Do you want a “timing” company that is an asset or a liability for your event? While the answer should be obvious the question is relevant. I often hear the horror stories about timing companies from Race Directors. Here are a few examples:
- A timing company dropped an event at the last minute leaving the race director scrambling. (The race director then contact I Run Utah four days before this race and we successfully timed it)
- A timing company canceled their booking with a small event to take a more lucrative contract. (We can time several events in a single day and have never canceled a contracted event)
- A timing company showed up and then failed to provide a single time to a race director at an event with nearly 2,000 participants. (This race director will now happily provide a reference for our services)
- A timing company provided terrible customer service resulting in seriously negative social media comments about the race.
At I Run Utah, we love the running community and we want to prevent bad experiences for participants and event organizers. I want to provide you with a few things to look for so that you can tell the difference before you get locked in with a vendor that is only a liability.
- Your timing company demands a check for full payment before your event happens.
- Your timing company offers to provide timing services for the lowest cost possible.
- They fail to return your phone calls or answer your emails.
- They show up late or unprepared for your event.
- They blame others when any mistakes happen and try to hide themselves away from participants.
- They are willing to take shortcuts in safety-this often goes along with providing the lowest cost possible service.
When I decided to create an event management and race timing company, I vowed that we would be different. I want race directors to view I Run Utah as an asset to their race and here’s what we do to make sure that happens:
- We communicate regularly with race directors and use our experience as a participant, organizer, and vendor at hundreds of events to provide timely advice regarding race operations.
- We promote your event to our network of potential participants. (Last year we brought 185 paid participants to one “small” event)
- We participate in your packet pickups and will even help you sell your merchandise (I personally sold over $1,500 worth of merchandise for one client last year and provided training for members of their staff that dramatically increased their merchandise sales)
- We arrive early, provide a professional setup, and will help your team get prepared so that the race can start on time. (We take safety very seriously)
- We offer a full range of services (online registration, marketing, logistics, T-Shirts, medals, sponsorship, or even complete event management) that can save tremendous amounts of your time and money.
- We provide outstanding customer service to your participants and we will take responsibility for our mistakes when they happen.
When looking for partners for your events, don’t settle for a liability. Send an email to greg@irunutah.com or give me a call at 801-656-5897 to find out how we can help you make your next event more successful!
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