Mobile & Electronics Repair Shop

What worked

Strong brand support, competitive pricing, attractive offers, effective marketing strategies, comprehensive training for staff, and continuous sales drive support from the franchisor.

What went wrong

Starting a mobile business independently without proper guidance can lead to significant challenges in setting up the showroom, managing finances, obtaining vendor codes for various brands, and understanding market dynamics and product movement. Misguidance can also lead to failure.

Lesson

Franchising with the founder provides comprehensive support from day one, including professional showroom setup, financial tie-ups, brand vendor codes, stock management, and continuous sales training and support. This significantly reduces the learning curve and challenges faced by independent entrepreneurs.

Their advice

Confidently invest in the the founder franchise as it offers unparalleled support and opportunity in the mobile retail sector.

Recognize that the mobile industry is future-proof, with increasing demand even from younger generations.

What worked

Expansion mindset, focus on customer service, offering a wide range of services beyond just mobile sales (accessories, recharge, money transfer, SIM activation), maintaining discipline in store operations, building trust with customers through recommendations

What went wrong

Lack of involvement, not opening stores on time, not offering a wide range of services, focusing only on profit, not adapting to market changes (like online competition)

Initially believed Android phones wouldn't sell well in his shop after a difficult first sale.

Lesson

Involvement in business is crucial. Focus on customer service and providing a wide range of offerings. Maintain discipline in operations. Don't be deterred by online competition as offline stores still have a strong demand. Expanding branches is a key strategy for growth and leveraging brand support.

Their advice

Be fully involved and committed to your business.

Focus on providing excellent customer service, not just profit.

What worked

Transparency in offers and terms, good relationship with dealers.

What went wrong

Lack of transparency in offers, sudden changes in terms and conditions, poor communication with dealers.

Mukesh Ambani's mistake with Jio was announcing a phone offer without clearly stating all conditions upfront, leading to customer and dealer backlash.

Lesson

Always be clear and transparent with customers and dealers about terms and conditions from the beginning to avoid negative opinions and maintain brand value.

Their advice

Always be clear and upfront with customers about all terms, conditions, and costs associated with your products or services.

Ensure that your business practices do not inadvertently cause problems or damage the reputation of your dealers.

What worked

Offering more profitable services that bring good-quality clients; strong head office reporting/support

What went wrong

Lack of manpower/support (service businesses cannot operate without manpower)

Lesson

Achieved break-even this month; thin-margin belief in the compute industry is a myth when offering profitable services

Their advice

Consider a franchise model for new businesses to leverage established brand support, training, and operational frameworks, reducing initial risks.

Focus on providing excellent service, as customers are willing to pay for quality service, which is a major differentiator in the market.

What worked

Self-interest, basic English reading comprehension, and basic computer operation knowledge are crucial for success in mobile service training. The institute's hands-on practical training, focus on current technology, and continuous support for students also contribute to their success.

What went wrong

Lack of self-interest and being forced into the training by others will lead to failure. Not having basic English reading comprehension and basic computer operating knowledge can also hinder learning and updating skills.

Lesson

The mobile service industry is constantly evolving, requiring continuous updates to curriculum and teaching methods. Practical, hands-on training with live sets and a focus on fault finding are crucial for students to gain confidence and competence. Adapting to new technologies like CPU swapping, board swapping, and advanced diagnostics is essential to remain competitive. Providing comprehensive support, including accommodation for out-of-town students and ongoing assistance after course completion, enhances the learning experience and student success.

Their advice

Learning mobile service can be a good revenue-making model if approached as a business opportunity.

A long-term perspective and foundational learning are crucial for success in the mobile service industry.