Week 7-8 Insights
1. Adtech Computer Sales & Services
Mr. Cuenca shared some of the challenges that the Adtech Repair Services faced. The business experiences fluctuation in the number of customers and sales, with high demand typically occurring in July and August and a decrease in September and October.
When it comes to laptop or computer repairs, Mr. Cuenca emphasized the importance of customer consent before opening any device, especially if it's under a manufacturer's warranty. Repairing a device from another store could void its warranty if the repair shop is not authorized, which is why obtaining the customer's approval is crucial.
He also mentioned that most of the printers he repairs are Epson models. He explained that while some repairs are manageable, others can be extremely time-consuming, and sometimes the effort isn't justified, as replacing certain models might be more efficient.
2. Zeemart Convenience Store
According to Ms. Patty, they encounter challenges with sales, experiencing low numbers during the mornings, while sales tend to be higher in the evenings. However, they also faced issues with customers fighting at night, which adds an extra layer of difficulty to their operations. Despite these challenges, they are planning to establish another store located in Jasaan.According to Ms. Patty, they encounter challenges with sales, experiencing low numbers during the mornings, while sales tend to be higher in the evenings. However, they also faced issues with customers fighting at night, which adds an extra layer of difficulty to their operations. Despite these challenges, they are planning to establish another store located in Jasaan.
3. PawsThru Pet Supplies
According to Ms. Angel and Mr. Julius, the ones we interviewed and in charge in the store, the problems they face include fluctuating sales, with some days experiencing low numbers while others are quite high. They also shared with us that, to improve their service, the staff needs to attend seminars to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for the store. Also, the reason why Ms. Marianne chose to start this business is because of her love for dogs, which drives her passion for providing quality pet supplies.
4. Loretta's Empanada
Ms. Dawn shared with us during our interview that the journey of Loretta's Empanada began with her grandmother, who started selling empanadas by bringing them to neighborhood gatherings. People enjoyed the treats and began requesting orders, which eventually led to the start of her grandmother's empanada business. This rich history fuels Ms. Dan’s passion for continuing the tradition and expanding the family legacy. And that also results in the logo that represents the face of her grandmother, honoring her legacy.
She also said that in her family, none of her relatives are interested in continuing the business due to the demanding nature of the work involved in making the empanadas, leaving her as the only one dedicated to it. She believes there is more potential in this business compared to their family’s other ventures, and she has also given ways to her siblings about their family business.
One of the challenges they face is managing supplies, as high demand often exceeds the limited space in their store. To mitigate this, they have implemented a pre-order system. Ms. Dan also mentioned that some customers perceive their empanadas, priced at 35 pesos, as a bit expensive. However, she explained that the ingredients and preparation processes are not easy, resulting in a profit margin of around 50%. And she said that their empanadas are priced to be accessible for everyone to try.
5. GadgetPro Repair Services
Mr. Arjo, the owner and the one we interviewed, said that the typical challenges they face include dealing with unsatisfied clients and complaints. He said these issues are normal and inevitable in any business, but especially in repairs, where not all device issues can be fixed. Some customers have high expectations due to the shop's visibility on Facebook, expecting that every problem with their devices can be fixed, which is not always possible.
He also shared with us that he chose this line of work because repairing devices is both his hobby and passion. The repair industry, he explained, is fast-paced and profitable, especially for those with the necessary skills and talent. Over the years, he also invested in time training his staff, helping them improve their repair skills and knowledge to better support the business and meet customer expectations.
- J
