AIBU to defend my business credentials?

[LameLlama]

Name changed to protect my identity.

A new business venture is opening in town which will be in direct competition with my business. They’re advertising something that emulates my USP (think „authentic Italian home cooked food“) but are in fact offering pre-prepared microwaveable dishes „cooked“ by staff that aren’t qualified to a gold standard in my industry.

I have put a newsletter out on my own website stating my verifiable credentials and asking customers to choose wisely and check the authenticity of any statements as some restaurants are opening in my vicinity that look the same but aren’t.

I have now been contacted by this much larger business (I am a sole trader), asking me to refrain from criticising them. Not a legal letter I may add - just a call.

I have not mentioned this business in my newsletter nor have I addressed anyone in particular. There are others who are taking the same approach and I felt it worthwhile pointing this out to my subscribers - hence my newsletter. I have simply compared two models that vary wildly in their approach and for customers to be savvy who they pick based on their needs.

YABU: you shouldn’t publicise anything like this - the company is right to be offended

YANBU: you have the right to promote your USP and educate clients

How should I respond to this request? Tell me, honest Mumsnetters - am I being unreasonable? I don’t want to burn any bridges but at the same time I feel I can shine a light on what clients get when they choose me.

Hmmm…I’m not sure but I did similar on my website. I’m in healthcare and I put a disclaimer stating our model and how it differs from others - noones is right or wrong per se - I just detailed the differences (it’s a massive difference). I do think the other model is wrong but it does work for people who just want a quick rubber stamped letter - no more no less. So I kinda put that but in a polite way not naming any names (the shit model is widespread in my industry so it wouldn’t look personal). Anyway bit different but couldn’t you word it like that? Say your service has xyz and you think that’s the right way (and why) and enocurgae customers to check that where they go has xyz. It’s kinda the same as ‘they are shit and we aren’t’ but done more in a positive way of encouraging the customer to do their research.

Oh and I put in my faqs things I think customer should be asking. I think that helps too.

im v interested in what others think/do though

@seanconneryseyebrow Thank you! Great suggestion. That sounds more professional. I don’t want to get tarred by association but equally don’t want to come across as mean.

offering pre-prepared microwaveable dishes „cooked“ by staff that aren’t qualified to a gold standard in my industry
That doesn't mean it isn't authentic though! I think you needed to say something shows that you feel threatened and belittles your credentials.

If your food is so much better, people will come back to you and write reviews stating how much better your food is.

I think you are doing more harm to your business by 'warning' customers.

Advertising „authentic, home-cooked meals“ doesn’t equate to microwaveable ready-meals.

I appreciate your input though. I feel you’re right that it makes my newsletter look bitter. That’s why I came on here to ascertain what others think.

Oh is it actually good or is that an example?

It’s not food - it’s an example. I just don’t want to name the business type as that would be outing. Imagine food - but if it‘s prepared by someone who’s not properly qualified it would be harmful.

So are the other business just doing a shit job or is it actually dangerous? If the latter I would be telling the powers that be. If the former then just promote how great you are and why. Dont diss any other businesses.

in my case, the competitors aren’t doing anything illegal or that doesn’t meet compliance - it’s just a bit poor form and it means clients waste a lot do money imo. Our assessment are really detailed time consuming and thorough and they can use the report better than the if they went to another business. So I point that out quite specifically but without dissing the other shit model. Can you do that?

I‘ll PM you 🙏