Is it legal to ask for competitor pricing?

Publically available competitive price information is completely legal. As mentioned, many businesses operate in markets where prices are transparent and competitive price information is readily available.

Which topics can be problematic when holding discussions with competitors?

Don’t agree on and avoid discussing the following topics with any competitor: Prices, changes in or stabilization of prices, terms or conditions of sale. Pricing policies or practices of any industry member.

How do you reach out to a competitor?

Related: Win or Lose, Competition Always Makes You Stronger When you first reach out, be friendly, open and honest. Explain that you simply want to introduce yourself and begin a dialogue with them. Also, explain why you think having an open line of communication will be beneficial for both of you.

What is predatory pricing under competition law?

Predatory pricing is a strategy that entails a temporary price below the cost of production in order to injure competition and thereby reap higher profits in the long run[i]. Predatory pricing is a strategy adopted to enhance market power.

Is it illegal to purchase a competitor?

For more information, check out Dealings with Competitors. It is unlawful for a company to monopolize or attempt to monopolize trade, meaning a firm with market power cannot act to maintain or acquire a dominant position by excluding competitors or preventing new entry.

WHO is concerned by competition law?

The FTC’s competition mission is to enforce the rules of the competitive marketplace — the antitrust laws. These laws promote vigorous competition and protect consumers from anticompetitive mergers and business practices.

Is it bad to apply to a competitor?

“Yes, it is safe to apply to a job with the competitor online,” says Salemi, who reinforces the importance of applying on your own computer and on your own time. You might well find yourself getting a quicker response than you have from any previous job application, she adds.

Is it wrong to work for a competitor?

Under California Business and Professions Code Section 16600, unless you were an owner of the business, any “non-compete clause” which forbids an employees who is fired or resigns from working for a competitor or starting a competing business is illegal and unenforceable.

Should companies be careful about sharing information about competitors?

Despite this, companies must be very careful when making information available as sharing too much information could breach competition law and create exposure to the risk of a large fine or even criminal sanctions for individuals.

Can competition law risk be removed by exchange of information?

If the information exchanged is sufficiently aggregated amongst competitors so that a competitors’ individual sales and values are not ascertainable, competition law risk may be removed, so potentially even very recent information may be exchanged.

Is it unethical to ask for pricing based on non-metered power?

If you had gone back and re-quoted asking for pricing based on non-metered power without saying anything about their pricing in relation to the competition, then that would *not* be unethical. Looks like we agree.

What is the risk of exchange of information between competitors?

The risk is greatest when information passes between current or potential competitors. For this reason it is this exchange of information that is most strictly controlled (and punished) by competition law. Information exchange between supplier and buyer is not only permissible but necessary if they are to reach a commercial agreement.