Welcome to the latest in our series of interviews with ‘Inspirational Entrepreneurs.’ We hear about original ideas and creative flashes that set certain ventures apart from the rest.
Whether you’re an aspiring business owner or an old hand when it comes to commerce, we think you’ll take something from these tales. Recently we arranged insurance for the first Paxster Electric Vehicle to hit UK roads. We speak with Jasvinder Rhoud, the proprietor of Jam Retail Leeds Limited who is the proud owner of this innovative, quirky vehicle. He shares the thinking behind such a significant investment and how it has helped his business take on the big boys.
What made you think about offering home deliveries via an electric vehicle?
We are a trial and concept store for Bookers Wholesale. As a result they like to be at the forefront of innovations when it comes to what convenience stores can offer customers. If you take a look at our website you will see the wide variety of services we offer. One really popular innovation is our cocktail bar (take away only.)
This vehicle has allowed us to expand our convenience store’s reach. We’ve been able to supply essentials to the community which has been especially helpful in these difficult times as people are locked down due to the coronavirus. I say essentials but people also love the cocktails! I like to think we’ve helped to keep people’s spirits up during these tough times by delivering some cheer.
How are you finding the Paxster?
It is very good. Fun to drive and easy to operate. Its giving us a real competitive advantage. Also the vehicle is unique looking and attracts attention. We’ve covered it in our branding and it’s been great for marketing. It’s also generated lots of interest on social media. We’ve got thousands of followers on our Facebook page and it’s been brilliant for engagement and awareness.
So its really helped your business to thrive?
Undoubtedly, the Paxster is proving a great investment and has provided a great boost. Having an express delivery service has helped a lot. It enables us to compete with bigger stores by offering a service they can’t match at the moment. We offer a 30 minute order and delivery service. Larger supermarkets can’t offer this turnaround time but we’re more agile. Plus if people are paying for a delivery they’ll normally bulk out their purchase with a few other items as well as the essentials. So the basket value is good.
Due to Covid-19 certain groups of people have been struggling to get to the large supermarkets. We have been able to supply all their daily needs via our convenience store using the Paxster. And people have been really grateful for this. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Plan Insurance Brokers (@planinsurancebrokers) on Nov 11, 2020 at 8:27am PST
What are your customers saying?
They love it. It’s so different looking. We get loads of kids waving at us when we’re driving around. Also a lot of customers are concerned about the environment and using a 100% EV generates good will.
What challenges have you had?
We initially had difficulties getting the vehicle insured. When I got the vehicle I assumed I could just go online and buy insurance. However, I learned that since this was a brand new vehicle to the UK lots of the firms I spoke to could not help. I was then recommended to speak with Plan and you knew exactly what to do and I had the vehicle insured and ready to work within 24hrs.
Thanks Jasvinder. Insurance can often be pigeon holed as dull but luckily for us, we encounter many unique and wonderful risks like this to keep us entertained! We also have the satisfaction of knowing that, where many other brokers might struggle to find suitable cover, we can play a small part in helping companies like yours to successfully innovate.