How Would You Handle This Vegan

[Mike516]

I just made my 2016 post on a dog forum I belong to showing my collars.

This lady replies and asks, do I make pleather items because she's an "ethical vegan".

I don't want to get nasty with her, but I think she isn't looking to buy a pleather collar, she likely just wanted to turn off potential customers by pointing out I use cowhide.

I already said pleather can be toxic to animals, but I feel like I want to say more. Would you all let this go and just move on, or would you take this further?

I'm pretty aggravated about this but beyond what I already did I don't know what else to do.

[Dwight]

I have no experience with pleather, . . . but I would not hesitate for one instant: getting together the facts and figures about the manufacture of pleather, it's contents, it's toxicity, . . . as well as pointing out that the leather most of us use is a by product of meat growers, . . . and by using the "cast off's" of another industry, we are indeed being better stewards of the planet.

But then again, . . . she'd a nut case, . . . and will most likely twist and spin the whole topic until you become Attila the Hun / Jeffery Dahmer.

Good luck.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Mike516]

That's what I'm afraid of. I have no intention of becoming an expert on something like pleather, so I don't want to get into a debate with someone who feels the need to make passive aggressive comments veiled as interest. I don't know how bat$41t crazy she is. And I don't want to come across as an a-hole either. I'm stumped.

[TinkerTailor]

Say this:

"I work in the materials that are traditionally used for dog collars, leather and metal, and have been proven for centuries as the most durable option available. I do not work in synthetic materials, as their production is harmful to the environment. There are less durable vegan options available on the market in canvas and other natural materials, however I am not set up to deal with these materials at this time. Thank you for your inquiry"

[Mike516]

Say this:

"I work in the materials that are traditionally used for dog collars, leather and metal, and have been proven for centuries as the most durable option available. I do not work in synthetic materials, as their production is harmful to the environment. There are less durable vegan options available on the market in canvas and other natural materials, however I am not set up to deal with these materials at this time. Thank you for your inquiry"

This is perfect. I replaced my reply to her with this, thank you. Let's see if she has something to say about it.

[byggyns]

I'd point out that if she was such an "ethical vegan" she should not support the synthetic processes needed to make the imitation leather products she wants, and the vitamins she has to take in order to not die of malnutrition as a vegan. Both require large industrial facilities that use mined / drilled raw materials.

Veganism is pretty idiotic. I can say vegitarianism has at least some basis in reality (still think it's dumb), but healthy veganism is only possible with modern synthetic industrial nutrition supplements.

[Mike516]

I believe she only posted to point out her moral superiority and by doing so try and put people off my product. Arguing with her is going to be unproductive and even if I win an argument, I will still lose.

The days of speaking your mind end when you start a business. People get offended by everything these days, I can only imagine the outrage starting an argument with a nutcase, forget about the unprofessionalism.

No, I have to try and be as nice as possible without seeming like I am being patronizing. I have a gift for sarcasm but that won't work either. If even one person sees through it, I'll be screwed.

[TinkerTailor]

This is perfect. I replaced my reply to her with this, thank you. Let's see if she has something to say about it.

No prob.

You are right, while this could be a genuine inquiry, it could be a setup and is outside the scope of your business anyways. No need to provoke.

I am also a sarcastic ass, I even frequently wear a shirt that says "Sarcasm is just one of the services i offer"

I have learned, as have you it seems, that sarcasm can turn around and bite you real bad if used in print. You no longer have the ability to give the sly grin and careful intonation that makes it funny in person......

Edited January 15, 2016 by TinkerTailor

[Mike516]

Once it's in print, it's hard to say you didn't say it. Once it's in print on the interwebs, you're stuck with it forever.

Like you say. sarcasm is best in person anyway. Not always funny though, even with the sly grin. It really depends on your position in the convo I suppose.

My wife tells me if I'm sarcastic all the time, no one will ever take me seriously. I pointed out that she was thinking of the boy who cried wolf. She thanked me for clearing that up, but I could swear I heard her roll her eyes when she said it.

[billybopp]

Reminds me of the old question: You go to a party, and there are two vegans in the crowd. How do you know which ones they are?

THEY'LL FREAKIN' TELL YOU.

Bill