What should I do?

[captainandcoke]

I don't know whether to be angry, upset or just plain pi$$ed off. I discovered there was a new mobile groomer in my area, so I went out of my way to get her contact details and called her to welcome her to the area offer assistance and find out what she will and will not groom so I could refer her to my overflow.

While chatting she said she did not know of me (I'm not in the phone book) and we swapped information (very friendly) on a visit to the vets I found one of her flyers which is word for word almost to my flyer and web-site, so she does know who I am.

This lady is a very good groomer and has been in the business for many years so I feel she should know better! All she had to do was say she'd seen my stuff and could she use some of it, even contacted us when she moved her business to our area.

All the mobile groomers in my area are pretty friendly, we even get together on occasion and I contacted them to let them know there was a new sheep to add to our flock. But now I feel any trust is lost, how would you deal with this?

[Kim in SD]

I would of said, "ah, I noticed your ad, looks like you have good taste, it's exactly like mine." and laughed it off.

[Doug]

Capitan

I would be mad for an hour then i would get over it and move on.It will do as much against her as will for her to create the confussion by making the adds too simular. when her customers call to reschedual just play along with it,book them for her on a sunday evening.

[baddog]

Who cares, just focus on your own business.

[Doug]

I was only joking

When you see her again you could point out the proballity of confusion down the road. Maybe it wont make any difference one way or the other.
The last van I painted had a very distinct color and logo and a local sprinkler company made theirs very simular and copied the color perfectly. I was'nt very happy about it at the time. I promised myself the next paint job will be impossible to copy or at least financially impractical.

[SpikeyTheYorkie]

I would of said, "ah, I noticed your ad, looks like you have good taste, it's exactly like mine." and laughed it off.

Actually, I kind of like Kim's response---it's not rude, exactly, but it does point out that you KNOW.

Tammy in Utah

[Pixie]

when her customers call to reschedual just play along with it,book them for her on a sunday evening.

That would be something to see right there, her clients waiting for her to show and her never showing up. lol That's a little nasty isn't it? But she does deserve it too.

I don't think I'd do anything about it, that is after I cooled off a bit. Maybe its just "minds that think a like" and that is why her flyer is just as yours!

[hairdevil]

I have a kennel that opened here using almost my business name. except for one freakn letter difference! I called them and asked them why would they open a business using a name that has already been used for 9 years? she said, its not the same...it only says friend, not friends..oh gee excuse me for making the point! I told her to enjoy the ride on my coat tails..so now..when people ask if thats my kennel also I just reply, no..they are just trying to use my good name to build their business! just wannabes! lol

[baddog]

I have a kennel that opened here using almost my business name. except for one freakn letter difference! I called them and asked them why would they open a business using a name that has already been used for 9 years? she said, its not the same...it only says friend, not friends..oh gee excuse me for making the point! I told her to enjoy the ride on my coat tails..so now..when people ask if thats my kennel also I just reply, no..they are just trying to use my good name to build their business! just wannabes! lol

That is likely actionable in court, have you spoken with a lawyer??? I had the same thing happen same first two words last word in my shop name was grooming, their's was salon, I sued and the shop had to change their name entirely, now I register "balh balh pet grooming, pet salon, dog grooming" so no one can infringe anymore.

[wet noze]

It's pretty sad when someone doesn't have a vision for their own business.
They have stoop so low as to copy someone else's material. I'm sure she knew at some point you would come across her information.....

If I bumped into her somewhere, I would most likely ignore her but my blood pressure would go up, up, up!

Remember, you are the better person for reaching out. What she did is very underhanded and hurtful.

I'm sorry. Try not to let it bother you.