"Sponsorship" opportunity

Wow, that's a cool tri suit and that bike looks very aero!

Same for me.

Hence the fact that its only a "sposorship" .

"Gotcha"

LOL.  Give me a break.  What it really is is them selling their stuff to you probably at a price still over their cost and getting free walking advertisements out of it.  Don't make this out to be some grand gesture on their part.  They're a business and do things that ultimately make them money.

Is that a bad thing for them?  Not at all.  Is it bad for you?  Probably not, if you're getting a big discount on things you'd buy otherwise.

Let's just not make it out to be any more than it is.

I'm not faulting them for anything, and I said that in my post.  I just don't accept the notion that they're doing this out of the goodness of their hearts.  They're doing it for business purposes.

Again, there's nothing wrong with that.  It is what it is.

I think it's funny that both Derek and Rick are saying the same thing yet seem to be arguing.

Also, that the OP posted it as a good deal on tri stuff - more like it's a purchasing opportunity, which is what it really is (along with most forms of sponsorship).

Err, I'm not arguing with anybody.  Just differ slightly in how I view this offer.

It's easy to tell when I'm arguing.   

I hope you're not on your high horse about knowing how sponsorships work. I've seen several (not for me of course) where they actually give you FREE stuff.

Fleeb for example gets TYR gear and race entries with Ironhead...for free.

Now, my first thought with the GU 'sponsorship' was that its way for them to make more money and that is the only motivation. Ohh...you get water bottles (that cost them basically nothing) and gels. You pay for the outfit. I don't use any of their products, wouldn't pay a cent to be 'sponsored' by them and honestly, I'll probably chuckle when I see someone 'sponsored' by them out at a race. But that is just me.

Now I do happily wear "Team BT" gear because I love the site and what the owners/administrators do for the site. *cough* maybe they'll send me free BT stuff *cough*

Regardless, I bet their inbox is flooded with resumes of athletes who just want to be "sponsored" for the sake of being able to say that they are.

Honestly, If I used Gu products religiously I'd be happy to pitch their products and  get a discount.  But I'm an eGel guy myself.  Unfortunately, they turned down my sponsorship request last year

Here is my $.02 on things since I am the captain of our AG team this year. We have an Elite team that has SOME financial assistance, but by and large they are a "discounted" type team also. It is extremely difficult to get sponsorship as an amateur athlete unless you have some Pro potential or high AG placement at major races. My view is that if it makes you feel special or (like Rick) gives you a discount on things you would normally buy anyway then go for it. By promoting your favorite product or service you may make the cost go down as they attract more customers.

If you are interested in our AG team go to www.thesportfactory.com and click on the teams banner. You must have a strong race resume' to be considered, limited spots available.

Which is why I said "seem to be arguing".  

I think the idea is that the bulk of the package is made up of the clothing, and the money you pay for the whole deal would cost more than the nutrition offered.  That way you would have to wear the jersey, top, etc. to get true value from the package.

And to everyone who thinks its a stupid offer, if I get any more emails with these type of deals, should I post them?