By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – When Katleho Mapota first started working with batteries, she was determined to provide a service that was different from the norm. Beginning from her home, she dedicated herself to refurbishing, maintaining, and recycling motor batteries with a vision of sustainability and quality. As her business began to grow, she felt the need to expand beyond the confines of her home, opening a shop to better serve a growing customer base. It was at this crucial moment that she entrusted me, her brother, to manage the shop, providing his guidance and support every step of the way.
“Despite our commitment to quality, our journey has not been without its challenges. Initially, many people underestimated our work and doubted our ability to provide genuine value. Some went as far as to accuse us of scamming, questioning the credibility of our services. However, we remained undeterred, firmly believing in the value of our work. We made it a point to always deliver high-quality service through honest assessments of each battery’s health while maintaining professionalism and friendliness, even when faced with difficult customers,” she says.
“We also encountered our fair share of customers who tried to trick or scam us. Over time, we have implemented robust policies that protect both the business and our customers, fostering a sense of trust and fairness in all our dealings. This approach has helped us build a loyal clientele and establish relationships with other local small businesses.”
She further states that they have served customers from various districts, many of whom drive long distances just to access our services and products. This kind of customer loyalty has reassured us that they are moving in the right direction.
Battery solutions has grown to serve a diverse range of customers, including vehicle owners, mechanics, car dealerships, and fleet companies. “Our expansion has been largely driven by direct, face-to-face interactions and strategic use of social media, particularly Facebook, where we boost posts to reach a wider audience. This combination of digital outreach and personal engagement has helped us establish a strong presence in the market.”
“Our success is also attributed to the incredible team we have built. Our team consists of two dedicated battery technicians who handle all battery-related tasks with expertise and care, and a recent addition, our first intern who is currently studying Business Management at the Lerotholi Polytechnic (Fokothi). Of course, Mapota remains an invaluable guide, continually sharing his insights and experience with us. Together, we work seamlessly to ensure the smooth operation of the business.”
She shares that at Battery solutions, they prioritize quality in everything they do. “We achieve this through transparent communication, providing honest assessments of customers’ batteries, clearly explaining our processes, and maintaining straightforward policies. We offer a one-year warranty on all new batteries and free maintenance within the warranty period as part of our after-sales support, fostering long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers.”
To ensure the quality of their new batteries, they diversify their stock by sourcing from different manufacturers and brands, constantly evaluating performance through customer feedback. She further shares that they seek to build strong relationships with suppliers who have a proven track record, uphold high-quality standards, and offer competitive prices. This approach ensures that they offer our customers reliable products while maintaining reasonable pricing.
“Our marketing strategy involves a blend of outdoor advertising, social media engagement, and face-to-face interactions. We are dedicated to building and maintaining strong customer relationships through effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM).”
However, entering a market previously dominated by large, well-established companies has been challenging. Many customers initially doubt the brands they sell, as they are not yet familiar with them. Additionally, offering a wide range of battery brands to cater to different customer preferences could lead to a larger inventory, which is currently beyond their capacity.
“Despite these challenges, the community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of our business. Having operated successfully for four consecutive months, we celebrate this achievement as a significant milestone while looking forward to even greater accomplishments in the future,” says Katleho.
“At Battery solutions, we are committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. We contribute to recycling and waste reduction by offering battery recycling services, helping to minimize environmental pollution. We also promote sustainable practices by educating our customers on the importance of proper battery disposal and maintenance.”
“As we continue to grow, we remain focused on delivering exceptional service, building trust within our community, and contributing positively to the environment. Our journey has only just begun, but with our strong foundation and unwavering commitment to quality, we are confident that Battery solutions will continue to thrive and make a meaningful impact.”