So I run a very small gift shop in a town which is mostly financially supported by travelers/tourists. I hand make a lot of my items, and have built the business up from nothing. My friend however stops through when she is in this part of the state. She travels full time in a bus, so she carries all of her goods and such with her. But she only rolls through during major holidays and times when business is at its best. When she stops through she places all of her inventory in front of my place, and attempts to pull my customers in before they even get to my entrance. I don’t want to be greedy, or discouraged her from making and selling souvenirs and whatnot. But I rely on my income from my shop to support me. How should I handle this situation? Should I just let it go and lose 2 weeks of typical income? Or should I ask her to move away from my store front? I’ve spent a significant amount of time landscaping and making it eye catching, and I feel like she is taking advantage of the hard work I’ve done, and attempting to give the impression that it’s her place. I don’t know what to do, honestly.

  • WhizzlePizzle@alien.topB
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    10 months ago

    Does she have a business license?

    If possible, become friends with the town clerk or county clerk or town police or county sheriff. Or just call them when she rolls by, get them to come by and ask her for her business license. You must have one to do business in all counties and towns.

    Have them do it. It’s their job. And remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Keep calling them without being a dick. Go by their offices and give it a personal touch. Explain she is taking your business from you, and you have a permit and are paying taxes to the town or county and she is not. Money talks, bullshit walks.

    This way, it is not on you to be the bad guy.