Hi,

A long-term Web site client of mine told me about another practitioner in their field. They had unsuccessfully tried to partner with him in the past.

The client said their potential partner is now making comments about how the Web site I created for them looks much better than his site.

This got me thinking: If my client's competitor ever asks me to work on his site, should I accept the job? My first inclination was it might not be ethical.

But on the other hand, isn't Web site development comparable to a field like printing? A printer does numerous jobs for companies that are in direct competition, such as newspapers.

As a former journalist, I'm sensitive to ethics. I know I would do a fair job, without compromising on one in favor of the other.

My portfolio includes several companies that are in the same general line of business, but not in close competition with each other. But the client in question might resent it if I worked for their direct competitor.

What would you do? I'd just like to hear about other experiences in this area.

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Reesa Marchetti, Webmaster-Editor, Sheer Web Design
Music: Relive the '80s & Writings: Reesa.org

Hi Reesa,

If I was in that position I think I'd consult with my long-term client. Let them know that I was aware they might feel it was a conflict of interest and although technically it wasn't - I would respect their feelings in the matter.

I would think SEO would be more a conflict of interest then design.

Lori

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Hi Reesa,

I was in exactly the same position some time ago. A client's competitor did approach us to redo his site after seeing what we did with my clients site. I called my client and spoke to him about it and asked if he had any objection to us undertaking the work. He was initially reluctant, but after just a few minutes of chatting he came to realise that his competitor was going to get the work done anyway, if not through us then someone else. Not only did he agree, but he later told me that he was very pleased that I had called and spoken to him first, as it showed loyalty on my part towards my existing clients. The new client also asked me during the development how my original client felt about our working for him, and when I told him that we had spoken to him prior to accepting the job, he seemed pleasantly surprised.

Since then we have gotten additional work from both clients.

I agree with Lori though, that SEO is a different ball game altogether.

All the best
Vik

I see you have resolved this issue.... but just to put my 2 cents in:

Marketing firms will not allow 1 employee to work on 2 competitor jobs. It is a legal risk and can be viewed as unethical in business practice. I would never take my business to someone working on my competitor (just my opinion though)... who knows what information is exchanged. I would be VERY mad if my trade secrets were passed.... even on accident.

I mean all respects to you, but if for some reason the other business sues you (lets say if their ratings go down while their competitors go up) they could have a good case to win. With a lawsuit happy world, is it worth the risk?

I guess I am a paranoid one when it comes to legal issues.

Thanks,
†B†V†