Is hiring a sign holder for advertising your business then placing him in front of your competition legal?

RickJ · 29-04-08

I run a pizza business and another pizza store who is my competitor is next door. I want to hire a sign holder to advertise my store and have him stand on the sidewalk right infront of my competitor's store. Would I run in to any legal trouble? We both hate each other, for example he called the cops 30 seconds after I parked in the handicap. Can I also have the sign holder hold the sign towards people as they go into the competitors store? I plan to hire the sign holder to advertise my store right in front of his for 8 hours a day everyday.An example of a message on the sign would be "<-- Cheaper pizzas this way <-- "A sign holder is the same as those guys you see on the street corner. I am in the state of California.Yes, I would make sure that the sign holder doesn't get in the way of anybody that wants to go into the competitor's store and stay on the sidewalk (public property)

Citicop · 29-04-08

If he is on public property, and not interfering with people who want to go into the other store, you should be fine.Be ready for him to put someone in front of YOUR store.

amandap · 29-04-08

yeah i dont think thats illegal. if it is.. u can play stupid... i dont think anyones ever heard of a law like that. thats funny tho.. go for it!!

jamesfentress44 · 29-04-08

Check with the city hall for ordinances pro or con to your plans. I'm sure they vary from city to city.

BIKERDUDE · 29-04-08

don't do it dude..he might go off the deep end..try having someone in front of your store handing out free samples to his walk ins. If your pizza really is better..not just cheaper..you will take some of his customers.

numerouno · 30-04-08

you should be careful they can declare you are a terrorist nowadays for just about anything you do that is out of place

kaiser67210 · 30-04-08

That I know of, ity is'nt illegal BUT it is in very poor taste and be prepared for retaliation (which will probably escalate).

KW6269 · 30-04-08

It would be legal. HOWEVER, with both of you hating each other I could see a possible lawsuit.For example - your sign says you have cheaper pizzas. So, without YOU knowing this, he changes his price to make HIS pizzas cheaper than yours. If he wants to be a real A $ $ about it, you could sue YOU for FALSE ADVERTISMENT. Will it happen? Depends on how much he hates you. Should you do this, sure...should you put something else on the sign besides what you are planning on YES!!!So, where is my FREE pizza??? I love me some pizza.