3 Ways to Respond to Intrusive Questions About Sources, Supplies and Processes

The Merriweather Council Podcast

At one point or another, I believe all makers will receive a message requesting information related to HOW they make their products and with what materials exactly. I know this is a moderately controversial topic in the maker space, and as always I want to remind you that we do not have to agree on this at all.

Everyone gets to choose how they run their business - it’s important that we all respect the choices other business owners have made even if they aren’t the same as the choices we would make for our business.

Of course, those kinds of prodding supply questions could come from potential buyers who have a particular interest in something that is not currently outlined in your shop, for example, ‘is it vegan’ or similar.

Often though, these inquiries come from people who just want to make what you make, either to bypass the purchasing process thinking it will save money (does it ever?) or because they do already (or want to, or think they want to) sell that same sort of product that you do.

It’s entirely up to you how you handle these situations. Some people don’t mind being asked and will share freely.

Others feel it is an invasion of privacy, and that it threatens their business in some way.

Some people simply don’t want to spend their time teaching or educating, as it is not their jurisdiction - not their thing, not what they are here for.

There is no right or wrong answer here.

You don’t even have to react or respond the same way each time.

In any event, here are three possible ways you can react or reply to questions about suppliers or when people inquire about your trade secrets.

For full show notes and all links mentioned in the episode, please visit merriweathercouncilblog.com/149.