Endorsements-How does it Work ?

[drumology]

I wanted to find out how would I go about being sponsored a by a percussion line. Does the company find you or can you contact the company with a demo or package of yourself. I guest I just want to how does it work ? Thank's for any advice and God Bless. Drumology.

[ET-in-DC]

What you do is put together a package on yourself

I would contact a particular company first...I currently looking into Spawn and Mapex Drums. I'm putting together my package now. I would talk to a smaller company because they may be willing to endorse you first.
Info you need.
 
Tours...,How often do you play,What CD's have you done,Pictures,Videos of you playing live and send that to that particulat company

[ET-in-DC]

It's a whole lot easier to get endorsed when you're on a National Tour. But a bit harder when you're local, form what I've learned.

[MOEDRUMS]

YEAH,PRETTY MUCH WHAT THESE GUYS ARE SAYING IS TRUE!!!!!!1 I JUST GOT MY FIRST ENDORSEMENT,AND I HAVE DONE MANY NATIONAL TOURS AND IT STILL TOOK A WHILE!!!!!!!!!!BUT I AM A NEW PRODUCT OF SABIAN! I GET A VERY HIGH PERCENTAGE TAKIN OFF THE PRICE OF CYMBOLS,AND SOME OTHER LIL TREATS,KEEP PLAYING,U'LL GET THERE!

[drumology]

Thank for the Info, I'm going to get to working on a packet for myself.
Thanks ET-in-DC, Good looking.

[drumology]

On a demo cd would you guys recommend using instrumental or just myself or a mixture of both ? I've been playing all of my life but I'm trying to tap into the other side of playing, the technical side and being better exposed to the music world.

[drummercat777]

they look for a variety so show them various styles that you can do. i myself used to be sponsored by istanbul agop cymbals but even with the discount, i couldn't afford the cymbals so i had to leave. anyways, what i did was i sent them a press kit which included EVERYBODY i have played with, what styles of music i play, photos of me, as well as a tape/cd of my playing so they can get a feel for what i could bring to the table. they then decide whether to endorse you or not and if they do, you will then be put under one of three catagories, and A endorsement means that you are getting major nationwide exposure and that you are touring, etc. this will give you FREE gear. a B endorsement means that you are playing with a lot of famous people but not getting as much exposure. this would give you like a 75-85% discount on their products. if you went on tour as a B, your level could be bumped to an A. then finally, there is the C endorsement which usually mean that you get a certain percentage which is usually around 50% of when you purchase there products, i hope everything works out with you and that you get that endorsement.

[drumology]

Thanks for the support and info drummercat777, looking forward to getting picked by someone If it's the Lord Will. BE BLESSED !

[drummercat777]

who are you wanting to endorse anyways?

[drumology]

For starter's anyone who would pick me up, But by choice Evans, Sabian and for a drum line I would say Pearl,PDP,Tama and Yamaha. But I would be grateful to be pick by any company to  be exposed.

[drummercat777]

i suggest that you aim for a smaller line of drums than tama and yamaha. like maybe try prok pie or gms. maybe taye drums as well. as far as cymbals, the major brands are lokking for guys out there all the time so why not try a smaller company as well like istanbul agop or meinl. maybe bosphorus too.....they pickiest of all are the guys who make heads. even great drummers have been turned down on head endorsements. they want to know that you aren't gonna be a one time thang. they want to be confident that you will be on the scene down the road a couple years. good luck though.

[drumology]

Thank's drummercat777, thats just what i needed. BE  BLESSED .

[fLaT-fIfTh]

Make sure that your press kit is a professional presentation. Your Photo should be professional quality, your bio should sound professionally written, and your audio or video presentation should be very tight as well. If your resume' is only one paragraph, you may not be ready yet. You can assess your readiness as your press kit comes together.

Remember, the ultimate point of an endorsement is to promote the company's product in hope of increasing SALES. Getting an endorsement is not about being the best musician. It's about being the musician with the most exposure to benefit the company.(i.e: tours, clinics, videos, recordings, ect.) Companies would rather grant an endorsement to an OKAY drummer whose band is on a national tour than an AWESOME drummer who plays for "New Bethel Jerusalem Jesus Christ Baptist Episcopal Adventist Holy Ghost Penticostal Lutheran Church of God In Christ Ministries."

The name of endorsement game is exposure... Your gift will make room for you, but will you make room for your gift???

God Bless