[lndshrk]

I know I'm asking for a peek at the dark underbelly of the business of running a match, but in this month's Front Sight Magazine, I saw a match that differentiated between STAGE SPONSORS and BANNER SPONSORS.

Could someone who sets these things up explain the exact difference.

Also, I was curious of the expense and benefits of either or both.

Is it truly a good business decision, or just a way of supporting the club putting on the match?

Thanks!

[kimel]

Not sure I have heard the term "banner" sponsors but often you hear of stage sponsors and match sponsors.

Match sponsorship is at a higher level (prizes and/or cash) than stage sponsors.

The exact amounts vary from match to match though. Being a match sponsor at the USPSA Nationals is going to run you more than the match sponsorship of the Kimbuktu Sectional.

As a shooter I tend to support the sponsors that support the matches I go to. That is one of the big reason I shoot Montana Gold bullets...they sponsor several of the matches I shoot. So, is it a good business decision? Sure must be or they wouldn't keep doing it.

Area 1 was Match co-sponsored by Montana Gold who gave out well in excess of $1000 in gift cert. The other sponsor was Springfield Armory (if memory serves). Four SA guns were given away at Area 1 (but I am not positive all were donations).

FWIW, most clubs could not afford to put on a big match without the sponsors. If they did, the entry fee would be so big that very few shooters would attend.

Hope that helps.

And thanks to all the sponsors for helping out too!

[Rob Boudrie]

I have noticed a near-perfect correlation between sponsoring events and the willingness to go beyond the letter of the warrantee. It's rare to see a company which is generous with sponsorships not do right by their customers. Buying from sponsors geratly increases your chances of getting great treatment if you ever have a problem with the product.

[lndshrk]

More specifically, in the July/August 2005 Front Sight on page 41, there is a box with Area 6 Sponsors:

Match Sponsor
Stage Sponsors
Banner Sponsors - ???????????????

[shred]

IIRC, a "Stage" sponsor gets their name and only their name on the stage in question (I don't know if the sponsor can pick the stage or not.. most of the time it seems like not). A "Banner" sponsor gets to hang their banner somewhere not on a stage, maybe in with other banners.

[GAPEACH]

lndshrk, on Jul 8 2005, 01:26 PM, said:

More specifically, in the July/August 2005 Front Sight on page 41, there is a box with Area 6 Sponsors:

Match Sponsor
Stage Sponsors
Banner Sponsors - ???????????????

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

For the Area 6, we had different levels of sponsorship that were explained in the sponsor agreement letter that went out to the sponsors. The match sponsorship cost the most with stage sponsorships being the next largest amounts. We also had a 'Banner' sponsorship that was the smallest amount that could be donated and still get the sponsor's name in the matchbook. I don't know if we are unique in that we allow more than one sponsor to make up a stage sponsorship. For the Area 6, a sponsor could elect to co-sponsor a stage for part of the amount of a full stage sponsorship. This allows your smaller sponsors to get their name on a stage sign and get some extra exposure for a small amount of money. My feeling is that the more accomodating to sponsors we can be, the better off the sport will be in the long run. Hope this explains it!

[lndshrk]

Thanks, exactly the answer I was looking for!

[John Heiter]

For our larger matches, we call them Match Sponsors, Stage Sponsors, and Match Supporters. Basically just provides room for the folks who want to give something but can't afford the big ticket stuff. We've had match supporters provide us with pinestraw bales for bullet stops, plastic bags for the shooters packets, loan us extra ez-up tents, etc.

[nm3gnr]

Hello to All !

I am looking for help on gathering and signing up sponsors for our state sectional championship match.

The help I need is what levels ($ amount ) to assign to stage or higher sponsorship. and if anyone has a sponsor agreement letter or form that I could get ideas from to make up my own form.

We expect 100-120 shooters and are looking to get a prize table going this year.

Thank you in advance for any help you could provide!