Putting to rest the myth of "SMU doesn't license their logo"

[Dooby]

We have all heard it.

"Those are really neat college themed [t-shirts/bumper stickers/mugs/snow shovels/toilet seat covers/deer blinds] I see Texas, Baylor, A&M, NTSU and TCU, do you have SMU?"

"No. SMU doesn't license their logo; it is really hard to get permission to sell SMU stuff. Sorry."

Folks, I am here to tell you this is BS. I know there are some people on here who want to believe it. "It is SMU's fault. SMU is stupid. Of course, they are the reason I can't buy SMU [t-shirts/bumper stickers/mugs/snow shovels/toilet seat covers/deer blinds]. SMU is always stupid and does stupid things. It makes perfect sense that I should take the word of a stranger at a trade show I have never met."

The reason some places don't have SMU stuff is that they don't want to stock it because there isn't much demand. Period. End of story. If you want more SMU stuff, you need to buy more SMU stuff and encourage others to buy more SMU stuff.

For those of you that actually believe the "SMU tightly controls its logo and marketing," just remember this image:

[RE Tycoon]

Coffin example aside (which was posted here a few years back), I have talked to retailer friends who actually order the stuff and they have corroborated the SMU sucks story. Compared to other schools in the region, they are harder to deal with, slower to respond and more protective of what they will authorize (not just the product, but the colors, logos, etc).

One example would be the retro fashion trend going on right now. SMU was slow to allow/approve some retro designs and almost missed that market trend (although thanks to some diligent alums, they were able to stick with it and get some designs approved). SMU needs to be more friendly to the people wanting to license to SMU property or they will just move on b/c the profit to hassle ratio for SMU gear is just not worth it.

[NickSMU17]

Gameday Cloth has posted on here many times this year that it was no different and she carries all the retro stuff....

[jtstang]

http://www.clc.com/clcweb/publishing.ns ... ode=SOMETH

[Pony!Poni!Pone'!]

maybe the "SMU sucks and doesnt license" is to spare our feelings as a consumer that no one wants our [Deleted]?

[Dooby]

maybe the "SMU sucks and doesnt license" is to spare our feelings as a consumer that no one wants our [deleted]?

Ding!Ding!Ding!

[RE Tycoon]

maybe the "SMU sucks and doesnt license" is to spare our feelings as a consumer that no one wants our [deleted]?

That is definitely part of it. My point is don't make it hard b/c most people won't go out of their way to produce SMU stuff for such a small sales base. If I were making the decisions, I'd approve everything within reason immediately for 5 years just to get SMU products out there. Then, if we become a sought after commodity after some duration of time, we can be more picky with who and what we license.

I won't be happy until I walk into a truck stop in bf Oklahoma and find a SMU cammo t shirt for $5.50. Damn straight I'm buying it too.

[NickSMU17]

http://www.clc.com/clcweb/publishing.nsf/Content/institutionprofile.html?open&ucode=SOMETH

Great Website...Our royalty rate is actually lower than most...

[jtstang]

If I read through it correctly, a licensee has to come to them and want to make a product for a client, then the client (i.e., school) gets to approve the product. If that is correct, this means either SMU does drag its feet (which I find it hard to believe, I mean even a small royalty is better than nothing), or there is a lack of consumer demand sufficient enough to entice licensees to want to make a bigger commitment to SMU product.

It has to be the latter it seems to me, since the smaller royalty to SMU would mean a bigger share to the licensee, so there is some already incentive built in to the fee splitting arrangement.

[Pony!Poni!Pone'!]

we need to put those counterfeit t-shirt bootleggers to work that I used to get paid to run off from concerts

[BUS]

Tuesday Dec 21st. 12:30.
Purchased new SMU cap at Albertsons (Belt Line and Plano Road) for $9.99. They had 5.. now 4, along with texas, aggie frog and arkansas items.
Good find and a good looking hat!

[SMU89]

I just want to know if that coffin is avaialbe in a metallic blue and with red handles.

[One Trick Pony]

Why do I enjoy being associated with this no body loves us, DP movie loving, wish we were in another conference, low attendance, can't get a mug group of people?

[Bergermeister]

I just want to know if that coffin is avaialbe in a metallic blue and with red handles.

Are you going under in a blue jersey or red jersey? I think your jersey ought to contrast with the handles... so you should go with the blue. Surely, you won't go for the "black-out"...

[smupony94]

Some people on this board need a SMU licensed enema