Two Clients, One Cup

June 3, 2010 11:17 AM

I have two potential clients who are bidding on similar, but not identical, work with the same client. What's the etiquette here?

Software Consulting, I've signed a generic NDA with each firm but no non-compete. One firm mostly does design/interactive work for Company X. The other firm is trying to sell Company X a service based web app. Both firms are targeting Company X with some programming work on their existing site/store. (which is where I come in)

The sort of work that each firm wants me to do is in a different area of their store. I seem to be legally covered here (no work agreement with either firm), but what's the general etiquette? Drop one client for the other to avoid any potential conflict of interest? Tell the clients about each other and let them sort it out?

Both clients are small shops where my direct contact is the owner/a principle. If your answer involves "talk to HR", you don't understand this industry :)

Thanks business filter!

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (1 answer total)

So one thing that makes a difference is if the companies you work for represent your services as a full time employee or not. If this is the case I would try to pick one project or the other. If Company X is aware you're an independent contractor I'd think its okay for you to do both.

Either way you should probably tell the two companies the situation, there's really nothing here that they'd get mad about.
posted by bitdamaged at 11:45 AM on June 3, 2010 [1 favorite]