We talked to Bulgakov Oleksandr, commercial director of the Dnipro MAZ auto center, which demonstrates stability even in difficult times. The conversation turned out to be sincere, frank and valuable for us.
Tetyana: Oleksandr, we are glad to talk to you, tell us a little about yourself and your company?
Oleksandr: I am the commercial director of the MAZ auto center in Dnipro. I have been in the auto business for over 20 years, and all this time I have strived not only to support, but also to develop the direction, preserve jobs, and adapt to the market. I am a person who knows how to adjust processes and find solutions.
Tetyana: What is your strategic vision for the development of your company? What areas are currently a priority?
Oleksandr: The realities are difficult now, but we do not stop. We adapt, we try new things. We are gradually expanding the range: we are adding foreign car spare parts, agricultural spare parts. In 2022, many enterprises that were going to close — we did not even think of closing. We are part of the white business, and this is our pride. Our task is not only to hold our positions, but also to grow.
The main areas of our work remain unchanged — wholesale trade in auto parts and repair services. Our own production is currently used to support our service station, because many spare parts are difficult to obtain. We try our best to satisfy both regular and new customers.
Tetyana: What can you say about our cooperation?
Oleksandr: I have known Omega company // since 2004 — there were different times, but you keep the brand. Your online store is one of the best in Ukraine. 95% of everything we need — we find it with you. You have a large team, contactable, with which you can solve many issues.
Tetyana: What do you think we need to pay attention to in order to become even better?
Oleksandr: There are several points:
1. Product reservation system. It would be good to see not just availability, but also whether the goods are reserved. This will help to react in a timely manner.
2. Complaints work. A lot of paperwork, even for inexpensive items.
3. Electronic document flow. I am against it. There were cases when the invoice disappeared, and then the goods were found. You can’t prove it with an electronic signature.
4. Pricing. I would like to see special offers for customers who buy a lot, have a warehouse, service and responsibility.
Tetyana: Thank you for your openness and constructive feedback. We will definitely take everything into account in further work. And next, we would like to know what difficulties our managers helped you cope with?
Oleksandr: There were situations where they helped with an additional discount, agreed on a payment deferral. The managers are trying, in particular Oleksandr Merzlyi, many thanks to him. Your managers are really looking for solutions, but sometimes they lack authority - I wish they had a wider set of tools for working with the client.
Tetyana: And what services do you think work best for us?
Oleksandr: This is, without a doubt, the online store and warehouse logistics. Everything works clearly, conveniently, quickly. The way you reacted to the situation with the Kharkiv warehouse is an example of maximum customer orientation. Everything was quickly reconfigured, logistics changed - we felt almost nothing as customers.
Tetyana: What can your company be proud of over the past year?
Oleksandr: We work, keep the team, adapt to changes, launch our own import. And, most importantly, we remain reliable for our clients. This is our strength.
Tetyana: Oleksandr, thank you for the frank conversation. Your opinion is extremely important to us - it helps us grow, change and become better.