Opportunity but feel awkward

[getsetgonline]

I have been in the multi day tours/experiences niche for over 20 years and I've stumbled upon an opportunity. There is a very specific walking trail located near me which attracts visitors from around the world - but it's niche. At present there is only one provider offering the guest luggage transfer along the route and I hear he is so busy he is turning business away (so much so guests are using taxis). They bought the other operator last year as he was retiring so now has all business but can't handle it.
Now, I know this route very well and it has given me an opportunity to set up transfers for next season. I already have access to suitable vehicles and can hire a driver - and I'm confident my digital marketing expertise can drive organic traffic.
I know the guy that runs this business and I feel slightly awkward, but this is an opportunity.
I thought I could set up, match prices and see how bookings go this winter. If things do work as I hope, we can run them but if not, I can book them in with the other company.
Should I be feeling slightly hesitant on 'stepping' on his toes? I know business is business but it's a very small sub niche which does attract alot of clients so everyone talks.

 

[MOIC]

Difficult one treading on someone’s toes if you know them, but if it’s just a transfer service and he can’t cope with demand, then I feel it’s not too big an issue.

However, try to add another service related to the guest luggage transfer and walking trail that sets you one step up from your competitor.

This way you’re not just replicating his business model, but offering a new experience.

Good luck!

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Business is business
Don't worry about it

 

[fisicx]

He’s a competitor not a friend. Don’t quibble, just do it.

 

[getsetgonline]

Difficult one treading on someone’s toes if you know them, but if it’s just a transfer service and he can’t cope with demand, then I feel it’s not too big an issue.

However, try to add another service related to the guest luggage transfer and walking trail that sets you one step up from your competitor.

This way you’re not just replicating his business model, but offering a new experience.

I did run self guided tours along the trail until a few years ago when I sold it and moved to my current football tours.
The problem is the product is the tour and the luggage transfer is one aspect which needs fulfilled. One of the operators (who I still know) has indicated they have turned clients away and, as there are no other transfer companies on trail now, the guests are stuck.
It is difficult to differentiate too much as it's a very simple business model.

 

[Annoying Donkey]

How about partnering with existing operator...

 

[WaveJumper]

If you know the other guy wouldn't hurt to have a chat with him or even as above some form of partnership, if you just rock up with your services there's probably going to be some form of confrontation at some point as he's bound to feel your stepping on his toes I pretty sure if the boot was on the other foot you would probably feel the same. Yep business is business but you don't want to be operating in maybe a "hostile environment" best of luck though

 

[MBE2017]

To help you over your guilt feelings, try to make your offer slightly different, such as collect people from the airport, or arrange a night at a luxury spa at the end, free video of the walk etc. if you can differentiate it is harder for him to feel butt hurt.

Either way, Abizee27 advice above is correct, get on with it.

 

[The Byre]

Let me introduce you to the village bus principal.

Imagine a village that has one bus going to the next town. It leaves at ten in the morning and comes back at four in the afternoon and that's it.

Because it stays too long, it is useless for shopping and it is also useless for those commuting to work - so only a small handful of people ever use that bus. Everyone else just drives into the local town.

A rival bus decides to drive in and out of the town four times a day and soon both buses are filled with people coming and going to work, shopping, visiting friends, whatever!

The most famous example of this principle of competition creating demand is Branson, Missouri. In the 30s, when the town had fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, one small theatre was opened there as it was a tourist destination. Then a couple more opened. In the 80s a handful of older C&W stars opened theatres there and by 91, the CBS programme 60-Minutes did a feature on this phenomenon.

Today, Branson has about 14,000 inhabitants and over 50 theatres that host about 80 permanent shows. Also touring acts use the 8,000-seat amphitheater.

By 2020, 10m tourists came to Branson and all 50+ theatres are full!

 

[Fagin2021]

Let me introduce you to the village bus principal.

Imagine a village that has one bus going to the next town. It leaves at ten in the morning and comes back at four in the afternoon and that's it.

Because it stays too long, it is useless for shopping and it is also useless for those commuting to work - so only a small handful of people ever use that bus. Everyone else just drives into the local town.

A rival bus decides to drive in and out of the town four times a day and soon both buses are filled with people coming and going to work, shopping, visiting friends, whatever!

The most famous example of this principle of competition creating demand is Branson, Missouri. In the 30s, when the town had fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, one small theatre was opened there as it was a tourist destination. Then a couple more opened. In the 80s a handful of older C&W stars opened theatres there and by 91, the CBS programme 60-Minutes did a feature on this phenomenon.

Today, Branson has about 14,000 inhabitants and over 50 theatres that host about 80 permanent shows. Also touring acts use the 8,000-seat amphitheater.

By 2020, 10m tourists came to Branson and all 50+ theatres are full!

"There's not enough work in this town for one lawyer, but there's plenty of work for two."

 

[GraysonDigital]

Don't overthink it, others would do the same to you.

 

[Joseph K]

I have been in the multi day tours/experiences niche for over 20 years and I've stumbled upon an opportunity. There is a very specific walking trail located near me which attracts visitors from around the world - but it's niche. At present there is only one provider offering the guest luggage transfer along the route and I hear he is so busy he is turning business away (so much so guests are using taxis). They bought the other operator last year as he was retiring so now has all business but can't handle it.
Now, I know this route very well and it has given me an opportunity to set up transfers for next season. I already have access to suitable vehicles and can hire a driver - and I'm confident my digital marketing expertise can drive organic traffic.
I know the guy that runs this business and I feel slightly awkward, but this is an opportunity.
I thought I could set up, match prices and see how bookings go this winter. If things do work as I hope, we can run them but if not, I can book them in with the other company.
Should I be feeling slightly hesitant on 'stepping' on his toes? I know business is business but it's a very small sub niche which does attract alot of clients so everyone talks.

My opinion: just go for it. You may approach the guy, asking for advice, he may even encourage you. If he doesn't don't worry, just go ahead, or someone else may take the opportunity.

 

[Carbtec]

There are some area's of business where any competition that raises it's head gets it's legs broken . . . . .

Go for it. If you don't then someone else will.

 

[SillyBill]

No half measures despite the temptation for a friendly chat I am sure, you're all in or don't bother. And if all in, I'd do nothing which compromises my chances. I'd not pre-warn therefore, you can lose your opportunity if you signal your intention, advertise to a competitor that competition is on its way? Nope, blindside and deal with the consequences later. This is a dilemma we all may have had at some point in business so not unique. You have to weigh up the risk of a fall out vs the benefits of the opportunity. Like anything, only you can decide whether its worth it. And everyone talks in every industry, and everyone knows everyone, even larger ones, so again no different.

 

[RandyMarsh]

It's best just to have a chat. If there really is excess demand and you aren't undercutting on price then he won't be losing out. And if he suggests a partnership then there are lots of advantages, not least that between you, you continue to have a monopoly on provision.