My business ethics kicked in this week and I was truly torn whether or not I should share my opinion on this matter. When I received yet another email informing me of a company ripping off our products (and yes, it's the same company that contacted me directly asking for advice), I just felt it is my right, and almost obligation to share this. So, I am not only hurt, but quite angry at this point. I would truly appreciate your opinions to know if I am totally off base on this one...
So, when I saw this I emailed the owner regarding these designs and her multiple requests for business advice from me, this was part of her response...
"I’m very offended that you think I’m trying to copy your dream when I’m sure you are aware that ruffled baby bloomer have been around since the 1850’s or longer. If you have done any research at all on baby bloomers you’ll find information on their origination. There are many companies out there that carry baby bloomers and diaper covers, so please further your research before making additional false accusations."
I guess it was one thing when we found out a random, shady company in Asia was copying our product, that was almost to be expected at some point, but to hear that a company that has the word Faith in their name, and further a cross in their logo?!? And even further still, one that came to me for advice - which I gave? Now, I do not want this to taint my opinion on encouraging women and sharing advice, but as you can imagine, I am pretty disgusted and have lost some faith. It is one thing to create products that look similar to ours, but it is another to copy what we are doing as a whole after purchasing our clothing and emailing me personally for business advice. From the bloomers, to the image design / layout, to the headbands, and I mean, seriously, look at the Blessed shirt above! Their slogan is "faith inspired baby wear", I think maybe they should change it to "RuffleButts inspired baby wear". What happened to faith?!
Yikes...that is really sad. That is flat out copying and karma will come back to bite them in the end. I truly believe that you reap what you sew and their shady business practices will come around to bite them in the end. In the meantime, I will be sure to continue to support Rufflebutts at our store and let people know who the REAL deal is. :) I know it's near impossible not to be angry but it will just continue to give this imposter energy that could be spent in many more productive ways. You have built something great with ethics behind it which is why you will prevail.
ReplyDeleteWow I am shocked!! I can't believe someone would have the nerve to contact you and then flat out copy you. They look the exact same and price is even the same. Don't worry people like that karma always comes around.
ReplyDeleteYou gave me great advice and I will always remember how kind you were. Keep your chin up the sky is limitless.
It's too bad but you know what... this other company isn't worried about ripping off your product so you shouldn't either. Instead take the time to develop a better product and a loyal fan base. Rufflebutts are a great product whose quality speaks for itself. Take your energy and get the Rufflebutts name out there so when people see this other brand they say "Oh that looks like a Rufflebutts knockoff". Let people's dollars speak for themselves and don't let this other company win by giving them any more thought.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry that your are feeling so down about this Amber. I totally agree that copying your website and photo layout is really poor business ethics, but it doesn't surprise me. When you are doing something so well there are bound to be some copycats. There will always be people that want to find the easy way to success.
ReplyDeleteJust remember that your customers buy Rufflebutts not only because they are a great product, but because of you. You have this great personal relationship with your customers that no one can "copy".
As someone who reads your blog for advice and support on how to figure out this Mompreneur thing, I hope you won't let this taint your attitude to sharing.
You are an amazing women and I think you are handling this really well :)
How sad. It's obvious to everyone that they are Rufflebutts knockoffs, they're not fooling anyone. Although copying is the most sincere form of flattery. I prefer the "Original Rufflebutts". Don't worry they will eventually fail because you have to have passion and not steal others dreams or ideas. Just keep doing what you do best and leave the rest. Go Amber! You have lots of love and support!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that a "christian woman" would take the time out of her day to down anothers business. Rufflebutt really needs to get it together. Lets be real here, you did not invent them, they do not have your name on it, and the whole world does not revolve around you and what you do. Its really rude to down others on your blog like this, especially when you claim to be a "christian women". you really need to get it together and learn that christians do NOT down eachother, nor do they gossip. even on the internet. so like you said, "where's your faith baby??"
ReplyDeleteAmber,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your blog I have realized that you have lost much faith. It's sad to know that you would stoop so low to put down someone else’s business, I’ve been considering baby bloomer's for my niece and came across faith baby when you belittled their website on your blog. I have since then compared both of your products and decided to go with theirs. Thank you for showing your true colors. I feel that you are convinced their product is better than yours and you are threatened by competition. To me, a real "Christen women " will turn to God and seeks HIS advice instead of turning to other women to gossip.... I saw your ocean blue ruffle butts and it seems to me that there is something going on in the front of the little girls rufflebutt bloomers????? I have also noticed that faith baby ruffled bloomer have their ruffled all the way around. I do not believe that they are copying you I believe its a trend I have found many other sits with bloomers like "yours" !!
Eliza Ismerio
Funny that anonymous is so quick to judge but too chicken to list her name? hmmmm....
ReplyDeletei am appauled that you have the nerve to say that some body is copying you could you please tell me what you invited or what you patented through your business i find it hard to believe that somebody real cares enough to mess with you to mess with you and copy the things you sell from head bands to the ruffle butts im sure you got the-idea some where sure that you did not invent this and if you did i doubt then its your own fault for not patenting this idea so you can only blame your self its sad because your busines is not as good that you have to point a finger AT SOMEBODY ELSE when its your own fault you can reach me at matthewrodriguez54@yahoo.com fell free im very opened minede unlike you
ReplyDeleteWow! What a bunch of copycats. That's such a shame! She switched up the look slightly where she added ruffles all around the diaper cover instead of only in the back. What's most important is you keep working on building your loyal customers, she will get hers. What a classy picture on her blog. NOT!
ReplyDeleteThe guy named Mathew that posted a comment on your blog should really start using spell check. My 7 year old can write better than he can.
ReplyDeleteCan you spell I-l-l-i-t-e-r-a-t-e?
faith's owner should have told you that she's doing the same business with you if she was really honest. Then you may have chosen not to talk about your business details with her. this is the thing shows that she does not have good intent while talking to you. I'm one of your fan from Istanbul,Turkey and you're really different from them with your ideas as far as I can follow from your blog. You're really honest and open to everyone. I'm not christian and when I see their website I saw that their marketing strategy was built on to be a good christian, not to be a good person. But I can say that you're making something for everyone from all over the world and you're not using religion to sell your product, you're using your heart and your soul. That's why you shouldn't be sorry. everybody can see your honesty from that point
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