Sunday, June 29, 2014

Four Wonderful Years

All of the interest surrounding soccer reminded us that it was four years ago this month (during the 2010 World Cup) that we opened First Class Cellular Repair. At that time, we almost exclusively fixed iPhones. Of course, we could repair any type of iPhone issue (e.g. cracked screens, water damage, power buttons, etc.). But, we didn't fix iPads, some Droid phones, Kindles or a host of other items. In other words, we started small.

Four years later, we have three locations in Central Arkansas serving customers from Searcy to Russellville to Malvern to Pine Bluff - and now we can repair any smart device. Yes, replacing the cracked glass on an iPhone is still our bread and butter. But, we do so much more than that now. During the Summer months, we fix around 10 liquid damaged phones each day. We repair all kinds of tablets and even laptop computers. It is this type of comprehensive repair service that has made First Class Cellular Repair the number one option in the Central Arkansas market. It all started in Conway, Arkansas four years ago. We then expanded to West Little Rock in 2012 and North Little Rock in 2013. We are currently looking at additional locations in Arkansas. How many locations will we have the next time the World Cup is played in 2018? There is no way to know right now. But, we are betting it will be another wonderful four years regardless.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Records are Made to be Broken

First Class Cellular Repair would like to say thank you to Central Arkansas! In May 2014, we set a new sales record. Our Conway, North Little Rock and West Little Rock stores repair more cracked phone screens, whether iPhone or Samsung, than any other business each month. Our existing customers have helped us spread the word to their friends that we can fix any issue with their phone, tablet, or computer.

It has been four years since we started our first repair store in Conway next to the University of Central Arkansas. We have given the highest level of customer service to each person that walks through the door. So, thank you Central Arkansas for allowing us to have our single biggest month ever as a business. And, let's break it again this month. After all, records are made to be broken.

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Value is More Important than Price

Like any customer, I am always looking for a competitive price. I don't want to pay any more than is necessary for my goods or services. Price, though, has never been as important to me as value. For example, I purchased a new Honda Accord at the price of $28,000 back in 2002. I could have bought vehicles for a lower price but not for a better value. I kept that Accord for 11 years and put 275,000 miles on it before trading it in for another Honda Accord in 2013. Value: something that is worth the money you pay for it.

When we started First Class Cellular Repair in Conway, Arkansas back in 2010 we wanted to give customers great value for their money. That meant using only high quality parts that had a warranty from the manufacturer. That meant great service which explains to the customer how to protect their device and offers classes on the subject - for free. When we grew in 2012 by adding a store on Chenal Parkway in Little Rock we wanted to maintain our value offer. The prices at all our locations are the same. If you go to our store in North Little Rock we charge the same price as our location in Conway. Always have, always will.

We get a lot of phone calls and Facebook messages from potential customers asking for the price of a repair. I completely understand that request. However, I wish all potential customers would consider asking some of our current customers if the price they paid was worth what they got in return - a high quality repair delivered with tremendous service. You see, value incorporates price but it means so much more. It means having a hassle free experience and a repair that is done correctly the first time.

There are businesses that advertise they will beat any price. We don't do that. And, we won't ever do that. The reason is simple. We focus on value. If someone wants to charge $1.00 less in price but do a second rate repair then that is their prerogative. We don't believe in that philosophy and we won't do it. First Class Cellular Repair is similar to Starbucks. We deliver a great service, we pay for health insurance for our staff and we always take care of our customers. While we are always competitive, we are not trying to be the low cost provider in this industry. We are striving to give the greatest value. And that will never change.

Little Rock, Arkansas

North Little Rock, Arkansas