What to do with Product Only deals
One of the most common deals types that you will encounter as an athlete are ‘product only’ deals. There are several things you will want to consider before engaging with a company that is asking to compensate you with free product.
Saving Money: How much money are you truly saving in exchange for what you are giving the ‘sponsor’? If you are sharing on social media, providing photos and asking your personal followers to purchase this product - you are easily providing the company with $10,000+ in value per year. On the low end.
Increasing your marketing profile: You should ask the company if they are willing to include you in their marketing strategy. If they can only compensate you with product, perhaps they can sweeten the offer by providing professional photography for you. You should also ask the company what their plan is to cross promote you on their social media channels? It’s only fair, if you are being asked to do the same. This will help raise your profile in the market.
Exclusivity: Many product only offers will ask that you tag their company name in your main profile on Instagram. Unless you are being paid in cash to do so, we highly recommend not agreeing to this. You have to set some boundaries. Your profile section is prime advertising real estate reserved for your personal info or paying sponsors.
Path to paid opportunities: Ask if they offer any paid opportunities and to whom? What needs to be done to get on a paid level with the company. This will give you an idea as to whether or not this relationship is a good investment of your time. It will also show the sponsor that you understand the long game and are serious about your brand.
