Does Anyone Work As A / Know a Nascar or Other Warm Weather Large Venue Vendor?

[Driver500]

I'd like to have a conversation with a vendor who works the Nascar Circuit or other warm weather large venue events.

I've run across a pretty cool product I think would do well in that environment, but I don't know how to get it in their hands.

 

[CobraBob]

You might want to contact one or more of the following vendors and ask them questions. You're not saying what the product is, so I can't help much.

American Muscle
Lethal Performance
Mustangs Unlimited
UPR

You are going to have to have a unique product that will sell well if you are looking for a vendor to buy from you. Sounds like you found a product someone else is producing, where you might be the middleman. Might be tough to make any money, unless it is definitely unique and unless it definitely will be wanted by the target consumer.

You could, of course, become a vendor and sell the product from a website and/or from a vendor tent at one of these large venues. But it isn't cheap. Especially if you only are offering a single product.

You mentioned a Nascar venue, so here is some info on what's involved selling a product at a Nascar race. It's very expensive. Trying to find a vendor to include your product in their product line may or may not be your best route, as selling it yourself gives you broader marketing potential, whereas having a vendor sell it might make it much less visible to the consumer.

NASCAR vendors set up around the race tracks and camping areas during the racing events that occur throughout the year. As a vendor, there are strict guidelines you must meet to sell food and other merchandise at the track events. There are state and local guidelines for licensing and also special fees and licenses needed for each NASCAR track. You must also apply for and receive special licensing from NASCAR to sell certain promotional merchandise at the various NASCAR races and events.

Step 1
Obtain the necessary licensing from the state where the NASCAR event is held. Many states issue a temporary resale license for fairs, festivals and other annual events. Often, the license application is available through the state's tax office or business licensing website.

Step 2
Contact the local tax office to obtain any local licenses required by the municipality. You may also need a health inspection to obtain a food service license if you are selling prepared or hot food. Often, local guidelines regulate the operation of food concession trailers and the licenses required.

Step 3
Contact the vendors office for the different NASCAR tracks to determine the requirements for setting up a concession stand at the venue and the campgrounds. For instance, at Bristol, there are several local campgrounds to choose from that allow licensed vendors to sell to the guests, for a fee. Daytona International Speedway sells space of varying sizes throughout the compound. However, you must also carry liability insurance.

Step 4
Complete the NASCAR prospective licensing application if you wish to sell or manufacture NASCAR brand merchandise. You will need to supply a sales catalog, bank and trade references and a budget and forecast for the upcoming sales year when you return the application. The application is available through the NASCAR website. This application is for the NASCAR corporation.

Step 5
Complete the ISC Motorsports prospective licensing application if you have a Daytona International Speedway product you want to manufacture or sell as NASCAR series merchandise. You must also supply a list of retail outlets you currently do business with and prospective clients where you will market the product. The application is very thorough when asking about business details, such as previous sales records, number of employees and where the products will be manufactured. You will find the application on the NASCAR website. This application is for the Daytona International Speedway Corporation, a separate merchandising entity from NASCAR.

 

[Driver500]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't have the desire to be a vendor, but I think this is a nice addition to an event vendor's inventory.

 

[HYBRED]

Try to attend a major show like Fun Ford, Power Tour, etc. A lot of vendors like Nitto and Magnacharger do show circuits like that.

 

[Driver500]

^^ That's about the best thing going right now.

 

[CobraBob]

Hopefully the product you have in mind fits into a vendor's line. The vendors I mentioned above attend some of the big venues. If you call American Muscle, for example, ask to speak with one of their buyers. IMO that should give you a pretty good feel for the interest level. As Kat said, visiting one of the national/regional venues can be a great way to pursue this, and if you do go this route, try to get to the venue earlier in the day since they'll usually have more time to chat then. Just a suggestion. Hope things work out for you.