Does this give me an enough of a competitive advantage?

[omarh0]

Hey there guys!

I'm 20 years old, business student, since I was young, I have been very creative and I've always been thinking outside of the box, so I would like to get your suggestions and comments about this situation im currently at, I have recently opened a business in Egypt: Its a catering kind of business that basically deals with chocolate fountains.

My strong competitor is called 'La Praline' located in Egypt. I am starting this business some-how small, but by thinking everyday and innovating I have come to including better-service, and almost the same prices as they rent for.

I cater chocolate fountains (with tremendous flavors such as peanut butter, white, dark, milk chocolate, caramel, and soon in a couple of days: butterscotch, hazelnut cream, apple&caramel sauce, mocha chocolate, coffe chocolate, halawa sauce).

My father owns an italian restaurant since 1986, we have amazing chefs that can innovate and do all this flavorings, I have shown great success at catering (around 15 parties now). and I have recently discovered this competitor that shows better pricing than I used to sell for, with alot larger chocolate fountains.

I will show you a package comparing between me and that competitor, please tell me if this is ENOUGH to be chosen if a customer is placed to choose between me and him:

MY FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/thefountainstation

MY PRICING LIST: UPLOADED AS PICTURES.

http://i62.tinypic.com/2eamihl.png
http://i57.tinypic.com/2drw5t1.png
http://i57.tinypic.com/2ia6i2u.png
http://i58.tinypic.com/a0cluf.png

COMPETITOR WEBSITE: pralinechocolatier (http://www.pralinechocolatier.com/)

COMPETITOR CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN PRICING: pralinechocolatier (http://www.pralinechocolatier.com/chocolate-fountain.php)

[tfot]

I don't know a lot about catering or chocolate fountains but as an on-looker I can see an advantage that your competitor has already; bigger fountains. People don't want to be getting too close to chocolate fountains in case their clothes, hands or anything else happens to swing into the chocolate. The smaller fountains are usually the culprit for this where as the big fountains have plenty of space no to do this, the table round the fountain holding the food also gives people security of not being too close.
That's just my opinion, other than that I'd suggest a website as it can come across as more professional than a social media page. Defiantly looks like a tasty business though :), good luck.

Tfot.

EDIT:

Also building a custom fountain or 2 may help as it would be fun for clients and show that you are professional enough to custom/create your own equipment.

[Gustav-Dam]

as you are very young, and thinking a lot. i would like to advise you to set some limits to the innovation.
in start focus on establishing your name as emerging/alternative option, then outclass your competitors with innovation & quality

[HooktoWin]

Hi omarh0,

Unfortunately, this doesn't give you a competitive advantage.
Competitive advantage comes from uniqueness (also known as the value proposition, unique selling proposition, etc.)

Here's a few of the criteria your Uniqueness needs to meet to give you a competitive advantage.


It can only be said about you.
Your uniqueness is something that can be measured or quantified.
Is something customers care about (and are willing to pay for).
It solves a problem e.g. emotional, physical, situational, etc.
Can be protected legally via intellectual property laws.


Saying things like "we guarantee your satisfaction" is not unique. Our "we have bigger fountains and a wider selection", none of these things are unique.

Here are a few examples of genuine Uniqueness.


FedEx: When it absolutely, positively has to be there overnight.
M&M: Melts in your mouth not in your hand.
Domino's Pizza: You get a fresh, hot pizza delivered to your door in 30 minutes or it's free.


See how their Uniqueness is clear and specific? Did you notice that each of these solved a problem customers were willing to pay more for?
If you're looking to create competitive advantage this is the sort of Uniqueness you need.

The more general/generic your Uniqueness, the less likely customers are to buy (on the basis of that Uniqueness).