# Welcome

Sponsor Driven is on a mission to make motorsport funding more accessible and transparent.

Sponsor Driven helps motorsport competitors connect with supporters and sponsors, share progress, and unlock more funding opportunities through one platform.

This documentation is organized by audience so you can get to the right guidance quickly.

## What is Sponsor Driven?

Sponsor Driven is a platform built for motorsport funding and growth. Competitors can build a sponsorship-ready profile, publish updates, offer sponsorship tiers, run memberships, and manage payouts. Sponsors and supporters can discover competitors, contribute, and build long-term partnerships.

## Who is it for?

* **Competitors** (drivers and teams): build your profile, publish updates, attract sponsors, and receive contributions.
* **Sponsors** (brands and organisations): discover competitors and explore partnership opportunities.
* **Supporters** (fans and individuals): support competitors and follow their journey.

## Core funding models

* **One-time contributions**: simple one-off support for a competitor.
* **Memberships**: recurring support with member benefits (where enabled).
* **Sponsorship deals**: structured partnerships between competitors and organisations.

## Start here

* New to the platform: see **Getting started**.
* Competitor setup: see **For competitors**.
* Sponsorship journey: see **For sponsors**.
* Contributor journey: see **For supporters**.
* Payments and payouts: see **Funding and payouts**.
* Common issues: see **Troubleshooting**.

If you need more help, contact **<support@sponsordriven.com>**.


# Choose your account type

Choosing the right account type helps you unlock the features you need from day one.

## Competitor (Driver or Team)

Choose **Competitor** if you want to:

* Build a public profile for your racing journey
* Receive one-time contributions
* Create sponsorship packages and tiers
* Publish updates, race schedule, and results
* Connect payouts to your bank account

Best for drivers and teams raising budget for entries, tyres, travel, testing, and season costs.

## Sponsor (Organisation)

Choose **Sponsor** if you want to:

* Find competitors to support
* Review competitor profiles and sponsorship offerings
* Start conversations and partnerships
* Explore campaign and collaboration opportunities

Best for businesses and organisations looking for motorsport partnerships.

## Supporter (Individual)

Choose **Supporter** if you want to:

* Discover competitors
* Make one-time contributions
* Follow updates from competitors you support

Best for fans, friends, and community supporters.

## Can I have more than one profile?

Yes. Many users start as one type and later create another profile (for example, a competitor profile and an organisation profile).

## Before you choose

Make sure you can commit to keeping your profile accurate and active. This improves trust, discoverability, and long-term results on the platform.

For account and usage rules, read the legal section:

* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Inactivity policy](/legal/inactivity-policy)


# Getting started checklist (first 30 minutes)

Use this quick checklist to set yourself up properly.

## 1. Create your account and verify access

* Sign up and confirm your email
* Complete your basic account details
* Choose the correct profile type

## 2. Complete your profile basics

* Add display name and profile photo
* Add a short bio and your current focus
* Add location and relevant links

If you are a competitor, continue with the competitor quickstart for the complete setup path.

## 3. Add enough information to build trust

* Add your motorsport discipline and series
* Add race schedule and/or recent results
* Add supporting media (photos and updates)

## 4. Set up monetization foundations

* Configure your sponsorship tiers
* Set up payout onboarding when ready
* Review pricing and payout timelines

## 5. Share your page

* Copy your profile link
* Add it to social bios
* Share your first update

## Common first-week goals

* Publish your first update
* Add at least one race milestone
* Keep your profile information current

## Need help?

* Competitors: [Competitor quickstart](/for-competitors/quickstart)
* Sponsors: [Sponsor quickstart](/for-sponsors/for-sponsors)
* Supporters: [Supporter quickstart](/for-supporters/for-supporters)
* Funding details: [How funding works](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works)


# Competitor quickstart

This guide helps drivers and teams launch a sponsor-ready profile and start receiving support.

## Step 1: Build your profile foundation

Complete these first:

* Profile name, image, and clear bio
* Motorsport discipline and competition context
* Social links and contact details

## Step 2: Prove activity and momentum

Add evidence of your journey:

* Race schedule
* Results and highlights
* Photos and media
* Regular updates

Active profiles convert better than empty profiles.

## Step 3: Set up funding options

Start with:

* One-time support enabled
* Sponsorship tiers with clear benefits
* Memberships where enabled for your profile

Keep your offers specific, simple, and outcome-focused.

## Step 4: Configure payouts

To receive funds to your bank account:

* Complete payout onboarding
* Provide accurate identity and bank details
* Monitor pending and available balance states

Read the full payout guide: [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)

## Step 5: Promote your page weekly

Do this every week:

* Share your profile link across at least two channels
* Publish one supporter-facing update
* Thank contributors and sponsors publicly

Use templates and playbooks: [Promotion tips](/reference-guides/promotion-tips)

## Step 6: Track what works

Review your analytics and adjust:

* Which channels drive profile visits
* Which updates get engagement
* Which offers convert

## Common mistakes to avoid

* Incomplete profile details
* Irregular updates
* Vague sponsorship tiers
* Delayed payout setup

## Next reads

* [Pricing](/reference-guides/pricing)
* [Referrals](/reference-guides/referrals)
* [How funding works](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works)
* [Troubleshooting index](/troubleshooting/troubleshooting)


# How to set up your profile

Complete this guide to create a professional, sponsor-ready profile in 10–15 minutes. Follow each step in order.

## Step 1: Log in and navigate to your profile

1. Go to **sponsordriven.com** and sign in with your email
2. On your home screen, look for your profile card or click **Profiles** in the top menu
3. Find your competitor profile (labelled as "Driver," "Team," or "Individual")
4. Click **Edit profile** button or go to `/{your-slug}/settings/profile`

**Expected result:** You're now in your profile edit page

***

## Step 2: Add your profile image

1. Click the **profile picture** area (usually top left or centre)
2. Click **Change photo** or **Upload photo**
3. Select a clear, professional photo of yourself (or team logo if you're a team)
4. Crop if needed (aim for square format, at least 400×400 pixels)
5. Click **Save** or **Upload**

**Recommended:** Use a photo where you're clearly visible, smiling, in racing gear or professional clothing

**Expected result:** Your profile picture updates immediately across the site

***

## Step 3: Fill in your display name and bio

1. Click the **Name** field
2. Enter your name as you want it displayed (e.g., "Sarah Johnson" or "Apex Racing Team")
3. Click the **Short bio** field (usually labelled "About" or "Bio")
4. Write 2–3 sentences about yourself:
   * What you race (series, discipline, class)
   * Your current goal or recent highlight
   * What you're fundraising for

**Example bio:** "Formula 3 driver competing in the British F3 Championship 2024. Currently fundraising £15,000 for season entry fees. Based in Bristol."

5. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Your name and bio appear on your public profile

***

## Step 4: Add your location and contact details

1. Find the **Location** field
2. Enter your city or region (e.g., "Bristol, UK")
3. Look for **Social links** or **External links** section
4. Add your most important social accounts:
   * Instagram (if you have racing content)
   * Twitter/X (if you're active in motorsport)
   * TikTok (if applicable)
   * YouTube (if you have video content)
   * Website (if you have a personal website)
5. Paste the full URL for each (e.g., `https://instagram.com/yourhandle`)
6. Click **Save**

**What to skip:** Don't add links to inactive accounts. Better to have 1 active link than 5 dead ones.

**Expected result:** Supporters can click your social links from your public profile

***

## Step 5: Select your motorsport discipline (Drivers only)

1. Go to **Settings** → **Motorsport**
2. Click **Add championship** or **Add racing history**
3. Search for your series/championship (e.g., "British F3," "Super 2000 Rally," "MotoE")
4. Select from the list
5. Add your **current status** (e.g., "Competing," "Finished 2023," "Reserve")
6. Click **Save**

**If your series isn't listed:**

* Try searching by broader term (e.g., "Formula 3" instead of "British F3")
* Contact support if your series is missing entirely

**Expected result:** Your motorsport history appears in your "Motorsport" tab

***

## Step 6: Set your profile visibility (Publish)

1. Look for a **Publish** or **Make public** button (usually in top right)
2. Confirm that you want to publish your profile
3. Your profile URL is now: `sponsordriven.com/{your-profile-slug}`

**Before publishing, check:**

* ✅ Profile picture is professional
* ✅ Bio is complete and specific
* ✅ Social links work
* ✅ Motorsport data is added (for drivers)

**Expected result:** Your profile is now visible to sponsors and supporters

***

## Step 7: Add at least one piece of content (Update or Media)

1. Go to **Settings** → **Updates**
2. Click **Post new update**
3. Write a short message (50–100 words) about:
   * A recent race result
   * An announcement
   * A fundraising goal
   * A thank you to sponsors

**Example update:** "Just finished round 3 of the championship! Finished 5th in a competitive field. Big thanks to \[Sponsor Name] for their support. Next race is in 2 weeks at Brands Hatch."

4. Click **Add image** and upload a racing photo (action shot if possible)
5. Click **Publish**

**Expected result:** Your update appears on your profile

***

## Step 8: Set up your first funding option

### Quick option: Enable one-time contributions

1. Go to **Settings** → **Sponsorship packages** (or **Tiers**)
2. Click **Enable contributions** or **Add tier**
3. Name it something simple like **"Support my season"** or **"One-time support"**
4. Set a description: **"Help me reach my fundraising goal"**
5. Click **Save**

### Better option: Create sponsorship tiers (if you want recurring revenue)

1. Go to **Settings** → **Sponsorship packages**
2. Click **Create tier**
3. Create 3 tiers:

| Tier   | Price        | Benefit                                           |
| ------ | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------- |
| Bronze | £5–10/month  | Monthly thank you post + exclusive updates        |
| Silver | £20–50/month | Above + meet & greet at one race + monthly report |
| Gold   | £100+/month  | Above + car sticker/branding + VIP paddock access |

4. For each tier, add 2–3 clear benefits
5. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Supporters can see your tiers and choose how to support you

***

## Step 9: Complete payout setup (Required to receive money)

1. Go to **Settings** → **Payouts**
2. Click **Set up payout** or **Add bank account**
3. You'll be redirected to Stripe (Sponsor Driven's payment processor)
4. Follow Stripe's steps:
   * Confirm your full name and date of birth
   * Enter your UK bank account (sort code + account number)
   * Confirm your address
5. Click **Complete setup**
6. You'll be redirected back to Sponsor Driven

**Expected result:** Your profile now shows "Payout ready" and you can receive payments

**⚠️ Important:** Without this step, you won't get paid. Do this even if you haven't earned money yet.

***

## Step 10: Share your profile

1. Find your **profile URL** (looks like `sponsordriven.com/your-name`)
2. Copy the link
3. Share it on:
   * Your Instagram bio
   * Your Twitter/X profile
   * WhatsApp or email to friends/sponsors
   * Racing team group chats
   * Local motorsport club websites

**Template share text:**

> "I'm racing this season and looking for support! Check out my profile and sponsor me: \[your link]"

**Expected result:** People start visiting your profile

***

## Your Profile is Now Live ✅

You've completed the essentials. Now:

* **Post a new update weekly** – Keep your profile fresh
* **Thank contributors publicly** – Builds trust and encourages more support
* **Update your results** – Add race results as they happen
* **Share your link** – More shares = more views = more support

***

## Common Issues & Fixes

### "My profile isn't showing up in search"

Profiles need to be published first. Check:

1. Go to your profile settings
2. Look for **Publish** or **Make public** button
3. If it's greyed out, you may be missing required info (photo, bio, social link)

**Fix:** Add missing info, then publish

### "I can't add my motorsport series"

Your series may not be in our database yet.

**Fix:** Contact <support@sponsordriven.com> with:

* Name of series (e.g., "British Super 2000 Rally Championship")
* Country
* Approximate date you competed in it

### "Payout setup says 'Incomplete' or 'In review'"

Stripe may need more information.

**Fix:**

1. Go to **Payouts** page
2. Click **Complete setup** or **Update information**
3. Follow Stripe's prompts
4. Check your email for any requests from Stripe

### "My photo isn't uploading"

File size or format issue.

**Fix:**

* Make sure image is under 5 MB
* Use .jpg, .png, or .webp format
* Try cropping the image smaller
* Try a different browser

***

## Next Steps

* **Ready to get discovered?** Read [How to Promote Your Profile](/reference-guides/promotion-tips)
* **Want more supporters?** See [Creating Sponsorship Tiers](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-create-sponsorship-tiers)
* **Need to track results?** Check [Managing Your Race Schedule](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-manage-race-schedule)
* **Questions about money?** Go to [Understanding Payouts](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-setup-payouts)


# How to manage your race schedule

Track your racing journey by adding championships, race schedules, and results. This guide takes you through each step.

## Step 1: Navigate to your Motorsport settings

1. Go to **Settings** (top right of your profile)
2. Click **Motorsport** (only visible for drivers)
3. You'll see sections for:
   * **Current championships** (active races this season)
   * **Racing history** (past seasons and achievements)
   * **Upcoming races**
   * **Results**

**Expected result:** You're now in the Motorsport hub

***

## Step 2: Add your first championship

1. Click **Add championship** or **Add racing series**
2. Search for your series (e.g., "British Formula 3," "MotoE," "Super 2000 Rally")
3. Select from the list
4. If your series isn't listed:
   * Try a broader search (e.g., "Formula 3" instead of "British F3")
   * Contact <support@sponsordriven.com> to request it be added
5. Click **Add**

**Expected result:** Your championship appears under "Current championships"

***

## Step 3: Add your racing class/category

1. After adding the championship, you may see a **Class** or **Category** dropdown
2. Select your racing class:
   * Formula racing: F1, F2, F3, F4, etc.
   * Touring cars: BTCC, Super 2000, etc.
   * Rallying: WRC, national rallying classes
   * Motorcycle: MotoE, Superbike, etc.
3. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Your class is locked in for this championship

***

## Step 4: Add your racing number (optional but recommended)

1. Look for a **Car number** or **Driver number** field
2. Enter your racing number (e.g., #47, #3, #99)
3. Click **Save**

**Why this matters:** Sponsors want to see your number to identify you on the circuit

**Expected result:** Your number appears on your profile

***

## Step 5: Add a specific race

1. Under **Upcoming races**, click **Add race** or **Schedule race**
2. Search for the event (e.g., "Brands Hatch Round 3," "Silverstone F3")
3. Select the event from the list
4. If the event isn't listed:
   * Check the date (may be listed under a different date)
   * Contact support to have it added
5. Click **Add**

**Expected result:** The race appears in your upcoming race list with date and location

***

## Step 6: Add race results

### After each race:

1. Go to **Results** section (or find your race in the list)
2. Click **Add result** or the race name
3. Enter:
   * **Position finished** (1st, 2nd, 3rd, DNF, DNS, DSQ, etc.)
   * **Points scored** (if the series awards points)
   * **Fastest lap** (if applicable)
   * **Additional notes** (optional, e.g., "Led 5 laps," "Engine failure lap 12")
4. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Your result appears on your profile and in your race history

***

## Step 7: Upload race photos and videos (Optional but valuable)

1. Go to **Settings** → **Media & press**
2. Click **Upload photo** or **Upload video**
3. Select images from:
   * Official race photography
   * Your car/bike on track
   * Podium celebrations
   * Team photos
4. Add a caption (e.g., "Round 3 podium finish – P2")
5. Click **Upload**

**Why this matters:** Photos make your profile more trustworthy and engaging for sponsors

**File requirements:**

* Images: max 10 MB, .jpg/.png/.webp format
* Videos: max 100 MB, .mp4/.mov format

**Expected result:** Your media appears in your profile gallery

***

## Step 8: Post a race recap update

1. After major races, go to **Settings** → **Updates**
2. Click **Post new update**
3. Write a short recap (75–100 words):
   * Your finishing position
   * How the race went
   * Next steps
   * Thank your sponsors

**Example:**

> "P2 finish at Brands Hatch Round 3! Had a great battle with the championship leader but fuel strategy worked in our favour. Big thanks to \[Sponsor] for the support. Next race is Silverstone in 2 weeks. 🏁"

4. Click **Add image** and upload an action photo
5. Click **Publish**

**Expected result:** Your update appears on your profile feed

***

## Step 9: Update your championship standings (if tracking points)

1. Go back to **Motorsport** settings
2. Find your championship
3. Look for **Championship standings** or **Points**
4. If you can edit it, enter your current:
   * **Points total**
   * **Position in standings** (e.g., 3rd out of 20 drivers)
5. Click **Save**

**Note:** Some championships auto-update if connected to official series data. Check if yours does.

**Expected result:** Your standing is displayed on your profile

***

## Step 10: Organize your racing history

1. Go to **Racing history** section
2. Add past seasons you've competed in:
   * Series name
   * Year
   * Best finish or achievement
   * Points scored (if relevant)
3. This shows sponsors your experience and progression

**Why this matters:** Sponsors want to see a track record of improvement and commitment

**Expected result:** Your full career history is visible to sponsors

***

## Using Your Race Schedule for Sponsorship

Once your schedule is set up, sponsors can see:

* Where you're racing
* When you're racing
* Where their branding will be visible
* Media coverage opportunities

**Pro tip:** Update your schedule 4–6 weeks before races so sponsors have time to plan activations.

***

## Common Issues & Fixes

### "I can't find my championship in the list"

The series may not be in our database yet.

**Fix:**

1. Search by a broader term (e.g., "Formula 3" instead of "British F3")
2. Check if there's a parent category (e.g., some series group under "International Motorsport")
3. Contact <support@sponsordriven.com> with:
   * Championship name
   * Country/region
   * Year(s) you competed

### "My race result didn't update"

Results can take 24–48 hours to sync if connected to official series data.

**Fix:**

1. Manually add the result (see Step 6)
2. If it conflicts with auto-synced data, contact support
3. Wait 48 hours for official data to catch up

### "I finished DNF/DNS/DSQ but it's not showing correctly"

The result code may not have been entered correctly.

**Fix:**

* Ensure you select the correct code:
  * **DNF** = Did not finish
  * **DNS** = Did not start
  * **DSQ** = Disqualified
  * **Retired** = Mechanical failure
  * **Not classified** = Completed but not classified
* Re-save with correct code

### "My photos aren't appearing in the public gallery"

Photos may need approval or be in draft mode.

**Fix:**

1. Go to **Media & press**
2. Check if photo shows as "Published" or "Draft"
3. If draft, click **Publish**
4. Photos may take 5 minutes to appear publicly

### "I can't edit past race results"

Once results are confirmed, they may be locked.

**Fix:** Contact support if result is incorrect

***

## Pro Tips for Race Management

✅ **Update results within 24 hours** – Sponsors notice recent activity\
✅ **Add photos to each race** – Makes your profile more credible\
✅ **Post weekly updates** – Even if not race-specific, keep content fresh\
✅ **Link your social posts** – Include your profile URL in race day posts\
✅ **Keep championship standings current** – Shows you're actively competing

***

## Next Steps

* **Ready to monetize your racing?** See [How to Create Sponsorship Tiers](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-create-sponsorship-tiers)
* **Want to share your racing journey?** Check [How to Post Updates](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-post-updates)
* **Need sponsorship templates?** Go to [Sponsorship Templates Library](/reference-guides/sponsorship-templates)
* **Questions about drivers vs. teams?** Read [Profile Types](/reference-guides/build-your-profile)


# How to create sponsorship tiers

Sponsorship tiers are how you package and price your support options. This guide walks you through creating tiers that sponsors actually want to buy.

## Step 1: Navigate to your Sponsorship packages settings

1. Go to **Settings** (top right of your profile)
2. Click **Sponsorship packages** or **Sponsorship tiers**
3. You'll see:
   * Any existing tiers you've created
   * An **Add tier** or **Create tier** button

**Expected result:** You're in the tier management page

***

## Step 2: Decide on your tier structure

Before creating tiers, decide how many you want. Recommended:

### For drivers/competitors:

| Tier       | Price    | Duration             | Use case              |
| ---------- | -------- | -------------------- | --------------------- |
| **Bronze** | £50–150  | One-time or 3 months | Entry-level support   |
| **Silver** | £300–800 | Season or year       | Mid-level sponsorship |
| **Gold**   | £1,500+  | Full season/year     | Premium sponsorship   |

### For teams:

| Tier                      | Price        | Duration | Use case                   |
| ------------------------- | ------------ | -------- | -------------------------- |
| **Official Team Sponsor** | £2,000–5,000 | Season   | Car branding + hospitality |
| **Series Partner**        | £500–1,500   | Season   | Medium branding + mentions |
| **Supporter**             | £100–300     | One-time | Logo placement             |

**Pro tip:** Start with 2–3 tiers. Too many confuses buyers.

***

## Step 3: Create your first (Bronze) tier

1. Click **Add tier** or **Create tier**
2. Enter the **tier name**: "Bronze" or "Starter support"
3. Set the **price**: £50–150 (one-time) or £10–25/month (recurring)
4. Select **billing type**:
   * **One-time** – supporter pays once
   * **Monthly** – automatic recurring charge
   * **Seasonal** – fixed period (e.g., March–November)
5. Enter **description** (2–3 sentences):

   > "Get behind the scenes updates every week and your name featured on my social media."
6. Click **Save draft** or **Save**

**Expected result:** Your Bronze tier appears in the list

***

## Step 4: Add benefits to your Bronze tier

1. Click on your Bronze tier to edit it
2. Look for **Tier benefits** or **What's included** section
3. Click **Add benefit** and enter 3–4 key benefits:
   * "Weekly behind-the-scenes updates via email"
   * "Your name on my social media shout-out"
   * "Season race schedule with race day details"
   * "Exclusive racing photos"
4. For each benefit, check if there's a **visibility** toggle:
   * **Public** – everyone can see what's included
   * **Private** – only tier members see this
5. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Benefits are listed under your tier on your public profile

***

## Step 5: Create your second (Silver) tier

1. Click **Add tier** again
2. Enter the **tier name**: "Silver" or "Season sponsor"
3. Set **price higher** than Bronze (typically 4–6x Bronze price)
4. Select **billing type**: Usually monthly or seasonal for mid-tier
5. Enter **description**:

   > "Official season partner with car branding, monthly reports, and exclusive meet & greet at two races."
6. Click **Save draft**

**Expected result:** You now have Bronze and Silver tiers

***

## Step 6: Add premium benefits to Silver tier

1. Click on Silver tier to edit
2. Click **Add benefit** and enter 4–5 benefits that go beyond Bronze:
   * "Official car/bike branding (e.g., logo on vehicle)"
   * "Monthly performance report and media impressions"
   * "Exclusive meet & greet at race weekends (×2)"
   * "Monthly shout-out on primary social media channel"
   * "Sponsor profile feature on my website or YouTube"
   * "First right of refusal for new sponsor requests"
3. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Silver tier shows more premium benefits than Bronze

***

## Step 7: Create your third (Gold) tier (Optional)

1. Click **Add tier**
2. Enter **tier name**: "Gold" or "Premier sponsor"
3. Set **price** significantly higher (typically 6–10x Bronze or 2–3x Silver)
4. Select **billing type**: Usually monthly or seasonal
5. Enter **description**:

   > "Premier partnership with car branding, monthly strategy calls, hospitality passes, and exclusive brand integration."
6. Click **Save draft**

**Expected result:** You now have a three-tier structure

***

## Step 8: Add ultra-premium benefits to Gold tier

1. Click on Gold tier
2. Add 5–7 premium benefits:
   * "Top-tier car/bike branding (prime location, large size)"
   * "Weekly strategy calls with me and my team"
   * "VIP paddock access and hospitality at all races"
   * "Custom video content for your brand (×2 per season)"
   * "Naming rights to one race weekend (e.g., 'Gold F3 Round 3')"
   * "Quarterly in-person sponsorship review meeting"
   * "Co-branded merchandise opportunity"
3. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Gold tier reflects premium pricing

***

## Step 9: Set which tier is featured (Optional)

1. Look for a **Featured tier** or **Recommended** option
2. Check which tier should be highlighted first (usually Silver – the middle option)
3. This makes that tier appear more prominent on your profile
4. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Your featured tier gets visual prominence

***

## Step 10: Preview your tiers on your public profile

1. Click **View public profile** or go to `sponsordriven.com/{your-slug}`
2. Look for **Sponsorship options** or **Support tiers** section
3. Check that:
   * ✅ All three tiers are visible
   * ✅ Prices are clearly shown
   * ✅ Benefits are descriptive
   * ✅ The most attractive tier is featured
4. Return to settings if anything needs adjustment

**Expected result:** Your tiers look professional and persuasive

***

## Step 11: Test a tier purchase (Optional but recommended)

1. Have a trusted friend or family member:
   * Visit your public profile
   * Click on a tier
   * Click **Support this tier**
   * Go through the checkout process (they don't have to complete it)
2. This tests your tier setup and user flow

**Expected result:** The checkout process works smoothly

***

## Step 12: Promote your tiers

1. Go to **Settings** → **Updates**
2. Click **Post new update**
3. Write a post announcing your new sponsorship tiers:

   > "I'm now accepting sponsors for my 2024 season! I've created 3 sponsorship packages to fit different budgets. Check out my Bronze, Silver, and Gold options and let's partner up! 🏁 #Sponsorship #Motorsport"
4. Click **Publish**

**Expected result:** Your followers see your sponsorship announcement

***

## Common Issues & Fixes

### "My tiers won't save"

Missing required fields.

**Fix:**

* Check that you've filled in: tier name, price, description
* Make sure price is entered as a number (e.g., "150" not "£150")
* Try refreshing the page

### "Benefits aren't showing up"

Benefits may be in draft mode or not saved.

**Fix:**

1. Click on the tier
2. Scroll to the bottom of the page
3. Look for **Save** or **Publish** button and click it
4. Wait 5 seconds for the page to update

### "Supporters can't purchase my tiers"

Tiers may not be published or payment isn't set up.

**Fix:**

1. Go to **Settings** → **Payouts**
2. Check if you see "Payout setup complete"
3. If not, complete payout setup (see [How to Set Up Payouts](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-setup-payouts))
4. Go back to tiers and check if they're marked as "Active" or "Published"

### "Price seems too high/low compared to other drivers"

Research what comparable drivers in your series charge.

**Fix:**

1. Look at 3–5 drivers similar to you (similar level, series, following)
2. Check their tiers on Sponsor Driven
3. Adjust your pricing to be competitive
4. Remember: you can change prices anytime

### "I want to change a tier after creating it"

You can edit active tiers anytime.

**Fix:**

1. Click the tier
2. Update the name, price, or benefits
3. Click **Save**
4. Changes take effect immediately

***

## Pro Tips for Tier Success

✅ **Name tiers simply** – Bronze, Silver, Gold is clearer than "Starter," "Pro," "Ultimate"\
✅ **Make benefits specific** – "Car branding" is better than "Visibility"\
✅ **Price realistically** – Research your market; too high means no sales\
✅ **Update quarterly** – Refresh benefits as your season progresses\
✅ **Add a "story" tier** – One unique sponsorship at a custom price for premium brands\
✅ **Include reporting** – Sponsors want to see ROI (views, mentions, results)

***

## Tier Pricing Guide

### Factors that affect pricing:

| Factor               | Impact                              | Example                    |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------- | -------------------------- |
| **Series prestige**  | Higher series = higher prices       | F3 charges more than F4    |
| **Your results**     | Winning drivers charge more         | Champions can 2–3x prices  |
| **Social following** | More followers = higher price       | 50K followers vs. 5K       |
| **Media coverage**   | TV/media presence justifies premium | Broadcast racing vs. local |
| **Experience**       | Veteran drivers charge more         | 10-year pro vs. rookie     |

***

## Example Tier Structures

### Entry-level driver (first season):

* Bronze: £30–60/month
* Silver: £150–300/month
* Gold: £600+/month

### Mid-level driver (3–5 years, regular points):

* Bronze: £50–100/month
* Silver: £300–600/month
* Gold: £1,000+/month

### Championship contender:

* Bronze: £150–300/month
* Silver: £800–1,500/month
* Gold: £3,000+/month

***

## Next Steps

* **Need help writing tier descriptions?** See [Sponsorship Templates Library](/reference-guides/sponsorship-templates)
* **Ready to post updates?** Go to [How to Post Updates](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-post-updates)
* **Want to track who sponsors you?** Check [Sponsorship Deals and Tracking](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals)
* **Questions about pricing?** Read [Platform FAQ](/reference/platform-faq)


# How to post updates

Regular updates keep your profile fresh and build trust with supporters. This guide shows you how to post consistently.

## Step 1: Navigate to your Updates section

1. Go to **Settings** (top right of your profile)
2. Click **Updates**
3. You'll see:
   * A list of your past updates
   * A **Post new update** or **Create update** button

**Expected result:** You're in your Updates hub

***

## Step 2: Plan your update (before you write)

Think about what you want to share:

| Update type           | When to post            | Example                                    |
| --------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| **Race result**       | Within 24 hours of race | Finished 3rd at Brands Hatch!              |
| **Behind-the-scenes** | Between races           | Team prep video, pit crew shout-out        |
| **Announcement**      | When there's news       | New sponsor, new partnership, season goals |
| **Milestone**         | Achievements            | 100 followers reached, season best result  |
| **Thank you**         | After receiving support | Shout-out to sponsors or new supporters    |
| **Training/prep**     | Off-season or build-up  | Fitness routine, car setup, mental prep    |
| **Media feature**     | When featured in press  | Appeared in motorsport magazine feature    |

**Pro tip:** Aim for **1 update per week** minimum. This keeps you visible in supporter feeds.

***

## Step 3: Create a new update

1. Click **Post new update** or **Create update**
2. You'll see a text box with options:
   * Title (optional, but recommended)
   * Body text (your main message)
   * Image upload area
   * Publish/schedule options

**Expected result:** Update form is open and ready

***

## Step 4: Write an engaging update title

1. Click the **Title** field (if present)
2. Write a short, compelling title (3–8 words):
   * ✅ "3rd place finish at Brands Hatch!"
   * ✅ "Behind the scenes: Qualifying day prep"
   * ✅ "Big thanks to my amazing sponsors"
   * ❌ "Update" (too generic)
   * ❌ "Racing is cool" (not specific enough)

**Expected result:** Your title is attention-grabbing and clear

***

## Step 5: Write your update body

1. Click the **Body** or **Description** field
2. Write your update (50–150 words is ideal):

**Structure for race updates:**

1. Your result (position/time)
2. How the race went (one sentence)
3. Highlight or learning point (one sentence)
4. Thank sponsors or supporters (one sentence)
5. Preview what's next (one sentence)

**Example:**

> "P2 finish at Brands Hatch Round 3! Started well but had to manage fuel in the final 10 laps – strategic decision that nearly paid off. Learned a lot about tyre management in the heat. Big thanks to \[Sponsor Name] for their support today. Next race is Silverstone in 2 weeks – can't wait! 🏁"

**Structure for non-race updates:**

1. What's happening (one sentence)
2. Context or why it matters (2–3 sentences)
3. Call to action or emotion (one sentence)

**Example:**

> "Excited to announce I'm now taking season sponsorships! I've put together 3 sponsorship packages that I think offer amazing value. Whether you're a local business or dedicated fan, there's something for you. Check out my tiers and let's partner up for 2024! 🙌"

**Expected result:** Your update is ready to publish

***

## Step 6: Add an image or video

1. Look for **Add media**, **Upload photo**, or **Attach image** button
2. Click and select an image from your computer
3. Choose the best option:
   * **Action shot** – you racing (best for engagement)
   * **Podium/celebration** – emotional and shareable
   * **Team photo** – builds community feeling
   * **Graphic/stat graphic** – results visualization
4. The image will upload (wait for progress bar to finish)
5. Optional: Add a **caption** to the image (e.g., "Final lap battle for position!")

**File requirements:**

* Image size: max 10 MB
* Format: .jpg, .png, or .webp
* Recommended size: 1200×630 pixels (landscape) or 1080×1080 (square)

**Pro tip:** Images get 3–4x more engagement than text-only posts

**Expected result:** Your image is attached and showing in the preview

***

## Step 7: Choose your publish timing

1. Look for **Publish options**, **Schedule**, or **Timing** section
2. You have options:
   * **Publish now** – post immediately (best for time-sensitive news)
   * **Schedule for later** – choose date/time (good for planned content)
   * **Auto-post to social** – if enabled, automatically shares to your linked socials

**Best times to post:**

* **Race results**: Within 24 hours (while fresh)
* **Weekly content**: Tuesday–Thursday, 6–8 PM UK time
* **Behind-the-scenes**: Midweek (low competition)
* **Announcements**: Early evening (more visibility)

3. Select your timing option
4. Click **Preview** to see how it will look

**Expected result:** Timing is set correctly

***

## Step 8: Review before publishing

1. Check the preview:
   * ✅ Title is clear and compelling
   * ✅ Body text is error-free and readable
   * ✅ Image is high-quality and relevant
   * ✅ All sponsor names spelled correctly
   * ✅ Links work (if you added any)
   * ✅ No typos or grammar errors
2. If something needs fixing, click **Edit** and update it
3. Once satisfied, click **Publish** or **Schedule**

**Expected result:** Update is live on your profile

***

## Step 9: Share your update elsewhere

After publishing, amplify your reach:

1. Copy your **profile URL** (e.g., sponsordriven.com/your-name)
2. Share to your other platforms:
   * **Instagram**: Screenshot the update + your profile link
   * **Twitter/X**: "Just posted a race recap on my Sponsor Driven profile – check it out!"
   * **TikTok**: Short video clip + link in bio
   * **WhatsApp/email**: Direct message to your sponsor list

**Template share text:**

> "New race update on Sponsor Driven – how I performed at \[Event]. Check out my profile and sponsor my next race: \[link]"

**Expected result:** Your update gets cross-platform visibility

***

## Step 10: Engage with comments (Optional but powerful)

1. Return to your update on Sponsor Driven
2. Look for any **comments** from supporters
3. Reply to thoughtful comments with:
   * ❤️ A thank you
   * An answer to questions
   * A personal message (not generic)

**Example:**

> "Thanks so much! Really appreciate the support – it makes a huge difference knowing people care. Hope to see you at the next race! 🏁"

**Why this matters:** Replying builds loyalty and encourages more supporters

**Expected result:** Supporters feel valued and engaged

***

## Building an Update Schedule

For consistent engagement, aim for this posting schedule:

| Frequency         | Minimum  | Ideal       | Why                                         |
| ----------------- | -------- | ----------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Race weekends** | 1 update | 3–4 updates | Qualify, race day, results, thank you       |
| **Between races** | 0.5/week | 1/week      | Behind-the-scenes, training, prep           |
| **Off-season**    | 0.5/week | 1–2/week    | Goal-setting, pre-season prep, partnerships |
| **New sponsor**   | —        | 1 update    | Announcement + partner promotion            |

### Sample month (race series with 4 races):

* **Week 1 (Race weekend)**: 3 updates (practice day, qualifying, race result)
* **Week 2 (between)**: 1 update (behind-the-scenes)
* **Week 3 (Race weekend)**: 3 updates (preview, qualifying, result)
* **Week 4 (between)**: 1 update (sponsor thank-you or training)

**Total:** 8 updates in a month = consistent visibility

***

## Update Ideas to Keep Your Feed Fresh

### Monday posts:

* Weekend recap
* Sponsor shout-out
* Goal for the week

### Wednesday posts:

* Behind-the-scenes training
* Team preparation
* Fitness/wellness content

### Friday posts:

* Weekend preview
* "This time next week..." excitement building
* Sponsor integration content

### Off-season posts:

* Winter training
* Team announcements
* Season preview and goals

***

## Common Issues & Fixes

### "My update won't publish"

Missing required field or connection issue.

**Fix:**

1. Check that you've written a title and body text
2. Try refreshing the page
3. Try a different browser
4. If still stuck, contact <support@sponsordriven.com>

### "My image didn't upload"

File size or format issue.

**Fix:**

* Make sure image is under 10 MB
* Use .jpg, .png, or .webp format
* Try cropping the image smaller
* Try a different image

### "Update published but didn't appear immediately"

Updates can take 1–5 minutes to appear live.

**Fix:**

1. Wait 5 minutes
2. Refresh your profile page
3. Check if it's marked as "Draft" instead of "Published"

### "I want to edit an update after publishing"

You can edit published updates anytime.

**Fix:**

1. Find the update in your Updates list
2. Click **Edit** or **Manage**
3. Update the text or image
4. Click **Save**
5. Changes take effect immediately

### "I want to delete an update"

You can remove updates at any time.

**Fix:**

1. Find the update
2. Click **Delete** or **Remove**
3. Confirm deletion

***

## Pro Tips for Update Success

✅ **Post consistently** – One post per week minimum; supporters notice patterns\
✅ **Include images** – Updates with photos get 3–4x more engagement\
✅ **Be authentic** – Share real moments, not just victories\
✅ **Thank your supporters** – Public gratitude builds community\
✅ **Engage with comments** – Reply to comments within 24 hours\
✅ **Use emojis sparingly** – 1–2 relevant emojis is fine; too many looks unprofessional\
✅ **Cross-post** – Share your update on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok\
✅ **Add value** – Teach something, inspire, or entertain – don't just promote

***

## What to Avoid

❌ **Posting only sponsorship asks** – Mix it with genuine content\
❌ **Duplicate posts** – Same update posted 5 times\
❌ **Vague titles** – "Check this out" doesn't explain what it is\
❌ **Blurry or low-quality images** – Reflects poorly on your brand\
❌ **Negative posts** – Don't air grievances publicly\
❌ **Spammy tone** – Feel like a real person, not a marketing robot\
❌ **Radio silence between races** – Supporters forget about you

***

## Next Steps

* **Want to build a fan membership?** See [How to Set Up Memberships](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-setup-memberships)
* **Ready for advanced content?** Check [Content Strategy](/reference-guides/updates-and-content)
* **Need more ideas?** Go to [Promotion Tips](/reference-guides/promotion-tips)
* **Curious about analytics?** Read [Understanding Your Analytics](/reference-guides/analytics-and-transactions)


# How to set up memberships

Build recurring revenue by letting fans subscribe to your content. This guide covers everything from setup to engagement.

## Step 1: Check if memberships are enabled for your profile

1. Go to **Settings** (top right)
2. Look for **Memberships** option
3. If you don't see it, memberships may not be enabled for your profile type

**Who can use memberships:**

* ✅ Drivers
* ✅ Teams
* ❌ Individual profiles (supporters can't host memberships)

**If memberships aren't showing:**

* Feature may be disabled for your region or account
* Contact <support@sponsordriven.com> to enable it
* May require approval or minimum profile criteria

**Expected result:** You can see the Memberships settings section

***

## Step 2: Navigate to your Memberships section

1. Go to **Settings** → **Memberships**
2. You'll see:
   * Any existing membership tiers
   * An **Add tier** or **Create tier** button
   * Membership settings and rules

**Expected result:** You're in the Memberships hub

***

## Step 3: Plan your membership tiers

Decide what fans get at each level:

### Simple structure (recommended for starters):

* **Fan** – £2–4/month – Weekly updates, photo gallery
* **VIP** – £5–10/month – Above + monthly video call + exclusive content

### Extended structure:

* **Supporter** – £3/month – Weekly updates + early race previews
* **VIP** – £7/month – Above + exclusive posts + monthly video
* **Premium** – £15/month – Above + merchandise discounts + VIP pass

**Pro tip:** Start with 2 tiers. You can add more later.

***

## Step 4: Create your first (entry-level) membership tier

1. Click **Add tier** or **Create membership tier**
2. Enter **tier name**: "Fan" or "Supporter"
3. Set **monthly price**: £2–5 (sweet spot for entry-level)
4. Set **billing frequency**: Monthly (most common) or Yearly
5. Enter **description** (1–2 sentences):

   > "Get exclusive weekly updates from my racing journey, early access to new photos, and direct messages to chat about races."
6. Click **Save draft**

**Expected result:** Your first tier appears in the list

***

## Step 5: Add benefits to your entry-level tier

1. Click on your tier to edit it
2. Look for **Tier benefits** or **Member perks** section
3. Click **Add benefit** and enter 3–5 member benefits:
   * "New exclusive post every week"
   * "Access to private photo gallery"
   * "Early access to race results and updates"
   * "Member-only Q\&A posts"
   * "Monthly shout-out as a valued member"
4. Each benefit can be marked **public** (everyone sees it) or **private** (only members see it)
5. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** Benefits are listed for your tier

***

## Step 6: Create your second (premium) membership tier

1. Click **Add tier** again
2. Enter **tier name**: "VIP" or "Premium"
3. Set **price higher**: £7–15/month (2–3x your entry tier)
4. Set **billing frequency**: Monthly
5. Enter **description**:

   > "Exclusive VIP membership with everything from Fan tier, plus monthly private video calls with me, merchandise discounts, and priority message access."
6. Click **Save draft**

**Expected result:** You have two membership tiers

***

## Step 7: Add premium benefits to your VIP tier

1. Click on your VIP tier
2. Add 5–7 benefits that enhance the entry tier:
   * Everything from Fan tier (automatically included)
   * "Monthly 30-minute video call with me"
   * "Exclusive VIP-only posts (×2 per month)"
   * "20% discount on any merchandise"
   * "Priority message response (within 24 hours)"
   * "Feature in monthly VIP spotlight post"
   * "Suggest one race weekend topic for coverage"
3. Click **Save**

**Expected result:** VIP tier feels noticeably better than Fan tier

***

## Step 8: Set up your membership posting schedule

Before launching, plan what you'll post:

### Weekly posts (required for all members):

* Race update (even if just practice)
* Behind-the-scenes photo or video (training, team prep)
* Personal story or learning moment

### VIP-exclusive posts (monthly):

* Long-form story or essay (10–15 min read)
* Exclusive training footage or data
* Personal Q\&A or advice session

### Both tiers monthly:

* Month-in-review post
* Goals for next month
* Member appreciation post

**Pro tip:** Use a content calendar to plan 4 weeks ahead

***

## Step 9: Create your first membership-exclusive post

1. Go to **Settings** → **Memberships** (if there's a content section)
2. Or go to **Updates** and create a new post
3. Create a post and mark it as **membership only** or **exclusive**:
   * Write compelling content (50–100 words)
   * Include a photo or video
   * Make it feel special and exclusive

**Example exclusive post:**

> "Behind the scenes at the workshop: Here's the data from today's tire testing. We tried three different compounds in the heat and found something interesting... \[rest of post]. This kind of technical deep-dive is VIP exclusive, because I can only share so much of our strategy publicly!"

4. Set **visibility** to **Members only** or **VIP only**
5. Click **Publish**

**Expected result:** Your first member-exclusive post is live

***

## Step 10: Launch your memberships publicly

1. Go to **Settings** → **Memberships**
2. Look for a **Publish** or **Make public** button
3. Click it to make your membership tiers visible on your public profile
4. Optional: Post an announcement update:

   > "I'm starting a membership community! Join my fan club for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and monthly video calls. Links in my profile. 🏁 #CommunityFirst"
5. Share the link on your social media

**Expected result:** Fans can now join your membership

***

## Step 11: Post member-exclusive content regularly

**Weekly routine:**

1. Go to your Updates or Memberships content section
2. Post your exclusive weekly update (photo + message)
3. Make it feel worth the subscription
4. Encourage comments and interaction

**Monthly routine:**

1. Post a special exclusive video or long-form post
2. Do a live Q\&A or AMA (Ask Me Anything)
3. Highlight and thank your top members
4. Show members you value their support

**Expected result:** Members feel engaged and get ROI on their subscription

***

## Step 12: Engage with your members

1. Check for member comments and replies regularly
2. Respond to comments within 24 hours
3. Thank members for their support publicly sometimes
4. Ask members for feedback (e.g., "What would you like to see more of?")
5. Occasionally do exclusive polls or votes (e.g., "What should I wear for qualifying?")

**Example member engagement:**

> "Thanks so much for being part of the community! Your support genuinely matters. What do you want to see more of – training videos, family stories, or behind-the-scenes mechanic chat?"

**Expected result:** Strong community bonds form; members feel valued

***

## Common Issues & Fixes

### "Memberships option isn't showing in my Settings"

Memberships may not be available for your profile type yet.

**Fix:**

1. Check your profile type (drivers/teams only)
2. Check if you're in a supported region (primarily UK/Europe)
3. Contact <support@sponsordriven.com> to request it be enabled

### "I can't set a monthly price – only yearly"

Subscription frequency might be set to yearly by default.

**Fix:**

1. Look for **Billing frequency** or **Subscription period** dropdown
2. Change from "Yearly" to "Monthly"
3. Save changes

### "I created a tier but it doesn't appear publicly"

Tier may not be published.

**Fix:**

1. Click on the tier
2. Look for **Status** field – should say "Active" or "Published"
3. If it says "Draft," click **Publish**
4. Wait 5 minutes for it to appear on your public profile

### "I posted exclusive content but members say they can't see it"

Content may not be marked as member-only.

**Fix:**

1. Edit the post
2. Look for **Visibility** option
3. Make sure it's set to **Members only** or **Member exclusive**
4. Save changes
5. Tell members to refresh their browser

### "Member tried to join but payment failed"

Payment issue – could be card, region, or payment processor problem.

**Fix:**

1. Tell member to try a different payment method
2. Check if they're in a supported country (payments available in UK, EU, US, etc.)
3. Have them try again in 5 minutes (temporary connection issue)
4. If still failing, have them contact support with their error message

### "I want to change a tier price"

You can update pricing anytime.

**Fix:**

1. Click on the tier
2. Update the **price** field
3. Click **Save**
4. New price takes effect for new members immediately
5. Existing members keep their old price until renewal

***

## Membership Best Practices

✅ **Post at least weekly** – Members expect regular content\
✅ **Make it exclusive** – Don't post same content to free social\
✅ **Respond to members** – Make them feel valued and heard\
✅ **Show progression** – Share training, improvement, goals\
✅ **Behind-the-scenes > polish** – Authenticity beats perfection\
✅ **Include VIP perks** – Video calls, Q\&A, direct access matter\
✅ **Thank members publicly** – Sometimes spotlight them in public posts\
✅ **Start small** – 10 members is success; it grows from there

***

## Membership Growth Tips

### Month 1–2 (Launch phase):

* Invite your closest supporters to join
* Post daily exclusive content
* Make VIP tiers attractive with special perks
* Goal: 5–10 members

### Month 3–4 (Growth phase):

* Mention memberships in every race update
* Create FOMO with exclusive content previews
* Host first member-exclusive video call
* Goal: 20–50 members

### Month 5+ (Maturity phase):

* Maintain regular posting schedule
* Create special events (voting, Q\&As, challenges)
* Refine pricing based on retention
* Add new tiers if demand exists

***

## Pricing Guidance by Profile Type

### Emerging drivers (new to platform):

* Entry: £2–3/month
* Premium: £5–8/month

### Established drivers (consistent top-5 finishes):

* Entry: £4–6/month
* Premium: £10–15/month

### Championship contenders:

* Entry: £5–10/month
* Premium: £15–25/month

### Professional/top-tier drivers:

* Entry: £10–20/month
* Premium: £25–50/month

***

## What Members Want Most

Research shows members value:

1. **Consistency** – Regular posts (more valuable than perfect posts)
2. **Authenticity** – Real moments, not just highlights
3. **Access** – Feeling connected to you
4. **Community** – Feeling part of a group
5. **Exclusivity** – Content they can't get elsewhere
6. **Appreciation** – Being thanked and recognized

***

## Next Steps

* **Ready to track members and revenue?** See [Understanding Analytics](/reference-guides/analytics-and-transactions)
* **Want to combine with sponsorship?** Check [Sponsorship Tiers and Deals](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals)
* **Need content ideas?** Go to [How to Post Updates](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-post-updates)
* **Questions about payouts?** Read [How Payouts Work](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works)


# How to set up payouts

To receive money from supporters and sponsors, you need to set up payouts. This guide walks you through the process step by step.

## Step 1: Understand what you need

Before starting, make sure you have:

✅ **Your identity details:**

* Full name (as it appears in your passport/ID)
* Date of birth
* Residential address
* Nationality

✅ **Your UK bank account:**

* Account holder name
* Sort code (6 digits)
* Account number (8 digits)
* You can find these on your debit card or bank statements

✅ **A valid email address** (where payment confirmations will go)

**Note:** Payouts are currently only available for UK bank accounts. If you're not in the UK, contact <support@sponsordriven.com>.

***

## Step 2: Navigate to your Payouts settings

1. Go to **Settings** (top right of your profile)
2. Click **Payouts**
3. You'll see sections for:
   * **Current balance** (how much you have available)
   * **Payout setup** or **Add bank account**
   * **Pending payouts** (if any)
   * **Payout history**

**Expected result:** You're in your Payouts hub

***

## Step 3: Start payout setup

1. Look for **Set up payout**, **Add bank account**, or **Complete setup** button
2. Click it
3. You may see a message saying "Payout setup incomplete" – this is normal
4. Click **Begin** or **Get started**

**Expected result:** You're directed to complete setup

***

## Step 4: Confirm your identity

You'll be taken to Stripe (our payment processor) to verify your identity.

1. **Full name**: Enter exactly as it appears in your passport/ID
2. **Date of birth**: MM/DD/YYYY format (e.g., 03/15/1995)
3. **Residential address**: Your full current address
4. **Nationality**: Select your country

**Important notes:**

* Information must match your ID exactly (or it will be rejected)
* If you've recently moved, use your current address
* If your name has accents or special characters, type them exactly as they appear on your ID

**Expected result:** Identity information is submitted

***

## Step 5: Verify your email address

1. You'll receive an email from Stripe (or <noreply@sponsordriven.com>)
2. Click the **verification link** in the email
3. Confirm the email address is correct

**If you don't see the email:**

* Check your spam/junk folder
* Wait 5 minutes and refresh
* If still not arrived after 10 minutes, click "Resend email"

**Expected result:** Email is verified and confirmed

***

## Step 6: Add your bank account details

You're now back in Sponsor Driven (or still in Stripe – depends on flow).

1. **Account holder name**: Enter the name on your bank account (should match your ID)
2. **Sort code**: 6 digits (format: XX-XX-XX or XXXXXX)
3. **Account number**: 8 digits
4. Confirm the account holder name matches

**Where to find these:**

* On your UK debit card (sort code under your name)
* On your bank statements
* By asking your bank
* Online banking app (usually in account details)

**Example format:**

* Sort code: 20-00-00
* Account number: 12345678

**Expected result:** Bank account is entered correctly

***

## Step 7: Verify your bank account

1. Stripe may ask to verify your bank account by sending small test transfers
2. You'll see a message like "We'll send 2 small deposits (£0.01–£0.99) to verify your account"
3. Check your bank account in 1–3 business days
4. Return to Sponsor Driven and enter the amounts (e.g., "0.37" and "0.41")
5. Click **Verify**

**What to expect:**

* Two tiny deposits appear in your account
* They'll have a reference code or description
* You need those amounts to confirm ownership
* Once verified, the amounts are returned to your account

**If deposits don't arrive:**

* Wait 3 business days
* Check if your bank blocked them (call your bank)
* Confirm sort code and account number were correct

**Expected result:** Bank account is verified and confirmed

***

## Step 8: Complete any remaining requirements

1. You may be asked for:
   * **Company name** (if you're self-employed – use your racing name or "Professional Driver")
   * **Business type** (select "Individual" or "Professional")
   * **Tax information** (VAT number if you have one)
2. Fill in these final details
3. Click **Finish** or **Complete setup**

**Expected result:** Payout setup is complete

***

## Step 9: Confirm payout is ready

1. Return to **Settings** → **Payouts**
2. Look for your account status:
   * ✅ **"Payout ready"** – You're all set!
   * ⏳ **"Pending verification"** – Wait 24–48 hours
   * ❌ **"Incomplete"** – Missing information; click to fix it
   * ⏸️ **"Restricted"** – Contact support
3. Your account details should show as:
   * Account ending in \[last 4 digits]
   * Account holder name
   * Status: Active/Verified

**Expected result:** Status shows "Payout ready"

***

## Step 10: Understand balance requirements

Before requesting a payout, check your minimum balance:

1. Look at your **Available balance** on the Payouts page
2. Minimum payout thresholds:
   * **First payout**: £20 minimum
   * **Subsequent payouts**: £10 minimum
3. If your balance is below the minimum:
   * Wait for more contributions/sponsorships
   * Or contact support to discuss options

**Example:**

* Available balance: £45
* You can request a payout for £45 (or any amount between £20–45)

**Expected result:** You understand your balance requirements

***

## Step 11: Request your first payout

Once you have a balance of £20+ and payout setup is complete:

1. Go to **Settings** → **Payouts**
2. Click **Request payout** or **Withdraw funds**
3. You may see options:
   * **Withdraw all available** (easiest)
   * **Enter custom amount** (if you want to withdraw less)
4. Select your option
5. Click **Confirm payout**

**What happens next:**

* Funds are sent to Stripe
* Stripe processes and sends to your bank (1–3 business days)
* You'll receive a confirmation email

**Expected result:** Payout is requested and processing

***

## Step 12: Track your payout

1. Go to **Settings** → **Payouts** → **Pending payouts** or **Payout history**
2. You'll see:
   * Amount requested
   * Date requested
   * Status (pending, in progress, completed)
   * Expected arrival date
3. Status updates:
   * **Pending**: Just requested, hasn't left our system yet
   * **In transit**: On the way to your bank
   * **Completed**: Money should be in your account
4. Click a payout to see more details (reference number, trace code, etc.)

**Timeline expectation:**

* 0–5 minutes: Shows as "Pending"
* 1–24 hours: Shows as "In transit"
* 1–3 business days: Shows as "Completed" and appears in bank

**Expected result:** You can track your payout's progress

***

## Common Issues & Fixes

### "Payout setup shows 'Incomplete'"

Missing required information.

**Fix:**

1. Click on the setup status
2. See which fields are marked incomplete
3. Fill in missing information (identity, address, bank account)
4. Click Save
5. Status should update to "Pending verification" or "Complete"

### "Identity verification failed"

Information didn't match your ID.

**Fix:**

1. Go back to Setup
2. Carefully re-enter your information exactly as it appears on your ID
3. Check for typos, middle names, or special characters
4. Use passport/ID format (middle name if listed)
5. Resubmit
6. If still failing, contact <support@sponsordriven.com> with a copy of your ID

### "Bank account verification timed out"

You didn't enter test deposit amounts in time.

**Fix:**

1. Go back to **Payouts** → **Setup**
2. Start the verification process again
3. Wait for test deposits (1–3 business days)
4. Enter the amounts you see
5. Complete verification

### "Payout failed – 'Invalid account'"

Bank details were incorrect.

**Fix:**

1. Double-check your sort code and account number
2. Go to your bank's app or website to confirm
3. Call your bank if unsure
4. Go to **Payouts** → **Update account**
5. Enter correct details
6. Re-request payout

### "Payout failed – 'Account closed'"

The bank account may no longer be active.

**Fix:**

1. Confirm your account is still open with your bank
2. If you've switched accounts, update your details in **Payouts** → **Update account**
3. If account is old/closed, create new payout with new account
4. Request new payout

### "Money hasn't arrived after 3 business days"

Bank may be processing slowly or holding it.

**Fix:**

1. Check your bank's account activity (pending transactions)
2. Look for the transfer with reference number (from Sponsor Driven email)
3. Call your bank and ask about the pending transfer
4. If bank shows no record, contact <support@sponsordriven.com> with payout reference number

### "I want to change my bank account"

You can update your account details anytime.

**Fix:**

1. Go to **Payouts**
2. Click **Update bank account** or **Edit account details**
3. Enter new sort code and account number
4. Click Save
5. New account will be used for next payout request
6. Old account won't be used anymore

***

## Payout Fees

Understand what you'll actually receive:

**Stripe processing fee**: 1.5% (approximately)

**Example:**

* You have £100 available
* Stripe takes \~£1.50
* You receive \~£98.50 in your bank account

This is deducted automatically; you don't have to do anything.

***

## Security & Safety

✅ **Your bank details are encrypted** – Stripe handles payment processor security\
✅ **We never store your full account number** – Only last 4 digits shown\
✅ **Payouts only go to verified accounts** – The account you verified during setup\
✅ **You control when payouts happen** – Only you can request withdrawals

**Never:**

* ❌ Share your sort code or account number with anyone
* ❌ Click payout links from emails (always go through your profile)
* ❌ Verify identity for anyone claiming to be Sponsor Driven (we do it once, during setup)

***

## Payout Frequency & Best Practices

### How often can you request payouts?

**Anytime** – You can request a payout every day if you want (minimum £10 after first payout)

### Best practice schedule:

| Scenario                    | Frequency                                     |
| --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Building to minimum**     | Wait until you reach £20+                     |
| **Consistent revenue**      | Monthly (once a month, same date)             |
| **Large amounts**           | Less often (quarterly or when needed)         |
| **Just after race results** | Right after races (sponsors pay after events) |

### Why monthly is smart:

* Predictable cash flow
* Easier to track for taxes
* Less bank fees (if your bank charges per transfer)
* Reduces admin work

***

## Tax Implications

**Important:** Payout amounts may be taxable income.

* Keep records of all payouts
* Declare to HMRC on your tax return (if self-employed)
* Consult a tax advisor if amounts are large
* Sponsor Driven will provide a statement if needed for taxes

***

## Troubleshooting Flowchart

**"I can't request a payout"**

1. Check: Is your balance ≥ £20?
   * No → Wait for more contributions
   * Yes → Go to next step
2. Check: Does your Payouts page say "Ready" or "Complete"?
   * No → Complete setup (go to Step 2)
   * Yes → Go to next step
3. Try: Refresh page and try again
4. Still stuck? → Contact <support@sponsordriven.com> with screenshot

***

## Next Steps

* **Just received your first payout?** Celebrate! 🎉
* **Want to understand your balance?** Go to [Payment States Guide](/funding-and-payouts/payment-states-outcomes)
* **Curious about fees?** Check [Fees and Processing](/funding-and-payouts/fees-processing-payouts)
* **Ready to earn more?** See [Creating Sponsorship Tiers](/step-by-step-guides/how-to-create-sponsorship-tiers)
* **Track your revenue?** Read [Understanding Analytics](/reference-guides/analytics-and-transactions)


# Build your competitor profile

A complete profile helps supporters trust you and helps sponsors assess whether you are a fit.

## What to include first

Set up these essentials before anything else:

* Profile image and display name
* Short bio that explains who you are and what you are racing
* Motorsport discipline and current level
* Location and key links

## Build a profile that converts

Strong competitor profiles usually include:

* A clear season goal
* Recent racing context (not just career history)
* Specific funding needs (what support will fund)
* Consistent visual identity (photos, colours, social links)

## Recommended setup order

1. Profile basics
2. Motorsport details
3. Race schedule and results
4. Sponsorship tiers
5. Updates and media
6. Payout onboarding

## Profile quality checklist

Use this list before sharing your profile link:

* Bio is up to date and specific
* At least one recent update is published
* Social links are active
* Sponsorship tiers are clear and realistic
* Profile image and media are professional

## Troubleshooting

### My profile looks empty to visitors

* Confirm required fields are filled
* Add at least one update and one image
* Add clear sponsorship or support options

### I am getting views but no support

* Make your funding needs more specific
* Improve tier descriptions and benefits
* Post updates more regularly and link outcomes to supporter impact

## FAQ

### How often should I update my profile?

At least once a week for updates, and whenever major milestones change (new series, results, sponsorship updates).

### Should I include older achievements?

Yes, but prioritise current season context and recent momentum.

## Next steps

* [Manage motorsport data (schedule, championships, results)](/reference-guides/motorsport-data)
* [Create sponsorship tiers and deals](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals)
* [Post updates and content](/reference-guides/updates-and-content)


# Manage motorsport data (schedule, championships, results)

Accurate motorsport data is one of the strongest trust signals on your profile.

## Why this matters

Sponsors and supporters use this information to understand:

* What you are racing
* Where your season is headed
* How performance is progressing

## What to maintain

Keep these sections updated:

* Motorsport profile (discipline, class, series)
* Race schedule (upcoming events)
* Championships and standings context
* Race results and notable milestones

## Best-practice cadence

* Update schedule when dates are confirmed
* Post results shortly after race weekends
* Add short context for key outcomes (for example: mechanical issue, weather conditions, strategy)

## What good data looks like

* Event names are consistent
* Dates are accurate
* Results are complete and easy to scan
* Major milestones include context, not just a finishing position

## Troubleshooting

### My data is incomplete across sections

* Start with upcoming schedule and latest result first
* Fill older data after core season timeline is complete

### Supporters do not understand progress

* Add short narrative context to results
* Link to a related update post for each important event

## FAQ

### Do I need every historical result?

No. Prioritise current season and recent momentum first.

### How detailed should race notes be?

Keep notes short and useful. Explain what happened and what it means for next events.

## Next steps

* [Post updates and content](/reference-guides/updates-and-content)
* [Understand analytics and transactions](/reference-guides/analytics-and-transactions)


# Post updates and content

Updates turn profile visitors into long-term supporters by showing momentum and credibility.

## What to post

Focus on content that proves progression:

* Race prep and race-week updates
* Results and debriefs
* Testing and development progress
* Sponsor mentions and supporter thank-yous
* Clear next milestones

## Posting rhythm

A simple rhythm that works for most competitors:

* 2 to 3 short posts per week
* One race-focused update around each event
* One gratitude or supporter-impact post each week

## Structure for high-performing updates

Use this format:

1. What happened
2. Why it matters
3. What is next
4. How supporters can help

## Content quality tips

* Use real photos from events and paddock life
* Keep tone clear and specific
* Avoid posting only asks for funding without progress context

## Troubleshooting

### My updates are getting low engagement

* Use clearer headlines in first sentence
* Add stronger visuals
* Tie every post to a concrete milestone

### I struggle to post consistently

* Batch draft 3 short updates at once
* Reuse a simple template per race weekend

## FAQ

### Should every update include a funding ask?

No. Most updates should show progress, with occasional clear calls to action.

### Can I reuse updates from social channels?

Yes, but adapt them for Sponsor Driven with context around your season and support goals.

## Next steps

* [Promotion tips](/reference-guides/promotion-tips)
* [Create sponsorship tiers and deals](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals)


# Create sponsorship tiers and deals

Clear sponsorship tiers make it easier for organisations to understand value and commit.

## Start with 3 practical tiers

For most competitors, this structure works well:

* Entry tier: low-friction support option
* Core tier: best-value option with clear deliverables
* Premium tier: high-impact partnership with more visibility

## What each tier should include

Define:

* Price and billing model
* Deliverables (what sponsor receives)
* Timeline and fulfilment expectations
* Any limits or exclusions

## Make deliverables specific

Avoid vague promises. Good examples include:

* Logo placement locations
* Number of social mentions per month
* Event-day activation opportunities
* Post-event summary/reporting

## Deal workflow

Typical lifecycle:

1. Sponsor expresses interest
2. You align on scope and expectations
3. Deal is accepted
4. Deliverables are fulfilled and tracked
5. Relationship is reviewed and renewed where relevant

## Troubleshooting

### Sponsors ask many clarifying questions

* Tighten your tier descriptions
* Add a one-page summary of what is included and when

### I am over-promising in deals

* Remove deliverables you cannot deliver consistently
* Keep premium offers realistic for your team capacity

## FAQ

### Should I use monthly or one-off pricing?

Use the model that matches your season structure. Some competitors use one-off tiers for single events and recurring models for long-term support.

### Do I need sponsor reports?

Yes. Reporting improves retention and renewal decisions.

## Next steps

* [Run memberships and supporter perks](/reference-guides/memberships-and-perks)
* [Understand analytics and transactions](/reference-guides/analytics-and-transactions)
* [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)


# Sponsorship templates library

Ready-to-copy templates for common sponsorship communications. Personalise each one with your name, company, and details before sending.

***

## 1. First Sponsor Outreach Email

Use this when approaching a company for the first time.

**Subject line options:**

* Partnership opportunity with \[Your Name]
* Sponsorship proposal – \[Your Name] + \[Company Name]
* Collaboration opportunity with \[Racing Series/Championship]

### Template

```
Dear [Sponsor Name],

I'm [Your Name], a [Championship Level] driver competing in [Series/Championship].

I noticed [Company Name] supports motorsport and [relevant detail about their brand/values]. 
I believe there's a strong fit between your brand and my racing profile because [reason: e.g., "my audience demographics align with your target market" or "our racing class reaches dedicated enthusiasts"].

My 2024 season includes:
- [Number] races across [Championships]
- Average [audience size] engaged followers across social media
- Media coverage in [relevant publications]

I'm exploring sponsorship partnerships at different levels and would love to discuss how we could work together. I've attached my sponsorship packages and rate card below.

Would you be open to a brief call to discuss this further?

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Profile URL]
[Phone Number]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Research the sponsor first** – reference something specific to them (not generic)
* **Lead with numbers** – audiences, race results, social followers
* **Keep it short** – max 150 words; long emails get ignored
* **Include a clear next step** – ask for a call, not "let me know"
* **Attach your rate card** – makes it easy for them to decide

### Follow-up Timing

* **After 7 days** – send a brief follow-up if no response
* **After 14 days** – send a second follow-up offering an alternative contact
* **After 21 days** – assume they're not interested; stop reaching out

***

## 2. Follow-Up Email (After Initial Outreach)

Use this if your first email didn't get a response.

**Subject:** Re: Partnership opportunity with \[Your Name] – quick follow-up

### Template

```
Hi [Sponsor Name],

I sent a proposal last week about a potential partnership and wanted to follow up in case it got lost in the inbox.

Quick summary: I'm an [your racing class] driver with [relevant stat: audience size, race wins, etc.], 
and I think your brand could benefit from visibility to [your audience].

I've attached my full sponsorship packages. If now isn't the right time, I'd appreciate 
any introduction you could make to someone in your team who handles sponsorships.

Thanks, and I look forward to connecting.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Profile URL]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Don't apologise** – assume they just didn't see it
* **Add a new hook** – mention something newsworthy (recent win, upcoming race)
* **Make it easy** – ask for an intro if they're not interested (often more effective)
* **Keep it 50% shorter** – follow-ups should be concise

***

## 3. Deal Scope Summary

Use this after initial interest to clarify what you're offering and what you need.

**Send as:** Email attachment (PDF) or shared document link

### Template

```
SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT OUTLINE

Competitor: [Your Name]
Series/Championship: [Championship]
Season: [Year]
Term: [Date] to [Date]
Total Value: [£Amount]

WHAT YOU'LL GET (Sponsor Benefits):
1. Track visibility:
   - Logo on car/bike/team gear in [size]
   - Visible in all race photos and video highlights
   - Est. media impressions: [number] per race

2. Social media:
   - [Number] posts per month featuring your brand
   - Audience: [Number] followers across [platforms]
   - Engagement rate: [%]

3. Hospitality:
   - [Number] race day passes/paddock access
   - Meet & greet at [Number] events
   - Post-race debrief/social content

4. Reporting:
   - Monthly performance report (views, clicks, engagement)
   - Quarterly video highlight reel

WHAT I NEED (Your Investment):
- [£Amount] per [month/season]
- Payment terms: [upfront/monthly/milestone-based]
- Deliverables start: [Date]

ACTIVATION TIMELINE:
- Week 1: Finalise agreement and branding
- Week 2: Assets delivered (photos, social content)
- Week 3: First race/activation

CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS:
[Your Name] | [Email] | [Phone]

Agreed by:
[Your signature] _________________________ [Date]
[Sponsor signature] _________________________ [Date]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Be specific** – "£5,000 for 5 race weekends" not "sponsorship available"
* **Quantify everything** – media impressions, audience size, event dates
* **Include reporting** – sponsors want to see ROI
* **Use professional design** – this is the formal proposal; make it look polished
* **Send as PDF** – prevents accidental edits

***

## 4. Post-Event Report (For Active Sponsors)

Use this after each sponsored race or event to show ROI.

**Send as:** Email + attached PDF (monthly summary, or per-event)

### Template

```
RACE REPORT: [Event Name]

Sponsor: [Company Name]
Date: [Race Date]
Reporting Period: [Month]

MEDIA REACH & VISIBILITY
- Race photos with logo visible: [Number]
- Press mentions including sponsor: [Number]
- Broadcast tv time with car visible: [Seconds/Minutes]
- Est. TV viewers: [Number]

SOCIAL MEDIA PERFORMANCE
Posts published: [Number]
Total impressions: [Number]
Total engagement (likes/comments): [Number]
Audience growth: +[Number] followers

Top-performing post:
[Quote or description of best post]
Link: [URL]

HOSPITALITY NOTES
- [Number] passes used at [Event]
- VIP guests: [Names or titles]
- Follow-up opportunities identified: [Brief notes]

NEXT MONTH'S ACTIVATIONS
- [Number] scheduled posts
- Upcoming races: [Dates & series]
- New content planned: [Type of content]

QUESTIONS OR FEEDBACK?
Reply to this email or schedule a quick call.

[Your Name]
[Contact details]

---
View your full Sponsor Driven profile: [Your Profile URL]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Include actual numbers** – impressions, reach, engagement (don't estimate)
* **Send monthly** – keep sponsors informed consistently
* **Highlight their brand** – mention how many times their logo appeared
* **Ask for feedback** – "What would you like to see more of?"
* **Keep it to 1 page** – sponsors skim, they don't read novels

### When to Send

* **Monthly sponsors** – first day of the following month
* **Season sponsors** – after each major race or event
* **One-time sponsors** – within 48 hours of the event
* **Quarterly** – send a comprehensive summary if doing lots of events

***

## 5. Quick Follow-Up After Meeting

Use this after a call or in-person meeting with a sponsor contact.

**Send within:** 24 hours

**Subject:** Great to connect today – next steps on \[Your Name] sponsorship

### Template

```
Hi [Sponsor Name],

Thanks so much for taking the time to chat today about partnering with me. 
I really appreciated your insights on [specific thing they mentioned].

As discussed, I'll send over [what you promised: footage, media kit, availability, etc.] 
by [date you committed to].

In the meantime, here's [one useful thing: link to last race video, article about you, etc.] 
I thought you'd find interesting.

Looking forward to the next step. Let me know if you have any immediate questions.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Profile URL]
[Phone]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Reference the conversation** – shows you were listening
* **Deliver what you promised** – follow through quickly
* **Include something useful** – not just a "thanks" email
* **Include a timeline** – "I'll send X by \[date]"

***

## 6. Negotiation Response

Use this if a sponsor comes back with a counter-offer or different terms.

**Tone:** Professional, open to discussion, but firm on value.

### Template

```
Hi [Sponsor Name],

Thanks for your counter-proposal. I appreciate the feedback.

THEIR OFFER vs. MY ORIGINAL OFFER:
[Original]: [Your terms]
[Theirs]: [Their offer]

WHERE I CAN FLEX:
- [One thing you're willing to adjust: e.g., reduce social posts, adjust payment timeline]

WHERE I NEED TO HOLD FIRM:
- [One thing that's non-negotiable: e.g., car visibility, exclusivity clause]

MIDDLE GROUND OPTIONS:
1. [Option A: adjustment you're willing to make]
2. [Option B: alternative structure]
3. [Option C: phased approach]

I'd love to make this work. Would you be open to a quick call to discuss these options?

Best,
[Your Name]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Show flexibility** – be willing to move on something
* **Explain why** – "I can't go below £X because of \[costs/commitments]"
* **Offer options** – give them choices, not ultimatums
* **Suggest next conversation** – better to negotiate by phone than email

***

## 7. Deal Acceptance & Next Steps

Use this to confirm you've agreed and outline the next phase.

**Send as:** Email + attached signed agreement

**Subject:** Sponsorship Agreement Confirmed – \[Your Name] + \[Company Name]

### Template

```
Hi [Sponsor Name],

Excellent news! I'm excited to confirm our sponsorship partnership for [term: e.g., 2024 season].

AGREED TERMS:
- Sponsorship value: £[Amount]
- Duration: [Start date] to [End date]
- Key deliverables: [E.g., 4 race activations, 2 social posts per week]

NEXT STEPS:
1. By [date]: I'll send you high-res logo assets and brand guidelines
2. By [date]: First set of content/assets featuring your brand
3. [Date of first race]: You'll see the car/activation live
4. [Date]: First monthly report sent

CONTACT FOR LOGISTICS:
- Race day logistics: [Your contact]
- Content/social questions: [Your contact]
- Payment/legal questions: [Alternative contact if you have one]

I've attached the signed agreement. Looking forward to a fantastic partnership!

Best,
[Your Name]
[Profile URL]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Confirm all terms in writing** – no surprises
* **List clear deliverables and dates** – removes ambiguity
* **Provide contact info** – make it easy for them to reach you
* **Send signed agreement** – formality matters

***

## 8. Renewal Outreach (Existing Sponsor)

Use this if a sponsor's contract is ending and you want to renew.

**Send:** 30–60 days before contract end

**Subject:** Renewing \[Your Name] sponsorship for \[next season]

### Template

```
Hi [Sponsor Name],

As we wrap up [current year] sponsorship, I wanted to reach out about 2025.

WHAT WE ACHIEVED TOGETHER IN [YEAR]:
- [Stat: media impressions, events, etc.]
- [Stat: social reach or engagement]
- [Stat: business outcome if you know it, e.g., "led to X enquiries"]

WHAT'S COMING IN [NEXT YEAR]:
- [Bigger series, new championship, higher profile, etc.]
- [Audience growth: e.g., "followers grew 40% this year"]
- [New opportunities: e.g., TV broadcast, international events]

I believe the value is even stronger for 2025 because [reason].

My 2025 sponsorship packages are attached. Would you be interested in continuing the partnership?

I'd love to chat about it at your convenience.

Best,
[Your Name]
[Profile URL]
```

### Customisation Tips

* **Lead with results** – what did they get out of it?
* **Show growth** – prove it's worth more now
* **Make it easy to say yes** – don't pressure
* **Offer new angles** – what's different/better about next year?

***

## Quick Tips for All Sponsorship Emails

### Do:

✅ Personalise every email (use their name, not "Dear Sir/Madam") ✅ Proofread – typos look unprofessional ✅ Include a clear ask – don't leave them guessing ✅ Keep subject lines short (< 50 characters) ✅ Use your best photos – visuals matter ✅ Follow up (but not aggressively) ✅ Deliver what you promise (on time, every time)

### Don't:

❌ Send mass emails (they know you sent the same to 50 people) ❌ Over-promise ROI (you don't know what will happen) ❌ Forget to thank them ❌ Go silent after signing (stay in touch) ❌ Use unprofessional email addresses (no "<F1RockStar@gmail.com>") ❌ Attach huge files (compress videos/images first) ❌ Send at 3 AM (looks desperate)

***

## Email Subject Lines That Get Opened

### For Cold Outreach:

* "Partnership with \[Driver Name] – \[series/class]"
* "\[Series] + \[Company Name] – sponsorship opportunity"
* "Quick idea: motorsport partnership with \[your name]"

### For Follow-Up:

* "Re: Partnership with \[Your Name] – quick follow-up"
* "\[Your Name] sponsorship – alternative idea"

### For After Meeting:

* "Great connecting today – next steps"
* "\[Your Name] sponsorship – confirmed partnership"

### For Reports:

* "\[Month] sponsor report – \[Your Name] + \[Company]"
* "Race recap: \[Event] + \[Company Name]"

***

## Tracking Your Outreach

Create a simple spreadsheet to track:

| Company | Contact  | Date Sent | Response | Status                 | Follow-up Date |
| ------- | -------- | --------- | -------- | ---------------------- | -------------- |
| \[Name] | \[Email] | \[Date]   | Yes/No   | Interested/Closed/Dead | \[Date]        |

This helps you:

* Remember who you've contacted
* Avoid sending duplicates
* Know when to follow up
* Track your success rate

***

## Next Steps

* **Need help crafting a sponsorship package?** See [Creating and Managing Sponsorship Tiers](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals).
* **Want to learn more?** Check [Sponsorship Deal and Campaign Guide](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals).
* **Ready to send these?** Go to [Competitor Quickstart](/for-competitors/quickstart) for sending tips.
* **Not sure what to offer?** Read [Platform FAQ](/reference/platform-faq).

***

## Template Customisation Checklist

Before sending any template:

* [ ] Name of company/contact personalised
* [ ] Dates updated (not copy-pasted from another email)
* [ ] Numbers checked (audience size, race schedule, etc.)
* [ ] Spelling and grammar reviewed
* [ ] Professional email signature included
* [ ] Links tested (all URLs working)
* [ ] Tone matches your brand (professional but friendly)
* [ ] Call-to-action clear (ask for next step, don't leave hanging)
* [ ] Sent from professional email address
* [ ] Follow-up date set in your calendar


# Run memberships and supporter perks

Memberships can provide more predictable recurring support when your profile has regular content momentum.

## When to use memberships

Memberships work best when you can:

* Post consistently
* Offer clear supporter value
* Maintain communication with members

## Membership tier structure

Start simple with 1 to 3 tiers:

* Supporter tier: community support and recognition
* Insider tier: extra updates and behind-the-scenes content
* Premium tier: highest access and priority perks

## Perk design principles

Good perks are:

* Realistic to deliver
* Valuable to members
* Clear in frequency and scope

Examples:

* Members-only posts
* Monthly race recap
* Priority Q\&A responses
* Digital supporter assets

## Keep retention in mind

To reduce churn:

* Deliver perks on time
* Communicate clearly during race-heavy periods
* Thank members publicly (with permission)

## Troubleshooting

### Members join but quickly cancel

* Improve onboarding for new members
* Clarify what they receive and when
* Increase consistency of members-only updates

### I cannot keep up with perks

* Simplify tier promises
* Reduce custom one-off rewards
* Focus on repeatable monthly value

## FAQ

### Should I launch memberships immediately?

Launch once you can post consistently and fulfil perks reliably.

### How often should I post members-only content?

A reliable monthly minimum is a good baseline. More frequent updates can improve retention.

## Next steps

* [Post updates and content](/reference-guides/updates-and-content)
* [Understand analytics and transactions](/reference-guides/analytics-and-transactions)


# Understand analytics and transactions

Analytics and transaction history help you improve results and manage finances responsibly.

## What to monitor weekly

Key signals:

* Profile visits
* Update engagement patterns
* Link-sharing impact
* Contribution and sponsorship conversion trends

## What to monitor monthly

* Revenue by funding model (one-off, recurring, sponsorship)
* Retention trends for recurring support
* Tier performance and uptake
* Sponsorship pipeline progression

## Transaction hygiene

Review transactions regularly to:

* Track incoming support
* Reconcile expected vs actual amounts
* Spot delays and exceptions early

## Connect insights to action

Use this loop:

1. Publish updates and share profile
2. Review analytics and conversion
3. Improve offers and messaging
4. Repeat with small weekly improvements

## Troubleshooting

### Traffic is rising but revenue is flat

* Improve sponsorship tier clarity
* Add stronger calls to action on profile and updates
* Share progress-linked funding asks

### Revenue is inconsistent month to month

* Build recurring support options
* Improve posting consistency
* Strengthen sponsor follow-up and reporting

## FAQ

### Which metric matters most?

There is no single metric. Track the full journey from visibility to conversion to retention.

### How often should I review transactions?

Weekly for active profiles, and after major campaign or race periods.

## Next steps

* [Pricing](/reference-guides/pricing)
* [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)
* [Troubleshooting index](/troubleshooting/troubleshooting)


# Settings coverage matrix

Every Sponsor Driven profile has a dedicated settings area where you manage your profile, sponsorship packages, content, finances, and analytics. This guide maps every settings section to help you understand what each one does, who uses it, and how to get the most out of it.

## Settings Overview

Settings are organised into six main categories:

* **Motorsport** – your racing career, championships, race calendar
* **Sponsorship** – packages, deals, goals, pitch decks, campaigns
* **Fan & Community** – memberships, updates, media, links
* **Finance** – payouts, transactions, expenses
* **Analytics & Insights** – profile views, sponsor data, reports
* **Account** – team members, subscriptions, notifications, referrals

## Driver-Specific Settings

### Motorsport Settings

| Setting        | What it does                                                                          | Who uses it | When to use it                                            | Common mistakes                                     | Troubleshooting                                                                              |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Motorsport** | Add your racing championships, track race results, and build your competitive history | Drivers     | When registering a new championship or finishing a season | Not updating results regularly; missing old seasons | If a championship isn't available, it may not be in our database — contact support to add it |

### Sponsorship Settings (Drivers)

| Setting                  | What it does                                                                               | Who uses it                               | When to use it                                                 | Common mistakes                                                                | Troubleshooting                                                            |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Sponsorship packages** | Create sponsorship tiers (e.g., Gold, Silver, Bronze) with custom benefits and pricing     | Drivers seeking sponsorship               | Before you start outreach; update if your offerings change     | Setting too many tiers (2–3 is ideal); unclear benefit descriptions            | Packages don't appear publicly? Make sure your profile is published        |
| **Sponsorship deals**    | Track live and past sponsorship agreements with sponsors                                   | Drivers with active sponsors              | After signing a deal; check status regularly                   | Not recording deals — you'll lose track of obligations                         | If a deal isn't showing, check that the sponsor created it from their side |
| **Goals**                | Set fundraising targets and share progress with your audience                              | Drivers seeking sponsorship               | When starting a campaign (e.g., "Raise £5000 for season fees") | Setting unrealistic targets                                                    | Goals won't count if your profile isn't published                          |
| **Pitch decks**          | Build professional sponsorship presentations with your stats, media, and value proposition | Drivers doing sponsor outreach            | Before first sponsor meeting; update quarterly                 | Long pitch decks (keep under 10 slides); not tailoring to sponsor              | Uploading very large PDFs may slow load times — compress first             |
| **Campaigns**            | Run automated sponsorship outreach to multiple prospects at once                           | Drivers with active sponsors seeking more | When you have 5+ sponsor prospects identified                  | Sending generic messages (personalise each one); poor targeting                | Campaigns won't send if prospects don't have email addresses on file       |
| **Sponsorship tools**    | AI-powered research and outreach suggestions for finding sponsors                          | Drivers new to sponsorship                | Early in sponsor search; before campaign planning              | Treating suggestions as gospel (verify companies exist and sponsor motorsport) | Results only show if you've added motorsport data to your profile          |

### Fan & Community Settings (Drivers & Teams)

| Setting           | What it does                                                                                               | Who uses it                          | When to use it                                          | Common mistakes                                               | Troubleshooting                                                        |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Memberships**   | Create membership tiers for fans — e.g., "Track updates" (£4/month), "VIP access" (£9/month)               | Drivers & teams building fan revenue | When you have an engaged fan base; start with 1–2 tiers | Too many tiers confusing members; unclear perks               | Members can't access posts? Check tier permissions in membership rules |
| **Updates**       | Post news, race recaps, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements                                       | Drivers & teams                      | After races, during downtime, before big announcements  | Infrequent posting (aim for weekly); posts that are too short | Posts won't display if your profile is in draft mode                   |
| **Media & press** | Organise and share photos, videos, and press kit materials                                                 | Drivers & teams                      | When uploading race photos or building press kit        | Uploading blurry/low-quality images; missing metadata         | Very large video files (>100MB) may not upload — compress first        |
| **Link in bio**   | Customise a landing page that appears in your profile bio — redirect traffic to memberships, shop, socials | Drivers & teams                      | When you want to promote memberships or external links  | Not keeping links current (e.g., dead shop links)             | Changes take \~1 minute to appear publicly                             |

### Finance Settings

| Setting          | What it does                                                                          | Who uses it       | When to use it                                                      | Common mistakes                                                    | Troubleshooting                                                                                   |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Payouts**      | Set up your bank account for payments; monitor your balance and pending contributions | All profile types | After receiving your first contribution; update if you change banks | Not setting up bank details (you won't get paid); ignoring balance | If bank details aren't saving, check your Stripe account isn't already claimed by another profile |
| **Transactions** | View a complete record of all contributions, sponsorship payments, refunds, and fees  | All profile types | Weekly/monthly financial review                                     | Not reconciling with your bank                                     | If a transaction looks wrong, check the date range — you may be looking at the wrong month        |
| **Expenses**     | Log motorsport costs (entry fees, fuel, parts, transport) for tax records             | Drivers           | At the end of each month or race weekend                            | Not categorising expenses properly; missing receipts               | Expenses are private (only you see them) and don't affect your balance                            |

### Analytics & Insights Settings (Drivers & Teams)

| Setting               | What it does                                                                              | Who uses it                  | When to use it                                            | Common mistakes                                               | Troubleshooting                                                           |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Profile analytics** | See how many people viewed your profile, where they came from, and sponsor enquiry trends | Drivers & teams              | Weekly/monthly; especially after campaigns or big results | Not checking regularly (you miss trends)                      | Data updates daily at 6 AM UTC                                            |
| **Sponsor reports**   | Generate branded reports showing results, reach, and sponsor ROI — send to sponsors       | Drivers with active sponsors | Monthly or per sponsor request                            | Not personalising reports (use sponsor name); sending late    | Reports generate in PDF — if PDF fails, try again in 5 minutes            |
| **Social assets**     | Auto-generate result cards, championship cards, and social graphics from your data        | Drivers & teams              | Before posting race results to Instagram/Twitter          | Forgetting to export graphics (manual screenshots look worse) | Designs update when you add new results — generate fresh assets each time |

### Account Settings

| Setting          | What it does                                                                 | Who uses it                          | When to use it                                 | Common mistakes                                     | Troubleshooting                                                                |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Team members** | Invite other people (managers, agents, family) to help manage your profile   | Drivers & teams with multiple admins | When you hire an agent or want to share access | Not removing members who leave                      | Members can't delete the profile — only the owner can                          |
| **Referrals**    | Share a referral link to earn rewards when other drivers join Sponsor Driven | Drivers (if enabled)                 | When you have friends thinking about joining   | Not sharing (the link is in your Referrals section) | Referral rewards appear in your balance after your friend completes onboarding |

## Organisation-Specific Settings

| Setting   | What it does                                                    | Who uses it                                    | When to use it                                | Common mistakes                         | Troubleshooting                                                                 |
| --------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Deals** | View and manage incoming sponsorship enquiries from competitors | Organisations seeking sponsorship partnerships | When competitors approach you for sponsorship | Ignoring enquiries (you may miss deals) | Enquiries appear only from competitors who found your profile on Sponsor Driven |

## Individual-Specific Settings

| Setting                | What it does                                                                                      | Who uses it      | When to use it                                                | Common mistakes                                             | Troubleshooting                                                                    |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Your subscriptions** | View all active memberships you've purchased from drivers, teams, or organisations                | Fans and members | To manage your recurring payments                             | Not cancelling memberships you don't want (they auto-renew) | Cancelled memberships don't refund the current month — only stop future charges    |
| **Notifications**      | Control which emails and in-app alerts you receive (profile updates, sponsor news, billing, etc.) | All users        | During onboarding; update if you're receiving too many emails | Disabling important alerts (like low balance warnings)      | Notifications respect your preference — we won't email you if you've turned it off |

## Settings by Profile Type

### Driver Profile

**Minimum essentials to set up:**

1. **Motorsport** – add 1+ championship
2. **Sponsorship packages** – create at least 1 tier
3. **Payouts** – add bank account details

**Recommended to unlock full potential:**

* Updates (post at least weekly)
* Memberships (if you have a fan base)
* Media (upload high-quality photos)
* Analytics (review weekly)

### Team Profile

**Minimum essentials:**

1. **Sponsorship packages** – define what you offer sponsors
2. **Payouts** – set up bank account
3. **Updates** – post race recaps

**Recommended:**

* Memberships (team merchandise/fan access)
* Media (team photos, driver lineups)
* Social assets (auto-generate results)

### Organisation Profile

**Minimum essentials:**

1. **Profile** – describe your organisation
2. **Payouts** – set up bank account (if you receive sponsorships)

**Recommended:**

* Deals (review incoming sponsorship enquiries)
* Media (showcase event photos)

### Individual Profile (Personal Investor)

**What you have access to:**

* View and manage subscriptions to driver/team memberships
* Control notification preferences
* Track transaction history

## Common Settings Workflows

### "I want to start taking sponsorship"

1. Go to **Sponsorship packages** → create 1–3 tiers
2. Go to **Motorsport** → add your racing history
3. Go to **Payouts** → add your bank account
4. Go to **Sponsorship tools** → see AI-powered sponsor suggestions
5. Go to **Campaigns** → launch your first outreach

### "I want to track who's interested in sponsoring me"

1. Go to **Sponsorship deals** → see all active agreements
2. Go to **Analytics** → check sponsor enquiry trends
3. Go to **Transactions** → reconcile pending sponsor payments

### "I want to build a fan membership"

1. Go to **Memberships** → create 1–2 tiers (e.g., £4/month, £9/month)
2. Go to **Updates** → post regular content
3. Go to **Social assets** → generate graphics for Instagram
4. Go to **Analytics** → track member growth

### "I want to get paid faster"

1. Go to **Payouts** → confirm your bank account is correct
2. Go to **Transactions** → check for pending contributions
3. Go to **Sponsorship deals** → confirm all deals are active (not pending)

### "My balance is negative / I owe money"

1. Go to **Transactions** → find the refund or withdrawal that caused it
2. Check if a sponsor cancelled or refunded
3. Go to **Payouts** → suspend payouts until balance is positive
4. Contact support if this is a billing error

## Settings Troubleshooting Quick Reference

| Problem                                   | First steps                                                       | Still not working?                                 |
| ----------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| I can't see a setting                     | Check your profile type (e.g., Referrals only for drivers)        | Contact support with your profile slug             |
| A setting isn't saving                    | Try refreshing the page; check your browser's internet connection | Clear browser cache and try again                  |
| I don't see my data in a setting          | Check you're logged into the right profile                        | Wait 24 hours — analytics and reports update daily |
| A setting is greyed out                   | It may be disabled for your profile type or account state         | Check if a feature flag is on (ask in support)     |
| I uploaded a file but it's not showing    | Try uploading a smaller file; check file format                   | If file is >100MB, compress it first               |
| I changed something but don't see it live | Changes can take 5–60 seconds to appear                           | Hard-refresh your browser (Ctrl+Shift+R)           |

## Next Steps

* **Not sure which settings to configure first?** Start with [Profile Setup for Competitors](/for-competitors/quickstart).
* **Want to understand sponsorship packages in detail?** See [Creating and Managing Sponsorship Tiers](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals).
* **Need help with payouts?** Go to [How Payouts Work](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works).
* **Looking for more finance insights?** Check [Understanding Your Balance and Transactions](/funding-and-payouts/fees-processing-payouts).


# Pricing

Setting up a competitor page is free, but there are a few fees you should be aware of in order to receive funds through the platform.

## Terminology

<table><thead><tr><th width="189">Term</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Platform fee</td><td>We charge a platform fee to competitors on each contribution made through the platform.</td></tr><tr><td>Payment processor fee</td><td>This is the fee charged by our payment provider, Stripe. This is applied to each transaction (eg. card payments). <a href="https://stripe.com/gb/legal/card-payments-summary">See Stripe's fees</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## Current platform plans

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Standard</strong></td><td>Our core features designed to enable you to receive contributions from your community and organisations.</td><td><br><strong>5% of any contributions received via Sponsor Driven</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Founders</strong></td><td>During the waitlist period, we offered a low platform fee to competitors who joined the platform early.</td><td><br><strong>3% of any contributions received via Sponsor Driven</strong></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Ambassador</strong></td><td>We are introducing an Ambassador program which offers zero platform fees.</td><td><br><br><strong>0% platform fee applied to contributions received via Sponsor Driven</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>

### What is the Founders plan?

Our Founders plan offered a lower platform fee to competitors who joined the platform while there was a waitlist period. If you're on this plan, thank you for helping us build the platform and taking a leap of faith with us!

### What is the Ambassador plan?

Our Ambassador plan is part of the new Ambassador Program, giving competitors zero platform fees in return for promoting our platform. Competitors can apply to be part of the Ambassador Program.

## Payment processing fees

We use Stripe as our payment provider, which has it's own fees that apply to each transaction made through the platform. This helps cover the cost of:

* **24/7 fraud monitoring:** Fraud gets caught before it hits your balance, so you never have to worry about it
* **Recovering failed payments:** Declined payments get chased down with smart retries and reminders for expired card
* **Global currency conversion:** Your pricing is automatically converted to your contributors’ local currencies to facilitate international payments
* **Streamlined checkout:** A simple checkout experience and quick authorisation process make it easy for you to receive contributions and sponsorship funds
* **Multiple payment methods:** A wide range of major credit cards are accepted on Sponsor Driven

**Quick Links:**

* <https://stripe.com/gb/legal/card-payments-summary>


# Receiving payouts

## What are payouts?

As a competitor on the platform, Sponsor Driven allows you to receive funds from individuals and organisations through contributions and sponsorship.

In order to receive funds to your bank account, we use Stripe to collect your bank details to transfer the funds to you. Stripe requires additional information about you, including proof of identification, in order to verify that you are who you say you are.

## How do I set up payouts?

### Step one: Complete onboarding

In order to enable payouts, you will need to complete the onboarding via your competitor settings. Stripe will request your bank details, along with some proof of identification. This is collected in order to adhere to Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements set out by banks and card processors. KYC requirements do vary by country, however Stripe will only request what is required based on your country of residence.

**You will need to provide accurate information during the onboarding process, as well as any time that Stripe requests further information from you.** Any information that is intentionally misleading or inaccurate is a violation of both Stripe's and our own Terms of Service, which will lead to restrictions such as disabling payouts and preventing you from receiving additional funds.

### Step two: Receive funds to your balance

Any funds received through the platform, will be added to your balance. This may not be immediately available until you reach a certain threshold explained [here](#what-is-the-threshold-for-withdrawing-the-balance).

#### Pending Balance

Any contributions received within the last 7 days will be shown as "pending". Funds will become available to withdraw after 7 days.

<figure><img src="https://2536580280-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJrzndDM80BPiOc5O46ln%2Fuploads%2F7Nz8IU8cmYm5T3Kyd37s%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=1f5d55b3-b264-4090-9a17-66e81d9dcb7d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step three: Withdraw your balance

Once your bank details have been verified, you can start to withdraw your balance once your balance reaches a [certain threshold](#what-is-the-threshold-for-withdrawing-the-balance).

You may then use those funds to pay for your motorsport expenses.

<figure><img src="https://2536580280-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJrzndDM80BPiOc5O46ln%2Fuploads%2FYSlZFb4JxrGSJXgzKDTy%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=ec015362-1b19-4a4d-a0c7-2cc2f5a2ea64" alt=""><figcaption><p>Stripe is not yet connected</p></figcaption></figure>

Depending on a number of factors, it may take **up to seven business days** to initiate the transfer. Once initiated, payouts can take a **further 72 hours** to arrive in your bank account, depending on your bank.

**Note: Stripe may request additional information at any time, which may temporarily prevent funds from reaching you.**

## What is the threshold for withdrawing the balance?

For new accounts that have not initiated a withdrawal before, we require the balance to be **above £20 GBP**. After your first payout, this threshold is reduced to £10 GBP.

<figure><img src="https://2536580280-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FJrzndDM80BPiOc5O46ln%2Fuploads%2FvJwwhXW9oZKCYZEQOn0e%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=82390e39-01b1-44a2-ba86-27b8e6820ef9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If you have a [negative balance](#why-is-my-balance-showing-as-negative-and-what-can-i-do), you will not be able to withdraw funds until your negative balance has been cleared.

## Why is my balance showing as negative and what can I do?

While our terms and conditions do state that all contributions are final, it is still possible contributors to request a refund under certain circumstances.

Any refunds essentially reverse the payment, and will be deducted from your available balance. If your balance is too low to cover it, such as the funds already being transferred to your bank account, you will not be able to initiate another payout until the balance has returned above £0 GBP.

If your balance remains negative for over 90 days, we reserve the right to request payment from you in order to bring your balance back to £0GBP.

***

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.


# Supported Countries

## Receiving contributions

Currently, we only support receiving contributions in GBP. We are currently working on adding support for other currencies.

## Payouts

{% hint style="warning" %}
We are currently trialling payouts in other currencies
{% endhint %}

While we currently only support receiving funds in GBP, it is possible to payout funds in your local currency, subject to conversion rates and availability (see below).

We currently support the following countries and payout currencies:

| Country            | Currency |
| ------------------ | -------- |
| **United Kingdom** | **GBP**  |
| Belgium            | EUR      |
| France             | EUR      |
| Germany            | EUR      |
| Ireland            | EUR      |
| Italy              | EUR      |
| Netherlands        | EUR      |
| Norway             | NOK      |
| Poland             | PLN      |
| Portugal           | EUR      |
| Romania            | RON      |
| Spain              | EUR      |
| Sweden             | SEK      |
| Switzerland        | CHF      |

If your country is not listed above, we do not recommend creating a competitor page unless you have contacted us first. This is to ensure that we can support you and make payouts available in your country.


# Referrals

You can now earn rewards for inviting other competitors to Sponsor Driven.

## How do I invite competitors?

Inviting other competitors is easy — they just need to click on your unique invite link and create a competitor page Sponsor Driven. You can find your invite link on your [invite page](https://sponsordriven.com/invite).

## How do I qualify for the reward?

Each competitor that creates a page using your invite link needs to receive at least 20 GBP (or equivalent in another support currency) in contributions to be considered as a qualified referral. The contributions can be in any currency.

When a competitor uses your invite link, you will see them added to the list on your [invite page](https://sponsordriven.com/invite), where you will be able to see if the referral has qualified for the reward.

As soon as you have qualified for the reward, we will send you an email letting you know.

Each invite can only qualify towards the referral program that was live when you originally sent it.&#x20;

The standard reward is 5 GBP (or equivalent). The reward may vary in different regions, or during special promotional periods or campaigns. The specific terms and conditions will be shown in the invitation or accompanying promotional materials.

You can see what referral program you are enrolled in from your [invite page](https://sponsordriven.com/invite).

Remember that the invitee must be in a region that we support for the invite to work.

You can read our more detailed [Referral Terms](/legal/referral-terms).

&#x20;


# Promotion tips

Make it easy for people to discover you, follow your journey, and contribute. This guide shows quick wins and repeatable habits that work well for drivers and teams using Sponsor Driven.

### TL;DR (quick wins)

* Add your Sponsor Driven link to every profile and bio
* Share your profile 3+ times each week across 2 channels
* Post 1 supporter update per week (race results, news, photos)
* Thank supporters publicly and tag them
* Invite other competitors and earn rewards via Referrals

These actions roll up into your Profile Checklist and are tracked on your Analytics page.

***

### 10‑minute setup checklist

Do these once and benefit all season:

1. Copy your profile link
   * Visit your profile and use the Share button (this also tracks shares automatically)
2. Add to your social bios
   * Instagram/TikTok “Website” field, Twitter/X bio, Facebook Page “About”, YouTube “Links”
   * If you use Linktree/Beacons/etc., put your Sponsor Driven link in the top slot
3. Add to messaging and email
   * WhatsApp Business profile “About”, iMessage signature, email signature (see template below)
4. Add to your website and QR codes
   * Add a prominent “Support me”/“Sponsor us” button linking to your profile
   * Print a QR code for pit boards, helmet, car, team awning, flyers (any standard QR generator works)
5. Apple Wallet pass (iOS)
   * From your profile, use “Add to Apple Wallet” to keep your link handy and shareable at events

Optional email signature snippet:

> Support my season: <https://sponsordriven.com/your-slug>

***

### Weekly playbook (repeat every week)

A simple cadence you can keep up with during the season:

* Monday: LinkedIn post (race plan or recap) + link
* Wednesday: Instagram Story + feed post using a Social Asset
* Friday: WhatsApp broadcast to close friends/family/community
* Sunday: Thank your top 1–3 supporters by name and tag them

Aim for 3+ shares per week. Your Promotion Score marks this complete when you hit the goal.

***

### Ready‑to‑use share templates

Replace the {…} parts, tag your club/series/venue, and attach a relevant photo.

* General announcement (LinkedIn/Facebook)

  > I’m funding my 2025 season on Sponsor Driven. Every contribution helps with tyres, entries and seat time. If you’d like to support, here’s how you can get involved: {your-link}
  >
  > Thank you for sharing or contributing. It makes a real difference.
* Race week (LinkedIn/Twitter/X)

  > Race week! {event/series} this {date}. Follow the journey and support the season here: {your-link}
* Results post (Instagram/Facebook)

  > P{position} at {circuit}! Huge thanks to everyone backing the season. Want to be part of the team? Contribute here: {your-link}
* Thank‑you post (any channel)

  > Massive thanks to {@supporter} for supporting my season on Sponsor Driven. Your help keeps me on track. Join them: {your-link}
* Direct message (copy/paste)

  > Hey {name}, I’m using Sponsor Driven to fund my motorsport season. If you'd like to chip in or share it, here’s the link: {your-link}. Thank you!

***

### Channel playbooks

* LinkedIn
  * Post race plans/results, learning moments, and gratitude
  * Tag your series, track, team, and supporters to expand reach
  * Keep the link near the top; add 1–2 relevant hashtags
* Instagram/Facebook
  * Use square/postcard graphics from Settings → Social Assets
  * Stories: add link sticker + mention supporters; save to a “Season” highlight
  * Mix short clips, paddock photos, and on‑track images
* Twitter/X
  * Short updates + link; include the event hashtag
  * Pin a tweet with your Sponsor Driven link for the season
* WhatsApp/Messenger/Discord
  * Create a broadcast list with close contacts, club members, and local supporters
  * Send a brief update and link before/after race weekends
* Email (friends, family, local businesses)
  * Monthly newsletter with 3 bullets: recent results, next race, how to support

Email template:

> Subject: Follow and support my 2025 season
>
> Hi {name},
>
> I’m racing {series/level} this year and sharing updates on Sponsor Driven. If you’d like to follow the journey or support the season, you can do that here:
>
> {your-link}
>
> Thanks so much for the support, {your-name}

***

### Use Social Assets (ready‑made graphics)

* Go to Settings → Social Assets to download branded graphics sized for IG/Facebook
* Post them with your link and a short caption (see templates above)
* Keep posts varied: results, behind‑the‑scenes, paddock life, gratitude, and goals

***

### Referrals: invite competitors, earn rewards

* Go to Settings → Referrals to copy your invite link
* Share it with other competitors (they’ll see how funding works and you’ll earn rewards when they get funded)
* Share via LinkedIn/WhatsApp/Email with the built‑in buttons; it’s tracked automatically

***

### Thank supporters (it drives more support)

* Publicly thank contributors (with permission) and tag them
* Add a short note in your next update highlighting how funds were used
* Consider a monthly “Supporter Spotlight” post with a photo and quote

***

### Measure what works

* Settings → Analytics shows profile visitors and share activity
* Your Promotion Score on Settings helps you hit key weekly actions (e.g., 3+ shares)
* Try different captions and channels; keep what performs best

***

### Best practices

* Consistency beats intensity: 2–3 short updates a week is enough
* Tell a story: what you’re preparing for, learning, and aiming to achieve
* Use names, tags, and places—specifics boost engagement
* Keep the link visible and easy to tap/click (bio, pinned posts, link stickers)
* Don’t spam: rotate channels and tailor the message a little for each audience

***

### FAQ

* How often should I post? 2–3 times per week across 2 channels is a great rhythm
* What if I don’t have many followers?
  * Focus on LinkedIn/WhatsApp/email; leverage clubs, local sponsors, and community groups
* Can businesses sponsor me?
  * Yes—create tiers in Settings → Tiers and share your profile with local businesses
* How do I get quick assets?
  * Settings → Social Assets has plug‑and‑play graphics sized for major platforms

***

### Need help?

* Docs: <https://docs.sponsordriven.com>
* Email: <support@sponsordriven.com>
* Share tips from the paddock? We’d love to feature them—drop us a line.


# Sponsor quickstart

This guide is for brands and organisations that want to support competitors on Sponsor Driven.

## What you can do as a sponsor

* Discover competitors
* Review profiles, updates, and sponsorship options
* Start conversations and build partnerships
* Explore structured campaign opportunities

## 1. Set up your sponsor profile

Add:

* Organisation name and logo
* Short description of who you are and what you support
* Contact details for partnership conversations

## 2. Discover competitor profiles

When reviewing competitors, look for:

* Clear motorsport context
* Regular updates and strong storytelling
* Defined sponsorship tiers and deliverables
* Professional communication and consistency

## 3. Start a sponsorship conversation

Before outreach, decide:

* Budget range
* Preferred partnership duration
* Expected outcomes and deliverables

Keep outreach specific and aligned to the competitor's current season goals.

## 4. Manage collaboration responsibly

Set expectations clearly:

* Timeline and milestones
* Content/reporting requirements
* Payment structure and review points

## 5. Track impact

Review:

* Partnership performance over time
* Content delivery quality
* Renewal opportunities

## Important notes

Sponsor Driven facilitates discovery and platform workflows, but competitor-side fulfilment remains between parties under platform terms.

Read legal terms before committing:

* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Legal in plain English](/legal/plain-english)


# Discover and evaluate competitors

This guide helps sponsors find competitors that fit brand goals and budget.

## Step 1: Define your sponsorship objective

Before searching, be clear on:

* Brand awareness goal
* Audience you want to reach
* Timeframe (single event, half-season, full season)
* Budget range

## Step 2: Shortlist competitors

Prioritise competitors with:

* Complete, active profiles
* Regular updates and clear momentum
* Relevant motorsport category and audience fit
* Transparent sponsorship tiers or deliverables

## Step 3: Evaluate profile quality

Use this checklist:

* Profile tells a clear current-season story
* Race schedule and results are current
* Sponsorship packages are specific
* Communication appears reliable and professional

## Step 4: Validate partnership fit

Check:

* Brand safety and alignment
* Geographic and audience relevance
* Realistic deliverables for your campaign needs

## Step 5: Start a structured conversation

When contacting a competitor, include:

* Budget band
* Desired deliverables
* Timing and decision window
* Expected reporting cadence

## Troubleshooting

### I have many profiles but no clear shortlist

* Narrow by geography, series, and update consistency
* Exclude profiles with incomplete offers

### Competitor value is unclear

* Request a concise scope proposal
* Ask for measurable deliverables and timings

## FAQ

### Should we choose based on follower count alone?

No. Consistency, relevance, and delivery quality are often stronger indicators of partnership outcomes.

### How many competitors should we shortlist?

Start with 5 to 10, then reduce to 2 to 3 for detailed conversation.

## Next steps

* [Run sponsorship deals and campaigns](/for-sponsors/deals-and-campaigns)
* [How funding works](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works)


# Run sponsorship deals and campaigns

This guide covers how sponsors move from initial interest to a managed partnership.

## Deal lifecycle

A practical lifecycle:

1. Discovery and shortlist
2. Initial conversation
3. Scope and deliverable alignment
4. Agreement and payment structure
5. Delivery and reporting
6. Review and renewal decision

## Define deliverables clearly

Specify:

* Asset placements and channels
* Post frequency or event-day commitments
* Usage rights where relevant
* Reporting format and frequency

## Keep expectations realistic

Strong deals avoid vague language. Make every deliverable measurable and time-bound.

## Campaign management essentials

* Set milestone checkpoints
* Track completion against agreed scope
* Document changes to scope early
* Review outcomes at end of campaign period

## Troubleshooting

### Campaign is active but progress is unclear

* Set a weekly reporting check-in
* Use a single status summary with completed, in-progress, blocked

### Deliverables are not matching expectations

* Reconfirm original agreement in writing
* Align quickly on acceptable revisions and timeline

## FAQ

### Should we prefer recurring or one-off sponsorship?

Choose based on campaign objectives. Recurring support suits long-term brand-building; one-off support suits specific events.

### What reduces sponsor risk most?

Clear scope, clear reporting cadence, and realistic deliverables.

## Next steps

* [Discover and evaluate competitors](/for-sponsors/discover-and-evaluate)
* [Fees, processing, and payout timelines](/funding-and-payouts/fees-processing-payouts)
* [Legal in plain English](/legal/plain-english)


# Supporter quickstart

This guide is for fans and individuals who want to support competitors.

## 1. Discover competitors

Browse profiles and check:

* Racing journey and goals
* Recent updates and progress
* Sponsorship or supporter options

## 2. Choose how to support

Common options:

* One-time contribution
* Recurring support through memberships (where available)

## 3. Contribute with confidence

Before paying, review:

* What your support helps fund
* Any supporter benefits described by the competitor
* Any recurring payment implications for memberships

## 4. Stay engaged

After supporting:

* Follow updates from competitors
* Track progress and milestones
* Continue support when it aligns with your goals

## Payment and account reminders

* Use accurate payment details
* Keep your account information updated
* Review cancellation and account responsibilities in legal docs

## Need details on fees and payout timelines?

See: [Fees, processing, and payout timelines](/funding-and-payouts/fees-processing-payouts)


# Contribute and manage memberships

This guide helps supporters choose the right support model and manage ongoing support responsibly.

## One-time contribution vs membership

Use one-time support when:

* You want to support a specific moment or event
* You prefer full flexibility

Use membership when:

* You want ongoing support
* You value recurring member benefits where offered

## Before contributing

Check:

* What the competitor is currently raising funds for
* Whether support is one-off or recurring
* Any supporter benefits described on profile

## Managing memberships

If you join a membership:

* Review billing frequency
* Keep payment details current
* Track member updates from the competitor

## Cancelling recurring support

If you need to stop recurring support, follow cancellation guidance for memberships in platform and legal documentation.

## Troubleshooting

### I expected one-off support but was billed again

* Check whether membership was selected at checkout
* Review active subscriptions and cancel if needed

### I cannot find contribution history

* Confirm you are signed in to the same account used at payment
* Check for confirmation emails and transaction details

## FAQ

### Is one-time support refundable?

Refer to platform terms and support guidance for refund-related scenarios.

### Can I switch between one-time and recurring support?

Yes. You can choose either model based on your goals and budget.

## Next steps

* [How funding works](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works)
* [Platform FAQ](/reference/platform-faq)
* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)


# Payment states and outcomes

Money flows through Sponsor Driven in several stages. This guide explains every payment state you'll encounter, what causes each state, what you should do, and how long each stage takes.

## Quick Reference: Payment State Flowchart

```
Sponsor pays → Contribution created (Processing/Active)
                        ↓
             Balance updated (Available for payout)
                        ↓
          Payout requested (Pending with Stripe)
                        ↓
        Funds arrive in your bank (Paid/Completed)

Alternate paths:
- Refund requested → Refunded (reversed back to sponsor)
- Payment fails → Error/Failed (manually retry)
- Balance goes negative → Negative balance (owes platform)
```

## Contribution States

A contribution is a payment to your profile. It moves through several states:

### Processing

**What it means:** Payment just arrived from a sponsor or member. Sponsor Driven is verifying it with Stripe.

| Detail                  | Info                                                                   |
| ----------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**            | 0–5 seconds                                                            |
| **User action**         | Wait — it should move to Active automatically                          |
| **What to do if stuck** | Refresh the page; if stuck >5 min, contact support with transaction ID |
| **Balance impact**      | Not yet added to your balance                                          |

### Active

**What it means:** Payment verified and confirmed. Money is now in your Sponsor Driven account, ready to payout.

| Detail             | Info                                                  |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**       | Lasts until you request a payout or it's refunded     |
| **User action**    | Optional — leave it, or request a payout              |
| **What to do**     | Go to **Payouts** and request a withdrawal when ready |
| **Balance impact** | ✅ Added to your "Available balance"                   |

### Paid

**What it means:** You requested a payout; money left Sponsor Driven and went to your bank.

| Detail                                 | Info                                                                                  |
| -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**                           | 1–3 business days (typically arrives by next morning)                                 |
| **User action**                        | Check your bank account                                                               |
| **What to do if money doesn't arrive** | Check Stripe payout status in your **Transactions** page; if delayed, contact support |
| **Balance impact**                     | ✅ Deducted from your balance; shows in **Payout** section                             |

### Refunded

**What it means:** Sponsor cancelled their subscription or requested a refund. The money returns to them; your balance is reduced.

| Detail             | Info                                                                                |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**       | Immediate (refund processed same day)                                               |
| **User action**    | Check your **Transactions** for the refund entry                                    |
| **What to do**     | If the refund was unexpected, check with the sponsor; contact support if it's wrong |
| **Balance impact** | ❌ Deducted from your available balance; can make balance negative                   |

### Error / Processing Error

**What it means:** Payment failed to process (e.g., sponsor's card declined, Stripe API error, or system issue).

| Detail             | Info                                                          |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**       | Happens within seconds of payment attempt                     |
| **User action**    | Ask sponsor to try again with a different card/payment method |
| **What to do**     | Check the error message in **Transactions** for details       |
| **Balance impact** | ❌ No balance added; money never reached your account          |

### Disputed / In Review

**What it means:** Sponsor raised a chargeback or dispute (claimed fraud, didn't recognise charge, etc.). Sponsor Driven is investigating.

| Detail             | Info                                                                    |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**       | 7–30 days (depends on payment processor)                                |
| **User action**    | Contact support with evidence (sponsorship agreement, proof of service) |
| **What to do**     | Provide documentation to support the payment legitimacy                 |
| **Balance impact** | ⚠️ Money is held; won't be available until dispute resolved             |

### Cancelled

**What it means:** Recurring subscription ended (e.g., annual membership expired or auto-renewal was disabled).

| Detail             | Info                                                  |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**       | No new payments; past payments remain in your balance |
| **User action**    | Check if you want to reach out to the member/sponsor  |
| **What to do**     | Go to **Sponsorship deals** to see contract end date  |
| **Balance impact** | 0 (no impact; only affects future payments)           |

### Rejected

**What it means:** Sponsor Driven or Stripe automatically rejected the payment (e.g., fraud detected, account restricted, location blocked).

| Detail             | Info                                                                   |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**       | Within seconds                                                         |
| **User action**    | Contact support to check the rejection reason                          |
| **What to do**     | Check your **Payout** page — your Stripe account may need reactivation |
| **Balance impact** | ❌ No balance added                                                     |

## Your Balance: Available vs. Pending

Sponsor Driven tracks two balances:

### Available Balance

**What it means:** Money you can request a payout on right now.

| Detail              | Info                                                                |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Includes**        | Active contributions, completed sponsorships, membership revenue    |
| **Excludes**        | Pending contributions, disputed payments, payouts already requested |
| **Where to see it** | **Payouts** page under "Available balance"                          |
| **Minimum payout**  | £20 for first payout, £10 for subsequent                            |
| **How to claim it** | Click "Request payout" on **Payouts** page                          |

### Pending Balance

**What it means:** Money that's on its way to your bank or is stuck in processing.

| Detail                    | Info                                                                                                   |
| ------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Includes**              | Payouts requested but not yet arrived at your bank                                                     |
| **Where to see it**       | **Payouts** page under "Pending balance"                                                               |
| **Timeline**              | Usually clears within 1–3 business days                                                                |
| **What to do if delayed** | Check your bank first (may be processing on bank's side); then check Stripe status in **Transactions** |

***

## Payout States

A payout is your request to move money from your Sponsor Driven balance to your bank account.

### Pending (Payout Initiated)

**What it means:** You clicked "Request payout"; Sponsor Driven has sent the request to Stripe but it hasn't reached your bank yet.

| Detail              | Info                                                          |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**        | 1–3 business days                                             |
| **Status in app**   | Shows as "Pending" on **Payouts** page                        |
| **What to do**      | Wait — Stripe will send the money automatically               |
| **Can you cancel?** | No — it's already been initiated                              |
| **Bank preview**    | Some banks show it as "pending" before money officially lands |

### Paid / Completed

**What it means:** Payout successfully arrived in your bank account.

| Detail            | Info                                                                   |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**      | Usually appears in bank 1–3 business days                              |
| **Status in app** | Shows as "Paid" on **Payouts** page with arrival date                  |
| **What to do**    | Check your bank — money should be there                                |
| **Fees applied**  | Stripe processing fee (\~1.5%) already deducted from what you received |

### Failed

**What it means:** Payout tried to reach your bank but was rejected (wrong account details, account closed, daily limit, etc.).

| Detail             | Info                                                                                   |
| ------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Timeline**       | Detected within 24–48 hours                                                            |
| **Status in app**  | Shows as "Failed" with error reason                                                    |
| **What to do**     | Check your **Payouts** page for the failure reason; correct bank details and try again |
| **Money location** | Returned to your Sponsor Driven balance (can request new payout)                       |
| **Common causes**  | Wrong sort code, closed bank account, account holder name mismatch                     |

### Reversed

**What it means:** Payout was completed but then reversed (e.g., you asked us to cancel, account issue, chargeback).

| Detail             | Info                                                                     |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Timeline**       | 3–10 business days                                                       |
| **Status in app**  | Shows as "Reversed"                                                      |
| **What to do**     | Check why (usually shown in transactions); money returns to your balance |
| **Balance impact** | Money re-added to your available balance                                 |

***

## Negative Balance: What It Means

A negative balance means you owe Sponsor Driven money.

### How It Happens

| Scenario                    | Details                                                              |
| --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Refund after payout**     | Sponsor refunded £100 you already paid out to your bank              |
| **Dispute lost**            | You paid out money, then sponsor's payment was disputed and reversed |
| **Sponsorship deal cancel** | You already cashed out; sponsor cancelled and asked for refund       |
| **Billing adjustment**      | Platform fee adjustment or correction                                |

### What to Do

| If you owe... | What happens                                            | What to do                                           |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| < £5          | Nothing immediate; consider it settled                  | Pay next time you're owed money                      |
| £5–£20        | You can't request new payouts until balance is positive | Wait for new revenue, or manually settle via support |
| > £20         | Sponsor Driven may ask you to settle                    | Contact support to arrange payment plan              |

### How to Fix It

1. **Earn new revenue** – receive new contributions/sponsorships (will offset the negative balance)
2. **Manual payment** – contact <support@sponsordriven.com> to arrange a bank transfer to settle
3. **Wait for the dispute to resolve** – if money is disputed, wait for the outcome; funds may be released

***

## Understanding Transaction Fees

Every transaction is subject to fees. Here's how they work:

### Where Fees Are Deducted

| Fee                           | Amount                 | When                             | Impact                                          |
| ----------------------------- | ---------------------- | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Stripe processing fee**     | 2.9% + £0.30 (typical) | When sponsor pays                | Deducted before money reaches your balance      |
| **Platform fee**              | 10%                    | When sponsor pays                | Part of your Sponsor Driven cut                 |
| **FX fee** (if international) | 2%                     | When currency conversion happens | Only applies if sponsor is in different country |

### Example: Sponsor pays £100

```
Gross: £100.00
- Stripe fee (2.9% + £0.30): £3.20
- Platform fee (10%): £9.68
= Your net: £87.12 ✓ added to balance
```

***

## Campaign Funding & Milestones

Campaigns have their own payout states:

### Campaign Milestone States

| State                | Meaning                              | Your action                     |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------- |
| **Pending**          | Deliverable waiting for approval     | Submit proof/content to sponsor |
| **Payable**          | Deliverable approved; payment queued | Payment coming soon             |
| **Payout initiated** | Payment on its way to Stripe         | Arrives in 1–3 business days    |
| **Payout completed** | Money in your bank                   | ✓ Check your account            |

***

## Referral & Reward Payments

If you refer other competitors and they join, you earn referral rewards.

### How Referral Payments Work

| Step                               | Timeline              | Status                              |
| ---------------------------------- | --------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| 1. Friend joins via your link      | Immediate             | "Pending" until they set up account |
| 2. Friend completes onboarding     | Within 24 hours       | Reward added to your balance        |
| 3. Money available in your balance | Next payout window    | Included in normal payouts          |
| 4. You request payout              | Same as normal payout | 1–3 business days to bank           |

### Troubleshooting Referrals

| Problem                                  | Solution                                                 |
| ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| Friend joined but no reward              | Check they completed onboarding (all settings filled in) |
| Reward showing but balance didn't update | Refresh **Transactions** page; update can take 5 min     |
| Reward not showing after 48 hours        | Contact support with friend's profile slug               |

***

## Payment Method Details

### Credit Card

* Accepted worldwide
* Processing fee: 2.9% + £0.30
* Decline reason: Card limit, fraud detection, etc.

### Bank Transfer (BACS)

* UK only
* Processing fee: Usually none (direct bank transfer)
* Slower but no card fees

### BACS Debit

* Direct bank debit (recurring only)
* Fee: Typically £0.20 per debit
* Requires authorisation first

### Manual Payment

* For sponsor/competitor direct agreements
* No automatic processing
* Both parties must confirm manually

***

## Troubleshooting Common Payment Issues

### "My balance shows £0 but I received sponsorship payments"

| Check                        | Action                                                      |
| ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Transactions page**        | Do you see the contributions listed as "Active"?            |
| **Processing vs. Available** | Is money stuck in "processing"? Wait 5 min and refresh      |
| **Payouts page**             | Did you already request a payout? Check **Pending balance** |
| **Negative balance**         | Did a refund make your balance negative?                    |

**Still not showing?** Contact support with transaction IDs.

### "I requested a payout but money hasn't arrived"

| Timeline      | What to check                                                        |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| < 5 min       | Refresh page; payout may still be processing                         |
| 5 min–2 hours | Stripe is processing; check status in **Transactions**               |
| 2–24 hours    | Check your bank's pending transactions (may show under "Processing") |
| 1–3 days      | Most payouts arrive by this point; contact your bank if missing      |
| 3+ days       | Contact support; check Stripe status in **Transactions** page        |

### "Money arrived in my bank but the app shows 'Pending'"

This is normal — Stripe and bank timings don't always sync. Refresh the **Payouts** page; it should update within an hour.

### "A sponsor refunded me but my balance went negative"

| Timeline        | What happens                          | What to do                          |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| Immediately     | Balance goes negative (you owe back)  | Earn new revenue or manually settle |
| Within 24 hours | Refund fully processed                | Check **Transactions** for details  |
| 1–3 days        | If disputed, Stripe may reverse again | Wait for final resolution           |

### "Payout failed — what does the error mean?"

Check your **Transactions** page. Common errors:

| Error                | Meaning                       | Fix                                |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| "Invalid account"    | Bank details wrong            | Update account on **Payouts** page |
| "Account closed"     | Bank account no longer exists | Provide new bank details           |
| "Insufficient funds" | Your bank has daily limits    | Withdraw less, or try next day     |
| "Technical error"    | Stripe/bank system issue      | Wait 24 hours and retry            |

***

## When to Contact Support

Reach out to <support@sponsordriven.com> if:

* A payment is stuck in "Processing" for >5 minutes
* A payout failed and the error message isn't clear
* Your balance is negative and you don't know why
* A refund was unexpected or seems wrong
* A disputed payment has been ongoing >30 days
* You want to manually settle a negative balance

**Always include:**

* Your profile slug
* Transaction ID (from **Transactions** page)
* Date of transaction
* Screenshot of the issue

***

## Next Steps

* **Want to set up payouts?** Go to [Setting Up Your Bank Account](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts).
* **Ready to request your first payout?** See [How Payouts Work](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works).
* **Curious about fees?** Check [Fees and Processing](/funding-and-payouts/fees-processing-payouts).
* **Have questions about sponsorship deals?** Read [Sponsorship Deals Explained](/reference-guides/sponsorship-tiers-and-deals).


# How funding works

Sponsor Driven supports multiple funding paths so competitors can grow sustainable support.

## 1. One-time contributions

A supporter or organisation can make a one-off payment to a competitor.

Typical uses include:

* Entry fees
* Tyres and consumables
* Testing costs
* Travel and event expenses

## 2. Memberships (recurring support)

Where enabled, competitors can offer recurring support tiers with specific benefits.

This model is useful for:

* Predictable monthly support
* Ongoing community engagement
* Structured supporter perks

## 3. Sponsorship deals

Sponsorship deals are structured partnerships between competitors and organisations.

These often include:

* Defined deliverables
* Timeframes
* Payment structure
* Reporting expectations

## How funds move

1. A payment is made through the platform's payment flow.
2. Funds appear in competitor balances according to processing rules.
3. Eligible balances can be withdrawn after payout requirements are met.

See full payout flow: [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)

## What Sponsor Driven does and does not do

Sponsor Driven provides platform infrastructure for discovery, profiles, and transactions. For legal responsibilities and boundaries, always refer to:

* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Legal in plain English](/legal/plain-english)


# Fees, processing, and payout timelines

This page summarizes the practical expectations for fees, processing states, and payout timing.

## Platform fees

Competitor plans and platform fee levels are documented here:

* [Pricing](/reference-guides/pricing)

## Payment processing fees

Payments are processed by Stripe, and processing fees apply according to Stripe terms and payment method.

## Pending vs available balances

After a contribution is received, funds can appear as pending before they become available.

Current payout documentation states:

* Pending funds can remain pending for up to 7 days
* Once available and threshold requirements are met, payouts can be initiated

Reference: [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)

## Payout timing expectations

Current guidance indicates:

* Transfer initiation may take up to 7 business days (depending on checks and status)
* Once initiated, bank arrival may take up to 72 hours depending on bank processing

## Why payouts can be delayed

Common causes:

* Incomplete onboarding information
* Additional verification requested by payment provider
* Temporary account restrictions

## Why balance can be negative

Refunds can reduce available balance and may result in a negative balance.

If this happens, review the detailed explanation:

* [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)

## Important

This page is a practical summary. The legal and policy source of truth remains:

* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Referral Terms](/legal/referral-terms)


# Troubleshooting index

Use this index to find the fastest path for common issues.

## Account and access

### I cannot sign in

* Confirm you are using the correct sign-in method
* Check for typo or expired magic link
* Retry from a private/incognito window

### I cannot access expected settings

* Confirm you are in the correct profile
* Confirm your role has permission for that area

## Funding and payouts

### My payout is not available yet

* Check whether funds are pending
* Verify payout onboarding is fully complete
* Check if additional identity information is required

Start here: [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)

### My balance is negative

* Review recent refunds or reversals
* Wait for future incoming funds to offset the balance where applicable
* Contact support if the state is unclear

## Profile and visibility

### My profile is not converting

* Improve profile completeness
* Add regular updates
* Clarify sponsorship tiers and benefits
* Share profile link consistently

Use: [Promotion tips](/reference-guides/promotion-tips)

## Referrals

### My referral did not qualify

* Confirm invitee used your referral link before signup
* Confirm qualification requirements were met
* Confirm invitee is in a supported region

Use: [Referrals](/reference-guides/referrals)

## Legal and policy questions

Start with:

* [Legal in plain English](/legal/plain-english)
* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Privacy policy](/legal/privacy-policy)

## Contact support

If your issue is still unresolved, contact **<support@sponsordriven.com>** and include:

* Profile URL
* A short description of what happened
* Screenshots if relevant
* Approximate date/time of issue


# Platform FAQ

## What is Sponsor Driven?

Sponsor Driven helps motorsport competitors connect with supporters and organisations to unlock funding opportunities.

## Is it free to create an account?

Account creation is free. Competitor funding activity can include platform and payment-processing fees.

See: [Pricing](/reference-guides/pricing)

## What funding models are available?

* One-time contributions
* Memberships (where enabled)
* Sponsorship deals

See: [How funding works](/funding-and-payouts/how-funding-works)

## How long do payouts take?

Payout timing depends on onboarding status, pending periods, and bank processing.

See: [Fees, processing, and payout timelines](/funding-and-payouts/fees-processing-payouts)

## Why is my balance pending or negative?

Pending balances and negative balances can occur due to processing windows or refunds.

See: [Receiving payouts](/reference-guides/receiving-payouts)

## Can I have multiple profile types?

Yes, many users operate multiple profiles depending on their role.

See: [Choose your account type](/getting-started/choose-your-account-type)

## What if my referral did not qualify?

Qualification depends on referral rules and eligibility conditions.

See:

* [Referrals](/reference-guides/referrals)
* [Referral Terms](/legal/referral-terms)

## Can I delete my account?

Account deletion and data handling depend on platform rules and legal retention obligations.

See:

* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Privacy policy](/legal/privacy-policy)

## Where can I get help?

* [Troubleshooting index](/troubleshooting/troubleshooting)
* Email: <support@sponsordriven.com>


# Feature reference (A-Z)

This index helps you quickly find key Sponsor Driven capabilities by task.

## A

**Analytics** : Track profile visits, engagement, and conversion trends.

## C

**Campaigns** : Structured brand collaborations with defined deliverables and review stages.

**Contributions** : One-time support payments to competitors.

## D

**Deals** : Sponsorship agreements between competitors and organisations.

## M

**Memberships** : Recurring supporter model with member perks where enabled.

## P

**Payouts** : Withdrawal flow for eligible competitor balances after onboarding and processing.

**Profile** : Competitor public page, bio, motorsport details, media, and funding options.

## R

**Referrals** : Invite competitors and qualify for referral rewards under active programme rules.

## S

**Sponsorship tiers** : Packaged support options with defined value and deliverables.

**Supporters** : Individuals who contribute one-time or recurring support.

## T

**Transactions** : Financial history across contributions, memberships, and sponsorship activity.

## U

**Updates** : Competitor posts used to communicate progress, milestones, and supporter impact.

## Next reads

* [Competitor quickstart](/for-competitors/quickstart)
* [Sponsor quickstart](/for-sponsors/for-sponsors)
* [Supporter quickstart](/for-supporters/for-supporters)


# Legal in plain English

This page is a plain-English summary to help you understand key policy areas quickly.

Important: this summary is not a replacement for legal documents. The source of truth is always the full policy pages.

## What Sponsor Driven is

Sponsor Driven is a platform that connects competitors with supporters and organisations, with integrated payment flows through third-party payment providers.

Read: [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)

## Account basics

Key points:

* You must meet account eligibility requirements
* Account information must be accurate
* You are responsible for account security

Read: [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)

## Payments and contributions

Key points:

* Payments are processed via payment provider integrations
* Fees can apply to transactions
* There are rules around payment usage and user responsibilities

Read: [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)

## Content and acceptable behaviour

Key points:

* You are responsible for content you post
* Misleading, harmful, impersonating, or abusive behaviour is not allowed
* Inactive pages may be subject to inactivity policies

Read:

* [Inactivity policy](/legal/inactivity-policy)
* [Impersonation policy](/legal/impersonation-policy)
* [Trademark policy](/legal/trademark-policy)

## Privacy and data rights

Key points:

* Sponsor Driven explains what data is collected and why
* Data rights may include access, correction, deletion/anonymisation, and portability (where applicable)
* Some records may be retained/anonymised for legal/accounting reasons

Read: [Privacy policy](/legal/privacy-policy)

## Referrals

Key points:

* Referral rewards have qualification rules
* Program terms can change
* Misuse can disqualify rewards

Read:

* [Referrals](/reference-guides/referrals)
* [Referral Terms](/legal/referral-terms)

## Account deletion and history

Account deletion does not always remove all historical data instantly, especially where transactions or legal retention requirements apply.

Read:

* [Terms & conditions](/legal/terms-and-conditions)
* [Privacy policy](/legal/privacy-policy)


# Terms & conditions

{% hint style="info" %}
We've updated our terms & conditions on the 9th march 2024, to add clarification to the following:

* Refund policy
* Use of our platform
* Additional terms for Financial Contributors / Competitors
  {% endhint %}

Welcome to Sponsor Driven, this page explains our terms of use. When you use Sponsor Driven, you’re agreeing to all the rules on this page. Some of them need to be expressed in legal language, but we’ve done our best to offer you clear and simple explanations of what everything means.

### Overview of our platform

Sponsor Driven is a platform that helps competitors connect with fans and organisations, unlocking access to additional income through tiered membership and financial contributions. Our platform aims to make motorsport funding more accessible than ever before.

Our platform offers a number of different pages, which are outlined below:

* "**Individual**" - An individual is a person who has created an account on Sponsor Driven, in order to manage a page or contribute to a competitor.
* "**Organisation**" - An organisation is an entity that is using the platform to contribute to a competitor in an official capacity. Organisation pages can be managed by multiple "**individuals**" / representatives.
* "**Competitor**" - A competitor is an entity (either a Driver or Team) with a page on the platform created for the purpose of connecting with "Individuals" and "Organisations" and receiving funding from them. Competitor pages can be managed by multiple "I**ndividuals**" / representatives.

#### Additional terminology

* "**Financial Contributor**" - A Financial Contributor is a Contributor (Individual or Organisation) that uses the Platform to contribute funds to a particular Competitor. There are additional terms for Financial Contributors outlined in these Terms.

For clarity, our platform does not store or transmit funds. The platform is integrated with third-party payment processors, such as [Stripe](https://stripe.com/in/legal). When you support a competitor or create a competitor page to receive funds, you’re also agreeing to the payment processor’s terms of service.

By using our platform, you agree to not hold Sponsor Driven responsible or liable for any communications, transactions, interactions, disputes, or any relationships between users of the platform. While we may do our best to verify the reputation of some users, we cannot guarantee the authenticity of either an individual, organisation or competitor and cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentations.

### Before creating an account

In order to have an account on our platform, you will need to be 18 or over. If you are under the age of 18, please see below. You’re responsible for your account and all the activity on it. You are welcome to browse the website without first registering for an account, but to use some of our features, an account will be need to be created. When you create an account, or make a payment of any kind, the information you give us has to be accurate and complete. You should not impersonate anyone else or choose names that are offensive or that violate anyone’s rights. If you don’t follow these rules, we may cancel your account.

You’re responsible for all the activity on your account, and for keeping your account secure. If you find out that someone has used your account without your permission, you should report it to <support@sponsordriven.com>.

To sign up for an account or create a competitor page, you need to be at least 18 years old, or old enough to form a binding contract where you live. If necessary, we may ask you for proof of age. If you are under the required age, a parent or legal guardian may create a profile on your behalf, but they must also be responsible for any funds received.

### Things you shouldn't do on our platform

We shouldn't need to ask this, but we need to make it clear for legal reasons that if you want be a part of our platform, please don’t do any of these things:

* **Don’t break the law**. Don’t take any action that infringes or violates other people’s rights, violates the law, or breaches any contract or legal duty you have toward anyone.
* **Don’t lie to people**. Don’t post information you know is false, misleading, or inaccurate. Don’t do anything deceptive or fraudulent.
* **Don’t offer prohibited items**. Don’t offer any rewards that are illegal, violate any of our policies, rules, or guidelines, or violate any applicable law, statute, ordinance, or regulation.
* **Don’t victimise anyone**. Don’t do anything threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, libellous, tortious, obscene, profane, or invasive of another person’s privacy.
* **Don’t spam**. Don’t distribute unsolicited or unauthorised advertising or promotional material, or any junk mail, spam, or chain letters.
* **Do not initiate chargebacks**. Any contributions through the platform are final. If you believe your contribution is being misused by a competitor, please reach out to them to resolve the issue. In the event that your card was stolen or compromised, please contact your bank who can assist you further. If you require further assistance with refunds, please contact <support@sponsordriven.com>.

\- **Don’t abuse access to personal information**. Our platform is designed to connect Competitors with Individuals and Organisations, and so you may receive information about other users, including things like their names, email addresses, and postal addresses. This information is provided in good faith: don’t use it for other purposes other than originally intended, and don’t abuse it.

Failure to adhere to our terms & conditions may result in us closing your account and preventing you from accessing our platform.

### Terms for Financial Contributors

If you use our platform as a Financial Contributor, you agree to the following:

* **Contributions**. All contributions you make through the platform are held by Sponsor Driven, with the full amount (minus applicable fees such as card processing and platform fees) used in support of the Competitor you have designated to receive the contributions. By making payments through our platform, you agree to represent and are authorised to use the Payment Method provided. You authorise our payment provider, Stripe, to charge the specified amount to your Payment Method for any contribution made through the platform. If for any reason the Payment Method cannot be verified, is invalid, or not acceptable, your contribution may be suspended or cancelled.
* **Recurring contributions**. Our platform offers the ability for contributors to make recurring contributions. Contributors must opt-in to recurring contributions and agree to be charged on a recurring basis. Similar to one-time contributions, you authorise our payment provider, Stripe, to charge your Payment Method on a recurring basis, on the same day each calendar month. For example, if the initial contribution was a monthly contribution made on the 14th February, the next charge will be on the 14th March, and every calendar month until cancelled. You will receive a notification via email before we charge your Payment Method, which also gives you the opportunity to cancel before the charge is made (Refunds as described below).
* **Cancellations**. Financial Contributors can cancel recurring payments at any time through their  profile settings.
* **Refunds**. Except where specified in our terms, all contributions are final and there are no refunds. You agree to resolve any disputes with the recipient of any contributions that you made via the platform as they are responsible for initiating any refunds. In some cases, we may initiate a refund on behalf of the recipient if we feel there is a valid reason for the refund, as outlined in our Terms. You can contact us for any clarification on refund eligibility.
* **Recognition**. As part of their contributions, Financial Contributors may receive certain advertising, marketing, or other Recognition in exchange for their contributions. Subject to these terms, all Financial Contributors will receive as a minimum the following Recognition: logo placement on the Competitor's page, along with a link to the Financial Contributor's profile page ("**Baseline Recognition**"). Financial contributors may receive additional Recognition as specified by the Competitor. In such cases, Financial Contributors must acknowledge and agree that any additional Recognition beyond the Baseline Recognition is offered and fulfilled by the Competitor, and Sponsor Driven is not responsible for the fulfilment of any additional Recognition offered by the Competitor. Financial Contributors agree to communicate with the Competitor or Administrators of the respective Competitor, in regards to fulfilment of any additional Recognition.

### Terms for Competitors

If you use our platform as a Competitor, you agree to the following:

* **Receiving financial contributions**. In order to receive contributions through our platform, you must provide accurate and up-to-date information, and fulfil any Recognition or obligations to Financial Contributors (described above) in a timely manner.
* **Use of financial contributions**. By using our platform, you agree to use any contributions received solely for purposes related to competing in motorsport.
* **Identity verification**. We reserve the right to ask for verification of your identity and any proof related to your participation in motorsport. Should you fail to provide accurate information requested or we cannot verify your identity in a timely manner, we reserve the right to suspend your account and initiate refunds on your behalf.
* **Inactivity within motorsport**. You agree to maintain an active presence both on the platform, and within competitive motorsport in order to continue receiving contributions from Financial Contributors. You hereby acknowledge and agree to pause or cancel any financial contributions should you wish to take a break or are no longer competing in the motorsport industry. If you do not log in to the platform after a period of 90 days, or we find that you are no longer competing, we reserve the right to suspend your account and may pause or cancel any recurring contributions and prevent further contributions from being received by you.

### About our fees

It's free to create an account on our platform, and it's also free to create a page. If you create a competitor page and have verified your details, we (and our payment partners) may collect fees on transactions. Fees may vary slightly based on your location.

We will never automatically charge you for something you have not asked for, so please ensure that you are aware of the difference between a "*one-time*" contribution and a "*membership*".

### Things we don’t do and are not responsible for

Sponsor Driven is not and should not be held liable for any damages or losses related to your use of the Services. We don’t get involved in disputes between users, or between users and any third party relating to the use of the Services. We don’t oversee the performance or punctuality of pages and contents, and we don’t endorse any content users submit to the Site. When you use the Services, you release Sponsor Driven from claims, damages, and demands of every kind — known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, disclosed or undisclosed — arising out of or in any way related to such disputes and the Services. All content you access through the Services is at your own risk. You’re solely responsible for any resulting damage or loss to any party.

### About other websites and links

Our platform may contain links to other websites. (For instance, user websites pages, user profiles, and comments that may link to other sites.) When you access third-party websites, you do so at your own risk. We do not control or endorse those sites.

If you are unsure that you can trust a third-party website you visit, we advise you not to proceed further.

If you find a link that is malicious with intent, please reach out to <support@sponsordriven.com>.

### Your intellectual property

\- Any royalties or licensing on your Content are your responsibility. You will pay all royalties and other amounts owed to any person or entity based on your Content, or on Sponsor Driven's hosting of that Content.

\- You’re ultimately responsible for the stuff you post. All information submitted to the Site, whether publicly posted or privately transmitted, is the sole responsibility of the person from whom that content originated.

\- We’re not responsible for any mistakes in your content. Sponsor Driven will not be liable for any errors or omissions in any content.

### Account deletion

You may stop using our Service at any time, by contacting us at <support@sponsordriven.com>, and requesting your account to be deletion. We may retain certain information as required by law or as necessary for our legitimate business purposes. All provisions of this agreement survive termination of an account, including our rights regarding any content you’ve already submitted to the Site. (For instance, if you’ve launched a page, deleting your account will not automatically remove the page from the Site.) If you have signed up for a membership, you can find information about your cancellation rights on our site. You will need to cancel your subscription in accordance with these cancellation rights to stop your recurring payments for the relevant subscription.&#x20;

It is important to note that deleting your account without first canceling any subscriptions will not stop these payments, and you are ultimately responsible for cancelling any recurring payments.

### About indemnity

You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Sponsor Driven, Our subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and Our officers, directors, employees, partners, contractors, representatives, agents, and third party providers from and against any and all claims, causes of action, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and costs) and all amounts paid in settlement arising from or relating to, breach of these Terms or violation of any applicable laws. We reserve the right, in Our sole discretion and at Our own expense, to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter for which you have agreed to indemnify us and you agree to assist and cooperate with us as reasonably required in the defense or settlement of any such matters.

### About dispute resolution

We at Sponsor Driven encourage you to contact us if you’re having an issue, before resorting to the courts. In the unfortunate situation where legal action does arise, these Terms (and all other rules, policies, or guidelines incorporated by reference) will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law, and without application of the Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act or the United Nations Convention of Controls for International Sale of Goods.

### About copyright

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act lays out a system of legal requirements for dealing with allegations of copyright infringement. Sponsor Driven complies with the DMCA, and we respond to notices of alleged infringement if they comply with the law and the requirements set forth in our Copyright Policy. We reserve the right to delete or disable content alleged to be infringing, and to terminate accounts for repeat infringers. (We do this when appropriate and at our sole discretion.)

### Agreement Between You and Us

These Terms are the entire agreement between You and Sponsor Driven with respect to the Services. They supersede all other communications and proposals (whether oral, written, or electronic) between you and Sponsor Driven with respect to the Services and govern our relationship. If any provision of these Terms are deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect. Sponsor Driven's failure to assert any right or provision under this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

### Miscellaneous

We may modify or discontinue the Services at any time, in our sole discretion. You agree that, except as otherwise expressly provided in these Terms, there shall be no third-party beneficiaries to these Terms. No waiver of any provision of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or any other term, and Sponsor Driven's failure to assert any right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision. You agree that regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim arising out of or related to the Services must commence within one (1) year after the cause of action accrues. Otherwise, such cause of action is permanently barred.


# Privacy policy

**Last Updated:** 28 October 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how information about you is collected, used, and disclosed by Sponsor Driven Ltd. ("Sponsor Driven", “we”, or “us”). This Privacy Policy applies to information we collect when you use our websites and online services (collectively, the “Services”), or when you otherwise interact with us.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date above. In some cases, we may also notify you through the Services or by email. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly to stay informed about how we handle your information.

***

### **1. Information We Collect**

#### **Information You Provide to Us**

We collect information you provide directly to us. This may include:

* Name
* Email address
* Profile information
* Payment method details (processed via third-party providers)
* Messages or communications with us
* Any other information you choose to provide

#### **Google Sign-In (OAuth)**

If you choose to sign in using Google Sign-In, we will receive:

* Your Google account email address
* Your Google account display name
* Your Google account profile image (if available)

**We use this information only to:**

* Create or link your Sponsor Driven account
* Authenticate your login
* Personalise your profile

**We do not:**

* Access your Gmail, contacts, calendar, Google Drive, or any other Google data
* Receive or store your Google password
* Share this data for advertising or marketing purposes

You can revoke access at any time via:\
<https://myaccount.google.com/permissions>

#### **Information We Collect Automatically**

When you use our Services, we automatically collect:

* Log data (pages viewed, IP address, browser type, access times)
* Device and usage information
* Cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking data

#### **Information From Other Sources**

If you link or interact with third-party platforms (e.g., social media), we may receive information from those services in accordance with their authorization procedures.

***

### **2. User-Generated Content**

Some areas of the Services allow users to create, upload, or submit content, including text, photos, videos, racing updates, competitor profiles, sponsorship information, achievements, and other materials (“User Content”).

You retain ownership of your User Content. However, by submitting User Content to the Services, you grant Sponsor Driven a **non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license** to host, store, display, reproduce, modify, publish, and distribute your User Content **solely for the purpose of operating, improving, promoting, and providing the Services**.

You are responsible for ensuring your User Content:

* Does not violate any laws or regulations
* Does not infringe third-party rights (including intellectual property rights)
* Is not harmful, abusive, misleading, or defamatory
* Does not contain malware or attempt to impersonate others

We may review or remove User Content that violates this Privacy Policy, our Terms of Service, or applicable law. However, we do not monitor all content continuously.

If you delete your account or request data removal, we may:

* Remove the User Content, **or**
* **Anonymise** it where necessary to maintain the integrity of competition records, financial transactions, or sponsorship history.

***

### **3. Use of Information**

We may use information about you to:

* Provide, maintain, improve, and develop our Services
* Facilitate account creation and authentication
* Process payments and transactions
* Send notifications, confirmations, and support messages
* Personalise your experience
* Monitor usage trends and analytics
* Prevent fraud and protect the security of our Services
* Communicate with you about features, updates, and offers (optional)

***

### **4. Sharing of Information**

We may share your information:

* With vendor and service partners who assist in operating the Services
* With admins of the competitor page(s) you contribute to
* To comply with legal obligations or prevent harm
* In connection with business transitions (e.g., merger or acquisition)
* With your consent or at your direction

We may share **aggregated or anonymised data** that does not identify you.

***

### **5. Cookies & Tracking**

We use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to recognise your browser, save preferences, and analyse usage. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, but doing so may affect performance.

***

### **6. Security**

We use reasonable safeguards to help protect your information.\
We **do not store your Google password** and **do not store full credit card numbers**.

***

### **7. Data Location & Transfers**

Sponsor Driven is based in the United Kingdom. Your data may be stored or processed in the UK or other jurisdictions that may have different data protection laws.

***

### **8. Your Rights (GDPR / UK Data Protection)**

If you are located in the UK or EEA, you have the right to:

* Access your personal data
* Request corrections
* Request deletion or anonymisation
* Restrict or object to processing
* Request a copy of your data (portability)

Contact: **<privacy@sponsordriven.com>**

***

### **9. Data Deletion & Account Removal**

* If your profile has **no transactions**, you may delete it in your account settings.
* If your profile **has transactions or sponsorship history**, we may be required to retain certain records for accounting or platform integrity reasons. In those cases:
  * We will **anonymise** the personal information while retaining necessary transactional or historical data.

***

### **10. Contact Us**

Sponsor Driven Ltd\
Email: **<privacy@sponsordriven.com>**\
Registered in the United Kingdom


# Inactivity policy

### Inactive competitors

In order to receive financial contributions, Competitors must maintain an active presence both on the platform. We may pause or cancel financial contributions to reflect the inactivity of a competitor. We reserve the right to suspend pages to prevent further contributions from being received.

See our [Terms](/legal/terms-and-conditions) for more details.

### Page squatting policy

We prohibit page squatting, or holding pages for future use. Inactive pages may be renamed, claimed or removed by Sponsor Driven at our sole discretion.

Any attempts to sell, buy, or solicit other forms of payment in exchange for page names are prohibited and may result in permanent account suspension.

### Page URL squatting policy

Similar to pages, we prohibit squatting of page URLs (eg. sponsordriven.com/**laurentaylaracing**) and cannot be held for future use. Page URLs linked to inactive pages may be renamed, claimed or removed by Sponsor Driven.

Any attempts to sell, buy, or solicit other forms of payment in exchange for page names are prohibited and may result in permanent account suspension.

### What if an inactive page is using my trademark?

If you believe your trademark rights are being infringed and the page seems inactive, please see our trademark policy for additional information.


# Impersonation policy

Profiles and Pages that impersonate other people are not allowed on Sponsor Driven.&#x20;

If you see a profile or page that is pretending to be you, or you suspect is pretending to be a competitor or organisation, we encourage you to let us know.

### How do I report a profile or page that is pretending to be me or someone else?

At this time, you can fill in our contact form to report an impersonating profile or page.


# Trademark policy

### What is a Trademark Policy violation?

Using a company or business name, logo or other trademark-protected materials in a manner that may mislead or confuse others with regard to its brand or business affiliation may be considered a trademark policy violation.

### What is not a Trademark Policy violation?

Using another's trademark in a way that has nothing to do with the product or service for which the trademark was granted is not a trademark policy violation. Usernames and their respective page URLs (eg. sponsordriven.com/**exampleurl**) are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be reserved. A username that happens to be the same as a registered trademark is not, by itself, necessarily a violation of our trademark policy.

### How do we respond to reported Trademark Policy violations?

When we receive verified reports of trademark policy violations from the trademark holder, we will review the page in question and may take the following actions:

* If there is clear intent to mislead others through the unauthorised use of a trademark, we will suspend the page and notify any admins of that page.
* If we determine that a page appears confusing to others but is not purposefully passing itself off as the trademarked good or service, we will request that the page admins clear up any potential confusion. We may also release a username for the trademark holder's active use.

### How do I report a Trademark Policy violation?

Holders of registered trademarks can report possible trademark policy violations to our support team using our contact form. Please ensure that you submit trademark-related requests using your company email address and include all the information requested below to help expedite our response and/or investigations. Be sure to clearly describe why the page is causing confusion with your mark or how the page may dilute or tarnish your mark.

### What information is required when reporting Trademark Policy violations?

In order to investigate trademark policy violations, please provide the following information:

* Username of the reported page or page URL;
* Your company name;
* Your company website;
* Your trademarked word, symbol, etc.;
* Trademark registration number;
* Trademark registration office;
* Description of confusion (eg. impersonation, including all instances of content or behaviour);
* Requested action (eg. removal of violating page or transfer of username / page URL)


# Referral Terms

{% hint style="info" %}
Please read these referral terms carefully.
{% endhint %}

By using, participating in, or receiving the benefit of our Referral Programs, you agree to be bound to this Agreement and comply with it. If you do not agree with this Agreement, you must not use the Referral Program.

## Description of the Referral Program

1. The Referral Program allows you to benefit, for a specified period of time, by our choice and discretion, of a non-monetary or monetary reward (hereinafter "Referral Fee"), if you meet the requirements in force at the time applicable to you. You can see the requirements at any time on the invite page ("Program Requirements"), including whether you are eligible for said program, how many people you need to invite, the Referral Fee you may receive and the conditions attached to the Referral Program.
2. To participate in the Referral Program, alongside other requirements, you must invite another person that does not already have a Sponsor Driven account. A unique invite link is automatically generated for you, which you then can share with the invitee.
   1. For the avoidance of doubt, it is not possible to use a referral link after the invitee has already signed up.
3. You may receive a Referral Fee each time you meet, at our discretion, the requirements of the Referral Program applicable to you in force at the time.

## Eligibility

1. You must be a registered user of Sponsor Driven in good standing to benefit from the Referral Program.

## Prohibited use

1. You may only use the Referral Program in good faith for lawful purposes. You may not:
   1. create more than one account and invite yourself;
   2. invite others who have created multiple accounts;
   3. use alternative contact information to refer yourself or others that have created duplicate accounts;
   4. invite someone who has an account already;
   5. invite fictitious persons;
   6. do anything that damages Sponsor Driven's brand, goodwill or reputation;
   7. use our services in a deceiving or deceptive manner to benefit from the Referral Program;
   8. use the Referral Program in:
      1. any way that breaches any applicable local, national or international law or regulation;&#x20;
      2. any way that is unlawful or fraudulent, or has any unlawful or fraudulent purpose or effect;
      3. in any way that contravenes any other agreements we have with you, including our Terms & conditions;
      4. in a manner harmful to our interests;
   9. to transmit any unsolicited or unauthorised advertising or promotional material or any other form of similar solicitation (spam);
   10. to transmit any unsolicited or unauthorised advertising either via paid search or any other similar activity, including channels that can damage the Wise brand, goodwill or reputation;
   11. share the invitation link to another person that has not told you they want to receive information about Sponsor Driven;
   12. share your invite link on content websites or social media channels that goes beyond the reach of your family and friends;
   13. use your invite link for commercial purposes (i.e., goes beyond the reasonable sharing an invite link to your family and friends).

## Data protection

You represent and warrant to us that you have obtained the express consent from the individuals whose data you provide us with.

## Abuse of the Referral Program

1. If we suspect (in our sole discretion) that you have not used the Referral Program in good faith or acted inconsistently with this Agreement, we reserve the right to:
   1. refuse to pay you the Referral Fee;
   2. suspend or terminate this Agreement, your participation in any Referral Program, or your access to our Services.
2. You understand and agree that termination of your participation in the Referral Program (or your access to our Services) will result in the immediate forfeiture of any Referral Fees associated with you.

## Limitation of liability

1. Sponsor Driven accepts no liability for any use of the Referral Program which does not comply with this Agreement.
2. You are liable if you breach this Agreement or applicable laws. In the event of loss, claims, costs or expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of your breach of this Agreement, any applicable law or regulation and/or your use of our Services, you agree to defend, compensate us and our affiliates and hold us harmless. This provision will continue after our relationship ends.
3. You acknowledge that we may use the Referral Fee to offset any amounts you owe us.

## Changes to this agreement

We may amend this Agreement, any Program Requirements or other terms or policies that govern your participation in the Referral Program from time to time. The revised Agreement or Program Requirement will take effect when posted or as otherwise expressly indicated. By continuing to use the Referral Program after any changes to this Agreement or Program Requirements take effect or taking such other action as specified by Sponsor Driven, you agree to be bound by those changes.

## Changes and termination of the Referral Program

1. Sponsor Driven reserves the right to, in our sole and absolute discretion:
   1. amend, change, cancel or restrict the Referral Program at any time (for some or all users), or any Referral Fee at any time and for any reason without notice; and
   2. terminate the Referral Program at any time, without notice.
2. In the event the Referral Program is terminated or if your access to our Services is terminated for any reason, Wise will not be obliged to credit any accounts that would have otherwise qualified for a Referral Fee.


