-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent:
To: Ryan Jarvis
Subject: RE: Alden
To whom it may concern:
When surfing the web to find information of Virus rowing sculls I was appalled to be directed to your web site [after typing in athe address "rowvirus.com"]. From a CUSTOMER's point of view Alden went down in my opinion immensely. If you'll stoop to such tactics to try to win business from a competitor, how will you treat ME as a potential customer??!! What kind of "tricks" will you use to try to extract $$ from my pocket rather than meet my needs.
You may think it's rather good, competitive business practice, but, quite frankly, I think it raises Virus up against you and your business practices. You've legitimatised them, shown than you're afraid of them as a competitor, and feel some need to try to "squash" them by whatever tactic. Moreover, you've given me a way to view them much more positively ... clean, forthright, honest business people vs. your "used car" sales tactics. I don't think I'll ever consider an Alden product as a result AND I'll be sure to spread the word.
DV
-----Original Message-----
From: Ryan Jarvis [mailto:rjarvis@rowalden.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 11:56 AM
To:
Subject: Alden
D,
I'm sorry you feel this way. This is a common practice unfortunately in the
world of business today. I don't see how we can "extract" money from
you. We still are number #1 in sales of recreational every year. If folks want
to purchase an Alden or a rowing shell we know they will want the best possible
boat and will purchase an Alden. I'm sorry you seem to be taking this so personally.
I am sure that you realize that we are always looking for competitive advantages
and like any solid business we know who are customers are and who are our competitors.
My feeling is that our competitors would have taken similar actions had we not
pursued this avenue first. We are the big fish in the small pond of recreational
rowing and will continue to be. I don't think "squash" is the right
word when it comes to our business practices but I would be lying to you if
I said we weren't trying to increase sales and revenue. Isn't that the point
of being in business? We're sorry to hear of your disenchantment with us on
this subject. I hope all is well and that the important things in your life
are fantastic.
Sincerely,
Ryan Jarvis
Director
Alden Rowing Shells, LLC
-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2004 12:05 PM
To: Ryan Jarvis
Subject: RE: Alden
Haven't you ever heard of fair play or ethics? It doesn't sound to me like
you want to hear it, only rationalize what you've done. It sounds like you're
suggesting that the ends justify the means ... i.e. do anything slimy to increase
sales and revenue. Baloney!