Hearthlist Digest #331 - Monday, August 16, 1999 Travis Internet Policy by "Sara Wilkerson" <[email protected]> Travis Policy by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: Travis Internet Policy From: Sara Wilkerson <[email protected]> Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 16:38:26 -0500 Regarding the email of June 17, based on our knowledge and interpretation of Anti-Trust laws, this information is incongruent; however, if legal, our company would definitely institute this. I am referring to the paragraph which states "Beginning July 1, 1999, any dealer who uses the Internet to sell a Travis Industries' product outside his or her agreed upon sales territory is doing so with the knowledge that they jeopardize his or her dealership or Travis Industries' product." Have you researched the validity this statement? Is it legal? Any advice would be appreciated - Sara Wilkerson Communications Administrator Sundance Spas, Inc.
(back) Subject: Travis Policy From: Craig Issod <[email protected]> Date: Mon, 16 Aug 1999 17:40:08 -0500 >Beginning July 1, 1999, any dealer who uses the Internet to >sell a Travis Industries' product outside his or her agreed upon sales >territory Notice that it says "agreed upon territory". This is probably perfectly legal, as exclusive marketing territories are used for many products. This means YOU have also agreed on the territory...and your agreement usually gives you privileges like co-op money, special programs, etc. The question is not really one of legality since I doubt any dealer wants to spend tens of thousands on lawyers and court cases. The question really becomes "What sort of mutual agreement does Travis and (most) of their dealers desire?". Although Travis MAY not be able to do anything if you do sell their products outside your area, you also cannot do anything if they open another dealer at the end of your block. This would surely "jeopardize his or her dealership" without any Antitrust element. The bottom line that I have felt since the beginning....if you are going to sell products direct on the internet...or by catalog - sell those from manufacturers that approve of this - there are plenty of them... Since business is a two way street, it makes no sense to have a poor relationship with your manufacturers - except when absolutely necessary! ------------------------------------------------------ Craig Issod HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com [email protected] Everything your Hearth Desires ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------