Endorsment.. how to?

[akdom]

Hi all

I am looking for a sponsorship or endorsment contract.

Anyone has some advices?

Some brands asked me for a complete file, which I am fine with, but any experienced comments are welcome.

Thanks

B

[ABAKUA]

Not in any particular order.....

1. Have an impressive biography/resume
2. Have a reputation/following
3. Nothing is for free, you need to prove you can bring in sales to the company in return for endorsing their product
4. Students
5. Gigs/clinic etc that get you seen and have their product seen ie brand exposure
6. Be versatile
7. Believe in the product you are endorsing
8. Have a genuine reasons on why they should endorse you, whats in it for them etc.

Hope this helps brother & good luck!

[akdom]

Hi buddy

Thanks for the input.

I guess I qualify for most of these points.


I think I will give it a shot. I have tons of gigs, my band is pretty well known around here, there are no endrosed musician in this part of the worls, I recorded CDs, played abroad, gave classes, took classes etc etc etc...


Thanks again

B

[JohnnyConga]

Well not exactly the way Abakua says it happens...One u have to be "in the moment", in other words touring with a "Major" act ex..Britney Spears...Marc Anthony....second a CD of your own under your own name, plus a "long and strong" history....and even then u might never get a "full" endorsement but a partial endorsement...less than 1% get a "full" endorsement....Sales of equipment has nothing to do with an Endorsement unless u have a drum "named" after you, and u get a percentage of sales...no company depends on it's artist's solely, as much as they depend on their products...to sell themselves....students have nothing to do with an endorsement as well...and once more it is also 'WHO" u know in the business....I am a Pearl percussion Endorsee....so I am speaking from my personal experience....also every company is different....Johnny Conga....

[ABAKUA]

What JC says is also true.

However, it really depends where you are located also. Not being in a mecca of percussionists competing against each other has its advantages also.

I am not touring with Brittney etc I do alot of local gigs, some on tv, some at clubs, festivals, corporate, etc and clinics, some minor touring etc
However I was approached by a major reputable company (who I will not name on here for defamation reasons - I dont like their congas) and offered a full endorsement. They wanted to create higher brand awareness and sales amongst the Latino players here seeing as that market is dominated by LP here. I was loaned a set of their top of the line congas and stands for a high profile gig I had.
After using the equipment (all brand new) I turned the endorsement down because I did not like the sound, was dissapointed in their stands nor did I feel I could I encourage my students to purchase the brand nor market their product if I didn't believe in it nor was I going to sacrifice my sound just to be able to say "hey, I endorse *insert brand name here* percussion".
The company counted on my influence in the 'scene' and over my students and potential students in terms of sales I could bring to them and the store.
I decided to remain loyal to my supplier and LP, Subsequently after that, once word got back to my supplier of 15 yrs, I was offered partial endorsement. I get a very large percentage off all percussion sales of LP. The percentage is greater when the gear is for me, a bit smaller when I purchase on behalf of a student.

The rules and ways to get endorsed will really vary depending on where you are in the world, what JC says is true for where he is and for the US in general due to the amount of high quality percussionists competing against each other. What Ive listed is the way it is where Im from. Where you are I imagine would be different too.

[zumbi]

What JC says is also true.
After using the equipment (all brand new) I turned the endorsement down because I did not like the sound, was dissapointed in their stands nor did I feel I could I encourage my students to purchase the brand nor market their product if I didn't believe in it nor was I going to sacrifice my sound just to be able to say "hey, I endorse *insert brand name here* percussion".

that's a very high standard, abakua.
i wish more professional players were up to that: often a musician would endorse a certain brand for purely economical reasons and then record with or use other brands everytime that is possible.

peace&blessings!

[Light Seeker]

After using the equipment (all brand new) I turned the endorsement down because I did not like the sound, was dissapointed in their stands nor did I feel I could I encourage my students to purchase the brand nor market their product if I didn't believe in it nor was I going to sacrifice my sound just to be able to say "hey, I endorse *insert brand name here* percussion".

I respect the hell out of you for that. In a time when most people see everything in terms of dollar signs (or whatever local currency), it's refreshing that some people still have principles.

[Light Seeker]

Hahaha zumbi and I posted pretty much the same thing at the same time.

[JohnnyConga]

I would agree with my man Abakua...it also depends where u are in the world.. I also had a simlar situation with a 'new' conga company,I could have gotten a "full" endorsement as well, but I too being with Pearl for 13 years turned them down,, and I too did not like their congas....they look good but ...that is not what makes a drum...Johnny Conga

[akdom]

Hi all
Thanks for al your input on this topic.

In fact, I am looking at an European brand that I simply love. To me, they are as goodas LP!

I hope that they might agree on an endorsment since 1 they do not have much exposure and 2 asmentioned previously, I live in a place where descent percussionists are scarce...

I'll keep you informed.


Thanks



B

[Whopbamboom]

I think a common misconception is that "the manufacturer endorses the artist". It's actually the other way around. The artist endorses the manufacturer, and in return, hopefully gets some exposure (which is why some folks think the manufacturer is endorsing the artist), and also hopefully gets a little factory support... or even a lot of it. I'm probably splitting hairs here, though. It's kind of a two-way relationship, but no manufacturer will do anything unless they feel that it benefits THEM. And so, it will probably NOT feel like a two-way relationship at first... it's also an uphill climb, like anything else in any business.