Can we meet you?
My name Is Babatunde Ijiwoye, I hail from Osun State Nigeria, where I had my early days education up to my MBA, and then the start of my career. I have been in the construction industry as well as vehicle importation in Nigeria. Coming to Canada, I realized I could continue in my lines of business, worked for Asurion as a claim specialist and later joined Cooperators as an insurance agent, then I decided to pursue my business career.
What attracted you and how did you start car business?
I have been a lover of Automobiles since I was a little kid. In secondary school, I draw cars on the chalk board to entertain my classmates, that’s how much I love cars, so my story is is a type where pleasure meets passion.
Doing a car business as an immigrant, how has it been so far?
Well, I will say if you don’t love what you do, the business terrain here will frustrate you. There were so many hurdles but I kept my eyes on the price everyday, I am not there yet but slowly and steady, we are moving to the permanent site.
What is the difference between Auto dealership in Africa and Canada?
I see no difference in buying and selling vehicles other than the ways by which businesses are performed, the rules guiding business transactions here are completely different, so many conditions to be fulfilled before you can operate.
What challenges have you faced during your career?
My first and main challenge is the skin color where the locals are still scared to deal with non-locals, financial challenge is another I encountered on the way here, getting a mechanic is another challenge, labor not easy to get.
Can you tell me about a time where you encountered a business challenge?
Business will always come with many challenges but logistics is a major one in this line of business. There was a time I needed to get few cars from Newfoundland, the logistics cost was so much that it won’t be easy to make any profit on the said vehicles. Had to sell the cars there without bringing them down, this took a while, but lesson learnt.
What are your thoughts on customers in the automotive sales industry?
Customers looking for cars always check well to get value for their money.
How do you ensure that your customers are satisfied with their purchase?
I try to know what exactly the need of the customer and give them exactly what they need. Also, I ask for feedback from customers to know where we can improve on. Offering the customers after-sales service is also a key way of ensuring the customers are satisfied.
What do you do to follow up with customers after they purchase a vehicle?
Putting calls through to customers, or by the way of telephone conversation
What do you feel is the most important thing to remember when selling a vehicle?
Always remember to check the vehicle over before delivering the vehicles as you don’t want a return sale…
How do you deal with difficult customers?
When I see a difficult customer, I try to maintain a 100% professionalism, I try to make them see things in the right way.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the automotive industry?
In few words; IT IS GETTING HOTTER BY THE DAY… I mean with shortage of vehicle parts and inflation; the auto industry is experiencing a flat boom and a declining supply.
What are your long-term career goals as an auto dealer?
My long-term goals are;
- To be the best or most sort after auto dealership in the whole of Canada and beyond.
2.Having few businesses that will be self-pivoted with reasonable returns
What are the most common misunderstandings about your job?
Well, this sound kind of tricky but the most annoying part of my job is collating the daily records…, the accounting can sometimes be tedious to put together also.
What are the most common questions you get asked by customers?
Customer are concerned about their money, so the most frequently asked question is “Do you have warranty on this vehicle?”
What are your tips for maintaining a vehicle?
Ensure to change the engine oil and oil filter every 5,000 km. Always check your fluids level at all times.
What do you think is the most important factor to consider when purchasing a vehicle?
In purchasing a vehicle, consider no electric issues, and then ensure the engine and transmission are in good working order.
What advice would you give to anyone coming into the Auto business in Canada?
My advice will be to try to be consistent, slow and steady, and keep moving with the trend and news to be well informed at all time.
What do you think is the most important factor in providing excellence in Auto business?
The most important factor is ensuring the client is satisfied with their services and purchases.
Do you have a role model in this industry? and who is that?
I honestly do not have a role model, my dream pushes me to do more and I don’t get comfortable easily, I push for more all the time.
What sport do you enjoy most and why?
I love soccer as a sport. Arsenal is my favorite team and they make football/soccer look so easy. Soccer makes me feel relaxed and away from the thought of work
How do you balance work and family?
As much as we get busy at work, I manage my time in such a way that I do not let my job take over my time completely. Sometimes I could get busy from Monday to Wednesday and stay with family from Thursday all through the weekend, and sometimes I try to close early in order to meet family time.
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