Would this be unethical? - Democratic Underground

S n o w b a l l

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 05:49 PM
Original message

Would this be unethical?

Edited on Tue Sep-01-09 05:57 PM by S n o w b a l l

I'm trying to sell a guy advertising and he's trying to sell me hardwood floors. My hardwood floors would cost about $1,500 more than his advertising.

Would it be unethical or bad business to say, "I'll buy from you if you buy from me"....or something along those lines?

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

NJmaverick

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 06:18 PM
Response to Original message

1. As long as you are buying it for personal use

and he is the sole owner of his company, I can't see who would be harmed or how it would be wrong. Although you are certainly on a slippery slope with this one.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

S n o w b a l l

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 06:22 PM
Response to Reply #1

2. Yes, it's for my own home...

and he owns the small franchise and is the sole owner & employee. He contracts out the installation work.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Kali

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 06:43 PM
Response to Original message

3. are you getting a good deal?

Not sure how it would be unethical unless you are giving him something you can't give somebody else?
maybe he thinks you are going to trade the advertising for the flooring? (or maybe you are?)

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

S n o w b a l l

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 06:52 PM
Response to Reply #3

4. I think it's an average deal...no more or no less than he'd give anyone else

Edited on Tue Sep-01-09 06:53 PM by S n o w b a l l

And no, it's not a trade and I'd give the same deal to anyone else.

I'm just very conscientious about business deals and wouldn't want it to seem like some kind of bribe. Somehow it just seems kind of tacky to me.

But, it is business and a scratch my back, I'll scratch yours kind of world. I guess that's how business people get ahead, but it's not really my style so just thought I'd get some other opinions.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Kali

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 06:55 PM
Response to Reply #4

5. I don't see how it is unethical.

I would check his work/references just like any other deal. Is there some rule you aren't supposed to be a customer of the people you sell to? Seems like that is how the world works.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

Inspired

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 06:55 PM
Response to Original message

6. Isn't that also called "professional courtesy"?

My husband calls people he met through work all the time for things. Home repairs, car repairs, etc. They want more business from him so he gets a good deal.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

LeftyFingerPop

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 07:02 PM
Response to Original message

7. I think you are OK....

1) It is two private businesses that are involved. No Government contracts, no taxpayer money.

2) I would check with your boss to find out the protocol for your particular business. Make sure you are not violating any company policies.

:D :hug:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

S n o w b a l l

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Tue Sep-01-09 07:08 PM
Response to Reply #7

8. There's no company policy against it..

I'm feeling like this because I'm the one that solicited him for business...both the advertising and the floors. It seems like it could seem kind of manipulative.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Wed May 08th 2024, 08:07 PM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.