Midsized match prizes (know this is probably a dead horse by now)

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

OK, work with me:

 

You have an annual match or something just a bit larger--nothing like EOT or WR but you want some nice prizes for the folks.

 

Looking at the SASS categories you notice that there are quite a few

 

if you're planning on 1st, 2nd and 3rd then the number of prizes is quite large, so....

 

how do you come up with prizes for all potential winners and not have to spend a bunch of $$ on prizes that might not get used?

 

We have run into problems at our last two big matches of having a bunch left over and as sure as we omit some that will be the category that folks register for.

 

We had a time deadline from trophy maker that meant we had to order prizes before registrations was closed.

 

cr

 

 

 

[Grizzly Dave]

Is the award maker willing to make a second batch after the fact? If so, order at the deadline, any awards you need after that hand out a paper certificate at the awards and mail the actual award when it comes in.

 

If not, have awards be generic enough that they can be used for other things down the trail. Another option is to just make the awards a buckle showing the match name and year and 'Top 3' but not list the category. At the order deadline you know how many you need for sure, then estimate how many more you might need and order to cover that. You may still have extras or fall short, but not as much as if you ordered awards three deep for every category.

[Yusta B.]

Use engraved name plates with category and attach them to trophies. That way the unused trophies can be used in another match.

[J-BAR #18287]

You have a difficult job, trying to balance the financial concerns of your club with the expectations of your customers. I do not envy you.

 

We don't shoot for money or a Cadillac as has been said many times; we shoot for bragging rights. So give your winners something to brag about. It should have a bit of a "Wow!" factor. You will ensure those folks come back next year. That may mean spending a few bucks more, but the good will is a good investment.

 

Those who are trying to win their categories have egos. I admit it, I have one. And when I am lucky enough to place in the top three of my category, I want something to show my wife and grandkids and have them be impressed. Plaques are fine if tastefully done. It should be eye-catching enough to put on my wall and show my neighbors. Cowboy-themed picture frames could be fun. Bath towels and hand towels embroidered with the appropriate category placement would be unique and useful every day and a great reminder of the match.

 

For several years the Powder Creek Cowboys presented cowboy statues with category placement information on tags that were hung on the trophy. When I won one of those, I made sure it was shown to everyone, and it sat on the bookcase in my living room on permanent display. One of the most discouraging from a different club was a plastic medallion on a neck ribbon. It was supposed to be like an olympic medal but didn't make the grade. It got filed away as soon as I got home from the match.

 

I know I will come across as greedy, expecting an expensive prize. That really is not what I am driving at. One of the best door prizes I ever received at a cowboy match was a key ring with a handmade leather fob attached. The leather fob was hand tooled by Big Jim Steele with the club's name and the date of the annual match. That was in 1999 and my car keys are still on that ring.

 

I have gone on too long. As I said before I am glad I don't have your responsibility. What I am trying to say is, your customers will be more likely to return to future matches if you go a bit overboard rather than going cheap.

 

You have my sincere wishes for success.

[Badlands Bob #61228]

We have an annual match that we give out 1st thru 3rd place plaques. Obviously, this could be very expensive.

What we do is have a print shop print up the award categories and places on heavy stock the size of the plaques. I then use 1x6 and 1x8 boards to make the plaques. Route the edges and stain them. I'll get a list of the preregistered shooter categories and make up those category's plaques ahead of match day. During lunch, I glue the rest of the category awards up. I use 3M spray adhesive. It drys in a couple of minutes and works great. The cost of the printing is about $1.00 per award and the wood and stain is pretty cheap. If you don't have a category represented, you don't make up a plaque and save the wood for next year.

[Gold Canyon Kid #43974]

Make your prizes such that an easy nice glue on label can be applied as needed. Also, they do not have to list the category on the prize so you can mix and match as needed. Give more prizes in large categories and fewer in smaller categories.