If you think secondhand furniture and white goods are good only for the landfills, think again. You haven't met Teh Yi Ping of Abumama, that's for sure.
You don't see people flocking to his shop in Sungai Chua, Kajang. But things are moving out of that big wooden structure standing near a highway. That's for sure, too.
"I have many repeat customers. And my clientele is growing," says the zestful 25-year-old, who got into the trade only last year.
Teh and his partners have other Abumama outlets in Kajang, as well as in Jalan Klang Lama and Taman Connaught in Kuala Lumpur. Another one is in the pipeline.
"The thing is, I have people from all walks of life coming in here. And I wouldn't say they are only from a particular age group or race."
The brand itself has been around for 10 years.
Why did he choose this area of commerce?
"I could see the potential. So many people want to buy new things, especially during festive seasons.
"They do not know what to do with their old furniture. Where they can sell or repair them."
Movement restrictions in 2020 and 2021 hurt the trade.
He did consider having an online presence to boost sales, but stock limitations held him back.
But that has changed now. He is beginning to sell Abumama's secondhand goods on the online marketplace, Carousell.
Whether from a brick-and-mortar shop or online, that's infinitely better than the stuff landing in landfills, that's for sure.
i. Click here to read why many people think buying second-hand goods does not make sense
ii. Click here to read about the billion-ringgit potential of preloved clothes
iii. Click here to read about a man who heals shoes and is a fan of Jimmy Choo
