MSME SuperPower:
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Path: Transforming Safety with Innovation
Sanjay Kumar
Founder and owner, Prateek Enterprises, New Delhi
Born and raised in Delhi, my dream of becoming an entrepreneur has fueled me since childhood. After graduating from Jamia Millia Islamia, I gained valuable experience in the corporate world. However, my true passion lay in starting and growing my own business. My first foray into entrepreneurship was in the cosmetics industry but I soon realized my ambitions lay elsewhere, leading me to explore new opportunities and ideas.
Pursuing the dream of entrepreneurship
Starting Prateek Enterprises was a journey filled with determination and research. The concept of safety nets for windows and balconies captured my interest, leading me to delve deeper into the industry with the guidance of a friend’s relative. To gain comprehensive knowledge, I travelled to states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, studying raw materials and the manufacturing processes for safety nets.
After six months of dedicated research, Prateek Enterprises was established in 2022, and I began by importing a net manufacturing machine from Vietnam. I named the venture after my son Prateek, hoping to create a legacy he can continue. Today, our product range includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and Ultraviolet (UV)coated bird nets for balconies and windows, offering warranty services.
Our target audience primarily consists of residents of high-rise buildings who need to safeguard their homes from birds like pigeons, and in some cases, even animals like monkeys. Additionally, we produce nets for under-construction sites, greenhouse shades, cricket grounds and swimming pools. Initially, our maximum sales came from Faridabad, Haryana, and soon after, our customer base expanded to Chandigarh. But our aim has always been to reach pan India.
A challenging pursuit
Navigating the early stages of my business presented several unique challenges. Procuring raw materials and understanding manufacturing processes were learning experiences that initially slowed progress. Pricing, particularly for bulk orders, required careful consideration. Customer feedback highlighted opportunities for improving product packaging. Addressing these aspects was essential for the growth of Prateek Enterprises, and I was determined to address them head-on.
Undertaking a transformational journey with Walmart Vriddhi
In May 2023, I enrolled in the Walmart Vriddhi Program, and through its various modules, I received help in improving numerous aspects of the business. The program provided techniques to enhance different parts of the business, and to strategize effective client engagements.
With the guidance received from the Walmart Vriddhi program, Prateek Enterprises, gained the confidence to overcome its existing challenges. My interaction with the program mentor provided clarity on product pricing, and how to market products according to customer requirements, which significantly enhanced our sales strategy.
Scaling my dream
Within a year of launching Prateek Enterprises in 2022, I onboarded our products on Flipkart. The platform enabled me to reach a wider audience while streamlining logistics, reducing costs and delivery timeline. However, the true impact on our sales trajectory became evident following my completion of the Walmart Vriddhi modules in 2023.
In our inaugural year, monthly sales averaged Rs 50,000. By March ’24, these figures soared to over Rs 10 lakhs per month, marking a substantial increase in sales and revenue, largely attributed to the strategic insights gained from the program. This transformation fueled a notable surge in domestic B2C orders and over 20% rise in online sales. The learnings from the program also helped us grow on Flipkart, where we registered a 30% increase in sales.
Drawing from the lessons, I developed a three-pronged strategy, which includes innovation in products, manufacturing, and increasing sales. At the outset, I am preparing to launch two new products—a sliding grill and an invisible mosquito net—within the next two months through timely investments. Looking ahead, I aim to transition to direct manufacturing and expanding our product line to capture international markets by the coming year.
I started Prateek Enterprises with only two employees. Today, we are a six member team, and I am actively seeking to expand our workforce to effectively manage diverse roles within the company. With these initiatives, I’m hopeful of scaling my overall sales to Rs 20 to 30 lakhs per month, this year.
One of the significant advantages of eCommerce is its ability to operate with minimal manpower and space requirements. This allows small businesses like Prateek Enterprises to focus on growth rather than by overhead expenses. As an entrepreneur, I firmly believe that knowledge is power; without it, a venture is bound to face challenges. The guidance I received from Walmart Vriddhi, and the unwavering support of my family have been instrumental in fostering my resilience and determination to succeed.