Endorsement pros & cons?

[Bennito]

I've recently found myself in a position where I can start looking for endorsements. I've already been offered a cost artist endorsement by one of the better known companies.

What I want to know is, what, do you feel, would be the pros and cons of any endorsement?

Here's what I think, but I'm definitely looking for other opinions, too.

Pros: GEAR! Cheap or free. What more can you ask?
Cons: Exclusivity. Also, a friend said that if I ever have a fly date, where backline is supplied, it can be a pain in the butt to arrange for "my" company's amp to be there, especially if it's more of a boutique-y rig.

Any other thoughts?

[BassGreaser]

I say go for it... I currently have a few endorsements aswell. It will only help you as a bassist, and will help you get more down the road.

[Sean S]

I don't know anything about endorsements, but you play with K-os? Awesome!

[BigMikeW]

Originally Posted by Bennito

I've recently found myself in a position where I can start looking for endorsements. I've already been offered a cost artist endorsement by one of the better known companies.

What I want to know is, what, do you feel, would be the pros and cons of any endorsement?

Here's what I think, but I'm definitely looking for other opinions, too.

Pros: GEAR! Cheap or free. What more can you ask?
Cons: Exclusivity. Also, a friend said that if I ever have a fly date, where backline is supplied, it can be a pain in the butt to arrange for "my" company's amp to be there, especially if it's more of a boutique-y rig.

Any other thoughts?

If you like the company and gear and their is no service issues then it is a no brainer. Don't worry about the backline crap. If you can't get your companies stuff there then use what they got. I have had a good handful of endorsements and almost all have been good experiences. Plus you get more exposure.

Who are you looking at? PM me if you'd rather not disclose that here.

[cadduc]

and if the backline is not your sponsor
and if they make a big deal out of it make sure you discuss this with them before you sign make sure it is specified in the contract that they will provide their stuff to you and stipulate that if it doesnt happen before show time that in the worst case your can use the backline provided or a piece of duct tape will be placed over the offending manufacturers badge

[BigMikeW]

Originally Posted by cadduc

and if the backline is not your sponsor
and if they make a big deal out of it make sure you discuss this with them before you sign make sure it is specified in the contract that they will provide their stuff to you and stipulate that if it doesnt happen before show time that in the worst case your can use the backline provided or a piece of duct tape will be placed over the offending manufacturers badge

That is not usually a problem. With amp companies the contracts alwyas read that you are to use their gear anytime you play live unless the gear is provided. This is just a non-issue from all the companies I have dealt with.

[Joe Nerve]

if you're endorsing gear purely for the discounted or possible free gear, i think you might want to recheck your motives. If ya don't love the companies you're going to be approaching, then IMO you shouldn't be endoring them. they'll smell it a mile away, too.

your other concerns are non issues. unless you're getting free gear (which is rare) companies generally aren't going to ask you for exclusivity. if you're playing someplace that's next to impossible for you to get your gear to they'll either provide it for you, or understand. most companies will tell you in detail what they expect - which is generally that you don't endorse any competitive companies and that you use their gear in your promotional material. common sense and good ethics usually takes care of the rest.

pros of endorsemets: you get the gear you love at a discount or free, you get to be equally supportive of the company, both sides benefit.

cons: none that i know of.

[Bennito]

Just to clarify, the companies i've approached and hope to approach are companies who's products I've used/owned and had good experiences with. There are a couple of companies that I've read rave reviews about on this forum, and before contacting them, I will be trying out there stuff at the local music store. So it's not just about the free gear.

Just wanted to clarify that.

Thanks for the help. You all had good advice.

[Subculture13]

We're you playing with the Mudmen recently in Toronto? I know them through a friend and they said that the guy they have right now on bass is a hired gun and needs to move on soon, so they want me to take over.

I can't take the gig, I'm not at a point in my life where I can afford to leave the day job to be a low paid rockstar anymore, just thought it an interesting coincidence. Congrats on your work though, impressive resume for sure.

[Marcus Willett]

I only would and only do endorse gear I use and love. I would echo BigMikeW's sentiments and say if that's the case, it's a no-brainer. If it's gear you want to use, there really is no downside at all; it's really a win-win all around.

[tommixx]

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

if you're endorsing gear purely for the discounted or possible free gear, i think you might want to recheck your motives. If ya don't love the companies you're going to be approaching, then IMO you shouldn't be endoring them. they'll smell it a mile away, too.

your other concerns are non issues. unless you're getting free gear (which is rare) companies generally aren't going to ask you for exclusivity. if you're playing someplace that's next to impossible for you to get your gear to they'll either provide it for you, or understand. most companies will tell you in detail what they expect - which is generally that you don't endorse any competitive companies and that you use their gear in your promotional material. common sense and good ethics usually takes care of the rest.

pros of endorsemets: you get the gear you love at a discount or free, you get to be equally supportive of the company, both sides benefit.

cons: none that i know of.

BIG +1....Endorsements just to say you have them are pretty worthless...ESPECIALLY if you don't really dig the gear! The endorsments I have ever taken or given was gear that I really loved at that time in my career. As gear evolved, so did my endorsements and my view on having them. Over time I have found that it is MUCH easier to be objective about everything and to be honest with yourself if you are not beholden to someone else due to a contract of some kind...

If you can get a good deal on gear you love BUT you become a puppet in the process, what is a few bucks in the overall scheme of your life...For me it has to be integrity first, discounts second. As long as you can do that and still be objective with your own needs down the line, there is no down side at all....

Good Luck out there, it is a cruel, cruel, world...LOL!

Oh and by the way...read my signature line....



Peace,

T

[KJung]

There are endorsements and then there are 'endorsements'. Very, very, very few players get the kind of endorsement deals that truly make them a representative of the company, and that's a pretty cool thing. For example, my buddy Tommy Kennedy has been an Ampeg representative for many years. They provide all his backline, he does clinics for them, and is involved in product development.

That is a very rare situation and is, of course, very restrictive.

The type of 'endorsements' that most 'normal' players have are really not anything to worry about. Most of these involve a company giving a player a wholesale direct price on one or two pieces of gear with the hopes that they will get some buzz on sites like these, and have their gear seen in local clubs, etc. IMO, this is not really an endorsement deal at all, and there are no responsibilities or limitations whatsoever. You would be under no responsibility to use that gear all the time, etc.

[Steve Clark]

Originally Posted by Bobb

but you play with K-os? Awesome!

+ a whole bunch. A great gig for sure.