What should I do about an unethical competitor?

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Dear Norm,
What should I do about an unethical competitor? I recently opened a service business that has been very successful, but our success has drawn the attention of a large established company in town, which is taking aim at us with marketing materials that misrepresent our service and professionalism. These people have played dirty before. I’d like to think their practices would catch up with them, but that hasn’t happened yet, and I’m afraid they have so much cash they can outlast the rest of us. Any advice?
Rob

Dear Rob,
Yes. Don’t lose your focus. Provide great service at competitive prices and develop a reputation as the class act in town. Give prospects the names of customers they can call to check you out. Above all, don’t badmouth your competitor, even if it’s badmouthing you. Customers will think less of you if you do. That’s an iron rule in my company. If I’m asked about a competitor I consider unethical, I say only, “I don’t think they can provide the type of service you want.” People get the message. If your competitor doesn’t mend its ways, it will be the loser in the long run.
Yours truly, Norm

1 Comment  |  Permalink  |  Posted in Competitors, Customers, Ethics

Comments

  1. Peter Alberti  |  February 7th, 2009

    Funny - my first reaction to the question was: “Put them out of business.” I agree 100% with the answer from Norm though - since ethics seem to matter to you, then you’re probably in a great position to evaluate “right” from “wrong”. If they completely misrepresent you in writing, maybe your attorney can suggest ways of making them stop. But beyond that, fight fire with something other than fire. Prove to the world that your competitor is a fool because what they say is the polar opposite of what you are and what you deliver.

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