A company under its CSR initiative can play a significant role in helping establish and support a successful electronics and multi-brand mobile repair studio.
Establishing an electronics and multi-brand mobile repair studio can provide a range of socio-economic and environmental benefits that can contribute to the overall well-being of the local community and the environment. Learn about the innovative approach to mobile repair and support for the Right to Repair movement with Astore, in this exclusive interview with Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, Founder & MD of Aspire Knowledge & Skills India Pvt. Ltd, who is an engineer by qualification with a persistent career of 20 years in the vocational training space a educationist, a Skills Development expert, a leading incubator, a serial entrepreneur, and earlier lead Jetking as the only CEO in India. Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, also Vice President of Pune Management Association.
Excerpts of an interview:
1. Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, could you tell us about your company’s electronics and multi-brand mobile repair studio, Astore?
Yes, Astore is a mobile repair studio that I started with the goal of turning my passion for mobile technology into a successful business. The company is mentored and backed by industry leaders COAI, CMAI, TSSC to organize the unorganized sector. We have also partnered with state governments and banks for subsidised financial support. One of the unique points about Astore is that all of our stores will be carbon-negative since the first year of operation and we are creating micro entrepreneurs, who create job opportunities in local ecosystems. We also provide comprehensive five-year support to franchisees in areas such as marketing, technical support, and sustainable growth.
2. Can you tell us more about the comprehensive franchisor support that Astore provides?
Sure. Astore provides extensive support to the franchise for mutual growth and profitability. This includes assistance in choosing the best location to grow their business, installation and setup of TRC, and comprehensive training on service operations, standard procedure, accounting, inventory control, etc. We also provide an operations manual containing mandatory and suggested specifications, standard operating procedures, and rules for running franchise operations smoothly. Additionally, we provide support for both online and offline marketing, cost-effective inventory of high-quality products backed by warranty, and effective and efficient HR support.
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3. What kind of software support does Astore provide to franchisees?
Astore provides a variety of software support to franchisees to help them manage their business effectively. This includes a dedicated CRM for lead management, inventory management software, and fund management software. We also have a mobile application for learning and interactive support which is available to franchisees at any time, from anywhere. Our platform is cloud-enabled and provides an end-to-end IT workflow for both customers and technicians.
4. Can you tell us about Astore’s accreditation and affiliation?
Astore is endorsed with the Telecom Sector Skills Council (TSSC), a non-profit organization founded under the aegis of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
5. Can you tell us about the target groups that Astore aims to serve?
Astore aims to serve youths representing from the following sections of society at large: Schedule Caste, Schedule Tribe, Other Backword Classes, Economy Weaker Section, Divyagns – Special People, Highly Qualified Widows and Special focus to the Woman Entrepreneures of rural and semi urban areas.
6. How a company under CSR can help establishing electronics and multi-brand mobile repair studio?
A company operating under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can help establish an electronics and multi-brand mobile repair studio by providing financial and non-financial assistance. Some possible ways a company can help include:
- Funding: The company can provide financial assistance to establish the studio by providing funding for setup costs such as purchasing equipment and inventory, renting a location, and hiring staff.
- Technical Assistance: The company can provide technical assistance by providing training programs for employees on how to repair different brands of mobile devices.
- Marketing Support: The company can provide marketing support by promoting the studio through its own marketing channels and helping the studio to create its own marketing materials.
- Mentorship: The company can provide mentorship by connecting the studio with industry experts who can offer guidance on how to run a successful mobile repair business.
- Community Outreach: The company can assist in reaching out to the community by partnering with local organizations to identify individuals who could benefit from the services provided by the studio and provide the studio with an audience to serve.
- Building a sustainability plan and support the franchisees to implement it.
- Assist in getting accreditation and affiliations with the relevant sector skills council and government bodies.
7. What are the advantages for society and the environment of setting up a repair shop for electronic devices and multiple phone brands?
Establishing an electronics and multi-brand mobile repair studio can provide both socio-economic and environmental benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- Job Creation: The studio can create jobs for individuals in the local community, particularly for those with technical skills in electronics repair.
- Economic Development: The studio can contribute to local economic development by providing a service that is in demand and generating revenue for the community.
- Access to Affordable Repairs: The studio can provide access to affordable mobile device repairs for individuals and families, especially for low-income communities, who may not be able to afford to purchase new devices or repair services at premium prices.
- Skills Development: The studio can provide training and skills development opportunities for employees and franchisees, allowing them to acquire new skills and improve their employability.
- Reducing Electronic waste: By repairing devices instead of replacing them, the studio can help reduce electronic waste and the associated environmental impacts.
- Carbon footprint reduction: By providing repair services, the studio can reduce the need for mining and manufacturing new devices, which can have a significant environmental impact.
- Supporting local ecosystem: By creating micro-entrepreneurs and jobs, the studio can contribute to the local economy and support the growth of local businesses.
- Supporting sustainability: By implementing a sustainability plan, and supporting franchisees to do so, the studio can help in reducing environmental impact and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.
8. What is the Right to Repair movement and how does setting up a repair shop for electronic devices and multiple phone brands align with this concept?
The Right to Repair is a movement that advocates for the right of consumers and independent repair businesses to access and use repair information, tools, and parts for electronic devices. This includes the right to repair smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices, as well as farm equipment, vehicles, and household appliances. The goal of the Right to Repair movement is to reduce e-waste and promote sustainability by extending the life of electronic devices and reducing the need for new devices to be manufactured.
Establishing an electronics and multi-brand mobile repair studio is aligned with the Right to Repair movement because it provides consumers and independent repair businesses with access to repair services, information, tools, and parts. By providing repair services, the studio can help extend the life of electronic devices and reduce e-waste. Additionally, by providing training and skills development opportunities for employees and franchisees, the studio can help to build a repair ecosystem that is sustainable and equitable.
In addition to that, by providing repair services and supporting the right to repair movement, the studio also helps in preserving consumer’s right to choose where and how to repair their devices.
9. How does the Right to Repair movement help in reducing electronic waste and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The Right to Repair movement aims to give consumers and independent repair shops the legal right to repair electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and appliances, without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. This can help to reduce electronic waste by allowing for the repair and reuse of devices rather than forcing consumers to replace them. By extending the lifespan of devices, the Right to Repair can also help to reduce the environmental and social impacts associated with the production, use, and disposal of electronic devices.
Also, the Right to Repair can help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12, which calls for responsible consumption and production, and SDG 14, which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. By reducing electronic waste, the Right to Repair can help to conserve resources and reduce pollution and waste in oceans and other ecosystems.
Dr. Sanjay Gandhi can be reached at sanjay@aspireks.com
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