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Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Gqeberha Service Centre Pty Ltd

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On Saturday 23 March 2018, Mzwandile Nondala from Gqeberha Service Centre Pty Ltd answered the following questions:

Have you been part of an entrepreneurial support programme? Yes
Which one? The Hope Factory
Have you had a mentor? Yes
Who? Guy Cloete
What benefit did your mentor bring to your business? More understanding on keeping record on all finance.
What does your business do? Motor mechanic, towing services, roadside assistance, aluminum welding and cylinder-head skimming

How many years have you been in operation? More than 10
What percentage of your sales is to clients OUTSIDE of Nelson Mandela Bay? 20%
Why did you start your business? I used to work on a farm for about 12 years and had all the experience to start my own business to generate more income since i was being under paid.
What has been your biggest challenge so far? My biggest challenge was that i did not have enough finance to start the business but through hard work and having passion in working with cars I manage to get it off.
Your biggest success? My biggest success was that i manage to buy bigger equipment and a tow bakkie and we are now able to faster serve our customers
What is the one thing that made you realise being an entrepreneur was the right thing for you? Being able to employ 2 people permanently
What is your contribution to Nett Employment? 2 Jobs
Your best advice to other entrepreneurs wanting to take the leap? It is always very important to be part of your business and never give up and keep pushing hard
What pitfalls must others look out for? Make sure that your pricing is right and also not to over charge the customers as this may push them away.
What skill did you learn along the way that contributed the most to your business and why? Customer service is very important because if you don’t treat them well and with respect the business may sink.
What’s the most important thing you’re working on right now? Finding the right premises to work at with more safe space.
Who was your first client and what did you sell to them? Welding an exhaust pipe for a client
How did that first sale come about? The customer was on his way home to George when the exhaust broke and was referred to me by a friend of mine
What gets you out of bed in the morning? Passion for my work.
What inspired you to start your business? I loved working with cars and saw a need in the community since there wasn’t anyone doing mechanical work then in my area.
How do you advertise your business? Word of mouth, flyers and Facebook
What do you look for in an employee? Employee should feel happy and be treated fairly at all time.
Why do customers do repeat business with you? Good customer service and always make sure to do the best job at a short time frame
How many hours do you work on average per day? 12

Contact Gqeberha Service Centre Pty Ltd:

Telephone Number: (081) 791-1756
Address: 193 Songololo Street, Walmer, Port Elizabeth

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This author is a 'catch-all' for occasional articles and letters written to MyPE. The Author of each article can be found in the signature at the bottom of each individual article.