Sponsorhouse: Clearing House of Racing Sponsorships

Flip through the pages of any sport training magazine and you'll find full page age for Sponsorhouse.com. But are they as good as it sounds?

I'm a local mountain biker and bmx racer. I don't do national competitions. I rarely do regional races. At the end of 2007, I signed up for the free portion of Sponsorhouse services. I did nothing with it in 2008 as I didn't race. This year, I've filled out application for 3 different sponsors and have already signed a contract with one.

So how does this work? When you register for the free membership, you're limited to a certain number of applications that you can fill out. (If you need to fill out more, you'll have to pay a small fee.)

You create your profile, pick your main sport and any secondary sports. You can upload photos, add race statistics, and give a general description.

Then the fun begins. As manufacturers listed with Sponsorhouse start putting "ads" for racers to sponsor, the website will email you notifications. When you log in, you have the option of applying for the ones email to you. You can also browse through the list of companies seeking athletes to sponsor. Most applications will want to know where you buy your gear, your name & address, and why you feel they should sponsor you. Some will want to know if you use their product and if not, how soon would you make a purchase.

Check out the sponsors website. Make sure you're comfortable with idea of wearing and promoting the product. Most companies have a page dedicated to the racers they sponsor. Some have them listed on a sidebar. Read the other racer's profiles to get an idea if you will fit what they are looking for. A few companies list directly what their requirements are. Don't be surprised to find that many are looking more for the average everyday athlete than the pro-elite.

If accepted, most companies will offer a percentage discount from their products. You're usually required to display their logo on your equipment, and perhaps your vehicle. Of course, you're prohibited from displaying or being sponsored by any direct competition. Some will want you to update your information every so often so they can keep tabs or link. All of them will want permission to use your name and information in advertising.

Don't feel that you need to stop at one sponsorship. Apply to the brand apparel that you like or would be willing to purchase and try. If you're a cyclist, you can apply to a frame manufacturer and parts manufacturers as neither are in direct competition with each other. Got the idea? Go through the lists

Apply to those companies that really interest you. After all, who wants to go thru a season supporting a product they don't believe in? Sign up, fill out those applications, and get sponsored!