Autobarn Member Update
| by Tristan Wiggill
Barnstorming
success
Pretoria’s Mayville Spares/Onderdele were among
the very first businesses to join the Autobarn
buying group back in 2012, going from strength to
strength ever since.
T
he booming spares outlet is a family
affair, with Eddie Engelbrecht and
his son, Manie Engelbrecht, ably
running the show. Eddie’s wife and
daughter are also involved, taking
care of the administration. Mayville
Spares has operated successfully
from Paul Kruger Street since 2001,
not surprising given that commandeer
Eddie has a wealth of experience to
draw from having been in the motor
industry for “decades”.
The company employs fifteen people
and specialises in parts sales, which
reflects that Mayville Spares carry
not only fast movers, but also hard
to come by spares parts. As it is, the
premises has 640m² of space at its
disposal, which Eddie uses to store
excess product, ideal for special
promotions and sales.
➲ The business is easily accessible to passing vehicles with lots of parking
for customers
“While batteries are seasonal, we sell
everything to lots of different customers.
The self-service/DIY products are also very
popular around here.”
➲ Like father, like son as the saying goes, with Manie on
the left and dad Eddie on the right
“We joined Autobarn primarily
because of the increasing amount
of competition in the area,” Eddie
explains. “All of the major franchise
parts retailers are within close
proximity to us. In such a competitive
environment, one cannot remain
independent forever. We are very
proud to say that we belong to
Autobarn.”
Eddie insists on running a formalised
business that does not cut any corners.
“We keep everything under one roof and
work six days a week. Name brands are
very important to us as our customers
place little trust in unknown products.
Autobarn’s preferred brands, such as
Jonnesway tools, are always popular.
Our customers are also very price
aware,” he reveals.
Strangely enough, June 2014 was the best
ever month for the business, with batteries
a big hit due to the cold weather.
“Our drivers are well-trained and
never have any accidents,” Eddie says
proudly.
Eddie and Manie are both delighted
with the consultative approach of
Autobarn. “Autobarn is constantly
in touch with us and they do very
extensive research into the products
and brands that the members stock.
They always ask for our input and
opinions, which they value highly.
Our preferred suppliers are actually
decided by Autobarn members.
Because everyone has a say, you feel
like part of a family.”
Customer service is also of paramount
importance. “We try to help any
customer with whatever problem they
have, no matter how small and we
strive to be different and unique,” says
Manie. This friendly approach and the
expert input from Autobarn will no
doubt stand Mayville Spares in good
stead well into the future.
“Lastly, but most importantly, we at
Mayville Spares would like to glorify
our Heavenly Father, without whom,
our success would not be possible,”
says Eddie.
➲ Name brands are a strong attraction for
customers
The company also stocks some unusual,
hard to find items. “We stock old Land
Rover parts from the pre-1995 era and
parts for game ranger vehicles are often
in demand as well.”
Mayville Spares makes deliveries as
and when needed, catering to faraway
places like Hartebeespoort and even
Bronkhorspruit.
Terry Brand says, “Mayville Spares
are committed Autobarn members
that make a huge contribution to
the success of Autobarn, giving
their full support for all initiatives.
We are proud to be associated
with this Pretoria landmark.”
For more information on Autobarn, contact Terry Brand on 011 477 3612.
| words in action
48
AUGUST 2014