Page 1 of 1

Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:06 pm
by J-P
So I am online... checking to see if there are any sales for Shirakura and WHAM! It feels like I was punched right between the eyes! I couldn't believe what I saw:

http://www.alphaprobreeders.com/categor ... Fish-food/

this guy started advertising on The Planted Tank ... Shirakura foods... My Stuff!!

I have contacted the manufacturer and the German distribution center to find out what's up, because as far as I know, I'm the exclusive distributor in North America.

What would you do if someone just started to muscle his / her way in to your market / territory ?

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:35 pm
by purplecandle
First, I would look over the legalities. Is your contract exclusive? Is there a loophole that allows someone other than you to sell.

Next, if he is allowed to sell and you want to get rid of him. Undersell him. Take your prices lower than he and aggressively advertise the fact that you sell it the cheapest. Target his market, bring them to your side..once he is gone slowly bring your prices back up. But, once you have his market, treat them like royalty...so even when your prices go back up they will stay with you out of loyalty.

Or, you could merge with him and combine profits and share costs.

Or, buy him out.

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 4:40 pm
by PolishPuff
+1 purplecandle



Well, if you have a contract with them, then you can do something about it.

But if dont, then I guess :soapbox:

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 5:34 pm
by J-P
Thank guys .. or he could buy me out? haha

I e-mailed him Germany and head office in Japan to find out what is what. It looks like the Germans sold to him (but not certain at this time). I*f they did, I don't know if they realized they cut us out.

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:47 pm
by Blaine
I wouldn't worry too much,...they spelled it 'schrimps'...can't be too on the ball?!? :lol:

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:01 pm
by J-P
LOL!! yes but that was not their video :/

The pics and text that they currently have are off the German website. He is also the owner of planet inverts...

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:08 pm
by Blaine
Well, I suggest checking your agreement with Shirakura,....if you have exclusive rights to the NA franchise the you can make them stop advertising. If you don't have exclusive rights then Purplecandle has it right....undersell 'em. Good ole fashioned North American competition.

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:50 pm
by Pufferpunk
He is also the owner of planet inverts.
LOL, he's probably pissed that you stole his name!

Re: Rant: What should I do?

Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:53 pm
by J-P
could be.. maybe? In his private message he didn't mention it though...