When did you start your own business and why?
“Due to the political situation in Zimbabwe, I moved to the UK in late 2005. I gave up my woodwork machinery business in the process and ended up having to start again as a pub manager. However, due to my continuing poor health, the breakdown of my marriage and struggling with depression, I was unable to hold down a full-time job.”
“I had a ‘eureka moment’ and found there was a niche market in metal polishing wheels”
“I knew I needed to find a job that would work around me and my health issues, rather than the other way around. And eBay held the answer!”
“I had a ‘eureka moment’ and found there was a niche market in metal polishing wheels. I got my laptop out, sat at my kitchen table and launched my business, Metal Polishing Supplies. I started importing polishing wheels to sell and the business grew from there. It was great to not only start doing my own thing again, but to also be supporting people back home in Zimbabwe.”
What was it like in the beginning?
“It’s an amazing feeling when you list something and it works! Every morning I would go on my laptop and see more and more orders coming through. I was managing everything at that point from a small one-bedroom flat – basically keeping the products in a cupboard and then packaging and sending them off to buyers.”
How did you grow the business?
“As my orders grew I started looking for additional suppliers, both locally and abroad. We have built a very strong supply chain and forming relationships face-to-face was an important part of that.”
“One thing I’ve had to learn is to let go. As the business grew, I needed to put people in place to help me. It was tough at first, as in the beginning you’re doing everything yourself and have full control. You need to learn to delegate and let people get on with it.”
“The business has now been up and running for more than a decade. I employ a great team of people and we have a global customer base, with 15-20% of our business coming from exports, plus resellers in both Germany and the Netherlands.”
“It has primarily grown through business-to-consumer (B2C) sales via eBay UK and we also have a B2B trade counter in the Portsmouth warehouse. We only spend around £300 on advertising each month, it’s all been down to word of mouth and positive reviews.”
“For me, starting my eBay business has been a great journey and my life has totally changed.”
“We also recently merged with an eBay competitor and took over their operations, so the business has grown that way too.”
“For me, providing exceptional customer service has always been key and that continues to be the foundation of the business today. We take pride in our business and in looking after our customers.”
What does the future hold?
“I have lots of ambitions for the business moving forward. I want us to become the go-to place for DIY metal polishing.”
“We have started manufacturing our own brand of metal polishing products, accessories and power tools called PRO-MAX. I’m planning to develop this brand further, by increasing the range of products to include additional metal working power tools and metal polishing products. We also plan to launch a new range of finer polishing tools, which will be suitable for intricate metal work.”
“And I believe there are still many more opportunities for the business internationally.”
“For me, starting my eBay business has been a great journey and my life has totally changed. I never dreamt the business would get to where it is today, and if we can replicate the success of the last decade in the next 10 years, that would be fantastic.”
“I do get frustrated, as I want to do more but sometimes I’m restricted by my health. Luckily, I have a great team in place and technology that allows me to see what’s happening, at any time and wherever I am.”
“While it’s always been important for the business to be profitable, I am not driven by money. I love what I do and I’m happy. It works for me and I couldn’t ask for more.”
