A few months ago I decided BiggerPockets.com would be a sponsor for a Real Estate Event that was slated to occur in mid-October. This was to be a one day real estate technology-themed event, and in return for the $250 sponsorship, we’d get our company name on the event’s website, and our logo on all publicity materials and banners; I was also promised a swag package including t-shirts.

Don’t Take Their Word for It

The day came and went, and from what I heard, it was a great gathering. Since I was unable to attend, of course, I wanted some proof that our company name did indeed make it on all the materials. I saw some pics and we were certainly present.

So, Why am I Disappointed?
Part of the verbal agreement that I entered into with the person who ran the event was that I would get some t-shirts — after all, it was the least they could do in return for the $250 we spent, right?

I was told on several occasions that the package was en-route. When it never arrived I was given excuse after excuse after excuse; this went on for 2 months. I was then told on January 4 that I’d get a shirt from a later event that took place 3 weeks ago, but low and behold that never happened either.

Why Should Anyone Care About a Stupid T-Shirt

This was about principal, not a $10 shirt. I entered into a business agreement with another, well known businessman in my industry, and he’s just blown me off. The shirt was something I had been promised in return for my money, and the right thing to do would have been to send it to me, as promised. This was someone who I respected and hoped to foster a deeper business relationship with, but how could I trust someone on large transactions when they never fully came through on this small one?

Lessons Learned?
I’d say that I learned one important lesson: Get to know better the people with whom you are doing business. The entire thing reminded me to look at how I run my own business and make sure I’m doing so ethically. I will never allow myself to take anyone for even a few dollars, because it all comes down to the fact that, your principals are how others will judge you and your company.

Who knows . . . maybe some day I’ll see my shirts. Don’t worry, I won’t be holding my breath.

Tags: agreements, business ethics, contracts, principles, promises, sponsor