Sponsorship and Conflicts of Interest

[Swede]

Here's a topic that I found mentioned in Scott Rauber's Fish for Free recent newsletter - Conflicts of Interest and Sponsorship.

Conflicts of Interest - so what does that mean? 

Without the help of the Fish for Free dictionary in front of me - a conflict of interest essentially means the promotion of two very similar or identical products made by two different manufacturers - in other words they are competitors in the market place. Who are you really promoting? - Company A or Company B? 

When agreeing to a sponsorship - Company A  expects your full and undivided promotional self while in the market place exposing potential customers to their products.  When you begin promoting Company B's products that are very similar or identical to that of Company A - a conflict of interest is born.

Both Company A and Company B frown on this and usually request to know who else is sponsoring you before ever agreeing to any sponsorship arrangement of their own.

This was meant as a discussion opener - have you been in a position where a conflict of interest was an issue?  What did you do and how did you handle?

[OHbassaholic]

I have actually turned down sponsorships that would have been "conflict of interest" issues.  It just isn't something I want to deal with as it would tarnish my credibility both with other sponsors and the public.  I choose carefully who I pro staff with and would never promote something I didn't believe in.  I do have sponsors with multiple product lines where I had to let them know up front that I could not promote some of those lines due to "conflict of interest".  It's never been a challenge because they know up front.

[GotstaFish]

Excellent topic Swede  We have been approached by many anglers looking for sponsorship who start out with "I love the chatterbait" 

[Swede]

Excellent topic Swede  We have been approached by many anglers looking for sponsorship who start out with "I love the chatterbait" 

Oops!  I think we could start a new topic with that one titled "Know Thy Product Line".   

[Swede]

I have actually turned down sponsorships that would have been "conflict of interest" issues.  It just isn't something I want to deal with as it would tarnish my credibility both with other sponsors and the public.  I choose carefully who I pro staff with and would never promote something I didn't believe in.  I do have sponsors with multiple product lines where I had to let them know up front that I could not promote some of those lines due to "conflict of interest".  It's never been a challenge because they know up front.

I have turned down sponsorships as well for very same reasons.  Great advice OHbassaholic!! 

[BassBoss 10lbr]

Hey Karl you never heard that from me.....lol I know what a vibra shock is and can't wait to get some vibra spins in my hands. These lures rock!
                           Don

[BassBoss 10lbr]

Sorry I forgot to add this when we got off subject.

When I am looking at companies that I would like sponsorship from I always take into consideration whether there might be a conflict. If that is a possibility then I do not go after those companies for sponsorship. When I take on the responsability of being sponsored I give my all to that or those companies in their respective fields. Everything we do is based on trust, honesty and integrity. So give your sponsors your all and see just how far you can go.
              Don