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Post by Mike Kelly on Oct 15, 2003 13:09:16 GMT -5
Due to the lack of interest - and the fact that the people at CafePress will not allow me to use the Toyota "T" symbol in any of my products, I have closed the store. It seemed like a good idea, but there was very little interest. I will still search for a free store (i had to pay CafePress) that will allow me to use the logo. Would you believe that they wouldn't even let me sell a sticker that said " www.ToyotaOffRoad.com" because it contained the word Toyota !! Bastards! |
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Post by snorkleman on Oct 15, 2003 13:31:29 GMT -5
What kinda crap is that... ;D
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Post by DeadlyPeace on Oct 15, 2003 18:54:15 GMT -5
Sounds like they're a bunch of F%#@ing morons.
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Post by 4xfred on Oct 20, 2003 18:57:48 GMT -5
;D Where am I going to get my X-mas presents from?! Bummer!!! Later...
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Post by DeadlyPeace on Oct 29, 2003 5:36:16 GMT -5
Hey Mike*
Any luck with search? 
Just had an idea for the new TOR store. I've got a friend....or actually an ex boss of mine that just started a screen printing shop about a year ago. I'll e-mail him and tell him what's up and see if we can work out some kind of deal.
Up date you when I hear back from him.
LATER 
PS. If so maybe we can even get something going before X-mas for 4xfred. ;D
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Post by DeadlyPeace on Oct 29, 2003 12:17:40 GMT -5
Mike*
Just e-mailed my friend and thought of another idea. If you want you could start up a new website for the store or add it on to the TOR website. That is if you and my buddy can work something out together. I know if you start a new site the domain name will cost money......Well I've got that covered if you want to go that route.
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Post by 4xfred on Oct 29, 2003 22:22:00 GMT -5
;D Thanks for the thought DEADLY!! ;D Later...
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Post by DeadlyPeace on Oct 29, 2003 23:07:30 GMT -5
Mike*
Jim, my friend, says it sounds like a good idea. So I’ll forward his email to you. Then you can email him with an idea of how you would like to work it. And see if you can work out some kind of deal.
BTW he also does other things like Mugs, Steins, Office Accessories, Clocks, Watches, Recognition Awards, and Bags so you can have a little more variatiy in what you want to sell.
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Post by L8sho2003 on Oct 30, 2003 19:54:32 GMT -5
why not check with the marketing people for Toyota North America. They should have certain guidelines for using their logo, but I'm sure they would realize that they were essentially getting free advertising.
I'll bet if we dig we can find a good place to start. I have been in advertising on and off for the last ten years and you'll be suprised at the response you can get from the big dogs if you give it a try. If this site and group of people in general don't support Toyota's interests I don't know what does. I will look around and see if I can find contact info for the Toyota people and If I find something I will E-mail it to you, Mike. Keep up the good work!
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Post by L8sho2003 on Oct 30, 2003 20:12:29 GMT -5
I just thought of something else. I can see the legal conflict if you are using the (what I call the sombrero) logo. On the other hand, toyotaoffroad.com is toyotaoffroad.com, not toyota (obviously not the same word). I would think that if toyota had a problem with your use of the name, you would have already heard from them. Unless you managed to sell a million dollars worth of shirts this year, and I'm assuming you didn't, It almost makes me mad that you are faced with this b.s. There are some means for contact on the main toyota site. You should give it a shot. You never know, you could end up with a nice arrangement. The problem is, who you get in touch with over there. Lawyers will be lawyers, but a marketing geek like me would run with it if you came to me. Think about what jeep has done with thier customer lifestyle promotions like camp jeep.
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Post by Mike Kelly on Oct 31, 2003 8:50:07 GMT -5
The issue with the store specifically is that CafePress does not want to be liable if Toyota complains. Most other sites will simply deny liablity and make you agree to a liablity statement. Problem is that no other sites create shirt AND decals/stickers. Lets face it, shirts are nice, but not really a big seller. You are more likely to spend $5 on a sticker than $20 on a shirt.
I did contact Toyota. They told me that I have to submit a written request to the legal department, but they have a lot of other things to deal with and she basically told me not to expect a response.
I will try though, or I will find a site willing to produce the product. I could have the shirts/hats/stickers made up just about anywhere, but I don't have the up front cash to get them all produced and take the chance that they don't sell. Sure you guys may buy 10 or so, but what about the other 90 of them? It took me a year and a half to unload 100 of the window decals.
I like offering stuff for the site, but I can't manage an inventory/shipping operation. That is why CafePress WAS perfect. They handled all of that.
But, I will continue the search. Meanwhile, if you guys come across anything, let me know!
Thanks,
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