[kentphoto]

I got an email today from a band in LA. They're doing a tour in the NY area. Shooting a video, photo shoots etc. They asked for a sponsor for some shirts, so I'm giving each band member 2 shirts. I hope this ends up getting my shirts a bit of press/exposure.

The band seems very nice, and willing to send "lots of photos" and promote the brand. We'll see how it works out. It could be a mutually beneficial relationship...

Anyone else do this type of promotion?

 

[hammered]

I did this a little with stickers and drumhead graphics. All before I started doing shirts and such. Didnt really come to much for me though. Hope yours works out, keep us up on how its going.

 

[jdr8271]

I get emails like that every now and then. I cant hit the delete button quick enough. These small bands are just looking for free clothes.

 

[kentphoto]

Ah well, We'll see what happens. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?

 

[Solmu]

Yeah, it's kind of tricky. On the one hand I completely agree with Jon that most (if not all) of these bands are just scabs looking for free stuff. On the other hand, it's not an expensive investment and you never know which of these losers will turn out to be unexpectedly successful (and as you said, nothing ventured, nothing gained).

All in all you're probably better hitting delete and moving on, but it's a gamble and you never know when it might pay off.

You might be better off seeking out bands and making them an offer, rather than waiting to see who comes to you though. That way if it doesn't pay off, at least you know you gave some shirts to a band you like.

 

[kentphoto]

I have a friend who tours with the first "American Idol" I'm going to be sending her a bunch of Tees. We'll see how that goes. too I guess.

 

[Comin'OutSwingin]

Yeah, you're probably better off finding a band of your own than just sending some shirts to people that email you.

I mentioned in a thread before about a comedian that I have a deal with that performs at comedy clubs and will be on BET around the first of the year.

I also have a guy at my day job that has a record label on the side with some VERY promising artists who also have connections to some established artists.

We are working on a deal for me to sponsor 1 or 2 of his main artists.

I would say get everything in writing. You don't want to just be giving someone free clothes, only to find out that they aren't even wearing them when they are on stage, or in a video.

A contract here is a must. There is consideration on both sides (what you need to have in a contract). You are getting publicity for your shirts and paying for it, WITH your shirts. Obviously, they are getting shirts, but they are not free! They are paying for the shirts by wearing them!

Hope it works out!

 

[farennikov]

great topic, I should have started it. I get a lot of inquiries about sponsoring bands and teams on myspace. I am nowehere near being able to help at this point but I'd love to try, especially with bands in LA/Orange County, where I could actually come to the gig and see what kind of crowd they get, are they my target audience etc.

If anyone had successful experience with sponsoring bands, please share it here, thanks.

 

[Solmu]

A contract here is a must. There is consideration on both sides (what you need to have in a contract). You are getting publicity for your shirts and paying for it, WITH your shirts.

It's hard to know just what you should be getting in return though - shirts aren't worth much after all. And while in general contracts are a good idea, I'd feel like an idiot if the contract basically amounted to "for every one free shirt you are given you will wear the shirt at one live performance"... it hardly seems worth the effort of writing it up (and if they breach it... are you going to sue? ).

This whole "sponsorship" thing has always bothered me a little - to me sponsorship involves more than giving someone a few clothes they don't really need. There's nothing wrong with doing that, and it can be mutually beneficial, it just seems a bit inaccurate when a company then sells up the fact that they are "sponsoring" X, Y and Z.

To me sponsorship might be something more along the lines of buying the guitarist that new guitar he's been needing, or covering all of the band's logo needs (drumheads, a big banner, etc.), etc. Obviously you'd expect more in return for that than if you were to just give away a few shirts (and the contract starts to become increasingly important), but I guess I just find the whole thing a little odd.

 

[Comin'OutSwingin]

I don't look at it as sponsorship. I view it as providing a wardrobe.

I have more than t-shirts available, and am willing to give the artists/comedian any one of my items to wear at live events.

In my case a contract is extremely important to me. The comedian that I am providing clothing for is going to be on a national television show on at least 3 occasions.

This can prove to be very valuable for me. If he decided that he just didn't feel like wearing my stuff for those appearances, without a contract, I'm just sitting holding my shirts, hats, jerseys, hoodies, etc looking stupid!

In addition to his national television appearances he performs in different states on the weekends, and I have sold shirts to people in Atlanta, Memphis, Miami just for starters because he is wearing my stuff, and mentions it on stage.

As far as a band/artist goes. The artists that I will be providing clothing for, may be wearing it for their video. Again, this could prove to be extremely lucrative for me. So a contract would be the only way to inforce such an agreement or seek recourse if they were to not wear my stuff.

 

[farennikov]

In my case a contract is extremely important to me. The comedian that I am providing clothing for is going to be on a national television show on at least 3 occasions.

well so I see what you get from this - hopefully, a lot of exposure. Now, what does your comediand, and the band, get from you in return?

 

[Comin'OutSwingin]

For the moment, clothing they don't have to purchase.

I might add that after the event they keep the clothing, and they get NEW clothing for each event. This way they don't have to worry about getting the clothes cleaned or pressed.

This gets to be clothing that is worth a lot of money.

My jerseys sell for over $100 and the comedian really loves jerseys.

Also, I provide some designs/color schemes that are only available to him. To cater to the colors he likes to wear.

All of which is very expensive for me.

I have an agreement with the comedian for 1 year, and stock in my corporation.

If the exposure that I gain from him wearing my clothing makes the company money, he will reap the benefits also, because he has ownership in the company.

 

[farennikov]

For the moment, clothing they don't have to purchase.

I have an agreement with the comedian for 1 year, and stock in my corporation.

If the exposure that I gain from him wearing my clothing makes the company money, he will reap the benefits also, because he has ownership in the company.

Are you a public company? Where are you listed? OTC BB, Pinksheets?

 

[farennikov]

My jerseys sell for over $100 and the comedian really loves jerseys

well yeah, that's better then a free $15 tshirt. Do you have your brand name pretty prominent on your clothing?

 

[Comin'OutSwingin]

Right now I'm a privately held corporation.

Yes, the name of the clothing line is very prominent on most of the clothing.

So far in local clubs he has also mentioned the name of my clothing line and what it is about in his appearances. I don't know if he'll be able to do that on the BET comedy show or not.

Also, I would like to add, it's not like I twisted his arm to agree to wear my stuff. It was actually his idea. He passed by my desk one day at work (I work in the medical insurance industry), and liked the shirts that I had on my desk, and wanted to know if he could wear it on stage.

Initially he was going to pay for the items that he wore, and I didn't want him to pay for it, if he was going to give me such great exposure.

Here's the thread where I talk about it in more detail:

http://www.t-shirtforums.com/showthread.php?t=4718

 

[boogex]

Dont do it! Of course a "no-named" band is asking you to sponcer shirts,they are asking for "Free Stuff" from who ever gives.My advice to you,get a contract with the band for their free shirts,saying if you offer free merchandice,that you have exclusive rights on all their shirt printing for 5 years.If they become famous,YOU WILL BE RICH!
Look online for "Do-itYourself" legal contracts if you do not know the law.Im sure there is a contract that will fit your needs.
Never give away anything FREE!If you do,always have the "Fine Print"at the bottom to help you in the future..lol.
Be sure to list their record label too,not just the band and/or one person of the group/band.

 

[Solmu]

I have an agreement with the comedian for 1 year, and stock in my corporation.

I was sitting here thinking "Yes, but what's in it for him" until I got to this bit

Now that explains the need for a contract. You're actually giving him quite a lot, so it is important that he keeps up his end of the bargain.

I think that even when we're talking $100 jerseys, custom colourways, etc. it's still not a big deal though. Yes the company providing that stuff should get something in return, but keeping it in perspective they're not giving much away. 1% of your company is an entirely different matter

When I complained about people using the word "sponsorship" I was definitely talking in general and not about anyone specific. I think it still applies in general - people expect too much for what amounts to a very small gift. Even if you fit out a five piece with a t-shirt each... that costs $15-50. It's not exactly a huge investment, and people really need to keep that in perspective.

If you're handing out 1% in shares you've got room to be demanding, but a few t-shirts doesn't buy you diddly squat.

 

[Comin'OutSwingin]

I was sitting here thinking "Yes, but what's in it for him" until I got to this bit

Now that explains the need for a contract. You're actually giving him quite a lot, so it is important that he keeps up his end of the bargain.

Yes, this is true. Even though he really didn't want anything in return, or even want free clothes. He just believed in the concept and wanted to contribute to my success, and thought that the exposure that he gets would be a great way for me to get some exposure as well.

He's a great guy, and had no motives for himself. As I said, he wanted to purchase the items.

When I complained about people using the word "sponsorship" I was definitely talking in general and not about anyone specific. I think it still applies in general - people expect too much for what amounts to a very small gift. Even if you fit out a five piece with a t-shirt each... that costs $15-50. It's not exactly a huge investment, and people really need to keep that in perspective.

I didn't take it as you referring to anyone specifically, or me in particular. I agree with you completely!


I think Kent should go for it. Especially since even if they renig on their part of the deal, you are only out a few shirts, as Lewis said. But if they keep up their end of the deal, it could be a great thing for you.

 

[kentphoto]

I don't see it as a really big deal. I thought I'd give it a shot, and see if they send me some photos of them wearing the shirts. (Like they said). They have 4 band members. I gave them 8 shirts. No biggie.

My site has only been up for a week. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt, AND I like their music. Like I said before, "nothing ventured..."

Avril Lavigne was on some award show wearing a "Napanee, Ontario Home Hardware" shirt. That store couldn't keep the shirts in stock after that appearance. A fluke? maybe. Possible for it to happen again? definitely.

After reading this discussion though, I will think twice if I get approached again for this type of deal. But for now, the shirts are printed, packaged, and ready to be shipped to L.A. Monday. I'm sure it won't be the last 8 shirts I write off. Maybe these guys will hit, and my shirts will get a bit of good press for my site.

 

[Comin'OutSwingin]

Here's to you! Good Luck!