What would you do?

I've received a email today from a company that want's a quote on a delivery. I know this company as I've collected from them before for another courier company that I do work for. IShould I give them a quote or tell the courier company that I have been approached by 1 of there customers. I'm not the type to poach other companies customers, but this company did approach me. What would you do?

I would ask the other company that you did work for if they have any objections if I quoted for work with this company (co. name) explaining you had been approached. Also if he did alot of work for them I would stay away as it would open a free for all on your exixsting cutomers Back of my mind says stay out until you speak to who you subbied for. gary

GB Distributors (Bridgend) said:

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I would ask the other company that you did work for if they have any objections if I quoted for work with this company (co. name) explaining you had been approached. Also if he did alot of work for them I would stay away as it would open a free for all on your exixsting cutomers Back of my mind says stay out until you speak to who you subbied for. gary

Yes that was what I was thinking aswell. I'm not one for treading on others toes. I've only done a few jobs for the courier company, but I don't want them thinking i'm poaching there customers. Thats not what i'm about. Thanks gary

It's the old "moral dilemma" I have been in that position before where an shipping agent has approached me knowing that I do work for the company they normally use. It's a difficult one, I have to say I was upfront with the guy and asked him why he called me and not the other company. His response was that he wanted an alternative quote... I declined on principal. He knew I was also personal friends with his current supplier.

CPL Transport and Sameday Couriers said:

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It's the old "moral dilemma" I have been in that position before where an shipping agent has approached me knowing that I do work for the company they normally use. It's a difficult one, I have to say I was upfront with the guy and asked him why he called me and not the other company. His response was that he wanted an alternative quote... I declined on principal. He knew I was also personal friends with his current supplier.

Yes it's a sticky situation to be in

Well Darren, even though you wouldn't have done anything wrong, the fact that you've covered this work for someone else will ensure that they will think you've nicked it from them...

If they want you to quote then they can't be 100% happy with who they are currently using, so tells me something has gone wrong, or its down to cost.

Work is hard to come by, and they did come to you, so assuming its not because you carded them or solicited in any way, i would give them your quote.

Very few have contracts so if they want an alternative courier, why shouldn't it be you.

Teaches us all to not take our customers for granted, and to ensure we don't give them an excuse to look elsewhere.

Mind you, if it's one of my customers i would obviously have to shoot you

Speed Couriers Nationwide Ltd said:

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Mind you, if it's one of my customers i would obviously have to shoot you

Don't worry rob, it's not one of yours lol

Neither would it be, because there would be no reason to look elsewhere.

We don't talk about how to do things well, we just get on and do it

My tip is never bite the hand that feeds you, and honesty is always the best policy... on that note, you may find out on the reason why said company has directly come to you? Or the courier company may help you.. my opinion is honesty is tops and shows loyalty and on how professional you are. Good luck

This has happened once to me although the time elapsed between the work and the call was quite a few months, I get a call from the company and I was up front and said I have actually completed some of your work on behalf of XXXX courier, and its not the done thing can you tell me why you are not using XXXX. She told me he hasn't worked for them for 6 months....they ask for a bike and he always sends a van... Good enough for me!

I kinda agree with MK if they company your working for isnt providing what the client wants and they are no longer using said company then its ok to step in. Ive done it and now do work for both clients.

So what are you going to do Darren? :)

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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So what are you going to do Darren? :)

I've just spoke to the company I have done work for in the past and he was surprised as he thought he had a good customer. They have never had any problems when it comes to payment. He was glad I told him first tho and told me to go for it. At the end of the day, he can't force a customer to use them.

I had to tell courier company, because I don't want to be thought of that I was poaching, that's not what I do. Every time I do a job for a courier company, i'm doing it on behalf of them and it's all kept between me and the vendor. It wouldn't be professional otherwise

RAPID LIGHT TRANSPORT LTD. said:

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So what are you going to do Darren? :)

Hi Alan was the suspense killing you?

Don't worry, it wasn't a vendor from this site

Glad to see honesty paid. Good on ya darren. Good to see some better jobs being posted on here now too.

Well done Darren, a very professional approach.

Glad to see a good outcome for you Darren, hope all goes well. Just watch them if they are chopping and changing for what appears to be no reason. Keep smiling and take the work. Gary