INTRODUCTION
Okay, so why is there an article on sponsors in a book dedicated to Recreational Paintball? Funny you should ask that. Sponsorship does have a place in Rec-Ball. However, it is not the same as if you are a tourney team.
The BEST tip I can give you is to get sponsors in this order: Local, Regional, and National. Approach paintball businesses in your area first, then those in your region (state/province) and then go for the larger sponsors.
1.Don't ask for much. You're not looking to completely outfit the entire gang.
2.Always ensure your sponsor is getting something back. Be aware of what the sponsor wants in return for their generosity ('cause that's what it is). It may be as simple a wearing their patch on your cammies. They may want their logo on your banner. Who knows? However, if you feel you can't provide what they want, then decline the offer.
3.Ask present sponsors if they can connect you to others who would be willing to sponsor you.
4.The first sponsor is the most difficult. Once you have a sponsor, you can use them as a reference when approaching other potential sponsors.
5.Don't just concentrate on paintball businesses. Locally owned sporting goods stores, restaurants, sports bars and the like may be willing to sponsor teams. Hey, you might even get the staff out to play and become members. (The reason why I specifically said "locally owned" is that the owner is usually in the store, and no one has to phone "head office" and wade through red tape to approve your request.)
6.Don't get pushy. Don't expect an answer right away. In fact, actually offer them time to think about your request and leave your phone number with them.
Now you are almost ready to go looking for sponsors. But first, you must . . .
ESTABLISH A GOOD REPUTATION IN THE LOCAL AREA
You should be well-mannered, polite, sportsmanlike and helpful at the local fields. You should be safe, fun loving and a general delight to be around. I worked as field staff for about a decade and there were groups I looked forwards to all month to see come out again. You can't know what that means to a field owner and the staff. Your "rep" becomes your resume when you ask for sponsorship.
LOOK FOR LOCAL AREA SPONSORS
Seeing how the field thinks you're the greatest think since slinky remote hoses, ask him for a small sponsorship. Perhaps he could cut playing fees, or paint prices, or whatever he is willing to do. Approach local stores, businesses and the like. Use your first sponsor as a reference.
GET SPONSORS THROUGH YOUR SPONSORS
Okay, so now you're sponsored by the local field and the local store. Think about this: Where do they get their paint and equipment from? Would their supplier be willing to sponsor a rec- ball team?
TALK TO LOCAL TOURNAMENT TEAMS.
They have all their own gear, right? What about the stuff they win? Where does that go? Our club may be purchasing some equipment from a local tourney team who offered it to us to lend to new players who didn't have their own equipment. They may even decide to sponsor you directly (becoming a middle man between you and their sponsors). If they're smart, they'll realize that your rec-ball group is the perfect place from which to recruit new team members.
CONCLUSION
You really have to sell yourself. I found that carrying a few copies of the Canadian Contingent Paintball Club Rules and Charter goes a long way to explain the type of paintball players we are. Our philosophies, our goals, our concern for safety and fair play are all clearly outlined in the Charter and the Rules of Play.
Yeah, sure. It WAS easier to get sponsors when those I asked figured out who I was, but anybody can do it. The process may take a while, but the rewards are worth it.
All of the articles in the "virtual book" Durty Dan's Paintball Information Services are free to use for webpages, school projects, reference and to promote paintball to players and the non-playing public. Credit for the source of the information should be included in the bibliography or references page.
© Durty Dan Enterprises 2000. All rights reserved. All works contained herein are under copyright of the author Durty Dan. While the Terms of Use are broad they do not include the right to republish this work in any publication (hardcopy or electronic) for the purposes of personal financial gain.
