Offered an Endorsement Deal.. seems sketchy

[Jerritt Craig]

Hey folks!!

I just got offered an endorsement deal but there are some red flags that I'd like to see if anyone may or may not know about.

Basically the company sent me a message on Instagram and offered me a deal to order a custom instrument, and they would give me 50% off the instrument, as well as feature me as an artist on their website/instagram/facebook.

Some of this just seems off, first off them messaging me on Instagram.. Basically what I'd like to know is if anyone here has any experience with something like this and any advice you could offer.

Also please tell me if this is the right place to post these types of questions.

Thanks Everyone!

 

[Jim C]

Maybe a hoax?
Seems like email or a letter would be the only enforceable contract.
Wording would be very important as well (same bass they normally sell under X brand name; is it a 2nd, any issues).

 

[Woodchuck]

Is is 50% off street price or dealer price?

 

[Woodchuck]

Maybe a hoax?
Seems like email or a letter would be the only enforceable contract.
Wording would be very important as well (same bass they normally sell under X brand name; is it a 2nd, any issues).

My deals started with a faxed/emailed contract to sign.

 

[Jerritt Craig]

My deals started with a faxed/emailed contract to sign.

Mine was all through Instagram, then they sent me an email after I provided them with my email with the endorsement paperwork. They basically told me they'd build anything I want.. but won't send me any instruments to try as they aren't that big of a company.

 

[Jerritt Craig]

Is is 50% off street price or dealer price?

50% off of what they start their instruments at. They start at 2000

 

[Woodchuck]

Mine was all through Instagram, then they sent me an email after I provided them with my email with the endorsement paperwork. They basically told me they'd build anything I want.. but won't send me any instruments to try as they aren't that big of a company.

That makes sense.

 

[Stinsok]

I have a friend that had a deal with Pearl like that. He had a couple of ad photos and got a discount on equipment. As long as you don't have to pay for anything other than the discounted instruments and have some restrictions on what other instruments you play it should be ok.

 

[Woodchuck]

I have a friend that had a deal with Pearl like that. He had a couple of ad photos and got a discount on equipment. As long as you don't have to pay for anything other than the discounted instruments and have some restrictions on what other instruments you play it should be ok.

Yeah, each company is different. My Warwick Stage 1 5 cost me $700, but Ibanez sent me stuff for free. My drummer got a custom made Gretsch kit for free, but Yamaha wanted him to pay $2000. It depends on the size and the popularity of the company and artist. I've been with GK for forever, and I've never gotten anything free from them. I've been with them for about 17 years now.

 

[Jerritt Craig]

Yeah, each company is different. My Warwick Stage 1 5 cost me $700, but Ibanez sent me stuff for free. My drummer got a custom made Gretsch kit for free, but Yamaha wanted him to pay $2000. It depends on the size and the popularity of the company and artist. I've been with GK for forever, and I've never gotten anything free from them. I've been with them for about 17 years now.

I appreciate your insight!! Think I should go for it?

 

[Woodchuck]

I appreciate your insight!! Think I should go for it?

If it's a solid company and you really like their product, I'd go for it. First make a phone call to the company to see if it's legit, then have your dream ax built.

 

[micguy]

If it was something you would buy without the deal, then it's a bargain. If not, then it's an impulse buy.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Does the company happen to start with an M?

These deals can be legit. They probably send a bunch of messages out to see who's interested and then email actual contracts after good contact is made.

 

[bassliner50]

Sounds like a slick marketing come on. I would not indulge them. An instrument at no cost in exchange for honest opinion and review, OK. That is the only real deal.

 

[Pirate Captain]

Would you feel comfortable endorsing something you have never played and have no idea if it's good or not? That's the sketchy part. Have them send you a bass for evaluation...if you like it, go from there.

 

[BigBobbyBass]

Does the company happen to start with an M?

These deals can be legit. They probably send a bunch of messages out to see who's interested and then email actual contracts after good contact is made.

I got offered a deal by an M company. 20%. I just didn't care for the few I played.

 

[MrLenny1]

If it sounds too good to be true...
Better get a bill of sale in writing before plunking down a $1000.

 

[Woodchuck]

I got offered a deal by an M company. 20%. I just didn't care for the few I played.

I had a company offer me 2 basses for free, but I didn't like the feel and sound of the basses, so I declined. There are some that would gladly take free product, even if they don't like it. I'd NEVER sign with a company whose basses I've never played.

 

[BigBobbyBass]

I had a company offer me 2 basses for free, but I didn't like the feel and sound of the basses, so I declined. There are some that would gladly take free product, even if they don't like it. I'd NEVER sign with a company whose basses I've never played.

I agree. I was lucky enough to be in the same city. I would have been very disappointed if I had just ordered one.

 

[somegeezer]

Take into consideration: How good are you? How well known are you? Is there anything that stands out that would make this company care about you in particular? Be honest with yourself.