Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

My website is on WEDGIE anyway, Maddie, so it`s not as if people can`t track me down if they so choose.

Cookie,

My wise old mother had a wonderful saying: Never bite the hand that feeds you.

My ethical standards may be higher than today`s norm, but I would have nothing to do with any merchant who puts flyers into drop-shipments to draw customers away from their agent.

It`s called killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

How are you going to eat if you never bite a hand feeding you?  I don’t think this is a good saying (nothing against mommies); it slips from someone`s lips soon after, never look a gift horse in the mouth, and all that nonsense that keeps us looking down.

Some of us here exist because we created something nobody else has, or can legally have without us being a part of the transaction; we don`t need "you" that bad and I am willing to bet my moral and ethical standards keep yours in the shade night and day.

Just something about your platitudes that makes me want to scream … and yes my “brand” is built into my product, and no my retailers don’t have a problem with that; we both want them to service their customers as that is more efficient and already covered by our pricing; we don’t discount our prices so why would their customer bypass them unless they are getting arrogant service that says they are owned by a retailer (physical or digital storefronts).

I`m not trolling here; just got back from the Nat`l Hardware Show in Orlando and dealing with retailers from across the country and world in every shape and form ... big box to small mom and pops, e-tailers to non-profits, not once did I hear your opinion voiced.

Patch,

  Putting in a slip of paper which thanks customers for ordering, gives tips on how to use WEDGIE & lists my contact info is not a bad thing to do, in my opinion.  If someone has a problem with the tool, I`d like to know asap.   And I bet my ethical standards are just as high as yours.  What cheek!

Thanks Tiger Taco for your input!  I don`t bite hands, those that feed me or otherwise, but I agree with everything else you said.

This has nothing to do with ethical standards. Both sides have a different viewpoint.

From my perspective, as a person who uses some drop-ship vendors, I expect to be treated fairly and that is not done by putting "your" info into the order for "my" customer.  

Agreed...we all want the customer to be satisfied, but as the retail seller, it is my responsibility. Your responsibility is to me...your customer...not the end-user.  (As a responsible store owner), if I sell an item, then I know how it works. If there is a problem with the merchandise that I cannot handle, then I would get in touch with you for suggestions.

My suggestion is to not offer drop-shipping if you can`t extend this courtesy. But, keep in mind, no matter how original your product is, you can never have enough exposure.