Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite
1

I am launching some SaaS later next week that will be directly competing with someone who has a monopoly in the space. We will (hopefully) be cheaper, more features, better support and more transparent.

My question is what is "unethical" / would reflect badly on me and the company. I plan on doing some or all of the following:

  • Directly comparing why we are better with them
  • Mentioning on certain features "try doing this with product X"
  • Offering free service for people who send in proof of cancelling / getting a refund at our competitor.

I feel that points 1 & 2 would be fine although should I never directly mention the competitor's name and just say "try doing this elsewhere", "compared to competitor average".

Point 3 seems very gray area and the kind of thing that could make us look scummy?

share|improve this question
1  
If you use another company's trademark on your site, you must attribute ownership to them. Disclaimer: Always consult a licensed attorney. Don't take legal advice from strangers on the internet. – Joel C Aug 11 '11 at 4:48

1 Answer

up vote 5 down vote accepted
  • Point 1 - good. Make sure your product is in the "left most column" (it matters!)
  • Point 2 - rephrase: See what you can do with "OUR" Product (Trust me words make a difference)
  • Point 3 - you won't get that till you don't get them to try it out. They may not want to cancel immediately either. So don't do it. Let them have both. Once they "tell" you that it's all "YOU" then ask them for the proof of cancellation and offer them MORE services. Offer it like something they can click and 'register' for or something like that...

Point #3 may not make you look scummy but it feels kinda "cheap" (for lack of a better word, apologies) - it's like bribing people to use your product. You may need to prove your worth before the bribe is worth it :)

Enter a gray area with grayness in approach...feel the waters, slowly and steadily move in, make strong foothold and once confident then you can offer that without losing face or feeling "iffy"

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.