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Ok, need some opinions.

by Michael Motley
7 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
A month or so ago i posted about some soapmakers that are in the same flea market im selling e-cigs at
http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...ittle-guy.html

The soap makers saw the traffic and came here to read the post. In that same thread I post that my friend and I were kicking around the idea of an all-natural shop, soaps, candles, shampoos..etc.

Well this weekend with everyone making their 'new years resolutions' to quit smoking, the cig shop was sold out to the floor. nothing left but cases after the first day. My business partner and I had been gearing up to start the all natural shop and decided that since we had no more ecig shop merchandise, we would do a market test for the soaps/candles.

The soap makers are still here, and I thought we were atleast on friendly terms. That was until they came by and saw we had soap out. Yesterday they weren't even here when we set up, today the crowds are pretty small because its cold as hell out here, so the test was so-so.

But the soapmakers were pissed off. Both the husband and wife came down to give me a bunch of grief. I had even made some candles in these really nice hand painted jars, and took one up to mrs. suds because they have given me a few bars here and there for very cheap, even free, and they brought the candle back with a few choice words to follow.

I don't see anything wrong here. There are 2 other soap makers less than 50 feet away from them, probably another 3-4 throughout the flea market, so I dont see why they have such a case of the ass with me. Its not like we're undercutting them or have stolen the secret recipe for soap as its about a 3000 year old product, and honestly the quality of their finish is a little better than my buddy's. But they are adamant that we have somehow f**ked them.


Was I wrong or are they pissed for no reason.
  • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
    Originally Posted by Michael Motley View Post

    A month or so ago i posted about some soapmakers that are in the same flea market im selling e-cigs at
    http://www.warriorforum.com/off-topi...ittle-guy.html

    The soap makers saw the traffic and came here to read the post. In that same thread I post that my friend and I were kicking around the idea of an all-natural shop, soaps, candles, shampoos..etc.

    Well this weekend with everyone making their 'new years resolutions' to quit smoking, the cig shop was sold out to the floor. nothing left but cases after the first day. My business partner and I had been gearing up to start the all natural shop and decided that since we had no more ecig shop merchandise, we would do a market test for the soaps/candles.

    The soap makers are still here, and I thought we were atleast on friendly terms. That was until they came by and saw we had soap out. Yesterday they weren't even here when we set up, today the crowds are pretty small because its cold as hell out here, so the test was so-so.

    But the soapmakers were pissed off. Both the husband and wife came down to give me a bunch of grief. I had even made some candles in these really nice hand painted jars, and took one up to mrs. suds because they have given me a few bars here and there for very cheap, even free, and they brought the candle back with a few choice words to follow.

    I don't see anything wrong here. There are 2 other soap makers less than 50 feet away from them, probably another 3-4 throughout the flea market, so I dont see why they have such a case of the ass with me. Its not like we're undercutting them or have stolen the secret recipe for soap as its about a 3000 year old product, and honestly the quality of their finish is a little better than my buddy's. But they are adamant that we have somehow f**ked them.


    Was I wrong or are they pissed for no reason.
    Hmmm...make a case of insecurity? Why people have to be cut-throat is beyond me!:rolleyes:

    Comradery gets you much further!

    Curious, how did you respond back?

    MissTerraK
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Motley
    I just took my candle back and said 'ok....have a good day'. I'm not going to get in brawl over flea market 'turf'.

    When i started in this flea market there were no other people selling electronic cigs. there are now 4 and atleast 1 of them does nothing but talk us down to customers. I havent said a word..its just business, and honestly I think that if someone has to resort to trash talking, they are worried.

    kinda sucks, they are good people, just pissed because they apparently think ive backstabbed him
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    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
      Originally Posted by Michael Motley View Post

      I just took my candle back and said 'ok....have a good day'. I'm not going to get in brawl over flea market 'turf'.

      When i started in this flea market there were no other people selling electronic cigs. there are now 4 and atleast 1 of them does nothing but talk us down to customers. I havent said a word..its just business, and honestly I think that if someone has to resort to trash talking, they are worried.

      kinda sucks, they are good people, just pissed because they apparently think ive backstabbed him

      For what it's worth...I'm very, very proud of you!

      MissTerraK
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      • Profile picture of the author Michael Motley
        Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

        For what it's worth...I'm very, very proud of you!

        MissTerraK
        Thanks

        My business partner said the same. He said 'i could see your redneck sticking out there a little bit, i know you were biting your tongue'
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
          Originally Posted by Michael Motley View Post

          Thanks

          My business partner said the same. He said 'i could see your redneck sticking out there a little bit, i know you were biting your tongue'

          LOL! I know exactly what you're talking about, as when my son was in his teens, he did the same, complete with arteries bulging!

          But he didn't dare back talk his Mama, even though he towered over her!

          MissTerraK
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      They are showing their own insecurity and lack of business knowledge. Michael, just judging from your posts here (and I LIKE you), you aren't someone with a serious case of the warm fuzzies. But I think you are taking the high road - just do what you do and be pleasant and they'll come around or not.

      I've seen flea market sellers (I love flea markets) who talk down the guy a few stalls down - and I can tell you from a consumer standpoint, they hurt themselves.

      If I'm thinking of buying something, I don't want to hear their petty complaints and have been known to go on down a few stalls and buy from the competitor who didn't feel a need to back stab someone else.

      Customers notice things like that and it makes them uncomfortable.

      kay
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Motley
    Wow, apparently the soap guy is going around to other merchants in the flea market pitching a fit because we have soap out like this is some kind of industrial espionage or something
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