Smitha Vijay has transitioned from a journalist to an entrepreneur. Her venture, DOORSTEP GOA, is about bringing convenience to your home
Smitha Vijay’s name isn’t new to business circles. In the past, the former business journalist for The Economic Times was a regular byline reporting on the business scenario in Goa. After doing the rounds for more than a decade, Smitha decided to get on the other side and become an entrepreneur herself. This year, when Goa was thrown into a raging pandemic, she launched Doorstep Services, Goa’s trusted online bookable service directory to solve the pressing issues of home repair and maintenance.
The aim, she says, is to provide an array of stay-at-home services at the doorstep. The single platform books verified vendors to attend to yours and your home needs, safely in this pandemic. “Through our web platform we offer cleaning, sanitisation, pest control, plumbing, laundry, electrical repairs, mobile and Apple repairs, handyman and other home improvement services. All this is book-able with ease and convenience of just one click. The platform is easy to navigate to book a service and reach trusted vendors who will call you and confirm the booking. Once you opt for the service, clients can choose a date and time convenient to them,” Smitha shares.
What distinguishes it from other online services is Doorstep Goa takes the onus of background checks. “Our platform offers trusted vendors having established business in Goa. We cross-check each vendor based on number of years in the market, compliances, and accreditation. Book them to come to your home or office to ease the stress of repairs. My team provides customer care too, to solve any queries,” says Smitha.
Solving Lockdown Woes
It was during the last lockdown in 2020, that Smitha observed an urgency to meet home repairs. “I would receive calls from friends frantically looking for trusted handymen. Also identifying reliable vendors was an issue for clients overseas with parents back in Goa. So we toyed with the idea of creating a reliable and trusted digital platform that would solve these pressing demands,” she explains.
The platform has seen a surge for home services in the past six months with registrations close to 300 and 150 serviced clients. Talking about the growth so far, Smitha shares, “We began small. But, I’m glad that the idea has done well in the market. We have seen a modest growth but we are looking to scale operations soon. We are grateful to our friends, patrons, and vendors who are with us.”
The services are already available for the major cities – Panjim, Margao, Vasco, and Mapusa, with smaller areas like Old Goa, as well. The company began with limited services like santisation, cleaning, salon, laundry, and pest control and has now diversified to offer specialised services like personal training, swimming pool, alternative healing, nutritionist, and more. “We began with what was important and expanded to other areas. We look forward to onboarding more services in the future and reach customers across the State,” she talks about the future.
Doorstep Goa also offers customers cash-back through reward points from the second booking onwards. The platform works on a no-commission basis for vendors. “We want to build a community of trusted, experienced vendors providing solutions at the core and not pure profit.” Doorstep Goa provides the backend customer care for any queries and to address grievances.
From Journalist to Businesswoman
The transition from journalist to businesswoman hasn’t been easy. Smitha confesses that it took some getting used to. “When you’re in the hot seat it’s different. I was used to grilling entrepreneurs about their work, but now I know what it feels like,” she laughs.
Which does she prefer? While both have their pros and cons, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing your business grow. “I do miss writing, but I think running a business is equally exciting. You serve people every day. And nothing makes me happier,” she adds.
Future Plans
Smitha says, “I see it as a trusted friend who will support you when the need arises. We wish to grow to all towns and service the smallest nooks of Goa. It is the need of the hour and we’re happy to help our customers find easy solutions to all their home and office improvements”
