Light Republic is an independent, state-of-the-art photography studio in Epsom, Surrey. They produce creative images of families and present them as bespoke wall art to hang in the home. Established four years ago by a husband and wife team, they now have two other employees.
We talk to founder Gary Roebuck about the secrets of their success…
PayPal: What has been you greatest success?
Gary Roebuck: We’re a small and relatively young business, but have always tried to stand out from the crowd. We’ve been finalists in the Epsom and Ewell Business Excellence Awards in the last two years — an initiative created by our local MP Chris Grayling to promote local businesses. We were singled out because of our innovative digital marketing and website, and because we were able to combine business growth with raising money for local charities.
PP: What advice would you give to other small businesses and those thinking of taking the plunge and creating a start-up?
GR: It’s important you understand your target market and know how you are going to be different from the competition. Even once you’ve done your initial research and are up and running make sure you don’t stop learning, even small businesses need to understand how marketing and technology techniques are developing in order to grow. We also believe building a reputation for outstanding customer service is so important. Make sure you have a social media presence so your customers can easily get in touch.
PP: When did you start working with PayPal Here?
GR: We often hold exhibitions at different venues to attract new customers, so we needed a mobile system for taking payments. PayPal Here gives us great flexibility, and having that connection with the PayPal brand offers our customers security and peace of mind.
PP: Has PayPal Here helped your business?
GR: PayPal Here has helped increase spontaneous purchases at exhibitions - sometimes customers have been known to go away and change their minds so it’s great to be able to secure a deposit on the spot. It’s also reduced transaction costs, and the costs of chasing payments from customers!
PP: How have customers reacted to PayPal Here?
GR: Customers are often intrigued to see us using our smartphone to make the transaction, but are happy to give it a go as the PayPal brand is so well known. We’ve received positive feedback about how easy it is, especially the confirmation receipt straight to your phone via text or email.