Family member copied my business idea!

[EnidsHoliday]

AIBU to be rather annoyed?

I started an online business venture about 8 weeks ago and have had better than expected success so far (made about £500 in the first full month and it's growing!). I won't go into too much detail as outing but think along the lines of social media/shopping/etc.

It's a relatively niche area of which I have some experience with the target audience etc. I started it to help subsidise my maternity pay.

An immediate family member has basically copied and pasted my entire idea and is now running a virtually identical business, competing for pretty much the same customers! They have a full time job and so have said it is just a hobby for them.

Not sure if I'm overreacting or how to handle? They kept it quiet for the first couple of weeks as they were scared I'd be upset(!).

I wonder if she'll put her prices down.

She knows exactly what she is doing.
Sorry, but I'd go NC. She is narcissistic and vile and is only likely to go on hurting you whilst you seek her approval.
Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. Now NC and I feel fab!!

It's tough as she knows I'm a bit of a doormat I guess :(
It's just ridiculous though, the 'lower your prices' comment - the point here is I shouldn't have to, not to compete with my own mother!!

I genuinely don’t understand why you being so docile about it? Your own mother is stealing your business idea & you are accepting it. Do you use her for childcare? I can’t think of any other reason that you would put up with it.

I've written several posts but deleted them all as this is such a subtle and emotive problem. You know you're DM has crossed a line but she is seemingly oblivious. The best spin I can put on this is that your DM is envious of your ideas, your talent and your common sense. It does not excuse her awful betrayal but as long as you learn that you can't confide in her I guess you're ahead of the game next time.

Speak to google about the copying of the t&cs. They will get penalised.

your mother is truly vile, can you speak to your father, would he help at all?

Your MOTHER! She is an absolute ghoul.

Honestly she is being a spiteful nasty yoke to try and steal business from her daughter on maternity leave! That is really low.

All I can say is that you are going to do really well in business, with a mother like that, who needs enemies. You poor thing, I hope your business does a bomb, good luck x

Wow! I’m shocked. What is your relationship normally like, do you see each other often and get on?

She's normally okay, but quite self centred, i.e. won't ever drive to see us expects us to go to her etc. etc. and doesn't really like putting herself out.
I just think it's crazy that she thinks it's okay even when confronted.
I don't have a relationship with my Dad and there's no way my stepdad would want to get involved and say to her it's wrong!

Could you ask her to help with your business? Ask her to promote it among her friends, help you with packing etc? That way she'll have something to do, without undermining you.

I just think it's crazy that she thinks it's okay even when confronted.

Maybe she’ll cotton on when you sue her for copyright infringement?!

Or is there another friend/relative who can make this face when they are told about your mother’s despicable behaviour?

Might sound odd, but I would recommend posting about this here to see if they can point you in the right direction. Mention how she is copying everything from your captions to promotions.

hannnnnnnnxo,
Like most family members I don't think OP wants to initiate proceedings against her mother; we have already outlined the legal and technical possibilities. If it was not a close relative then I agree she could follow that path really quickly.
I like the idea of getting her mother involved helping with the business so then she is busy working with not against OP. (ie promoting it)! I don't think the mother will go for it, but it subconsciously confronts her.
All depends how OP wants to deal with her mother, who is clearly a tricky character.
Businesses, especially online evolve quickly so OP could diverge / develop and move forward, before her mother can copy.

Can you give her false info? Like saying something is selling really well and your going to buy loads in from a certain expensive supplier as there's a shortage of stock 🤷‍♀️