How to handle person wanting how to help.

[Former_Member]

I braid leather dog show leads. I received a condo asking where I get my hardware as she was looking for some for horse tack she makes. I checked, no etsy shop. Thought what the heck, it's info anyone with Google could find. So I send her the link. Then she asks how to determine size on a martingale collar. Then she asks what size leather I use and that she needs this info as she wants to make some dog leads as a fund raiser. Now, I don't mind helping out, but really? Next she'll be asking how I braid, etc. If she wants to make the same thing I do she should just research it like I did. After all I put in 3 months of research and development before I started selling these.

So, how would you answer her? I've ignored the last 2 condos but feel I should say something!

[WillowSwitchDesigns]

I don't think there is anything wrong with telling her that this is not just a hobby to you and that it took a lot of time and research to develop your product line, and that the information could be found easily online for her to develop her own line for charity or whatever. She obviously is lying to you about what she is doing so you don't owe her anything at all, including an answer if you don't want to further the conversation.

[Artwearhandmade]

Nah-I don't really believe she's doing it for charity. I think if someone questioned me that much (other than just basic info) I would say something like: Sorry I can't share the family recipe- you'll just have to experiment and learn it on your own like I did...

[Former_Member]

I don't think it's very appropriate for her to be asking for anything else beyond what you've given. I don't even think you have to respond at this point, if you feel like you need to, I think it would be okay to let her know that you are a business and you will not be providing that information to her.

[JustMeToo]

I don't think you need to respond. I like to treat people the way they treat me. You've already given more than she deserved. You owe her NOTHING!

[ArabellaBlossoms]

It sounds as though you have been courteous and helpful to this person but I can imagine these convos would be upsetting.

The information they are seeking may be considered your own intellectual property, given your research and experience in establishing and running your Etsy shop. It is valuable! A brief and polite explanation may be appropriate.

All the best Barbara :)

[Former_Member]

Update: I wrote her a quick note and her response: I have been and I know how to do the braid and make it was just asking size of leather lace if you use the 1/8

Now, if she had just read the description of my leads, she'd already have that information!

As Lucy would say, Arghhhhh!!!!

[designedbyval]

I've responded to people with similar requests by thanking them for their interest but the information they want are trade secrets I cannot reveal.