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| The Window lady is a bloke. |
Thabang’s unconventional business venture: Having spotted a gap in the market, Thabang Mazibuko took advantage and launched his own window washing company. Mazibuko set out to provide an innovative service to households and businesses after quitting a senior level sales position with a reputable company. His company, The Window Lady, is now 12-years-old and Mazibuko has no regrets by taking the plunge and venturing into entrepreneurship has paid off well for him. With a mission statement that reads, “To transform an industry known for high staff turnover, low standards and low self-esteem, into an effective and efficient industry through training and fair remuneration,” it’s no wonder Mazibuko has two SAB KickStart National Awards to his name.
How did the idea of starting a window washing company come to you?
I saw a lot of window cleaning company specialising in commercial buildings. So I did my research and found out that there are no household window cleaning services in the market. In 2000, I started the Window Lady, then in June 2001, launched the company.
What research did you do?
I looked at who my clientele would be, what equipment I would need, best pricing and the service levels that customers would expect.
What challenges did you come across?
We encountered several issues. The first was trust. We clean windows both in and outside homes, so our customers would tend to be sceptical about crime. The second was payment, some of our customers would make payment on a 60/90 days payment agreement while some would not pay at all. Lastly we’ve had to work on our brand, who we are, where we come from and define who we do the windows for.
What should an entrepreneur looking to go into a similar business consider?
They must look at their reputation, because the majority of customers will look for a window cleaning background and service history. And you have to be able to show you know what you are doing.
What is your company’s vision?
The Window Lady’s motto is to exceed the customers’ expectations!
How is the business doing?
Despite the difficulties we have come across – from most household and business premises downsizing due to financial and economic pressure – we are still doing exceptionally well.
How receptive has the market been to your business?
I have received excellent responses from both commercial and domestic businesses. It’s a dynamic business, that revolves from time to time, and we get new customers through referrals all the time.
When you started out, did you have a business plan?
I had a business plan, and also raised the capital. I also arranged all the necessary equipment, trained the staff and really did my ground work exploring specific customers to target and advertising opportunities.
Who helped you draft the plan?
I was previously working at a senior level in a sales environment, and before I left my full-time position, I gathered as much relevant information as possible.
What are your future plans?
I’m planning to establish myself in both Pretoria and the Vaal by 2015. I also want to revisit my branches in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, possibly through joint ventures and gradually to stand alone. I was forced to close down these operations in 2010 because of the market.
How do you market your business?
We use various social media platforms, Estate magazine, billboards but most importantly, word of mouth.
Is your business making a profit?
I made profit in this business in my first year, and reinvested the money back to the business. In the five years he’s been running, Mazibuko has won the SAB Kickstart National Awards for two years in a row. Even during the economic meltdown, we managed to make a sustainable profit.
How many people do you employ?
Between 2005 and 2010, we had 48 employees in both Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN. However we have currently downsized to just eight employees after closing our Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal operations.
I saw a lot of window cleaning company specialising in commercial buildings. So I did my research and found out that there are no household window cleaning services in the market. In 2000, I started the Window Lady, then in June 2001, launched the company.
What research did you do?
I looked at who my clientele would be, what equipment I would need, best pricing and the service levels that customers would expect.
What challenges did you come across?
We encountered several issues. The first was trust. We clean windows both in and outside homes, so our customers would tend to be sceptical about crime. The second was payment, some of our customers would make payment on a 60/90 days payment agreement while some would not pay at all. Lastly we’ve had to work on our brand, who we are, where we come from and define who we do the windows for.
What should an entrepreneur looking to go into a similar business consider?
They must look at their reputation, because the majority of customers will look for a window cleaning background and service history. And you have to be able to show you know what you are doing.
What is your company’s vision?
The Window Lady’s motto is to exceed the customers’ expectations!
How is the business doing?
Despite the difficulties we have come across – from most household and business premises downsizing due to financial and economic pressure – we are still doing exceptionally well.
How receptive has the market been to your business?
I have received excellent responses from both commercial and domestic businesses. It’s a dynamic business, that revolves from time to time, and we get new customers through referrals all the time.
When you started out, did you have a business plan?
I had a business plan, and also raised the capital. I also arranged all the necessary equipment, trained the staff and really did my ground work exploring specific customers to target and advertising opportunities.
Who helped you draft the plan?
I was previously working at a senior level in a sales environment, and before I left my full-time position, I gathered as much relevant information as possible.
What are your future plans?
I’m planning to establish myself in both Pretoria and the Vaal by 2015. I also want to revisit my branches in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, possibly through joint ventures and gradually to stand alone. I was forced to close down these operations in 2010 because of the market.
How do you market your business?
We use various social media platforms, Estate magazine, billboards but most importantly, word of mouth.
Is your business making a profit?
I made profit in this business in my first year, and reinvested the money back to the business. In the five years he’s been running, Mazibuko has won the SAB Kickstart National Awards for two years in a row. Even during the economic meltdown, we managed to make a sustainable profit.
How many people do you employ?
Between 2005 and 2010, we had 48 employees in both Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN. However we have currently downsized to just eight employees after closing our Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal operations.
The Window Lady cc is a reputable organisation known for excellent
service, responsive, happy, innovative staff and satisfied customers.
Our mission is to transform an industry known for high staff turnover,
low standards and low self-esteem, into an effective and efficient
industry through training and fair remuneration. We also aim to empower
people to fulfill their aspirations and capabilities through exchange of
their honest labour to build a reputation of managing contracts
successfully, by continually improving our service levels, and
constantly meeting our customer requirements, to upgrade services to
meet customer requirements in an ever changing market.To upgrade the
technology and knowledge of all personnel through continuous improvement
training. To constantly provide cutting edge knowledge and information
as per acceptable national and international standards. Achieving
customer satisfaction through the combined efforts of planning the
infrastructure and executing the projects through our dedicated
workforce
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