A lot of welding, fabrication, and equipment manufacturers seem to only reach out once someone already has millions of views and a massive following. When you contact them first, it can sometimes feel like you are immediately brushed aside as someone looking for free equipment.

That is not always the case.

Some of us are not looking for freebies. We want an opportunity to use the machine, put it through real work, create honest content, provide useful feedback, and prove whether the equipment is worth buying.

Even a try-before-you-buy program, discounted demo unit, short-term equipment loan, or content partnership could benefit both sides.

Personally, I reached out to around 40 different manufacturers. None of those initial cold contacts resulted in an actual offer. Most of the time, I ended up in a sales loop with salespeople repeatedly contacting me or adding me to their mailing lists.

However, I do not consider those conversations a complete waste of time.

They started building connections and put my business on their radar.

I also learned that being honest and professional matters. The person you initially speak with may not be the one who gets to make those decisions. But once someone inside the company knows who you are, what you create, and what you can offer, it can open the door to future opportunities.

I currently work with a few different companies, including Andeli, which makes welders, plasma cutters, and other welding equipment. Those relationships did not happen because I had millions of followers. They saw the content I was consistently creating around my business and reached out to me. I was able to show them that I could provide something of value in return.

For those who have secured equipment sponsorships, demo opportunities, try-before-you-buy arrangements, or manufacturer partnerships, how did you make the first connection?

What did you offer the company in return?

Did follower count matter more than content quality, industry experience, audience trust, or the ability to provide useful product feedback?

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How Can Small Businesses Build Partnerships with Equipment Manufacturers?