PDF files and should I change contact info?

pdf files

[sborder]

Our website features some products which the manufacturing (importing) company sells online also.

Many of these products have pdf specification sheets that give details about the product and contact information about the manufacturer.

Assuming you have the manufacturer's permission would there be any advantage to taking out their contact info and replace it with ours?
The thinking by some in our company is that customers can use the contact information in the pdf file to contact the manufacturer and purchase the product from them instead.

Personally, I believe it's a waste of time to go through and take out their contact information and replace it with ours. I know if I wanted to contact the manufacturer, not having the contact information in a pdf file would not stop me.

The only possible positive part may be some value in organic SEO for having our contact information on the page and in the ownership areas of the document.

Thoughts?

Steve

[sun818]

There is already a conflict of interest when a manufacturer is selling direct to the consumer. What are you offering in value that differentiates you from the manufacturer. If there is nothing of value you can add, then there's no point in selling online.

[mattia]

If the manufacturer would sell the product at the same price to your customer, what advantage do they have to come to you?

Customers have to realize that coming to you is a better deal, since for example you bu wholesale and they get a much better price than they would if they would directly to the manufacturer.

[sborder]

The manufacturer is selling more at the retail price and we sell a bit lower.

But my question was more toward the practice of replacing the manufacturers contact information on the pdf file with our company contact information.

[sun818]

If the manufacturer made them, don't steal it. Replacing the contact information is not that different from stealing the content from an entire domain and putting it on another.

[sborder]

The manufacturer has given us permission.

[Planet13]

How much time would it take to replace the info with your contact info?

and also, I hope this isn't a stupid question, but have you asked the manufacturer if they have any "non-branded" versions of the pdf file to make your life easier? Maybe they have them in the word / whatever original format?

[Marshall]

Just throwing this out as I do not know the answer. But if you put your contact information on a specs sheet, are you amusing any liability and responsibility as to whether or not the specifications are met? In other words, would it make you a potential co-defendant in any action against the manufacturer. Just something to think about.

My thought is remove it, but do not substitute your own information if you do edit the page.

Marshall

[sborder]

Time wise a dozen or 2 wouldn't take long, we have 500 or so. Unbranded sounds interesting, think I'll check that out.

From a liability point I'm not sure but it's worth checking out. Better now than when it's to late.

Thanks for the ideas!

Steve