client poaching from the poachee's perspective 1

[dgowans]

The client poaching discussion has been done many times, but I don't remember seeing anything from the client's point of view.

I received a call from people who were formerly at a place I've used when I've had the need to outsource design work. These people have left the first place for another company and are in the process of starting an engineering/design division of their new firm. I'd like your opinions on the situation. Do I entertain this new company as a potential design source? Do I notify the place they left and let them know what their former employees are up to? Do I really have any obligations to anyone else?

This discussion may be moot - if they're just in the process of starting up the engineering/design group at the new place they may not have capabilities that I'd require from an outside source. I'm going to meet with them just to see what they have going on but have no immediate needs for an outside design firm. If there's something about the situation that feels wrong I certainly won't send them any future work, but at the same time I'd be doing my company a disservice by not checking out a potential source.

 

[bacon4life]

Why not just express concern about relying on company that may get sued and not be able to complete your project. Then ask the new firm if they have a non competition agreement. If they don't have one, your fears are eliminated. If they lie, you would be ethically free and clear, but they would have to worry about both you and the previous company finding out the truth.