NASEER AHMAD BHATTI

THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ABEE RUGS PROVES THAT THE GREATEST ASSET IN GROWING A BUSINESS IS SINCERITY

Firstly, tell us how you came to start up Abee Rugs.

Before this, I was selling rugs in Kuala Lumpur with my cousin under a different brand. After 25 years in the business and having a deep passion for rugs, I wanted to establish my own brand and also have something that I can be proud of. So I started Abee Rugs – named after my wife – on the first day of 2012.

What would you say has been most challenging for you thus far?

Introducing a new brand in the carpet industry. There are many other names in the market and I was with another brand for a long time. To switch to something totally new was a big risk. But I had faith in my experience and expertise.Thankfully, after only three years, Abee Rugs has been able to break into the market, not as a top brand but at least we have made it into the circle.

Do you think being known as the Carpet King made it easier? How do you distinguish yourself from the pack?

I think I was given the nickname due to my being in the industry for so long and my in-depth knowledge of the trade. Over the years, I have established and extended my client base which I actively keep in touch with. Marketing my products and services requires effort but even more so when maintaining a trustworthy and long-lasting relationship with existing clients. I make sure I do not forget my customers and likewise, my customers do not forget about me. I have kept in contact with customers from 20 years ago, back in the day when there were no mobile phones. Whenever an occasion arises, such as Christmas or Hari Raya, I send them custom-designed and personalised greeting cards. For me, once a customer, always a customer.