Auto parts dealer opens new business in midst of pandemic

It doesn’t hurt to have a little extra luck when opening a business – especially during the pandemic.

That’s why Vickram Sampath made sure to consult his pundit to ensure that whatever day he chose to open the new Port of Spain branches of his auto parts and services companies, V Sampath Auto Accessories Ltd and DGNL Co Ltd Care Care Centre, were suitably auspicious.

“The first and second were out, but he said the third would be a good day,” Sampath told Newsday at his new branch on the corner of Scott Bushe and Charles Streets.

Sampath, whose original branches are in Cross Crossing, San Fernando, felt that from his observations of trends in the auto sector, there was enough room for expansion.

So about six months ago, he began actively scouting locations. His current spot, which he rents from a longtime colleague, is in a prime location – close to all the major auto dealerships in downtown – many of which are already his clients in south.

The company specialises in auto care, providing cleaning, parts and equipment installations for all types of vehicles.

“Nowhere in Port of Spain gives a proper service like I do in San Fernando.

"A lot of people were asking me why I would rush to do this. But I’ve been hearing from sales reps and managers (at dealerships) saying they aren’t getting their vehicles cleaned properly, as well as issues with accessories installations and delivery with long waits.

“So, hearing that for the past five years, it’s been in my head, and nine months ago I said, 'I’m going to go with it.'”

And the pandemic isn’t stopping him.

Aside from a two-month shutdown in April and May during the national restrictions on movement to mitigate the spread of covid19, Sampath said the pandemic isn’t really affecting his business, because he deals mainly with the dealerships.

“We had a two-month shutdown, but we already made up for that. My staff remained the same, salaries remained the same, nobody got laid off and there was no cut in pay.

"We are busy in San Fernando and from Monday, we expect it to start getting busy here.”

The outlets opened on Friday, and Sampath and his nephew, Declan Mohan, who will be managing the new north location, will be making the rounds over the next few days, meeting with managers and sales agents from the various dealerships to make connections.

And Sampath of course made sure to mark the occasion with thanks. He arrived early in the morning – originally from Penal, he left home before dawn to beat the traffic. And as soon as he arrived, he lit some deyas and said a prayer for luck.