Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Products, Shuts Down

Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by CobrastanJorji on Friday June 09, 2017 @06:35PM (#14525104)

I totally get what you're saying, but if you're a business about to open in a new country, and you have to choose a manager for your first location there, would you pick some random businessperson or would you pick a guy you've banned from shopping in your store who's been sneaking into your Seattle stores in a wig and fake glasses in order to sell in Vancouver with inflated prices? Because I'd totally pick the random guy.

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Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by uniclaude on Friday June 09, 2017 @06:48PM (#14525156)

Well, if the guy with a wig proved he could grow a business selling my products in my target market, and is connected to a large base of potential customers, no I should totally not pick the random guy.

Good luck finding someone more motivated.

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Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by anigbrowl on Friday June 09, 2017 @11:03PM (#14525937)

Trader Joe's own staff are already highly motivated because they're paid really really well.

The reason they don't set up in Canada is not lack of motivation, but that as a chain they'll have to get all sorts of products certified as suitable for sale. Most countries have strict rules about the import and sale of fresh produce or meat. Trader Joe's doesn't want to open a store that doesn't carry a full line of products, which would damage their brand. As a small store owner this guy was able to skate on all that regulatory overhead.

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Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by lsiebert on Saturday June 10, 2017 @10:16AM (#14527403)

I expect there are logistical reasons that make it more cost effective to expand within the continental US for now.

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Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by al452 on Friday June 09, 2017 @06:41PM (#14525127)

I'd totally pick the person who has already shown extreme enthusiasm for my products.

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Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by nebabyte on Friday June 09, 2017 @11:33PM (#14526029)

It really depends upon the person, as I'd never want to go into a business partnership with someone who's just as likely to try and undermine or countermand me later over opinion, but yeah, my inclination would be to at least interview the guy.

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Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by sjwright on Saturday June 10, 2017 @12:11AM (#14526127)

How does his opinion differ, really? Everything he's done indicates that his desire was to operate as closely as possible to the Trader Joes formula as he could. He has proven he can operate a successful business. At the very least I'd give him a franchise to run.

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Re:Pirate Joe’s, Maverick Distributor of Trader Joe’s Produc... by sjwright on Friday June 09, 2017 @06:51PM (#14525168)

And has proven to be able to sell these products profitably.

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