Strange prospect call

what do you think of this?

[moltar]

I got a call from a guy and he said that he has a home renovation company and needs a database (no specifics). We agreed on a meeting tomorrow 10 AM.

After a bit of research online, I found out that he owned a domain that is still listed in some web directories as a "software design company". The domain is now expired and owned by someone else and parked.

After a bit more research I found his new venture. It goes under "Consulting and IT services". As a part of their services they also offer website development, but also offer IT support, etc... All sorts of computer services. The domain is a very good, internet related, dictionary word .ca domain. Would have been hard to catch that one. But the site looks unprofessional and stale. Uses frames.

He also owned another major keyword .ca domain, which is now expired.

One thing I didn't find is any home renovation information.

Do you think that he is just fishing for information?

Should I bring up my findings during the meeting and ask him straight up?

[HRoth]

It sounds like he wants to learn from you how to meet with his customers. I think I would first see if he explains it himself, and if he does not, then you have to decide if you want to bring it up yourself or not.

In retail it is not that uncommon for a competitor to go incognito and buy something from you in order to see how you handle various aspects of the sale. This sounds like the same thing to me.

[etechsupport]

I think you should clear your doubt straight up asking him.

[harry_wales]

If he's any good at business, and is expecting to find that you are good at your business, then he will expect you to have done your homework on him prior to the meeting. So show him that you have done your homework and bring it up right at the start.

If he then balks in anyway, or offers excuses that simply don't add up when compared to what you have discovered, then end the meeting there and then. Your time is far too valuable to waste it on people just fishing for info.

If all he wants is to pick your brains, then let him book you for a consultation which would be fee paid.

[stuntdubl]

I would vote definitely to call him on it too. Clients want honesty, and you deserve the same in return. Something smells, and I would definitely find out how it all fits together. It may just be a situation that there is an unforseen explanation for.

Give them the benefit of the doubt, but certainly be sure they clarify. You can waste a lot of time on prospects that are not truly prospects if you don't highly value your time.

[inbound]

This looks to me as if the guy has ideas but can't follow through for some reason, possibly an opportunity to do a joint venture with his very good domain (if you want to).

Think about his financial position too, he let a good domain lapse, his previous business didn't work out. I suspect he doesn't have the money to pay you properly, even if he is serious.

Definately bring up what you know, but give him a chance to explain himself first. If he doesn't bring up what you know then you can be straight with him and say you want to work on the project but are concerned about what you have found.