I’d just like to start off by saying that I applaud anyone who chooses to start a business and attempts to make their own way in this world. Bravo.
However, I do want to address this to some of the newbies that are undoubtedly lurking here on the forum and are maybe first-time business owners that aren’t exactly sure how to go about things like introducing themselves to competitors or asking their competition questions about pricing, services, etc.
I can tell you without a doubt that NO ONE appreciates being lied to. This includes your competition. Do not call your local competitors and pretend to be a potential customer and ask for quotes on different services in order to “price shop” your competition. It’s deceitful and will end up costing you exponentially more than it could ever help you.
For instance, a young man just sent me an online free quote request. Because I keep an eye on my local competition, I recognized the name from his multiple posts on local Facebook groups. So, I called him. I went through my normal phone script and when I got to the address portion he didn’t want to give me an address. Instead, he wanted to send me pictures. This is when I busted him. I said, “You are the same T. XXX that owns ‘Insert Generic Pressure Washing Company Name Here’, correct?” And, to my surprise, he actually fessed up.
I went over my distaste for what he was doing and how there are FAR better ways to go about things as a business owner. There will come a time when you have to rely on your competition. If you go around burning bridges by pretending to be something you’re not, lying or any other scummy tactics then you will figure out real quick how fast word gets around in your area. I speak to a handful of my competitors and am friendly with any of them that I encounter because I may need their help someday or they may need mine. If your name gets tarnished with one guy it will inevitably spread to another and on down the line it goes. Before you know it, NO ONE will help you in your time of need because of your scummy tactics.
Had this young man come to me and been forthright about his intentions I would’ve gladly helped him out. However, since he chose to lie and deceive, I’m not going to waste my time.
Another person pulled this exact same stunt with me just a few weeks ago and * I believe * is now a member of this forum. The difference between these two is that one is a young kid (maybe 21) who genuinely thought that was just how it’s done and the other is a grown man with a family and is just genuinely that scummy.
In short, be a good person like your parents raised you to be. You’ll be amazed how real Karma actually is.
ETA: I believe, since I don’t have verifiable proof.