What do I need to obtain before loaning product out?
Make sure you have full contact details of the person to whom you're loaning. Get the start and the wrap date of the shoot. If you feel uncomfortable about loaning your product to the person, trust your gut. You can always contact LupRocks.com if you are unsure.
Is my product insured?
From film and television: you should request an insurance certificate with your company listed as the loss payee and a purchase order covering the wholesale value of your product in case they are lost or damaged.
From magazines - request a letter of insurance or responsibility. These are typically blanket letters on the magazine's letterhead recognizing that they are pulling your product and claiming responsibility if anything should be lost, stolen or damaged. This letter should list your product and/or your company name specifically.
While you can always contact Lüp for our advice, the decision to loan your product to media is yours alone and we are not responsible if anything is lost, stolen or damaged.
How many pieces should I send?
Send only as many pieces as asked for. Do not send extras unless specifically requested; doing so will only take up the media contact's time and will not result in extra placements. Also, make sure your jewelry is relevant and exactly what they requested.
How long will my product be on loan for?
It depends on the situation - for a magazine shoot it could be gone for a couple of days. For tv / film it could be gone for much longer, even as long as 8 months! Make sure you ask when it will be returned before loaning anything out.
What should I include when I'm shipping my product to the media?
Be sure to include a memo or inventory list of everything you are sending with your full contact information. Also it's helpful to send a scan or photos of all of the items included in your shipment, and label the scan with your contact information. It's likely you're not the only designer they're getting product from and a scan will help make it easier for the media to identify your pieces and return them to you.
Will my product be purchased by the media contact?
LupRocks.com is a site for promotional purposes, so it is assumed that you are willing to loan the product free of charge to gain exposure in the media. However, it is not unusual that media will ask to purchase something they really like and if you feel like you can make a sale, go for it!
Will my product be returned at the end of the shoot?
Yes, all product will be returned at the end of the shoot. Call the contact at the shoot a week before the wrap date they gave you to make return arrangements.
Who will pay for shipping my product?
Most productions have a fed ex number they can give you and if you're located near a magazine, they typically have a messenger service they can send to pick up your product. If you need your product insured for shipping, you need to state that to your media contact and make those arrangements.
What is the etiquette for calling a media contact?
All media contacts are extremely busy and working 14+ hours a day. Please be respectful of their time and only call when it is necessary. Do not call in daily or weekly to check on your product. This will only make you seem like a pest and most likely you will ruin your relationship with them.
What can I expect to get out of the placement?
For a film / tv show you can request a photo but it is not something that is guaranteed.
Will I get a credit at the end of a film or television show?
You can request a credit but it is not guaranteed. Many times it depends on the value of the product loaned and used.
After I've sent my product to an editor for a photo shoot, how can I be sure it will appear in the magazine?
If the editor follows up with you requesting credit information (i.e. name of piece, retail price, purchasing information), there is a pretty good chance your piece made it into the pages. That being said, there is never any guarantee. Sometimes stories are cut at the last minute due to no fault of the editor or the beauty of your product.
Will the magazine editor send me a copy of the magazine?
Sometimes they will, other times you have to buy a copy at the newsstand so be sure to ask what issue you will be in.
What can I do with my placement?
Feel free to alert your stores, put it in your press kit and mention it on your website.
