Question for everyone

[tcp]

Hi guys, so I have been working on a deal with these people from Vietnam for well over a year now and they have finally agree on placing an order. Now the problem is they want a manufacturer's certificate. Obviously I am not the manufacturer and would rather not give away my source to those guys from vietnam. I'm trying to get my source to sign an agreement so that we'll act as their rep in that region however they might not be willing to do so. Any suggestions? Thank you for reading this and appreciate all input. U guys are the greatest.

[akula]

hmmm...it's a common legal issue
...legally, you could sign a non-compete with your source, but that's either gonna be unlikely or ineffective
there isn't that many legal solutions to your problem
the resolution to your problem is gonna have to come from principled negotiation

basically, the thing you need to do is find out why the viets want the information.

i.e. they need to verify quality standards etc. if that's the case, you can send them a copy of your manufacturer's quality control statement or insurance details without naming the manufacturer and take the position that the source is your trade secret, and that you are obliged to your shareholder's to not disclose it. this way, you can satisfy their interest and yours. you get to keep your information and they get their peace of mind.

overall, there are many ways to negotiate this, but the most important thing is to identify what the viet's interest is. once you know what their interest is, you can think up what position to take.

do you understand what i'm saying?

[tcp]

Thanks Akula for the quick reply, I'll talk to the manufacturer if there's any type of legal document that could verify the quality of the product without giving away the source.

[akula]

yea..just make sure the product packaging (and the product it self) doesn't have the manufacturer's details )))))

[tcp]

Yes, actually the manufacturer will be sending it to us and we'll deliver it to Vietnam. More labor, however better control that way. Thx buddy ur the best