free en·ter·prise:
freedom to trade without government control: the doctrine or practice of giving companies the freedom to trade and make a profit without government control
In my life, this definition has now been taken and thrown in my face.
A little background: I own and run (with my dad) a Chicago-style restaurant... Actually two of them, but that's besides the point. We sell Vienna Beef products amongst other things, but Vienna is THE brand when it comes to Chicago hot dogs, etc.
Presently, a specialty fry place opened up just around the corner from my restaurant. He has sold only fries since he opened. A few months back, he approached me and began asking questions about my product, specifically, my Vienna Beef Hot Dogs. I inquired as to why he was curious and he told me that he was interested in a "trade" type situation where I use his specialty sauces on my hot dogs and split the profit one way or another. I told him to email me a detailed business plan regarding it.
Fast Forward (still presently), I find out that he went ahead and started carrying Vienna hot dogs in his establishment, and nixed me out of the situation entirely. So now, he has chosen to compete with me when he is literally right around the corner.
He has this right. You know, since we are a FREE ENTERPRISE kinda place. But what the FUCK kind of poor business ethic is that? I don't know if I should approach him or what... I don't know what to say or do. I can't afford a competitor right next door to me. Especially when he has better visibility to consumers than I do since he is right on the main drag and I'm tucked back a bit.
Any advice?>
freedom to trade without government control: the doctrine or practice of giving companies the freedom to trade and make a profit without government control
In my life, this definition has now been taken and thrown in my face.
A little background: I own and run (with my dad) a Chicago-style restaurant... Actually two of them, but that's besides the point. We sell Vienna Beef products amongst other things, but Vienna is THE brand when it comes to Chicago hot dogs, etc.
Presently, a specialty fry place opened up just around the corner from my restaurant. He has sold only fries since he opened. A few months back, he approached me and began asking questions about my product, specifically, my Vienna Beef Hot Dogs. I inquired as to why he was curious and he told me that he was interested in a "trade" type situation where I use his specialty sauces on my hot dogs and split the profit one way or another. I told him to email me a detailed business plan regarding it.
Fast Forward (still presently), I find out that he went ahead and started carrying Vienna hot dogs in his establishment, and nixed me out of the situation entirely. So now, he has chosen to compete with me when he is literally right around the corner.
He has this right. You know, since we are a FREE ENTERPRISE kinda place. But what the FUCK kind of poor business ethic is that? I don't know if I should approach him or what... I don't know what to say or do. I can't afford a competitor right next door to me. Especially when he has better visibility to consumers than I do since he is right on the main drag and I'm tucked back a bit.
Any advice?>
OCT 21, 2011 01:52 PM
OCT 22, 2011 07:26 AM
Roll left, Roll right…If he is seen easy by the passer-by then reach out to the return type customer. Students, familes, and groups in need of a meeting place are always on the prowl for shops not on the main drag, but yet somewhat easy to give directions too. In return, they can spread your name through fliers, coupons, or just random ass shirts. The cheapest shittiest place in my college town became big because of its shitty as shirt that had details of the wednesday discount and it was hidden. Personally schools of any kind always have all three of the customer types I named. Good luck though. Kick his ass at your game!
