Sponsorship and Overlanding Stuff

Hi, have a really random question. Just putting this out for anyone who may have knowledge or experience, and I can't find anything posted elsewhere about it so here it goes:

I'm in Virginia, I'm a firefighter so I have lots of free time when I'm off. I love trailing and such, and I'm interested in doing more off road stuff and getting into overlanding and rallies and such. Is there at all possible any way of obtaining some level of sponsorship to obtain and use equipment and such to modify my 2014 Tacoma DCSB? Like use their products or other products and maybe advertise for a company or business or anything? Anyone who has any info or experience with this would be appreciated!

 

Subd

 

go to their websites specifically they will usually have lists of vehicles they are looking to use to sponsor their products

 

All I can say is good luck. I’m sure there are hundreds of people in your shoes. If you can somehow gain a lot of IG followers, that’ll help IMO.

 

Sites like ARB etc? Or local shops and such?

 

Yea definately social media and trying to support the fact that potentially thousands of people will see it. ive been able to get things discounted but it does take a while. I was one of the first to have LUX rock lights on a tacoma so i was able to get a new set up for pretty cheap and im currently selling the old ones but it isnt easy worst case is they say no and youre back to where you started

 

Manufacturer sites sometimes shops will but they look for people in the area to get photos and other information quickly

 

I run our sponsorship program at work (non-4x4 related...I wish!) and have had a few arrangements made personally. One thing to keep in mind for this type of thing is "value proposition". "What do they get in exchange for giving you discounted / free stuff?" is the question you need to ask.

Some companies just want some Tacoma photos with their kit to put on their website (this is how I got into this arena). Others want to see you have some level of influence on the "community" be it a continual presence in your local offroad scene, you have a large number of followers on "the Gram", etc. Basically, you are a marketing asset in part or in whole. Figure out how to convey "people pay attention to me" and you will be in a much better position to sell yourself for this type of thing.

 

I have never gotten parts for free but I HAVE gotten a lot of super discounted parts in exchange for review/hq photos.

My dogs are sponsored and get free stuff every single month lol

 

There you have it straight from the horse's vendor's mouth!

 

Lots of helpful info, thanks everyone for the prompt assistance!