Good news - Bad news

[ponch]

Originally Posted by macmac

I passed thru that town back in 06 on my ride. From a legal standpoint there isn't much Bud can do. I bet in Buds records he has sold that item to someone near by and or the new maker bought one himself.

It's just too bad some people see no problem stepping on another guys toes.

We have two members from Morristown Tennessee...

[Jared]

I'I’m not in any means saying that it is morally okay to copy someone else’s idea, but there is/was a way to protect your design and you opted not to. If the other guy is able to make it, market it, sell it at a better price, isn't that what the free market is all about? Now, you will be forced to create a better design, at a lower price, in order to get people’s attention. I say take this step back as a lesson. Make it slightly better and get a patent. JMO

[Top Cat]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

I'I’m not in any means saying that it is morally okay to copy someone else’s idea, but there is/was a way to protect your design and you opted not to. If the other guy is able to make it, market it, sell it at a better price, isn't that what the free market is all about? Now, you will be forced to create a better design, at a lower price, in order to get people’s attention. I say take this step back as a lesson. Make it slightly better and get a patent. JMO

Jared, This is no time to be sensible. We want revenge. ;)

[ponch]

Originally Posted by Utah Motorcyclist

I'I’m not in any means saying that it is morally okay to copy someone else’s idea, but there is/was a way to protect your design and you opted not to. If the other guy is able to make it, market it, sell it at a better price, isn't that what the free market is all about? Now, you will be forced to create a better design, at a lower price, in order to get people’s attention. I say take this step back as a lesson. Make it slightly better and get a patent. JMO

You are right, but we are a small community. It's like pissing in the hot tub. While the guy had a right to do it, it still isn't nice or whatever word you want to use. Probably what strikes as dishonest is that it wasn't even an original idea. The guy is a second hander.

[cactusjack]

There's no indication the builder owns a Nomad. Sure he has a Nomad in his advertising, but that could have been someone else's bike. No sense going on a witch hunt here. As Jared pointed out, the competitor may have been somewhat unethical, but he did nothing illegal.

Emerson said "Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door". Well, in this case it may be a slightly less expensive mousetrap.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

There's no indication the builder owns a Nomad. Sure he has a Nomad in his advertising, but that could have been someone else's bike. No sense going on a witch hunt here. As Jared pointed out, the competitor may have been somewhat unethical, but he did nothing illegal.

Emerson said "Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat a path to your door". Well, in this case it may be a slightly less expensive mousetrap.

Tru dat and it was a learning experience for all.

[glwilson]

Price is always an issue in the absence of value. Please don't forget that.

Being the "cheapest" isn't the way to go in my opinion. You win this "war" by providing the "Original", highest-quality product on the market that has been time-tested and has "loads" of testimony to its quality.

Secondly; I would plant the seeds of doubt about the quality of my competitor(s) product. This can be done easily and without sounding like you are directly slamming anyone else's product.

Basically, what I am saying is... market the Idaho Jack Adapter as the "Original" adapter; made with top-quality at a price that affords its quality. Bud... don't forget to sell it on those points.

Getting into a price-war is a bit like a p!ssing contest; which does nothing more than get p!ss on everyone involved. No one wins.

I would opt for keeping the price where it is... while taking claim to being the highest quality by the original designer who has years of experience.... while casting doubt as to a competitor's quality.

Think about it... does anyone want to drop their Nomad because of buying a lower-quality unit that costs just a few bucks less?

I think you see my point. ;)

Bud, I can send you a PM on a couple links to products that do exactly what I am saying.

[Idaho]

You guys all make some great points. Now that I have cooled off and have a plan developed it does indeed look like I will be able to produce these and get my costs down. It will mean that I have to do some of the labor but that will keep me busy and give me some satisfaction of a job well done.

Greg, I have had exactly those same thoughts about the best way to post on E-Bay. It will indeed tout the ORIGINAL Idaho Jack Adapter. And talk about the selling points that I think will seperate mine from others. One big item is the machined steel block vs the plates welded to the side. We considered that design and dismissed it because we felt that the machined blocks were stronger. I really don't want one of these to give way under someones ride. Another point I am going to make is that mine are all powdercoated for looks and durability. I have seen both and the powdercoat just makes a much nicer finish.

I'm getting very close to going into production. Just need some parts for the welder and a little practice to be able to make a clean weld.

As to the price. I may have enough room in the new finished product that I can still lower it from where I have been selling them. I will know as soon as I have some together and count up all of the current unknowns. (mostly welding supplies)

In a way this is a good thing because as some of you have said it spurred me into action to come up with a more efficient and cost effective way to make these. I was comfortable before because I was selling just enough to help with tires and oil and still keep the cost down. This has been a good thing.

I have to tell you that Joe Norris, aka Chuckster, has been a huge help here and I need to throw kudos his way. Thanks Joe.

Thank you all for your support. I'm proud to be a part of this site.

[Cajunrider]

Bud, I know that this will all work out OK for you. I learned a long time ago that honesty and integrity always pay off in the long run. I've been involved in bidding out very large projects at our plant and the lowest bidder doesn't always get the job. Especially if that bidder is significantly lower than the other two or three bidding. Those that bid extremely high are usually swamped with work but bid high knowing they won't get the project but their name remains in the pool. Those that bid extrememly low will end up cutting corners to break even and worst case run out of capital. The job with a firm deadline comes to a halt with suppliers holding a lean on material and sub-contractors not getting paid for their labor. It ends up becoming a nightmare and the company the project is being built for ends up holding the bag. Not everyone looks at it this way with some not looking for quality workmanship over a dirt cheap price. They end up learning the hard way. As Greg and others has said, advertise your product as the original stressing quality material and workmanship and you won't go wrong. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress. I wish we were closer. I'd have you burning wire like an expert in a matter of days.

[macmac]

Bud you can make 2 models a shorter one like I talked with you about which might be the New and improved, but a choice for the Original is alwayan option.

[Idaho]

Mac, I am going to make them shorter as per your suggestion. Just one model.

[Top Cat]

What does shorter gain? Just askin'

[Dave]

What would happens if the other guy patent's the adapter. Would Bud be screwed then?

[Loafer]

Originally Posted by Dave

What would happens if the other guy patent's the adapter. Would Bud be screwed then?

Bud needs to contact a pattent attorney. If they prove that there are numerous adapters available. The patent office might refuse to give anyone a patent.

[rickyboy]

Originally Posted by Dave

What would happens if the other guy patent's the adapter. Would Bud be screwed then?

Hey !! very good point. I was wondering the same when someone said that the item was already "out there" and Bud left it too late/long. Seems to me that if I made something, I could wait till whenever I wanted to patent it. If there is no patent on the adapter what's stopping this "yah - who" from putting one on it? I hope you {Bud} slap a patent on the "new and improved" one, at least.

Is there a lawyer in the house!!! ?