Tony Tobenna Eromosele is the Managing Director, T&T Global Telecommunication. Fixing and selling of phones and accessories is his specialisation. The Microbiology graduate from the University of Jos, speaks more about this.
How did you start this business?
It was during my service in 2015 that I realised that there was no job because NYSC officials were constantly telling us that we should learn a skill through their entrepreneurship programme, that there is no job. So, I picked interest in phones but not actually repairs then. But after service, my sister told me that I should learn phone repairs since I am good at it.
While I was in school, I used to do little repairs of phones but I didn’t learn much. I trained on the hardware for four months and then I went for the software which comprises flashing, unlocking phones, among others. I learnt that for nine months in 2018 and then opened my shop in 2019.
Why are you not in the laboratory?
I read Microbiology but instead of being in the laboratory, I am here repairing phones because there are no jobs. But I am enjoying what I do now.
How has the business fared?
Though I am not working with my certificate, education is good, it will help you while doing the job. When I started, I was still in my father’s house and within one year I started the business, I was able to rent my own apartment. In fact, I am doing well. Within the first two months in this business, I realised the funds that could clear a six month rent. So far, the business has been very good.
What are the challenges in the business?
I would say customers are the major challenges because any slight mistake one makes while repairing phones, lands you in police station. Many customers will not tell you they don’t have a receipt for their phones or the phone is stolen and before you know what is happening, you will find yourself in the police station.
Also, you may flash a phone for a customer, but there is no guarantee. Some customers will ask you to pay, saying the phone was working well when they brought it.
What are your business strategies?
Trust is what is working for me. A customer once brought a phone for repairs, he told me he wanted to change the mouthpiece, but after he had left, I decided to make a call with it and I discovered it had no fault, so I took the phone to his office, when he gave me the money we bargained, I told him to keep his money that nothing was wrong with it. Today, with that singular act, he has brought many customers to me and all his colleagues are with me. So trust is the key to our kind of business.
What is your message to youths?
My advice to them is that they should learn extra skills even when they are educated that will put food on their table because there are no jobs. Extra skill is what is helping today, so they should learn that.
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