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Looking for advice. I'm thinking of starting a grocery delivery service in my town. The unique thing about it is that we'll be focusing on only one specific, popular grocery chain (Trader Joe's) that isn't available in the area. I'll be making the trip to a TJs about 2 hrs away and adding on a service charge for customers. I've found a few similar examples online but they appear to sometimes draw legal action from Trader Joe's. At the same time TJs products are widely available on Amazon for a marked up price so its not clear why some get away with reselling the items and some don't. So is my idea going to get me in legal trouble? Are there any precautions I should take?
The issue is using the Trader Joe's trademarked name and profiting based on it. If you can get permission from TJ before marketing your service, you'll have no issues with them. Those services were commercial enterprise that used Trader Joe's good name, products and reputation for their own business without securing any permission or agreement. Just a plain old dumb business plan.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rabrrita
The issue is using the Trader Joe's trademarked name and profiting based on it. If you can get permission from TJ before marketing your service, you'll have no issues with them. Those services were commercial enterprise that used Trader Joe's good name, products and reputation for their own business without securing any permission or agreement. Just a plain old dumb business plan.
Yes, you will have to either get their permission (and pay for it) or not use their name at all in your business name and advertising. While it seems like they would be happy to get more sales through your business, all businesses are concerned with a tarnished reputation when associated with another business and something goes wrong.
You aren't reselling. You are a delivery service. Your customer is buying, you are just driving. That's different. However, it would be pretty easy to contact Trader Joe's corporate offices and ask.
You aren't reselling. You are a delivery service. Your customer is buying, you are just driving. That's different. However, it would be pretty easy to contact Trader Joe's corporate offices and ask.
Agree 100%. Why worry and guess what could happen? Find out what they will allow and start on good terms with them.
You aren't reselling. You are a delivery service. Your customer is buying, you are just driving. That's different. However, it would be pretty easy to contact Trader Joe's corporate offices and ask.
Quote:
Originally Posted by KaraG
Agree 100%. Why worry and guess what could happen? Find out what they will allow and start on good terms with them.
I think the OP is saying "delivery" but will also be the buyer for their clients. The info provided is to sparse to know exactly what the OP will be doing but I get the sense they will be taking orders, going to TJs, buying the items, delivering them and charging the cost of the items plus a service fee. Or they may be buying from TJ's and reselling the items. The OP needs to clarify their business plan.
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