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A dilemma - have you faced this situation before?

by plainwords
10 replies
I have built a very successful lead generation website for a client in the UK, in a very competitive market (personal injury compensation).

Now, I've been approached by another company in the same niche, who saw my client's site, liked it, and tracked me down through a link at the bottom to my own website.

He wants me to build him a similar site and effectively compete in the same market. Actually, it's a sub-niche because it's only car accident injury claims - but it would still be competing against my existing client.

This new company isn't worried that I'm already working for one of their competition. The question is, should I do it?

Both companies are marketing their services nationwide, so it's a pretty huge market and plenty of business for everyone. I wouldn't do it if they were both in the same town.

Have others encountered this, and what do you do?
#dilemma #faced #situation
  • Profile picture of the author randomsoftwaregroup
    If you can do it with out a significant decrease/zero decrease in lead volume for your current client (Who is obviously happy and you want to keep it that way), go for it. I would even support finding more buyers if your volume can support it so if you lose one, you have others already buying and it does not stick you with no income from that site.
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  • Profile picture of the author ddshosting
    if its going to effect your previous work relationship then don't do it as a good reputation will bring you more work in the future, loose a pound today gain three tomorrow.
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  • Profile picture of the author iAmNameLess
    In my opinion if the current client isn't paying you for exclusivity then go for it.
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    • Profile picture of the author vndnbrgj
      Originally Posted by iAmNameLess View Post

      In my opinion if the current client isn't paying you for exclusivity then go for it.
      As far as mine, I believe if you have a paying client... they automatically get exclusivity.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kunle Olomofe
    Did you SIGN exclusivity with the client? Or agree to that in any way? Or did you ignore doing that? If you didn't sign or didn't discuss it, that was your first mistake. You should have done. So now, you're basically signed whether you like it or not.

    If you'd said to the client... I don't do exclusivity unless the client pays to cover that etc, and they say no thanks we are OK being non-exclusive. Then you're in the clear. If they said at the beginning... No we want you exclusively working for us... and we're happy to pay your retainer to that effect. Then you can't break that contract.

    If you didn't do either, it is ASSUMED that you are exclusive especially if they end up not being happy at all for any reason, you look like you back stabbed em. Some clients may not mind, others might. Basically you're not legally screwed but ethically you owe them first right of refusal.

    Sorry mate but next time you want to be crystal clear when you get a client signed. Crystal clarity is the ONLY way to success in business especially working as a consultant/service provider.
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    • Profile picture of the author plainwords
      OK, I've come to a conclusion on this. Terry and Kunle, I think you are both right. It's a conflict of interest, and I guess I knew this deep down.

      So I've turned down the other client. And you have made a good point, Kunle, about nailing these things down at the outset.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kunle Olomofe
        Originally Posted by plainwords View Post

        OK, I've come to a conclusion on this. Terry and Kunle, I think you are both right. It's a conflict of interest, and I guess I knew this deep down.

        So I've turned down the other client. And you have made a good point, Kunle, about nailing these things down at the outset.
        Good choice Chris. I found out the hard way myself that every tiny annoying little nuance must be spelled out verbally at least, in print if at all possible before you take a single payment. The way clients think is... unless you said up front you don't offer something they expect comes with the package, then it comes with the package. There are exceptions but usually some (most that I have come across) will try to get as much as they can for every cent they're paying.

        You're the one to make clear from the beginning that what they're paying only covers A, B, C, C.5, D, D.1 and E... as for every other thing, you withhold the right to charge a reasonable fee at a later date if such services are required and/or requested. You may also consider offering some freebies but this will be based on a per project consideration etc... I usually avoid adding the word free anywhere in a contract these days, but sometimes, for some clients I will take the chance... The reason you should avoid saying things you may not be so happy to offer later or that may be unduly taken advantage of is clear... if it will hurt in any way to offer it later, then just zip shut about it or make it very clear that thing is NOT part of the package deal you're offering.

        Again not all clients will put you in a bad position, but better to always cover your rear... or you'll have it handed to you--literally...

        Best of luck,

        Kunle
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  • Profile picture of the author elenasenorin091
    don't do it because your reputation might be go down
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