Sanjay

I stopped studying after completing the 10th grade. After that, my friend and I started a CD shop where we rented out CDs, TVs, and other things. We ran the shop for about 3-4 years, providing services like repairing TVs and renting out CDs/DVDs. During that time, it was common for people to rent TVs, but our business wasn't doing well. We tried running it for another 1-2 years, focusing on DVD players and TVs, but the demand decreased. Eventually, the business failed because almost every household already had a TV and there was no need to rent one. After that, I decided to quit and in 2005, I started working in the mobile servicing field. It has been more than 15 years since then.

After the DVD and TV rental business died down, I entered the mobile servicing business. Mobile servicing involves repairing and preparing mobile phones. We fix damaged mobile phones that customers bring to us.

At my store, I sell accessories like chargers, headphones, and Bluetooth devices to those who need them. Additionally, I offer repair services for mobile phones. I provide servicing and fixing for customers who bring in their mobile phones. Mobile servicing is my primary service. I also have mobile chargers and headphones available for sale at my store.

I decided to sell chargers and headphones because I noticed that many shops in the market were selling accessories and making a profit. I saw this trend in the market, especially on SP Road where there are many wholesale shops. Since everyone buys from there, I decided to purchase my goods from there as well. There is a mobile showroom nearby that also sells accessories like tempered glass and mobile pouches for safety. They focus on maximizing their profit when they have customers, so I thought I could do the same. By selling accessories, I can buy a charger for 100 rupees and sell it for 150 rupees or 130 rupees, making a profit. That's the idea I came up with.

In the beginning, when small keypad mobiles were available, I got the idea to become a mobile technician who can fix them. At that time, there were no mobile servicing shops around, just 1 or 2 in the entire area. So, if someone dropped their phone in water or on the ground, or if the display broke, we would go there. It happened to us too, right? Realizing that this could be a profitable business in the future, I decided to learn it and make a living from it. That's why I learned it. I asked a friend and took a 6-month course for simple servicing. After completing the course, I made some progress.

When Reliance started selling mobile phones for 500 rupees, everyone got a mobile phone. Even street cart owners got one too. It was clear that there would be a demand for mobile phone repairs because in the future, everyone would have a mobile phone. I realized this in 2004. One day, I accidentally dropped my mobile phone and the mic and speakers stopped working. I took it for repairs. While watching the repair process, I thought, "Why can't I learn to do this?" That's why I decided to learn it. I made up my mind to do something in this field.

I wanted to run my own business. I had an interest in the clothing business, but I didn't have the capital or money to invest in a shop. That's why I chose the mobile servicing field. There was a shop here in the BDA Complex that belonged to a friend, so I started working at my friend's shop. Then, in 2008-09, I rented a shop in Ilyas Nagar on my own. I ran the business there for a while, and then I moved here. It has been 10-12 years since I moved here. The business went down in my previous shop, and it wasn't successful. But it's the same situation here.

The reason my previous shop didn't do well is because there are too many shops in the area. Every street has 2-3 shops, including mobile repair shops and others. The rent also increased, and I couldn't afford the high rent. That's why I moved here.

In my job, I enjoy repairing mobile phones. This includes replacing broken displays and fixing phones that are not working properly.

I spent 6 months at the BDA Complex where my friend taught me. During that time, the fee was around 5,000 rupees, and I paid it.

I had previously listed my shop online, but I have now removed it. Specifically, I had listed it on Justdial. What I mean is that I had created a website for my shop. There was someone who had listed it on a website. The website was active for 6 months, but then it was cancelled. There was someone, someone who specializes in building websites. Yes, they created a website for my shop and assured me that it would be available online, specifically on Google. They mentioned that they would publish it. Yes, they showed it to me. They simply listed it and explained that if someone were to search for it, my shop would appear in the search results. Potential customers could then visit my shop or contact me. This happened around 2015, more specifically in 2015-2016. Unfortunately, the website is no longer available, I believe it has been shut down. I have checked and it is no longer accessible.

Customers see the sign outside and come to my shop. If someone is passing by and needs something, they see the shop and come in. I don't do anything else to attract customers to my shop. There are also regular customers. My friends know what I do, right? So I get customers through word of mouth.

There are no discounts for servicing. Occasionally, people negotiate, which is acceptable. If they make me an offer, I will accept a lower amount and consider it a discount. For example, if the quoted price is 500, sometimes I am willing to accept 350 or 400.

I build trust with my customers by simply talking to them. It is up to them whether they trust me or not. During our conversation, I discuss common topics. For instance, if a customer comes to me to get their phone's display fixed, I assure them of our excellent service and promise to do a good job. If they trust me, they will leave their phone with me. Otherwise, they will choose not to proceed.

competition is everywhere. Every lane has 3-4 shops. They will get whatever income is destined for them and customers meant for me will come to my shop.

I purchase mobile phone parts from the HP Road market. I visit different shops to find the best discount and buy from the shop with the lowest price. Since all the shops offer the same quality, there is no need to compare. Before making a purchase, I inspect the products for any defects right there in the shop. Usually, a quick visual inspection is enough. For example, if it's a display, I check for any damages. Sometimes, I even ask the shop to test a part by turning it on. I buy various components such as mobile displays, microphones, speakers, etc. And yes, I test them before making the purchase.

If there are no customers, why would I go to buy parts? I go myself to purchase the parts and bring them with me. I go on a bicycle.

Earlier, business was thriving. However, with increased competition, business has declined. Everywhere you go, there are numerous shops in every lane. This saturation has led to fewer customers for each shop. This was the situation before COVID-19. Now, business is at an all-time low. It's difficult to say for sure. Some claim that business is still good, but it ultimately depends on whether customers choose to visit or not.

Let's say I earned 1,000 or 2,000 today and spend it. I don't keep track of my accounts. So I handle my money day by day. Once today is over, I'll think about tomorrow, tomorrow. I don't write anything down or use any software.

When it comes to my business, if I don't know something about a mobile phone, I search for it on Google. I search for everything. If there's a problem with the board, I search for the model number and find out what kind of board or IC it has. Then, I search for information about it. I do a lot of research on how new mobile phone models work, and it helps me a little. For example, a mobile phone's motherboard has a power IC and a CTO IC. I find information on how they are put together.

Sending pictures to customers is sometimes necessary. I may send my picture if needed. After fixing a phone, I will take a picture of it and send it. This picture is sent only to the customer once the phone is completely ready.

A lot of things happen online. For example there’s Flipkart. No one gets their phone fixed now. They buy a new phone, they can also use the EMI option. I suffer losses because of that.

It will be as Allah wishes, madam, if I have to run the shop after 5 years. It's better if no one looks after it because I myself am also bored of it. This business is no longer enjoyable. It's not like before, that's why the profit was better earlier, but now it's lesser. What can I say? It's reduced, that's all.