By Larry Teren
It’s not every day that a solid business opportunity comes into the in-box of my email program. That is, one that has not already been placed into the spam folder before I have a chance to decide if it is legitimate or not. After all, it is not some influential businessman from Nigeria who is contacting me. No, this guy has it all worked out, carefully avoiding the scheme that asks me to cash his check and keep a certain percentage for doing him such a big favor.
And his salutation is so simplistic but eloquently put. Aw, what the heck- read the letter:
“Greetings,
I would like to discuss a business proposal that has the potential for significant earnings.
I am currently employed with a privately held manufacturing company. My company has demand for a specific material that is vital to its processing operations. We are currently purchasing this material at a price well over the manufacturing cost.
I would like to explore the possibility of having you stand-in as a new supplier, providing this material while retaining the same profit margins. My role would be to introduce you to my company, as the supplier, and to obtain a contract between you and my employer. I have already discussed sourcing possibilities with the existing manufacturer, leaving room for attractive profit margins. What is still required in order to materialize this venture is an individual who is at arm’s length to oversee these supply chain transactions. The required capital to purchase our initial order from the manufacturer will be funded strictly from myself and no additional investment will be required from yourself. With that said, we can discuss terms and commission structure in the near future.
I understand that your experience with does not directly relate to my field. However, this venture is more in line with your personal capabilities rather than your professional experience.
Please send a return email to verify your contact number and to schedule the most convenient time to discuss these possibilities in detail. I look forward to speaking with you soon.”
Okay, so he made a couple of syntactical mistakes- who doesn’t? I ‘d like to be in on the planning sessions where the ‘brains’ put together these type of emails. It would also be so fabulous to know how many people actually respond- either as a lark or because they are conned into believing these convoluted tales.
Hmmm.. I just noticed the reply-to email address. It emanates from a Canadian domain. That explains it- they are trying to sucker punch our economy because we Americans (the real ones) have held onto the Stanley Cup Trophy for professional hockey excellence for the past few years.
I think I am going to send out a slew of emails to our neighbors to the north explaining how they can have the Stanley Cup visit them for a day at a reasonable price (ahem.. U.S. Money only).They have to wire the money in advance and then I’ll explain how they can come and pick up the trophy. Yeah, that’s the ticket.