Expanding the Hardware Store Soon

I have been managing my own hardware business here in Mexico since my father passed away and handed over the business to me since I graduated in college sometime in 2004. I was supposed to go to New York and become one of those snotty office professionals, but I stayed because everything that matters to me are here—my growing family, friends, hobbies that I can never do in the city like car racing, etcetera. I was a computer science graduate from a good school but now, I just apply what I learned by managing the small website of my hardware store.

In the beginning of my takeover, the hardware just sold what my father considered as staple products like concrete nails, padlocks, hollow blocks, electronic materials, tiles, extensions, faucet, among others. But the locals and other visiting clients from nearby towns have always tried to convince me to expand and offer more motoring needs like spare parts. I was hesitant at first because I am already busy with orders here and there, and I do not have a trusted supplier for what they need.

 Until my cousin Jeremy told me that he knows a company in Singapore that actually ships Nissan spare parts and other products that we often need here in Mexico. Jeremy often travels to Asia as he works for a big car shop in our hometown as a marketing manager. He told me to check out the brochure he brought, which gladly included the website where the some products like Renault diesel engine parts are available. It’s great to know that they cater to clients even if means that they have to deliver as far as crossing the Pacific. I immediately checked the website and noted the contact numbers of their sales team so I could inquire more. It did not take too long and I found myself making a long-distance call right away. After the major inquiries I had with the sales man, we just coordinated through e-mail for orders. It’s cheaper that way.  And I was given a pretty good deal. That was the start of a grander vision I have for my modest hardware store.

 Luckily, the distributor also has ntn bearing (which my client Mike, who has a shop that fixes trucks and used cars) in their Singapore warehouse.   A lot of my patrons have been asking before if I could sell affordable spare parts for Nissan and Renault trucks and I feel saddened every time I tell them that it is not my niche.

I was very pleased that there is a big discount for bulk orders and the delivery won’t be as long. I know some shops too in the US who cater to these needs but I trust the quality of this company because I have read all the good words and testimonies about their products and services. It would be a good selling point too to highlight that my products are imported from Asia.

So, I have widened my selections of products and this needs more space. I might have the store renovated to provide more room for the orders I made. It can be costly but taking from my estimated profit after making more products available, I could cover the cost in a year’s time.

I do not feel that my decision to stay in Mexico was wrong in any way. I do not want to be one of those people who live out of luxury and yet their bank accounts are almost zero. In managing my own business, I am my own boss and I control my own time. I am no slave to anyone. The best part is, I meet a lot of people from different walks of life—and make great friends along the way.