Lettering tow vehicles, effective?

[Tommy]

Trying to decide if I should put sponsor lettering on my tow vehicle or not. Do you think its an effective means of adfvertising? I'm not real sure if I'd be comfortable with it on there either. Whats your opinions of this practice?
Thanks for some input!

[Mike Michalak]

Tommy...

It's been our experience that quality lettering and placement on the tow vehicle never hurts. Keep in mind you don't want to look like a stock car or a motorhome however.

It reinforces what you do, who you are and what those decals and stickers mean to our sport. They support you and everyone else who wets a line...it's a great way to spread the word.

[CNDFish]

Tommy,
In addition to being a tournament fisherman I'm also a Category Manager, and I think that lettering/branding a tow vehicle is an effective form of advertising.
With that said however, the "branding" has to be consistent with the brand image, be large enough to read clearly but small enough as not to seem overbaring. The lettering will essentailly become a rolling billboard which means it should remain simple and clear to elicit the desire responce in the consumer. Anything that helps keep a brand "top of mind" with the consumer helps. Also, have the lettering produced by your sponsor to ensure everything is consistent with the other element of their marketing mix.

see what a four year marketing degree gets you - besides in debt:-)

Let me know if you need any other ideas, shawn@fishingxcanada.com

Shawn
www.fishingxcanada.com

[Tommy]

Thanks for the great answers, very well said, and very well thought out.
Tommy

[Gary Gray]

Tommy:

I have had my sponsor's logo's on my truck for 17 yrs. This is a very effective way to advertise for them. They do see the results, when they hear about the vehicle that had their logo on it, or see it for themselves. Some people will load their vehicle with all the decals they can get their hands on, or for a hat or jacket. Do it right, and have your own lettering done, get it done with vinyl letters, and it will last forever. Keep in mid, your are then an extension of their business, and people will relate to that, good or bad.
I sell the space on my truck, and not just for a hat or jacket. If you do it right, you can make a dollar or two, and at the same time, represent your sponsors well.

Good Luck with your decission,
Gary Gray, #10

[whitetips]

Gary any numbers on those rates.. ballpark figures and do you do it monthly or entire year?

[Jim Ordway]

I think the jist of "selling space" is that this is a profession for these anglers, and the sponsorship must have some real value in supporting the ongoing expenses of fishing professionally. I don't think that rates are based on the sq/ft.

[Tommy]

Gary, your answer was very enlightning. I din't realize anyone actually sold space on their vehicles. Your status in the tournament world is well known, and I think it's great you can do this!

This brings up another point. I had a guy tell me that a fisherman isn't truly sponsored unless he signs a contract, and gets paid. I always considered myself sponsored because I was allowed to buy product at a much reduced rate through guide programs, etc., am I mistaken, or do you believe there are different levels of sponsorship?

Tommy

[A few points]

Who told you that tommy? Is he a nutcase that is pee'd off that he cannot get sponsors? Or is he jealous that you do have them?
As to badging on the vehicle, sponsors MUST provide me with the badging. I will put stuff of reasonable size on the glass only, just for being a staffer, but the sponsors must provide the stickers. If they want more, they must have a contract with me and pay for the badging and application, or it dont go there.
As to funny looks etc. people will look at you like you have your underpants on your head unless you are in a tournament town during or around the tourney,or near a sportshow.
Kids will snicker, even those with the euroracing crud they buy at the local parts house. When I had one smartguy think he was knocking me for the sponsors logos I asked him how much company whatever paid him to have the badging across the windshield? Or how much Honda paid him fro the huge logo across his deck lid and rear quarters he said, "Nothing" I then pointed to each sticker/badging on the truck and announced the contract value for each logo. That shut him up.

[eye guy]

what if you are just looking for a little help to pay for entre fees in a local (state) tournament trail... and not the big corporate sponsors. Do the same rules apply, as long as you can bring something of value to the table for that company. Just a matter of marketing yourself I assume. How did you land your first sponsor, anyone?????? -thanks

-eye guy

[FROGMAN]

FRIENDSHIP. It all begins with a relationship with that sponsor. You build a sposnsorship much like a friendship. You must be able to help them emplement the strategy, or business plan as well. You must be willing to work for them! You would be surprised at the number of people that just want some free product, or reduced prices without doing anything in return. That don't cut it. Except for the very big companies most businesses do not have the budget to help everyone that applies. They have to allocate their advertising dollars to where they feel the most will come of it, and you had better have your ducks in a row if you are going up against some of my colleagues that have been doing this awhile. They are very professional, and very polished. They bring to a sponsor a complete package that makes them believe that they will sell product with that person. Sorry if this sounds preachy, but just some of my observations, and well, you asked. Good luck with your pursuit.
Tight lines

Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[mnwalleyekiller]

I dont see a problem as long as you are actually sponserd by that company. Keep them small also, we all can read them and laugh.

[BlackSilver]

Hey, the more stickers, the better. Gives your truck that down-home redneck look. }> Go for it!

SET the hook!!!

Hans }>

[guide]

I guide for a living and have some good sponsors. From what I have found, my sponsors really don't care if I put a sticker on my windshield or boat. The reality is that every weekend warrior will put a sticker on their boat for free. Sponsors care about how many people you guide, how much publicity you get in the media, and whether you can communicate via public speaking or writing. Speaking for myself, I don't want people to know who I am or what I am doing when I am out on the water. Nothing but problems. Why make it easy for people to identify you? So they can follow you or claim you moved in on them? Incognito is the way to go. Just my oppinion.