Steve Ross from Factory Connection
Company Name: Factory Connection
Athlete Support Manager: Steve Ross
Accepting Sponsorship: 9/1 to 12/31
Sports: Motocross
Spots available: 1500
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Tell us about your sponsorship program:
Factory Connection's goal of rider support is to help as many riders as possible within our budget in MX, AX, SX, Enduro, Here Scramble and GNCC. We want to help lower the cost of a rider's racing program in the suspension department. We also want to develop long term, loyal relationships with each rider that will reward them for in turn helping Factory Connection grow by way of referring new customers to us and promoting our company in a positive way. Riders and parents should understand that the biggest discount ISN't always the best deal. Factory Connection is a quality oriented company that offers generous rider support and the absolute BEST suspension services, products and customer / technical support in the industry.
Is there anything unique about your program? Why would someone want to be a part of it?
I think in today's sponsorship world.. we are one of the few companies that look at each and every resume thoroughly. We look at prior history with our company going back 3-5 years, sometimes e-mail or call the rider if we have further questions on their program or check with a reference they have listed. We are meticulus in our resume review process. Typically in the past we have given some FREE promo items with the rider's first purchase. Ex. Waterbottle, Towel, T-shirt... We have some new ideas for 2009 that are yet to be finalized.
What do you look for in a sponsored athlete or team?
Certainly we look at the professionalism, quality and completeness of the resume. Some Novice "C" riders do a way better job with their rider support resumes than Expert "A" riders. Factory Considers a number of factors when determining a support level for a particular rider. Ability level, results, their overall program wether it is local/national, where they are located, type of bike, IF they currently use Factory Connection. I like to see pictures.. alot can be seen or found out. I've seen riders claim they use our products or were actually a sponsored rider the previous year, however they did not have decals promoting our company.
What is the most important information for someone to include in their application?
For Factory Connection: 1) Pictures 2) prior years results 3) coming year's goals and events they expect to attend. I personally like riders that don't same the same old thing.. "I'll put decals on my bike" that is a requirement with any company!
What is the most important thing for people to understand about sponsorship?
Sponsorship programs are designed to be mutually beneficial. The rider receives support in way of discounted products/services and in-turn the rider should promote the company and do their best to refer new customers to the company supporting them. Riders and parents should understand that the biggested discount ISN'T always the best deal! Also, riders should select 1-2 companies that they believe in and want to use their products. Don't send a resume to 5 different suspension or clothing companies. You are wasting your time and the company's time. Sponsorship and the administration that goes with it consume a tremendous amount of time for companies.
Every company has a different method for how often they review applications. Do you have a methodology or schedule?
Typically in September / October is is 2-3 weeks response time. There is such a large quantity of resumes being submitted at one time it is difficult to respond within 1 week. November / December we are most cuaght up and it is 1 week or less response time. IF a rider absolutely needs to know becuase they wish to use our services/products immediately, then they can call and we can expedite. I must say it is frustrating when you do respond to a rider's request for support in a timely fashion, yet they do NOT sign their contract and return to us before the deadline or they do not accept or refuse the offer with NO explaination.
Has the internet changed the way you manage your sponsorship program or your sponsored athletes? If so, how?
It has raised the quality of resumes for the most part. Electronic submission/response it is more "eco'friendly" by not wasting paper and saves some stamps!
Tell us about your newest or most exciting product for this / next year:
Factory Connection's Works Remote Shock Reservoir for CRF's, RMZ's and KXF250. We are working on it for KTM also. It is a product developed thru our Geico Powersports / Factory Connection Honda team and can only be purchased thru FC with a shock rebuild or revalve. It is part of our FC Exclusive Elite Specialty Product line. We have some new Mini products for 85cc and CRF150 also. 2009 we have 2-3 new and innovative products coming.. we are finalizing testing in prototype stage.