Consistency and quality form one of the best combinations or businesses to prosper. In fact, capital investment and revenues can take a backseat (when it comes to planning) if these aspects are planned and executed well. Be it the Tatas or the Godrejs or Ambanis for matter, this combination has been a common link between all.
Something similar was observed in case of Metro Laundry, one of the oldest and consistent businesses in Kalina area of the city.
Started by Mr. Bageshwar Kanojia, a migrant of Uttar Pradesh, the laundry commenced its operations with an initial investment of Rs. 2500 in the 1960s. Today, they boast of offering the best services in the vicinity despite tough competition from almost 13 other laundry services there.
“We try to be a blend of quality and honesty. If any customer comes to me for a dry cleaning service, we tell it to him/her that there might be chances of the cloth’s colour fading but results are assured. That ensures my customers that atleast the job would be well done despite the minor risk involved” says Ramvilas, son of Kanojia, who now runs the business for over thirty years.
Their services range from washing, dry cleaning, rolls press and the most commonly known, ironing clothes. People using these services, ideally, should be going up now, but it isn’t.
When Ramvilas took over the reins in the 80s, he says that a lot of people had just tried to open up to such services. Increased standard of living amongst people post 90s, led to a steep increase in their business activities which went on for a decade. That is when this sector saw increased professionalism. “We divided the work into different departments [who did different works such as washing, drying etc.]. Workers tried to be specialised in what they did” he says.
The labourers involved to perform tasks come under the ambit of the labour laws and are entitled to stipulated stipend by the owners. For instance, the ironing men are entitled to a minimum salary of Rs. 2500 per month. Abiding by the laws also became one of the primary things for establishing this business.
During this boom, another thing that was done in anticipation of the times to come was to have higher service rates than the others in the area. “The idea being that quality comes along with such measures. Plus we anticipated prices to go up in the times to come” says Ramvilas.
And post 2000s, the sector stated declining. Self dependency increased. Home appliances witnessed a boom in their sales which led to lessened use of services provided by this sector. “Business started incurring losses post the new millennium. Now people only come for basic services as ironing. The rest has seen a fall, if not very huge, but to some extent” adds Ramvilas.
Kalina was also one of the worst affected during the deluge of 26th July. But the shop was safe thanks to its placement on a higher altitude than others. Also, Ramvilas won a lot of accolades from the army and the state government for his rescue efforts in Air India school, despite lack of knowledge to swim. [Rescuing 167 people and fishing out 11 dead bodies].
As brave as that act was, another question stands unanswered for- the future. With the decline of the business in providing other services, the questions over its sustainability have been raised. “My son doesn’t want to take over. He has done his MBA and plans to start something else. As far as I am going to be here, this shop won’t shut. Only time will tell” concludes Ramvilas.
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