Thanks to education, sadly based on trademark infringement law, whenever I see a sign that says “We are the original.”, I say a quiet little prayer for the company.

It is a defensive move and companies think that it is the right thing to say, but it just means that there is someone else out there doing, essentially, what you do, too.

It is usually best to be the first and to be the one with the original idea, but it is much better to keep the customers coming to you because you continue to be the best…in all areas (sometimes this means distribution points, not just in quality, price, design and creativity.) This is especially true if you are not the only one who is selling, making or creating something that fills their need for say, an ice cream sandwich, (#7 on the list). Maybe even Bake at Home Pizza  (there are 3 places within 30 miles of here – all are different brands) – which is interesting since it is a product that you could just buy, ready to eat…for much less money. Or even, as you may have already guessed, a fruit basket that looks like flowers.

~ Dawn aka Hat Girl