How to get a Pro - Deal
I’m often asked how to best go about getting a pro - deal by new staff. After all, who doesn’t want some awesome threads or gear at 40% + off? You’d be crazy not to! Here’s the step by step process for taking your hard earned pay check and turning it into AWESOME discounts!
Step 1:
Download a digital copy of your Pay Check Stub & Save it to your desktop. (we’re going to get a lot of mileage off of this document so be sure to put it somewhere accessible)
Step 2:
Go Shopping! We’re window shopping, looking at what gear you want. The idea is to hone in on what you’re after so we can register for the pro deals we’ll get the most mileage out of. Once you’ve identified the pro deal you’re after then look at the webpage and see if they have a contact info for their pro deal program or links to it. If they do, follow them. If they don’t, have no fear! (This is where your awesome people skills come in handy as an outdoor professional)
Step 3:
Make initial contact! Email is ideal, phone numbers are a nice start and comment links are less than ideal. In the initial contact I like to include the following; A subject that’s direct and to the point; Pro Deal inquiry - Roche, or have some fun; Qualified & Broke outdoor professional seeks Pro Deal, (sometimes people need a break from the work day, laughter is a good start). The content of the email should outline; population; age, issues, etc, length of time in the field on average (1 week on 1 week off, or 12 and 16, whatever your schedule), locations, activities, etc. You’re painting a picture of why you qualify, you should be going for depth and breadth. I also ask if there’s any additional information they may need; pay stub, certifications, degree print out etc. (attach what you have/ need)
Step 4:
Be kind and courteous, if you don’t get the pro deal ask for feedback, or why? I had a great exchange with the gatekeeper at Watershed bags (AMAZING DRY BAGS BTW) but he denied me a pro deal 4 times till I could explain that the certificate I got was not a certification and thus didn’t expire. I got the pro deal but I was direct, never lost my cool and was gracious, miss communications happen, often even with very intelligent, educated, like minded individuals in the same industry and with similar experience. Being right isn’t the point, maintaining the relationship at all costs and working together is.
Step 5:
Wait and see. If you’re approved, happy shopping! If not, figure out why, or follow up with a similar competitor, not everyone will give you a pro deal. Ex; Kokatat is very difficult to get a pro deal with, even if you get one with them their dry suits are more expensive than those of Stohlquist. If you are using your gear a lot it’s not going to last that long either way, so paying more doesn’t make much sense. A pro deal means you can probably afford to replace it more often when it’s worn out as well.
Step 6:
Maintain, develop and deepen the relationship with the companies you use often. I made 3 purchases, 4 repair requests and countless emails back and forth before I was able to be approached for a Mystery Ranch Pro Deal. Good relationships are what the outdoor industry is all about. Being able to communicate the needs you have as a professional and the experience you bring to the table is an essential piece of the process. Best of luck!!
