Elite Ambassador Program is trash

[Lurchy]

Just had to get this on here and vent. I've been signed up and helping push Elite's ambassador program for 3 years now. Today they rolled out their new ambassador deals and screwed all the guys that have been building up their brand.
For 3 years I was working through my social media platforms to earn points so that I could buy an Elite bow at a discount. Today they screwed everyone over by lowering the discount and making it cost 60% more to get to, and rolled out new rules. When I brought it up, Derek Eaves ended up cutting me from the program. So ****** right now. Was fixing to spend alot of money on a new elite, but f them now! I'll never spend a dime with their company.

[curtintex]

Sorry for your loss

[TexasCanesFan]

Just buy what you want and don’t play the “pro staff/ambassador” games man. Unless you are a true Pro getting free bows it is a giant waste of time IMO.

Manufacturers are now charging more than dealer cost for bows to “staff” guys which is ridiculous.

You will enjoy archery more without the staff BS. Your current situation is case and point.

Just my $.02 as someone with experience in the archery industry.

[Lurchy]

Yeah, I done alot of marketing in both archery and the fishing industry, it's a mine field to be sure. Just really **** poor how they handled the situation. So bad in fact that like I stated I will never buy any Elite products. Working for 3 years to help build up a company to get **** on and then thrown to the curb.

Just buy what you want and don’t play the “pro staff/ambassador” games man. Unless you are a true Pro getting free bows it is a giant waste of time IMO.

Manufacturers are now charging more than dealer cost for bows to “staff” guys which is ridiculous.

You will enjoy archery more without the staff BS. Your current situation is case and point.

Just my $.02 as someone with experience in the archery industry.

[trophy8]

I’ve never cared for “promoters” or “pro staff”.

I use quality gear because it’s good. Not because it’s free. And I won’t rep a brand just because I got it free.

I see these hunting shows folks who I know have plenty of money yet they are hunting with cheap garbage just for a sponsorship. Different strokes but not my cup of tea.

[Lurchy]

They aren't giving free gear, just discounts. I like and believe in Elite bows or else I wouldn't have promoted them, but after getting the shaft for helping them build their brand for 3 years, I can't stand by them for the sole way they treated me.

I’ve never cared for “promoters” or “pro staff”.

I use quality gear because it’s good. Not because it’s free. And I won’t rep a brand just because I got it free.

I see these hunting shows folks who I know have plenty of money yet they are hunting with cheap garbage just for a sponsorship. Different strokes but not my cup of tea.

[Fmjag64]

Im not doing any promotion for anyone unless they hand me a free product from the start. Probably wouldn't do it regardless to be honest but something up front would be a must,

[TexasCanesFan]

I’ve never cared for “promoters” or “pro staff”.

I use quality gear because it’s good. Not because it’s free. And I won’t rep a brand just because I got it free.

I see these hunting shows folks who I know have plenty of money yet they are hunting with cheap garbage just for a sponsorship. Different strokes but not my cup of tea.

The funny part is, very very few people are getting anything free in the archery industry. Most of the pro staff/field staff/ambassador programs are selling items to "staff" at dealer cost.

It is far more the feeling of being a part of something than any real financial savings for guys that are not competing at a high level on the national IBO/ASA stage.

Then, like the OP, guys figure out they are nothing more than dirt cheap marketing for the manufacturers and archery isn't as fun as it used to be. Its kind of like pulling back the curtain in the Wizard of OZ.

[Kirby86]

Just buy what you want and don’t play the “pro staff/ambassador” games man. Unless you are a true Pro getting free bows it is a giant waste of time IMO.

Manufacturers are now charging more than dealer cost for bows to “staff” guys which is ridiculous.

You will enjoy archery more without the staff BS. Your current situation is case and point.

Just my $.02 as someone with experience in the archery industry.

This.

Or find a pro shop that’s looking for people for their shooter staff. I’ve yet to see a pro shop force someone to buy a specific brand, but I’m sure it happens.

The “discount” people get nowadays isn’t great, but dealer cost keeps rising right along with MSRP.

I like Elite, but I dislike the Outdoor Group. If I had to have all my accessories from the same corporation as the bow manufacturer It’d drive me nuts.

TexasCanesFan makes a great point too, and I can say when you’re not beholden to a particular brand you can be honest in your opinion without having to make excuses for stuff. Like The Outdoor Group’s customer service for example… hopefully it’s gotten better.

[TEXAS 10PT]

The funny part is, very very few people are getting anything free in the archery industry. Most of the pro staff/field staff/ambassador programs are selling items to "staff" at dealer cost.

It is far more the feeling of being a part of something than any real financial savings for guys that are not competing at a high level on the national IBO/ASA stage.

Then, like the OP, guys figure out they are nothing more than dirt cheap marketing for the manufacturers and archery isn't as fun as it used to be. Its kind of like pulling back the curtain in the Wizard of OZ.

I "prostaffed" for Elite for 5 years and like Joe says it almost makes you hate archery. Yeah the free bows were nice and all but it always made you feel like you were carrying a heavy weight around. I got out and immediately started enjoying archery again. Just use your experience as part of your learning curve.

[Casey]

I have to believe it benefits them FAR MORE than it benefits you. Shoot what you like and can afford. Oh, and don't change bows/models with the wind.

[CEO]

What have you been doing for 3 years? Not familiar with the program, but that seems like a lot of work just for a discount.

[Javelin]

I shoot elite, and they fit me better than other bows, but I feel no bow is best for everyone. I however have never cared about getting anything from a company other than product warranty and support. I dont get into the whole get a discount, rep a product. I dont even wear very many hats or other items that have company logos on it. I do speak postive about products and companies who make quality product and stand behind them but do not want anything in return other than continued good service.

[Speedgoat]

I’ve never cared for “promoters” or “pro staff”.

I use quality gear because it’s good. Not because it’s free. And I won’t rep a brand just because I got it free.

I see these hunting shows folks who I know have plenty of money yet they are hunting with cheap garbage just for a sponsorship. Different strokes but not my cup of tea.

Elite is not cheap garbage.

[trophy8]

Elite is not cheap garbage.

I’m well aware. My comment wasn’t aimed at Elite. I think they make a very very good product.