Starting the same business as a family member, good idea or the start of a war.

[yomama]

Starting the same business as a family member, good idea or the start of a war.

Well, a family member has a great business and I would like to enter that niche, that’s the basics here. Its an online store that has found a great niche. If it matters, he is young, (under 22). As you guessed, he does not like the idea. Here are the arguments

Mine: I don’t know his secrets and would have to start from scratch. I work full time and have a family, it would be something that my wife would run after I set it up. We would not be competing directly since its online and there are thousands of others involved. He is family and he should share the wealth so to say, to me it seems greedy.

His arguments: Find another business so we don’t have to compete. He also says that I have some of his secrets (distributors ect) since he spoke openly about the business with me prior to my asking his feelings of me doing the same thing (yes, I did ask). Also, he says that if I do the same as he (sell the same products) than he would have to be secretive and it would strain our relationship.

OK, I do see his points but this is the one I’m really interested in ---- is it wrong to go into business (competition) with a family member? To me it’s the INTERNET!! It’s the whole WORLD!!! I don’t see it but I am open to all comments. That’s why I asked him in the first place instead of going forward.

What do you think?

[Gomer]

Sounds slightly unethical to me.

[alondra]

If you are not selling the same field of products, I see no problem, in fact you could even link and help each other. same field of products NO.

[Martoch]

Isn't that kinda like dating his ex-wife? It's just one of those things you don't do...that is unless you're selling different products as alondra already mentioned. Then I see nothing wrong with it...

[yomama]

Thanks for the opinions. Obviously im biased towards going into competition but I am not going to do it. I spoke with the Padres ect and decided against it but i wanted some more opinions.

Its tough, kinda like finding a wallet with alot of cash and no ID, but returning it anyway to the store. Well im sure there is a better analogy but...

OK silly question... why not partner?
or
How close of a family member are we talking? Could it cause a riff in the family?

[yomama]

Well, he has a partner already (though he probably wishes that he did it all himself)

and -- we are talking close family, that could be a problem. I just dont see why it has to be a problem. The internet is global right? We are like 2 fish in the ocean?

ah your brother.
I'd ask mom then and go by what she says.

[yomama]

Yep
Thats done so it looks like ill stay away. But... He better rermember this--- Just kidding

I am surprised that nobdy took my side, thats an eye opener for me. Im always willing to see the other side of things. the dating analogy by Martoch was good.

Any other opinions out there

[caddmannq]

Can you make it just a little different? Market a slightly different product or service toward a slightly different customer base?

If so, I'd probably go for that.

And...

Remember that restaurants operate in a restaurant district, because the large number of operations in one place actually attracts clients into the area. This increases business for all.

The internet works the same way.