Another Newbie!

stratus51 · 21-09-2008, 06:31 PM

Hello,

I'm from Birmingham UK, Found the forum while searching for suppliers.

I currently work as a rep for a company supplying Novelty/branded impulse POS items to shops. The way it works is the shop takes a cut, i take a cut and the rest, including profit their is given back to the company. They supply the goods, we service the shops.

It's a natural progression to want to cut out the middle man, there are products out there where i can earn 2x/3x that which i currently make on the company sales. So i intend to compliment my work's products with my own, perhaps setup on my own when i have enough contacts and working capital.

On that note, any suppliers of Gifts/Novalties/gadgets/books etc.... let me know. looking for products no more than £5 each as a rule.

Andy

hardwareheroes · 21-09-2008, 06:49 PM

Welcome Andy

mumof3angels · 21-09-2008, 06:56 PM

Hi andy and welcome

**DesignerAllsortz** · 21-09-2008, 07:00 PM

WELCOME

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PT · 21-09-2008, 07:21 PM

Welcome to the forums Andy!

**Andy777** · 22-09-2008, 06:21 AM

Hello Andy & Welcome to TWF!

lemonwonder · 22-09-2008, 06:34 AM

Welcome to the forums, hope u enjoy it here, i do!

electronic_spec · 22-09-2008, 11:25 AM

Welcome to TWF Andy

**Pete** · 22-09-2008, 01:11 PM

In most cases like yours in the US you would have signed a non-compete agreement. Don't know if they have such things in the UK, but if so, you will be barred from competing with your current employer within the same area for a year or two.

Some employers take these very seriously and will do all they can to keep you from competing with them.

It does not take long for word to get back that you are "sidelining". Two different invoices, a damaged item that they call the office about and it's not their product, and number of things.

Having said that, you need to search out some local "cash and carries", wholesalers that often have that sort of merchandise where you can go in and buy in single pieces, not by the full case. You may even be able to access some spinner racks and such from them.
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stratus51 · 22-09-2008, 08:48 PM

Very interesting point Pete,

I'm trying to find my Contract as i type....not with much look, seems my wife is filing under a somewhat different system to my own!

I'm not an employee per say, I work as a self employed agent. So therefore it's in my interest to sell their goods. There's still a good chance is something in the contract i signed, however i hadn't even entertained the idea of putting my own goods in the stores at that point so it wouldn't stick in my mind.

You're right about getting found out. Not that it would be a deliberate deception. That said it's better talking it over with my boss off the record. I have just spent £280 on stock though, so i think if he's not willing to let me sideline then i'm sure he'll let me sell it and not replenish.

I can't see any detriment to the company though. Except if it gives other agents ideas. Most of my goods just compliment the companies.

*Update*

Found the contract, nothing in it prohibiting this. Infact it really is only a contract to act as an agent, covering stock control, commission etc.. theft.. nothing else. However i will still tell my boss and agree to keep it to myself, don't want to give others any ideas.