Modern existence has been shaped by the profound consequences of the Industrial Revolution, resulting in a mixture of challenges and advantages. Over time, living conditions have steadily improved, due to innovative inventions. Science and technology have concentrated on liberating humanity from the daily grind and monotonous tasks, exemplified by innovations such as the vacuum cleaner and washing machine.
Such inventions could not only manage the individual's investment of time but also facilitate the swift execution of the task.
Now, with the fourth phase of the Industrial Revolution/technological revolution, the disruption in the traditional service industry is of high magnitude and sudden change. The companies are now using technology to provide more personalized services to remain relevant in the competitive picture.
The nature of the business in the service industry is shifting to the personalization of services with an emphasis on individual needs. In our day-to-day lives, we often find ourselves stuck in a particular work of a different nature assigned to us.
Many times, the complexity of work irate us badly, and we are compelled to take the assistance of different solution providers. However, after taking the help of distinct people, things become more complicated.
For the assorted nature of jobs, we need a different set of providers. It is one of the reasons why people started looking for alternatives. These circumstances provided an opportunity for many innovative minds to come up with solutions.
One among those creative minds led to the establishment of a unique startup, QuickFix, which was concerned with providing a one-stop solution for many problems of day-to-day living.
In our candid chat with the founder of the company, Megha Vohra Babaycon, we asked some questions about her entrepreneurial journey, solutions offered by it, and underlying challenges.
The joint efforts of my late husband, Nadir Babaycon and I resulted in the incorporation of QuickFix. We wanted to provide a resolution to solve many quandaries of daily routines.
I, along with my husband, came to notice that there was a lack of professional services for household immediate care in the city. This came to our notice because of our personal experiences in day-to-day life.
Taking this into consideration, we thought of establishing our company to provide a one-stop solution for housekeeping, plumbing, electrical works, all kinds of upholstery cleaning, pest controls, façade cleaning, laundry, and overall maintenance of a private residence or commercial space.
With QuickFix coming in, we gave consumers a one-stop shop for solving all their domestic needs. It could be something as small as hanging a painting on the wall or cleaning car interiors.
We've established an open platform that allows consumers to submit their queries. Our company handles a wide range of requests, whether they are small, significant, or a combination of both, encompassing exterior and interior servicing. Our commitment is to fulfill these tasks, ensuring the complete satisfaction of our customers, regardless of their nature or size.
"I was raised in Kolkata and was, fortunately, able to experience living in different places such as London and the UAE. While living in Kolkata, household work and services always were somehow done.
However, there was a lot of pursuit behind it, from looking for the right vendors, trying and testing them, to my belongings being damaged and things not being their best, and finally, by the time the job finished, it would be tiresome.
During my time spent abroad, I learned that household services do not require so much chase and pursuit. Instead, it was as easy as making a one-point contact through a single number and seeing the job well done professionally by the end of it. Founding this company was merely for personal needs.
I put a team of professionals together and started using their services for myself first to see if they matched my levels of perfection. Finally, when people around me started asking for such professional services, I simply put my team out on the doorsteps of people to get the job done.
Then, only I ventured into the market based on the abilities of a bunch of skilled workers who had to match the high level of perfection when it came to finishing their job."
"I have always been a believer in- 'life goes on no matter what' and that 'setbacks are temporary'. My parents, Mr. Bipin Kumar Vohra and Mrs. Sanjukta Vohra, a power couple in the business world, have both struggled in life and started from scratch. The valuable lessons I've inherited from them, both in the realm of business and in life, have profoundly influenced my character and upbringing.
They imparted the wisdom that life continues to unfold, even in the face of the most significant setbacks. Their guidance emphasized the importance of conducting oneself with integrity, upholding moral values, and showing respect for every individual who contributes to your endeavours, regardless of their position in society. In their view, this path is not just rewarding but also filled with promising opportunities.
Even after the passing away of my husband, at the very early stage of the launch of the company, I managed to run the company with quite a dedication and devotion.
My late husband and I had handpicked our team from the lowest level to the top. Hence, it was like a family that stood by me in the most difficult of situations. Yes, I did have top executives leave the job overnight due to uncertainties they had in their minds, but my labourers and workers stayed and cooperated without a doubt! I could not give them a raise for 2 years, but it did not stop them from doing their work diligently. They continued to work day and night without any complaints.
I am ever so grateful to have them as a part of my team. Initially, I found it extremely challenging to run this unit and raise two kids by myself. However, I had to set an example for kids to make them understand that we were not going to let this be a setback for us but, instead, take this as an opportunity to become stronger.
Nevertheless, I am a strong believer in a family unit, be it inside your business or outside, and there was constant support from both ends. The journey of the company has been challenging in terms of business. As this company has so far functioned through references and word-of-mouth publicity, it wanted its professionalism to speak for it.
QuickFix established itself in Kolkata, where every household or office space has paid help. The only offset to that is it takes a lot of time, and sometimes the damages happen. People were very used to utilizing different vendors for various jobs.
I consider myself fortunate to have been surrounded by a group of determined women who have joined forces to lead and manage the company. Among them, two have experienced the loss of their husbands while simultaneously raising their families. This common bond has brought us together, enabling us to empathize with and support each other through our shared challenges.
The company has not lost sight despite various external economic factors like Demonetization, GST, etc. Moreover, Kolkata has the issue of a smaller target market since millennials with spending power usually move out of Kolkata for jobs. They are the ones who look for an efficient and hassle-free service."
As of now, many male employees who perform manual labour are assisting me. Being a woman, I am fervent to work for gender equality. To this end, I am working to bring more women on board who could perform the same manual labour work at par with the male workers.
Moreover, I am working to root out the hesitation from the grey cells of female workers. I would like women workers not to limit themselves when it comes to manual work, and I want to be able to encourage them to understand that they have equal strength and can utilize their strengths when it comes to any kind of job.
My foremost objective is to ensure that the organization plays a pivotal role in making that a reality.
We offer overall care of homes and offices from air conditioning maintenance to plumbing services, laundry to pest control, shining and brightening up space, and even sometimes sprucing up car interiors. We are developing an application, which is in its beta phase of testing, and the company is looking to create a web-based dashboard for ease of use along with a payment gateway.
Currently, we have integrated technology through a dedicated helpline service that answers and understands clients' inquiries. Moreover, the company very well maintains the hygiene services of spaces. We utilize specialized steam cleaners to steam clean and disinfect.
We also have our laundry production unit. Apart from this, the company provides door-to-door laundry services as well. First, we collect garments or household laundry, which is then sent to our processing unit, which is finally delivered to the customer.
What makes us apart from other than our services is that we are available at a one-point contact, and once on board, our company takes care of the rest. Our company reminds the clients of scheduled and due services. We keep our clients abreast of the required needs and the things to avoid.
We provide a comprehensive service tailored to each unique unit. Recognizing the individuality of each unit and the personalized nature of our relationships, we are dedicated to delivering the kind of services that I personally would seek, taking into account my inherent pursuit of perfection. Additionally, with QuickFix, consumers are contacted within the specified timeframe for their upcoming scheduled job.
The company fathomed the challenges of hiring because it is difficult to find skilled workers trained with high-end machines, etc. Thankfully, its sister organization runs its training school, where it encourages workers to keep their training levels updated and ongoing.
Wherever the company is today, it is because of the reason that it lets its work speak for itself. The company has not advertised much, but it got referrals from clients who appreciated their services.
We, in India, have too many creative services at our disposal. We can also try to solve them ourselves, but we are either lazy or not skilled for the job. We depend on street vendors to come to solve our daily living issues. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it backfires.
Our company is taking skilled vendors to polish their skills, enhance their knowledge and present them for services after they have been through a strong learning phase. Our target audience is anyone, domestic or commercial, who needs their space serviced and maintained without having to follow through with each job.
Our company is making space for consumer engagement through follow-ups & feedback, dedicated relationship managers, connecting with society by educating through demonstrations and trial services. We feel consumers should always try to compare.
We provide complimentary demonstrations that showcase the transformation before and after specific components of our service. This allows individuals to assess whether the service aligns with their specific requirements and represents a valuable investment for them.
Furthermore, we make an effort to engage with our customers through informative mailers, sharing insights on evolving technologies and offering practical advice on effectively managing their assets and infrastructure. This approach not only helps them save money but also prolongs the lifespan of their investments.
The company is also engaging with society by generating employment and imparting training from its in-house NSDC-certified trainers and consultants. Thus allowing rural youth to get skilled and get jobs.
However, client acquisition in terms of corporate is coming onboard. Therefore, we have seen growth in that area apart from growth in special one-team services during festive seasons. We are making full use of various online platforms to tap the market.
The company has ambitious plans to expand its presence nationwide, aiming to become the ultimate destination for daily requirements and concierge services. This includes everything from booking tickets to shopping assistance, offering styling services, providing on-the-go yoga instructors or fitness trainers, and even delivering calorie-counted meals right to your doorstep. QuickFix aspires to cover a broad spectrum, spanning domestic and corporate needs, wellness and lifestyle services, as well as everyday necessities.
The ideas are grand, and our ambitions are equally substantial, yet we remain committed to taking gradual steps to offer an extensive array of services. Our vision is to simplify daily living by envisioning a one-touch solution for nearly all our daily needs.
Taking the cue from the fact that we are not the same, our desires/ wants customize as per our requirements. This is exactly what makes the company unique.
The company recognizes that household and personalized services hold the potential to revolutionize the market. As time, convenience, and efficiency are paramount considerations for everyone. QuickFix is strategically positioned and well-equipped to seize this opportunity. We have devised a plan to establish mobile units in burgeoning clusters where individuals with such demands reside.
Richard Branson says:
"Train people well enough so they can leave, and treat them well enough, so they do not want to."
"My father always taught me that we are fortunate to be in the position of entrepreneurs. However, we must remember that we have this privileged position because of the people who slog day and night for minimum wage. So, show them respect and be human towards them. Hence, treat them like your own, stand by them when in need because in your tough times, they will be your rock.
In addition, work, business, and creating empires are all good, but our primary focus must be on ourselves and our physical and emotional health. We get so engrossed in making money and name that we forget to take care of ourselves and live our lives fully and deeply.
We end up taking relationships for granted, thinking we will have enough time to spend with family later. But the truth is nothing lasts forever so make that time now, strike a balance, and give back to society and nature. Be and feel whole and complete as a person first and then take on the world!
When life puts you in tough situations do not say, why me? Instead, say try me!"
