Guess what happend to me...... Options

[waskatiemark]

As some of you may know, I have a business, I won't say what doing, as I don't want to seem to be advertising.

Well anyway a few days ago I went to register my domain name, only to find that a competitor has already taken it. They have taken both com.au and .com extensions. I just don't get what kind of person does this. Is my business that much of a threat to them that they must do something so unprofessional. I get that business is cut throat, but this is going to far in my book. Especially considering that in the first few weeks of my start up (while this happend) theyere were actually giving me all types of encouragement and wishing me all the best, even going so far as to offer to supply me with flowers.

There has also been a quite abrupt email sent to some suppliers in the industry, basically saying that I am not reputable. This has not affected my trade in the slighest. I have found the best stock, it is stunning.

This will not stop me, I will make it a success, and I will give my brides the best service that they have received, bar none, for a reasonable price.

To be honest I fully expect Admin to withdraw this thread, as they did with a thread that some of my brides had written, very similar to the threads about them. I do however, find it interesting though to see that these threads are still actively recommending them, but mine was deamed worthy of removal, perhaps admin might like to correct that oversight.

Some of you may shoot me down in flames for posting this, but just put yourselves in my shoes, what would you do. I am simply just defending myself as I beleive that there may be some incorrect information being supplied to brides in regards to myself.

My lesson here is to not be so trusting of ppl in future (with respect to business). It has been a hard lesson to learn, but one I will remember.

[Radar]

Geez, that's a bit of a low blow!!

[* Kylie *]

I'm sorry that rumours have been spread that have said you're not reputable, but as for buying the doamin names, I would consider that standard practice. If my domain name was available as both a .com.au and .com I would have bought both. Unfortunately it wasn't. It saves confusion on your business, and allows you to get a larger customer base as people may or may not use the .au

All the best with your business though.

[Renee`]

I agre with Kylie, not cool IF rumours have been spread, but I too would buy both domain names..especially if you business can be used outside Australia....

[~Jo~]

Had she purchased before you were in contact with her or recently?

[Amelia Jane]

Am I reading this right?

Did you say you were going to register abc.com and abc.com.au, and she said alrighty then, and then went and bought them out from under you JUST BECAUSE you said you wanted them?

Or did she already have the domain name that you wanted, but she just happened to buy both of them?

[Mis'ess Bee]

I'm sorry this has happened to you and that you are hurting.

I don't actually know who "she" is but as far as the domain names go, it might not be a nice thing, but it is probably a clever thing on her behalf to have done. When it comes down to it, business is business, unfortunately that is the way the business world works but I know it is a hard way to learn the lesson.

As far as the rumours go - not good and not professional at all. Defamation I believe?! I would consider contacting the source of the rumours if you are positive who that is, although it might be hard for you to do that unemotionally and simply telling them the facts and that they are wrong. It may be enough to 'scare' them off from trying this in the future by showing that you will not be intimidated by them.

[Puggie]

I don't know which person you're referring to, but if the person in question has registered a .com.au domain name then there is provision to challenge this under the auDA (Australian Domain Name Administrator). Be aware, though - you have between buckley's chance and none of actually getting the name de-registered even if the basis of this person's application is to 'block' business for you.

Check out this site for more info: http://www.auda.org.au/help/smallbus-guide/

Good luck choosing an alternate domain name. You'll find, often, by thinking creatively you'll end up with a more catchy domain anyway

[waskatiemark]

Girls,

Thanks so much for your feedback in this matter.

She purchased it while I was in contact with her. While she was "meant" to be helping me all this was being done. I don't get a person being like that. So nice to you over the phone, but then go behind your back like that at the same time.

So yes, it was done, just because I was going to do it. To block my business.

I am in the process of coming up with an equally catchy domain name and registering it.

Puggie,

Thanks for the advice. I will have a look at the link.

[~Jo~]

Maybe we can help think of a new name.....

Was was the original one you were going with?

[waskatiemark]

I don't know if I can post it here I will pm anyone that wants to help.

[lizzums]

Yeah let us help you think of something else.

If she was at the time helping her that is a bit low but then I also understand she may be worried that you will be a serious competition to her.

[~Jo~]

I think she was a little scared of the competition that you posed.

[Amelia Jane]

Ok I think that is just wrong of her to have done that. So deceitful, and it's not like she even has any content under that domain name, it doesn't even link back to her current site or anything.

[~Jo~]

A few names could be....

flowersbykatie
weddingflowersforyou
flowersbymeforyou
flowersbyme4u
katiescreations

anyone else add any?