Randomly approached by my business competitor, what shoudl I make of it?

**InsomnicBrain** · 06-18-2008 01:18 AM

Hi,

I haven't opened for business yet but have just been in the area doing some remodeling. I have a competitor with a similar type business about a block away. I was sitting in my car at the 7-11 nearby waiting for my cousin to buy some snacks.

This guy approaches me and says when are you opening up? I was caught totally off guard but I told him I'm about a couple weeks away. He then goes on and tells me that the area was bad for the industry were in and asks if I have staff. I asked him how he knew who I was and he said that he drove by and looked.

I was really taking this as just a normal conversation. He tells me that I have a lot on the line and that my location wasn't very good and my visibility wasn't great either. I told him I knew that and that I was a little worried myself. He wished me good luck and I said thanks.

After we left I started to think more of the conversation we had I was really worried at this point and still am. I'm worried about him telling me that the area was bad for my industry. I'm also thought about what kind of car I drove and knew who I was and I didnt' even know who he was. Was this guy trying to scare me? Should I be worried? I would appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thanks...Robert

**Gaulkin** · 06-18-2008 09:19 AM

Yeah hes in the mafia, you better get out of town.

**ya0505** · 06-18-2008 09:25 AM

Think yourself and you will know if his advices were just to make you back up or were to better you business

**KKoher** · 06-18-2008 09:40 AM

You've already gotten this far...are you going to let your competition just walk up and talk you out of it? I hope not, if so, your in the wrong business. I'm not really surprised (by him, not you). You've really got to question someones motive when they do that, b/c I highly doubt he was just being a nice guy and trying to help you out. Your competition will never be that nice, they don't want to help you out. We've had some shifty business owners in here when we first opened...I don't even like to let them in my store anymore...they come in, act super nice, try to "help you out" and then come out with a similar products, design or whatever the next week at a better price. I guess it was a good lesson for you to learn early on...be weary of him when he comes into the store your first week to "check in on you guys, and make sure you're doing ok"

**chanson** · 06-18-2008 09:58 AM

Yep dont worry about it, hes getting the exact reaction he wanted

**matt_15** · 06-18-2008 10:42 AM

he is proberly trying to get you nervous of failure. dont be nervous

**BusinessAdviser** · 06-18-2008 11:24 AM

Any decisions you make should be based on your own research, business model and strategy, etc. If you have a viable business for the market, then go for it. If not, don't.

**JLeezer** · 06-18-2008 11:42 AM

Did you happen to notice what kind of car he was driving or how he was dressed? I noticed you said about being worried that he knew what kind of car you were driving (among other things)...I'd be more interested in what his car can tell you about his comments. Is he successful (whether it is real or a facade is another issue) in his business?

Don't be nervous, but do a little undercover work yourself on your competitor. Send in some family members. Get some friends to hang around his business and watch traffic patterns, maybe even get some names of his customers and suppliers that you can steal away from him.

**BusinessAdviser** · 06-18-2008 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by JLeezer

Did you happen to notice what kind of car he was driving or how he was dressed? I noticed you said about being worried that he knew what kind of car you were driving (among other things)...I'd be more interested in what his car can tell you about his comments. Is he successful (whether it is real or a facade is another issue) in his business?

Don't be nervous, but do a little undercover work yourself on your competitor. Send in some family members. Get some friends to hang around his business and watch traffic patterns, maybe even get some names of his customers and suppliers that you can steal away from him.

...Or spend all that time and energy worrying about your own business.

**ChosenList.com** · 06-18-2008 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by ADVERTISE HERE!

...Or spend all that time and energy worrying about your own business.

lol...........

**Aletheides** · 06-18-2008 03:33 PM

Yeah, but imagine what he's thinking...

"Another competitor, SHIT"

**InsomnicBrain** · 06-18-2008 04:12 PM

Thank you all! This forum and all of you have been my savior through this stressful process. I would just like to thank you all for all the great advice.

**Heath Sanchez** · 06-18-2008 10:58 PM

Competition can be a good thing for some businesses, because it keeps you on your game. You'll try harder to keep your customers happy and work at your point of difference - which is vital for business growth.

Depending on your industry, competition can even bring you more customers. Think of places where there are 4-5 Fast Food stores in the same area. The joint-presence causes consumers to think of that place as good place to eat because of the variety. Collectively that place can attract far more business!

Of course, this will depend on your industry - but there's usually plenty of business to go around.

Does this competitor offer the exact same services / products? If not you might be able to work out some sort of partnership.

**JohnnyBudZ** · 06-18-2008 11:07 PM

haha let me tell you something my man. After my father ran a fianancial planning firm he was brough into the garbage business by my uncle. Lets just say I know "questionable" characters.

1. If this guy had mafia connections, he wouldnt be alone when he payed you a visit.
2. If he was dangerous, imsure town officials would be discouraging you in a new york min about getting into the business anyway.
3. THE MOST VIVID reason as to why hes a "nobody", If he had "connections" there is no way ON GODS GREEN EARTH you would have gotten a permit to "build" or remodel whatever it is your doing.

Most of these guys who front that act will back down when you show them your backbone.

But who knows with people these days.

**JohnnyBudZ** · 06-18-2008 11:10 PM

My secondary advice is that.... if shit does happen to "hit the fan", and you'll know what I mean........

Thats not a time to show your backbone, quietly move on and minimize your losses.

BTW, what kind of industry is this, and in what city?