Somebody has copied my designs!!!

[Katianne]

Just had a look on Ebay at 'Mosaic Mirrors' and have come accross someone that has just started selling mosaic mirrors, exactly the same as mine. I'd like to point out though that they do not look very well made and they are twice the price!!! I know there's nothing I can do about this but I'm still a bit miffed!!!

[Fair Do]

Hi,

I can imagine how you must feel.

Couple of thoughts ...could it just be coincidence that they are the same? They might think you are copying them!

On a more pro-active note ...maybe you should start calling yourself "The Original Mosaic Mirrors" so that customers know they are dealing with the originator, which generally means best and at least they're not undercutting you. If you know you are charging a fair market price, then they probably won't sell many.

Don't panic ...and anyway ...they say it's a form of flattery!

Cheers.
FD

[Kay]

Your mirrors are gorgeous. A shop locally to me has been selling mirrors like yours for several years, if one person can come up with an idea then chances are someone, somewhere else has had the same or similar idea before.
If hers are inferior and more expensive you will still be getting the sales.

[TYP]

Hi Katianne,
I agree with FD, you could use it as a positive opportunity to rebrand yourself slightly as the original seller of these mirrors on eBay ie. the original and best!! And if yours are nicer and cost less, that can only push sales your way!

[glasskanvas]

You could always watch how and when they sell and put your pieces on slightly earlier. If your pieces are cheaper you're sure to clean up!

[Focus on Life]

Although its great to feel you offer something unique, its often the case that someone may well have been making them before you and/or someone will come along and make them after you began - such is life

You know your items are better quality and there's one good thing about competition and comparison - it may help you reassess the sale value of what you make and perhaps earn a little more money as a result of it

Good luck keeping ahead of the competition!

Shaz x

[Katianne]

They are advertising them as a new range - made to order with a few examples shown on Ebay. Have checked their feedback - don't seem to have sold them before, just Pokemon cards!!! I haven't ever seen anything like my designs before so was a bit disappointed when I saw this, but yes, as you say, could just be coincidence. I advertise my mosaics a 'Original Handmade Mosaics' and come up with all the designs myself. Hopefully it won't affect my sales but I will go with the suggestion of watching my new competiter!!!

Thanks all :D

[icecreamgirl]

ive just had a look and i see what you mean, they are very simular to yours!! I'd be a bit miffed too if i were you but i suppose thats the way of the world and there's not much you can do about it.
Anyway not sure i'd believe that something was handmade by someone who is selling them out of a shop full of Pokemon Cards!!

[Poppy4lee]

How annoying!!! It just doesn't seem fair that you can take ages to design something & then someone just comes along & nicks it!!

[colourart]

I see what you mean and its not exactly classy to photograph it on a piece of bubblewrap.

Anyway you could play on the fact that you have lots of positive feedback and quote some of it in your description so that people know yours are good quality.

[nattynetty]

I've just had a look too and yes they are quite similar, however theirs look a bit odd as the tiles are lined up straight (poo wish I knew the technical terms) wheras yours are staggered in each layer iykwim.

I agree with those who say use it to your advantage, yours are by far much better (and I'm not just saying that) and with slightly crap ones at double the price it can only help your sales.

Chill :jippie:and don't panic

[Pebbles]

Yours are far nicer!

Plus I agree with a previous post, they are TWICE the price!

That can only help sales right?

I am serious about the crafters army I have mentioned before...... gather troops... load weapons ..... fire!

I could do with a wee trip, where did you say the others were based?

[Tip Top]

They will all fall apart anyway - I think my 2 year old could have done them better.

And yours look so much more handmade with love than the other inferior ones.;)

I know it doesn't help, but I suppose it is a bit of a back handed compliment that someone is copying you!

We know where the orginals come from and we will not buy naff copies!!:D

[Katianne]

Thanks everyone for your postive comments!!! I am watching theirs to see if it sells... :)

[caketopper]

There is a shop next door to us that sells mosaic mirrors, yours are lovely but I think there are a few sellers out there.

[Katianne]

I think the main reason it bothered me was because it's on Ebay, and I have heard of people using Ebay to 'get ideas' for their own designs. As you say though, plenty of people out there that make mosaics, its just that I've not sen them for myself as yet. At least I know that all my work is my own, so that's the main thing.

[candles by lisa]

I have to agree the mirrors do look similar even down to the shade of colours they have used. But like everyone else has said yours do look superior - I have heard that a whole lot of people use ebay to get ideas but I suppose you could really do the same with anything on the web - if you google what you are interested in copying/getting ideas for.

Chin up you have got the rep as long as your arm for the mirrors and go along with the original mirror mosaic theme.

Cheers.

Lisa

:mf:

[0103media]

I know so many people who will not use Ebay OR etsy for this reason..

Both etsy and ebay let you know what is and isn't selling..

Look at what is, copy it.. then do it again and agian.. Make money from others..


It worth trying to introduce some brand within in the design.. As in for someone to see it and think that looks like X's design ..

With your mirrors, maybe add one coloured sq on all mirror in the same place and same colour ?

[Apple Tree Crafts]

I know nothing of mosaics, but thinking about Mr M's idea...would it be possible to get tiles made specially for you with say, a monogram on it? A bit like the fabric labels I use, but a tile?

Can you get clear tiles that you can set a wee piece of paper or inkjet transparency (printed with your symbol/mongram) behind, so that it shows through?


Jules

PS Trivet is holding up well and I use it every day, but the MDF doesn't like the wet. Need to be careful when wiping it clean.

[Katianne]

PS Trivet is holding up well and I use it every day, but the MDF doesn't like the wet. Need to be careful when wiping it clean.

Thanks for that Jules - it's the first one I've made so good to have the feedback. I did treat the wood but suppose that with the sort of use it gets it would come into water quite often. I haven't made any more as yet, but will look at another base or something to put on the base to make it more waterproof. Need project...clocks!!!

[JBJB]

but will look at another base or something to put on the base to make it more waterproof

How about marine ply? It's what builders use in bathrooms....

[BeadsbyLili]

I wouldnt worry too much Katianne - your mirrors look bright, well made and of high standard so just keep doing what you are doing and adding new designs every now & then will help keep one step ahead. There will always be competition on eBay for everything....


p.s. I use marine plywood for outdoor mosaics and coat it about 3 times in a watered down white pva/craft glue - not so easy to cut nicely but lasts a bit longer.

.

[wyattbean]

Hi,
In my experience in the doll world, its quality that will win the day in the end. I think buyers are much more discerning especially when disposable income is down. So just think of it as a form of flattery and know you are still the best!!

Sue:)

[woodtattoos]

Thanks for that Jules - it's the first one I've made so good to have the feedback. I did treat the wood but suppose that with the sort of use it gets it would come into water quite often. I haven't made any more as yet, but will look at another base or something to put on the base to make it more waterproof. Need project...clocks!!!

Katianne, you could also try several coats of yacht varnish, which is very hard-wearing: I also expect it is very water-proof!

Si.

[glasskanvas]

I think all these new ebay changes are making people aggresive. I've just found a competitor is targeting a 'smear' campaign against me! I'd be worried if it wasn't so laughable. Just as well i'm winding things down a bit. I wouldn't mind so much if he was at least able to spell the pointed 'digs' at me. lol

[BeadsbyLili]

I think all these new ebay changes are making people aggresive. I've just found a competitor is targeting a 'smear' campaign against me! I'd be worried if it wasn't so laughable. Just as well i'm winding things down a bit. I wouldn't mind so much if he was at least able to spell the pointed 'digs' at me. lol

Thats very wrong - you should report them to eBay anyway !

.

[glasskanvas]

I think if nothing else has been proved with all the kick-off's involving ebay at the moment it is that they don't really care what their users think or get up to so long as they can maintain profits.
I'd rather not get into dirty tricks...I think so long as I believe I offer a better service like Katianne then in the long run I'll be better off.....besides, If people want to pay more money for tatt then that their own fault!