the doing it the proper way ever would.
And to say that making things personal is beyond thier capabilities is ridiculous. Riders know shops. Shops know riders. Riders know reps. Reps work for the company. They can either stamp yes, or no on a proposal. Done. That filters out a TON of crap resumes, gets it back to being personal, and gets the right people sponsored.
In the end, it just opens up to many spots for abuse, and to fix that takes way more manpower the doing it the proper way ever would.
I don't get what is so special about being able to put together a fancy package for the sponsor. I really doubt all the people that are most deserving and needing of sponsorship also happen to be the best at the traditional method.black noise said:
Are people that really need the price breaks going to have time to put together a really polished proposal or are they going to be busy working?
Also how important is all this really in the big scheme of things? What percentage of product is actually sold to a someone that even comes into contact with one of these sponsored riders?
dropmachine.com said:
A) you can't completely forge your identity, since there are usually $ involved. B) You have a contract, that is legally binding and can be ended and in most cases be forced to pay retail for the product you got, in the end if you mess up or get caught lieing. Plus in a few contracts I have you can be fined extra money.
I don't see the system being any more abuseable than sending in a paper resume and lieing all over it. It's pretty easy to check results these days since you can look them all up online pretty much.
You all assume SH is some automated rubber stamp system, people from these companies till look at everything just like they use too, when it was all on paper, and in the old days it would have been easier to lie about results, since they were not easily accessable.
Your also making a big assumption about reps shops and riders. I use to live in an area of the country were DH is no exsitant, most shops had never even seen a DH bike, let alone had any clue about my racing, plus not all companies have reps in all areas.
personally i also do not believe in sponsorhouse. i send personal resumes for motocross to my sponsors. i feel it takes considerably more work and multiple companies have said the same to me. I also feel that the sponsorship amount is higher than that from sponsorhouse. i have heard of people getting some pathetic deals. Some do good but i feel a personal resume is better. and no i did not read any other replies so i don't need to hear that sombody already said this.
How is it abuse?dropmachine.com said:
The riders who are undeserving of sponsorship are not getting amazing deals. By selling product directly to the rider at a marginally discounted price, the companies could actually make money by avoiding a distributor.
I agree 110%. I think sponsorship should be reserved for riders who have years of experience racing in expert or above catagories, and pull in consistant results. If sponsorship was practiced in this manner I still would not be eligable for sponsorships yet. However, I think that is the way it should be. Sponsorships should be an earned priveledge, not a right. I will go as far to say that our sport would be better by eliminating grassroots sponsorships altogether. It would bring in more money to the company itself and local bike shops.Transcend said:
The argument that sponsorhouse is a "tool" has been brought up in several posts. On a certain level, sponsorhouse can be related to college applications. Just because I pay 50$ to mail my college application to Harvard, does that mean I should automatically get in? No, only those who have busted ass and have the results to prove it should get in. The same basic idea should be applied to sponsorhouse, and sponsorship in general. As I said before, it should be a priveledge and not a right, which sponsorhouse/grassroots programs do nothing to enforce.
err read my post again Jeff.dropmachine.com said:
Especially the part where I said I agreed, that shops were int he best position to do grassroots. Also, where I said that in the end, it is up to the sponsors to verify results...much like e13 does with EVERY SINGLE application they choose to accept. Reps are morons with dollar signs in their eyes MUCH of the time. Obviously, some really care about what they are doing (Ian at Giant for example).
The onus is on the companies giving free/cheap stuff away to make sure that their dollars are not wasted. If the company giving the stuff away is too lazy too do even that, then mroe power to the riders who are getting stuff on the cheap.
That $50 helps weed out the chaff. If you think you have a chance, $50 is nothing to save say, $100 on a chainguide. Do the math, you already won.Banshee Rider said:
If you don't think you have a chance, or their is a possibility you won't get it...don't waste the company's time. That, or gamble and take a chance.
So then why post in a thread about racing and sponsorships?dhbuilder said:
Is this another "wha wha" post about how freeriding is hardcore and being bitter that sponsorships are still mostly a race thing?
Troll somewhere else.
Whether or not riders should "earn" or not is a whole other issue, but i can't think of another sport where you have to "earn" the right to be sponsored. If you present something that a company is interested in, then you have earned one. Being a fast racer doesn't earn you the right to stuff.
Nice, your avatar reminded me of the family guy at 9, sweet!
I use Sponsorhouse as a means of helping in our grassroots program. I like it... Saves me time. It also shows me who can follow directions.. In my response, it clearly states to email me with your address so I can send out pricing info, order forms, etc... Yet, some can't comprehend that, so they end up missing out.
As for faking results, it isn't hard to sort out, especially if you have any experience as a racer. If something seems questionable, you can usually find them online easily enough.
As for not taking paper resumes, I still do, but some of the resumes I get wouldn't pass in my stepson's 5th grade class. So, for those people, either joining sponsorhouse or buying resume writing for dummies would be their only hope.
Sponsorhouse provides a service. But, much like any other company that provides a service, not everyone is going to like it....
Brian
As for faking results, it isn't hard to sort out, especially if you have any experience as a racer. If something seems questionable, you can usually find them online easily enough.
As for not taking paper resumes, I still do, but some of the resumes I get wouldn't pass in my stepson's 5th grade class. So, for those people, either joining sponsorhouse or buying resume writing for dummies would be their only hope.
Sponsorhouse provides a service. But, much like any other company that provides a service, not everyone is going to like it....
Brian
Brian Peterson said:
I couldn't agree more.If you do not know how to write a proposal it can be a big help.I myself do proposals everyday for work on a much larger scale so its no big deal,so i handle all my teams sponsorships.
I just don't see the gripe,if you know how to put together an effective,professional proposal,by all means do so.If thats not the case use SH.
Fraser
E13 checked result for the past few years. Quite a few other compaines have been checking too.
Chris
E13 checked result for the past few years. Quite a few other compaines have been checking too.
Chris
I paid $60.00 in July to set up an account for "1 year". It expired in October. bitches.
motomike said:
I'd email them then, cause it shouldn't have.
just out of curiosity.....would some of you folks be pissed at the person who joined the Barnes & Noble book club and got the same book you wanted for 20% cheaper?
I've been a member of SH for 3 seasons now, and I think the service is great...but contrary to some assertions, it cannot replace staying in touch with your sponsors, producing results for them, being a true representative.
Along with racing, I also do several charity events, promote "mountain biking" in general, and have even done bike safety clinics at local boys & girls clubs. I'm not that good by comparison to some of you JrX and semi pro/pro pinners..I'm a 38yr old expert class rider....but the help from the companies that accept me, insure I can get to more races...cause its just one pot of money, and every penny counts.
Companies use it to streamline the process....and just because you applied through SH, does not guarantee anything....I've been declined about 30% of the time..and I choose who I will apply to carefully.
For example...I'm in NC, the money I saved through my sponsors enabled me to go the Nationals in CA and compete 2 yrs running...its a good service..period.
Its not dilluting anything, it puts product on the trail and enables folks to learn how to deal with companies, team managers, give a forum to monitor results, get noticed, etc, etc.
I also make sure I meet the team mangers whenever possible and thank them, send them updates, talk with them on the phone, and represent them to the best of my ability.
Maxxis has a great pdf on their site about "Sponsorship 101"..its not all about the results...some of yall should read it..its about being an avocate FOR the sport....Sponsor House is providing a service that expands the sport....you can choose to support them or not, but cut them some slack on why they are here and what they do.
A bigger sport, thats expanding..especailly the race scene, is good for us all.
Sput-
I've been a member of SH for 3 seasons now, and I think the service is great...but contrary to some assertions, it cannot replace staying in touch with your sponsors, producing results for them, being a true representative.
Along with racing, I also do several charity events, promote "mountain biking" in general, and have even done bike safety clinics at local boys & girls clubs. I'm not that good by comparison to some of you JrX and semi pro/pro pinners..I'm a 38yr old expert class rider....but the help from the companies that accept me, insure I can get to more races...cause its just one pot of money, and every penny counts.
Companies use it to streamline the process....and just because you applied through SH, does not guarantee anything....I've been declined about 30% of the time..and I choose who I will apply to carefully.
For example...I'm in NC, the money I saved through my sponsors enabled me to go the Nationals in CA and compete 2 yrs running...its a good service..period.
Its not dilluting anything, it puts product on the trail and enables folks to learn how to deal with companies, team managers, give a forum to monitor results, get noticed, etc, etc.
I also make sure I meet the team mangers whenever possible and thank them, send them updates, talk with them on the phone, and represent them to the best of my ability.
Maxxis has a great pdf on their site about "Sponsorship 101"..its not all about the results...some of yall should read it..its about being an avocate FOR the sport....Sponsor House is providing a service that expands the sport....you can choose to support them or not, but cut them some slack on why they are here and what they do.
A bigger sport, thats expanding..especailly the race scene, is good for us all.
Sput-
SPUTNECK said:
very well put sput
i'd do yourself a favor and run that through spell check. a 15 second glance caught several mistakes. also, add some personality. tell a story, make yourself seem friendly and open.Red Bull said:
jenn's profile is a great example of all this and she's gotten great results from it: http://www.sponsorhouse.com/home/athlete_profile.php?id=39572
If a company uses Sponsorhouse exclusively and you dont like that, then you should direct your complaint towards that company.
Sponsorhouse is helping connect athletes with companies, NOT making the decision whether or not to accept, deny, or how much discounts to offer.
Not just for racers, I am a freerider in flat south Florida and still feel I have lots to offer and Sponsorhouse is a great way for me to prove it. I only compete a few times a year however I ride almost every day, communicate with others on several MTB forums.
2006 will be the first year of Uncle Jimmis Tour De Freeride Show and I already have a few shows lined up including Cyclepalooza at Moroso Jan. 28. Thousands of spectators attend this event. This type of exposure will be displayed in my profile and sent by way of updates to my current and future sponsors.
No company owes me anything. I love my Marzoochi forks. I feel that I was given a great product for the money. I only had one problem with the fork and Marzoochi was quick with the fix at no charge. Should I stop promoting a company whos products and service are good because they do not add me to their roster? Talk about selling out!
I guess you can tell by now that I am all for Sponsorhouse it has not only given me the ability to market myself to any company I choose in or out of the Sponsorhouse program, it also taught me how to do it and consequently and most importantly motivated me to do so.
Just click on the link in my sig and see for your self, my profile is well worth the fees and I am sure I will be given the opportunity to prove myself to the companies that have proven themselves to me.
Sponsorhouse is helping connect athletes with companies, NOT making the decision whether or not to accept, deny, or how much discounts to offer.
Not just for racers, I am a freerider in flat south Florida and still feel I have lots to offer and Sponsorhouse is a great way for me to prove it. I only compete a few times a year however I ride almost every day, communicate with others on several MTB forums.
2006 will be the first year of Uncle Jimmis Tour De Freeride Show and I already have a few shows lined up including Cyclepalooza at Moroso Jan. 28. Thousands of spectators attend this event. This type of exposure will be displayed in my profile and sent by way of updates to my current and future sponsors.
No company owes me anything. I love my Marzoochi forks. I feel that I was given a great product for the money. I only had one problem with the fork and Marzoochi was quick with the fix at no charge. Should I stop promoting a company whos products and service are good because they do not add me to their roster? Talk about selling out!
I guess you can tell by now that I am all for Sponsorhouse it has not only given me the ability to market myself to any company I choose in or out of the Sponsorhouse program, it also taught me how to do it and consequently and most importantly motivated me to do so.
Just click on the link in my sig and see for your self, my profile is well worth the fees and I am sure I will be given the opportunity to prove myself to the companies that have proven themselves to me.
I have no real experience with SH yet but for a lot of the reasons Transcend highlighted, it is appealing to me. I received all proposals via mail or e-mail this year and it is just an overwhelming task to get through them all in a timely manner. We're a very small company and dealing with sponsorship is not my only task or even the one I like doing most that's for damn sure. I like a lot of what the SH service offers to the companies and I may go with them for next year. It allows access to other sports and athletes that I might not hear from as well which is important from a marketing point of view if you have potential cross-over customers or products. Something else I like is that this year for instance, I have a desire to expand our grassroots programs with adventure racers (xterra type), female racers, etc. and I can go to SH and search for the athlete that meets the criteria.
I'll throw a few other thoughts out as well since I'm already typing. The best post in this thread was by SPUTNECK, a lot of people could learn some things from that one. I like people that are eager and interested but if you call me ten times to check up, that is ten proposals I could have looked at and now won't have time and there is a could chance one of them is yours. Also, please use good grammar and spelling - make it professional, not boring, professional.
Ok, I'm done but there is a good read here: http://bicyclemarketingwatch.blogspot.com/2005/12/sponsorship-or-as-way-too-many-people.html#links
I'll throw a few other thoughts out as well since I'm already typing. The best post in this thread was by SPUTNECK, a lot of people could learn some things from that one. I like people that are eager and interested but if you call me ten times to check up, that is ten proposals I could have looked at and now won't have time and there is a could chance one of them is yours. Also, please use good grammar and spelling - make it professional, not boring, professional.
Ok, I'm done but there is a good read here: http://bicyclemarketingwatch.blogspot.com/2005/12/sponsorship-or-as-way-too-many-people.html#links
one of that fastest junior ex's and i get liek 15 percent....What the hell...comeon now!!!!!
If your proposals looked anything like your posts, I can fully understand why. Besides, if you prefer to pay retail, feel free. I don't think anyone will complain.tacobelldhr said:
tacobelldhr said:
If that's your approach i'm fast i should get something, then that would explain it too.