makristal

So I was watching TV tonight when these ads kept on popping up which caught my attention. http://www.carsponsors.com/index.php And for the life of me I can't seem to figure out if this is a huge scam, or if this is actually something that is a great idea for people who have a lot of interest in modifying their car, but don't have to means to do so.

Let me know if you've heard about this or if you've done it. Would be interesting to see how this thing works.

-Mike

Flashwing

Most of those sponsorship programs are nothing more than you paying fees to buy certain parts for slightly above cost.

Is it a "scam"? Not really. The problem is people think that by simply offering to run a logo on their car that it entitles them to free stuff.

dozer

iTrader: (3)

^ill let BHR sponsor me

makristal

Haha, well I'm not really sure I would want to take part in this because it just sounds like a pyramid scheme of you pay, you get "services rendered" then nothing really happens, then you get thrown into a loop of dealing with ******** who are holding your money for services they aren't performing for you...

Flashwing

It's not anything like a pyramid scheme. The problem is companies like that tend to make their money off of car owners who think if they pay $80 and use their car as a mobile billboard that they will get free stuff.

Almost all of the people who seek out sponsorships in this fashion fail to understand how the automotive sponsorship process actually works.

I had the opportunity to talk to a local AZ guy who had been doing stuff for Carsponsorships.com and it sounded like a terrible experience. First off, when you get sponsored by a company you don't get to pick what you want on your car. If you want a bodykit sponsor then you run the body kit they give you. Same goes for performance parts and stuff like that.

People don't understand also that they are going to be expected (gasp!) to spend money on their car. Reason being, if I am a sponsor and I see that you are not willing to invest money in yourself then why would I do it? If you don't believe in yourself and your own car to throw money at it don't expect other companies to do it.

Sponsorship is also a lot of work. It's beyond running stickers. It's doing shows which means traveling as well as being able to talk to people about products and be a representative of the company that sponsors you. It might mean other things like making your car available for sponsorship functions.

The bottom line is to get sponsored you have to being value to the company that is throwing parts or money at you. Show cars, like club racers, are a dime a dozen. Unless you bring something to the table no one is even going to look at you.

I'm not saying it can't be done. What I am saying is any serious sponsorship company is going to be looking for very unique and dedicated car owners. Most people don't fall into that category. Sure you might have a 370z with wheels and a body kit or a Scion TC with a massive stereo system and tons of neon lights. So do a few thousand other car enthusiasts.

makristal

I see, that's very insightful. Seems like there's more icing on the cake than people expect in the beginning. Seems like when they advertise they are sending a message which conflicts with what you're saying. They say you can choose your components and your performance parts; I'm assuming this means you can choose what you generally want to receive then they decide what you get. I guess they never specifically say you can choose the exact pieces that you want to put in/on your car.

I wonder how many people sign up for this unknowingly. I mean, to assume they are projecting a profit earning business model, how would they earn most of their revenue. Through the sponsors paying them to do this? Or strictly through people's excited registration into this type of scheme?

VashCloud

Now i won a free year with them twice. It was okay, the discounts on some parts where better than you could find from a distributor (whole sell) but it wasnt really worth it, but like i said i got it for free through a modified mag email sweepstakes thing.

Anyway, the ONE good thing it provided was contacts. Thanks to them I was able to meet a lot of shops outside WA area and some guys like modified mag, super street publishers, (source link media) and sound performance. Also, had the chance to work the HIN booth in 08 but i turned it down.

Anyway, I rather just keep up with my "sponsorship" plan. Which is owning my own distribution online store and buying stuff for myself LOL

yomomspimp06

I used to work for this company...I was the cheesy guy that called you and talked you out of 99$. Believe me it was easy with the script provided and the because I knew a lot about cars it just made it easier. Top "Seller" for my short time there. I will not bash the company because they were good people. They did capitalize on the weakness of those not knowing a lot about the sponsorship process. STAY AWAY FROM CARSPONORS, it's not the best way for sponsorship. On a side note one of my bosses was a girl and she was the hottest chick everrrrrrr.

VashCloud

Want a good sponsor? THE ARMY! They sponsor my life! lol jk