What do do with request for sponsoring game servers

[Hivelocity]

I continue to get multiple requests each day for sponsoring a game server for some clan. They offer in return to advertise my site to all of their fellow gamers. Has anyone ever done this and seen a good return on their investment. So far I just tell them "pay for play".

 

[Artashes]

Hivelocity, do you mean "sponsorship" requests in general or game server request in particular?

It would seem strange to me that someone would bother you, a business, for such free requests every day, unless: (a) they know you personally; (b) you offered free hosting somewhere previously.

I think that every hosting company should decide what kind of venture they want to run, how profitable, and if sponsorship hosting could eventually pay off. If you are positive that these guys can bring you more business that it would cost you to host them, then go with it. However, if unsure, then your reply "pay for play" is the right one.

Simple accounting law: accept decision if its VALUE exceed COST. I'm not a host, so its hard for me to understand the cost of running a game server per se, but you do the math.

Best,

 

[Blue]

When you offer free hosting in exchange for advertising space, you have to consider the demographic.
Will the people who these people recruit to this gaming server, who will actually see the ads, be the kind of people who are likely to buy a paying account from you, or is it more likely that you will just get a new flood of free server requests?

 

[CrazyTech]

Definitely consider the pros and cons of the situation in this matter. If you are sure that you can make money off of this venture, then go for it. However, know that you can make money and that they just aren't trying to promise something to get a server. I used to game a bit when I was younger and I can say from experience that these clan situations aren't always what they are made out to be. Quite often they might have very little interaction with others including their website - however, every once in a while there are well known and influential clans.

The part that leaves me uneasy is that he will advertise your services to friends. Here I am assuming word of mouth which he might very well uphold, but what if he doesn't? It's all your call here, but just make certain that you've properly weighed your choices.

 

[TheOrbit]

We sponsor a clan in exchange for exposure. I can honestly say that we have obtained a few clients through this advertisement. It has been nothing but good for us, but then again the clan is extremely active. Find out more about the clan before choosing. I have obtained a great amount of customers and the investment in sponsoring them has been great and continues to be great.

 

[The Pioneer]

If the game server is not supported by your business financially or resource wise, tell the guy you can't do it. Everyone wants free hosting and offers to tell their friends. You can get word of mouth through a paying client.

 

[Anjay]

You can get word of mouth through a paying client.

Could not have said it better myself. :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:



As Artashes said though, if the value exceeds the costs, then maybe go for it. Many people foolishly forget that - Forget about something that will cost you more about something in the long run. If it is not profitable for you, then forget it and tell them to pay. If you see that they could bring you a lot more revenue in the future... then think about it.