Just out of curiosity, how many of you folks that apply for sponsorships with companies actually BELIEVE in the company and the product and how many of you folks just want some free stuff?
I would never try to solicit sponsorship from a company that I didnt want to use their product. That’s a waste of time for both parites. I am very particular about the products I use for example I run in Newtons, I want a sponsorship from Newton but if Asics came along and said we’ll give you free shoes I would still pay 155/175 for Newtons.
I was offered a free ride on a P4 for next year but I had to turn it down because the graphics are terrible and really clash with my kit. I paid full price for an Ordu instead. You may think me silly but at least I get to keep my integrity, and look good doing it.
I am not sponsored. I am near no where to be sponsored. But I do test products for couple of companies. They basicly send out the items before they introduce to market, we test them by doing nothing more than just using them. Process is simple, you get the item, fill out an online survey on the initial impression. Start using it, fill another online survey. At the end of test process which is about 30 days we fill another survey with suggestions about the product, what could make it better, what should have changed. If the product fails for any reason we send it back with the history of how it has been used. Most of the sports products have programs like this, they pick different users from different regions of the country. I get to see first hand what the upcoming models are, get free stuff (some ask it back after the testing process) and help the brands I like.
I am not sponsored. I am near no where to be sponsored. But I do test products for couple of companies. They basicly send out the items before they introduce to market, we test them by doing nothing more than just using them. Process is simple, you get the item, fill out an online survey on the initial impression. Start using it, fill another online survey. At the end of test process which is about 30 days we fill another survey with suggestions about the product, what could make it better, what should have changed. If the product fails for any reason we send it back with the history of how it has been used. Most of the sports products have programs like this, they pick different users from different regions of the country. I get to see first hand what the upcoming models are, get free stuff (some ask it back after the testing process) and help the brands I like.
PM me with the dotted line where I sign up for this 
+1
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I’m sponsored and love the brands that sponsor me. I like other brands too, but would never work with a sponsor on a brand I disliked. Plus, why bother with free stuff you don’t like/won’t use. It’ll just slow you down.
I don’t get ‘free’ anything but I am in with Rudy Project. And with the way they’ve treated me and they way they back their stuff I’ll be with them until I no longer wear sunglasses. Even if they don’t give me discounts.