Meet Harley Patterson, who is the owner of “WA Slot Cars” based in Perth, WA
Meet Harley Patterson, who is the owner of “WA Slot Cars” based in Perth, Western
Australia. WA Slot Cars is an online based business that sells slot cars, car parks, controllers, and merchandise. WA Slot Cars has a wide range of products ranging from AFX, bulldog and viper scale racing cars, AFX controllers, decals, AFX tune-up kits, AFX track pieces and parts to build slot cars such as chassis, wheels, gears, axles and so on.
“I am determined to open my own race car lane one day and my own shop where slot car enthusiasts can visit and buy their favourite cars, controllers and other related merchandise”. It makes me happy that I have established my childhood hobby into a small business so that I can assist other enthusiasts in Australia to fully enjoy their hobby as well”.
Read more about Harley’s business journey so far:
Harley’s Business
What is your business? How long has the business been operating?
My business, WA Slot Cars was born from my deep passion for HO slot cars and the scarcity of HO products in Australia. The frustration of having to rely on overseas orders prompted the creation of WA Slot Cars, through which I wanted to provide a convenient local option to local enthusiasts in Australia.
With several years of experience in this hobby, starting from my childhood days of racing against family and friends, I have now established my own slot car business. Throughout my journey, I have engaged in various aspects of the hobby, including constructing custom tracks and building cars, immersing myself in the world of HO Slots.
Working with Many Rivers
I was enrolled in a government-funded self-employment assistance program at APM Australia where I was learning about entrepreneurship. With the help of APM, I had already developed my business idea and plan, but I just needed the funding and professional coaching to officially start my business. So, it was over there that I was given a referral about Many Rivers and how they provide loans to small businesses along with coaching and support. I contacted Colin Long at Many Rivers, and he connected me with Shaun Atkinson.
Many Rivers has provided assistance to me in all aspects of running my business and I am honestly quite grateful for their support. I could have not started my business if I had not received the loan support from Many Rivers and professional business tips and coaching from Shaun.
Yes, I received a loan from Many Rivers to kick-start my business. I had the business idea and the plan but not the money to start my business. I am grateful for Many Rivers’ support in this regard.
Do you have any current employees?
I am a sole trader so right now, it’s just me who is running and managing this business singlehandedly. If my business grows fast and I am unable to manage it on my own, I will most likely hire employees.
Biggest Challenge
I think learning how to market my business because I don’t know much about marketing. Right now, I am just trying to find ways on how to market my business at minimum costs because obviously, marketing plays a huge factor in today’s world. My website has been up for only 3 weeks now so marketing and generating leads through my website is one of the biggest challenge for me at the moment.
Biggest Success
I am still in the initial phase of my business, so I have not achieved many successes so far. However, I would say getting customers through Facebook marketing has been a good success for starters and launching my website is another step towards more growth and success for me and my business.
Biggest Change
I am probably just learning a different work lifestyle by starting this small business of mine. It was always a hobby but now I have converted it into a business, so it feels like a positive change to me.
Future Goals
Looking to the future, I am determined to open my own race car lane one day and my own shop where slot car enthusiasts can visit and buy their favourite cars, controllers and other related merchandise. Moreover, in the long-run, I aspire to collaborate with renowned manufacturers to offer exclusive and limited-edition slot cars, appealing to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Additionally, I also plan to introduce DIY kits, allowing hobbyists to personalize and modify their slot cars to suit their preferences.
Thank you, Harley, for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with your future endeavours and business success.
If you would like to stay updated with Harley and his slot cars small businesses, follow WA Slot Cars on social media:
Website: https://waslotcars.com.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/WA-Slot-Cars-100067661413132/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waslotcars/
Are You Ready To Start Your Own Business?
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