General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Sponsorship possibilities? Rss Feed  
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2009-08-23 7:50 PM

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Subject: Sponsorship possibilities?
I am a new triathlete so I do not know how sponsorships would work. Expenses for amateur triathletes can get pretty rough when you are a poor college student like me. I was wondering though, can I get sponsored by local businesses or something like that? For example, could a local business cover all my entry fees as long as I wore their logo on my shirt? Is that allowed for an amateur? Would that be a violation of rules or something? Would I have to race in certain events only? etc... Any info on this subject would be appreciated, thanks.


2009-08-23 8:04 PM
in reply to: #2365464

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Expert
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Southern Pines, NC
Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
Getting sponsored personally is pretty much not an option. Finding a club to join can often get you some good discounts on sponsors' products. That's probably the best way to go. I'd start in your regional subforum and see what clubs are around. More important than discounts is a consistent group to train/race with.

Good luck in your search!

Edited by DrPete 2009-08-23 8:05 PM
2009-08-23 8:14 PM
in reply to: #2365464

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Kailua, Hi
Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
there are a few racers out here that have sponsors and they are amatures,  I really dont think the sponsor pays the race fee they just get free or discounted stuff.  They are local elites though and have a close ties to all the clubs and bike shops and race organizers, plus they WIN alot of races.  Get a couple of 1st overall wins then sponsors will find you.
2009-08-23 8:57 PM
in reply to: #2365464

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
Perhaps I phrased my OP wrong. I am not asking about the difficulty of finding sponsors as an amateur. I am simply asking, "Can I be sponsored (including sponsors logos on suit) and still race normally as an amateur in any open events of my choosing?"
-Thanks
2009-08-23 9:24 PM
in reply to: #2365593

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?

Chaseg1520 - 2009-08-23 8:57 PM Perhaps I phrased my OP wrong. I am not asking about the difficulty of finding sponsors as an amateur. I am simply asking, "Can I be sponsored (including sponsors logos on suit) and still race normally as an amateur in any open events of my choosing?"
-Thanks

Answer: YES

2009-08-24 7:47 AM
in reply to: #2365464

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Master
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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
Many bike shops have tri teams. At your next race, take a look around. Ask people who are in team gear and ask them about the sponsorship deal.


2009-08-24 8:37 AM
in reply to: #2365464

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?

I have found that it doesnt hurt to contact companies that you use their product and ask. In doing so I hav elanded 40-50% off deals plus some clothing for products that I would already be purchasing. It isnt free but it helps with expenses. YOu can alo go to Loopd.com and apply for varioys sponsorships. I have just recieved deals from a coffee company (I drink a lot of coffee, so that helps) and a chamois cream company. Good luck and let us know how it works out for you.

2009-08-24 9:27 AM
in reply to: #2365464

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
My husband and I have a small business.  We sponsor an amateur triathlete (but we don't sponsor me...??).  He gives us an itemized list of his expenses (race fees, equipment, travel, etc), and we pay him 25%. 

In return, he has our company name on his bike, helmet and tri clothes.  He also occasionally helps out in our tent if we act as vendors at a race.
2009-08-24 10:01 AM
in reply to: #2365464

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?

I think what the OP was getting at is not HOW to get sponsored, but more like, IF he had sponsors, could he still race AG?

 

Tell me if I missed sumthin'.

2009-08-24 10:20 AM
in reply to: #2366356

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
wavedog - 2009-08-24 11:01 AM

I think what the OP was getting at is not HOW to get sponsored, but more like, IF he had sponsors, could he still race AG?

 

Tell me if I missed sumthin'.



The third sentence of the OP?
2009-08-24 10:40 AM
in reply to: #2365464

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
Chaseg1520 - 2009-08-23 5:50 PM I am a new triathlete so I do not know how sponsorships would work. Expenses for amateur triathletes can get pretty rough when you are a poor college student like me. I was wondering though, can I get sponsored by local businesses or something like that? For example, could a local business cover all my entry fees as long as I wore their logo on my shirt? Is that allowed for an amateur? Would that be a violation of rules or something? Would I have to race in certain events only? etc... Any info on this subject would be appreciated, thanks.


It is allowed. Your best bet is to do a resume, just like you would for a job. Include your goals, race results, etc. Show the business how sponsoring you would benefit them. They aren't going to hand you money or discounts just because you are a nice person.

Most of the sponsorships you will get as an amateur AG racer will be discounts on purchases, etc. Even pros have a very hard time getting enough $$ to make it full time.

John


2009-08-24 11:11 AM
in reply to: #2365464

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Subject: RE: Sponsorship possibilities?
Thanks guys! So as a recap: Being sponsored, I can still race the same as an open amateur, but it will be hard to find sponsorships. That's what I needed to know, thanks again... and thanks for the extra tips about getting sponsored!
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