Hey all!
Before anyone tells me, I'm sure DSSI probably has a thread on this but for some reason, my blockers aren't letting me on that site.

I am sponsoring several golf tournaments this summer and was interested in doing some sort of sublimated mug on site. My father in law received one at a tournment he played in and it was really sharp. It had a photo on it of the foursome that played in the tournament that day.

Now, my question is, has anyone done this and how does it work? You take the photo before tee off and by the time they are done, the mug is done?

Does anyone have any suggestions for promo ideas for these things? These are my first tournaments like this. I would like to have sponsor giveaways and stuff.

Any suggestions are always appreciated.
Thanks
Becky

Becky,

Many on-site events use videoprint systems, rather than ink jet sublimation systems.

I played in a tournament where the photographer was stationed at the 9th hole, taking pictures of the foursomes as they finished the hole.

Our (cardboard) framed pictures were ready when we finished the round.

Dave-
I guess what I am wondering, does it make any sense to drag my printer and mug press to the event to try to do this? Have you ever heard of anyone doing it that way? I am looking to this as more of a promotional thing than a moneymaker. If it's too expensive or would be dumb, then obviously I won't.
Thanks for the input
Becky

Your indication was, in your first post, that you are sponsering these golf tourny's.

Then you mention that you are interested in the promotional value of such participation.

Not sure I understand the question. Give it a try. Go for it, at least once. If the power is available, you have the time, you have the help to pull off taking the photos and making the mugs while others are playing golf...all it would take is one customer to see value and place a $100k order for it to exceed any expectations that you may have had.

Seems to me, that, no matter the number of participants, that you should be able to take pictures on either the opening hole or the 9th...and still get the mugs done by the time they are done with the 19th hole!

Doug

Just read your last message...you mentioned using a mug press...not sure you can pull it off that way. Seems that most folks find they can produce more with wraps and oven.

It sounds like someone is a 'Stunt Golfer' also.

I am safe, never played the game.

Philadelphia, PA (Really Bensalem)

When you finally understand it completely... it changes.

Ed -
Thank you for pointing out some of the logistical flaws of doing it this way.
My father in law is an avid golfer and received/bought a mug from a tournament he was in that had a picture of the foursome on it. Not having any idea how anything in our industry works, he has his mind set on doing these mugs for this tournament (you'd have to know him to understand why he has that much decision making power in this process LOL)

I think I will try to come up with something else cool for this tournament. My biggest challenge will be to convince him it won't work LOL
Thanks to you and everyone for your help!!
Becky

Dave-
So are you trying to turn me into a Stunt Subber? (what's the title for someone who does dye sub? ) LOL

Ok ok so what I am hearing from you and Ed is that this is a do-able thing, I shouldn't be a weiner and just jump in there (after much careful planning and testing) and give it a shot.

As long as it is realisically do-able (and sometimes even when it's not) I will try anything. We live in a small area so I think this tournament won't be real huge or anything.

Thanks for all of your help and encouragement guys!! I will let you know how it turns out!!

You guys know my father in law don't you?!?! He put you up to this didn't he??? wouldn't surprise me in the least

Thanks
Becky

Thanks Dave, for pushing me off the base!!

I tend to be a wimp about stuff like this that I am unsure of or is outside of my comfort zone.

But you are right, I will never get anywhere if I dont' start taking some risks.
Thanks
B

Becky,

Take it from me, working outside of your comfort zone can be nothing less than terrifying. I'm not embarrassed to admit that going into business for myself was a petrifying experience.

Having said that, the more a person steps out of a familiar and predictable space, the wider their comfort zone becomes.

Of course, we can always settle for doing what everyone else does, which puts us in the position of competing, based on pricing that has been established by the masses.

I lost interest in that format many years ago.

Less competiton translates to more money, which translates to a better quality of life.

Go for it! You deserve all of that. :-) 

Dave-
Thanks bud. You are absolutely right of course and when you put it that way, it actually makes me more comfortable to think about stepping out side of that comfort zone. Because I know now that is where not only the payday is but the greatest sense of satisfaction will be.

Thanks again for everything.
Becky