I was going to start this by commenting that political campaigns are a cottage industry. But really, they’re more like a mansion industry. They’re huge! Campaigns for local, state, and national races, as well as organizations that want to influence the outcome of those races, are spending millions, probably even billions, of dollars collectively—and if you happen to sell the product or service they need, why not get your share of that business?
Having not been on the finance side of a campaign, I’m only speculating when I say that probably a significant portion of campaign money is spent on media buys. But like any business, campaigns also have to buy printing; t-shirts; hats; signs; office supplies; computers, phones, and other office equipment; graphic design and copywriting; advertising production; services including accounting, legal, and other consulting; and a host of other products and services.
Just one very important word of caution: If you have a political campaign as your customer, get paid up front. Extending credit to a political campaign can be very risky. It’s very common for campaigns to end in debt, leaving creditors unpaid.
If you support the candidate or the cause, make a donation. If you’re providing goods or services as part of your business, protect yourself and insist on payment in advance.
Jacquelyn Lynn
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