How does the business operate on a daily basis?
The business operates from a dedicated premises in Lydenburg, serving both walk-in customers and custom-order clients. Core activities include:
• Upholstery & Canvas Work: On-site production and repairs for furniture, bakkie canopies, and bespoke canvas items
• Home Decor Sales: Retail of curtains, blinds, quilts, and related accessories
• Custom Orders: Tailored solutions for residential and commercial clients, with direct consultation and quoting
• Staff Roles: Skilled artisans handle production, while front-of-house staff manage sales, customer service, and scheduling
• Supplier Coordination: Regular stock intake from local and regional suppliers, with flexibility for special orders
• Operating Hours: Typically open 6–7 days a week, with hands-on owner involvement ensuring quality and responsiveness

How are the clients attracted to the business?
The business relies on strong word-of-mouth, visible output in the community, and walk-in traffic.
Repeat customers and local contractors often engage directly via phone or WhatsApp, while modest signage maintains local awareness.

What Advertising/Marketing is carried out?
The business relies primarily on word-of-mouth, visible output in the community, walk-in traffic, and direct client engagement via phone or WhatsApp.
No formal advertising campaigns are currently in place.

Does the business have any contract work?
While no formal long-term contracts are in place, the business maintains steady repeat work from residential estates, local developments, and mining operations in the area.
This includes upholstery and decor services for both private homes and office spaces, reflecting strong client relationships and consistent demand.

What competition exists?
The business faces light competition from local upholsterers and decor suppliers but stands out through its reputation, repeat clients, and specialized canvas work.

What are the seasonal trends?
Demand typically increases ahead of year-end holidays and during estate development cycles.
Clients often seek decor upgrades, upholstery refreshes, and custom canvas work during warmer months and festive periods.

Is the business VAT Registered?
Yes

What VAT documentation is on file?
Available on request

Are there up-to-date Management Accounts available?
Yes

What Balance Sheet and Income Statements are available?
Feb 2025 Statements

What percentage of the business is cash/credit?
Predominantly cash

How could the profitability of the business be improved?
The business could improve profitability by modernizing its marketing footprint (e.g. social media, local online platforms), expanding service reach to nearby towns like Hoedspruit, and scaling operations to handle higher volumes.
Leveraging its reputation and repeat client base, especially in estates and mining sectors, would support targeted growth.

Is Seller finance available and for what amount?
No

What is the total staff complement?
3 x ladies
3 x gents
1 x part time upholster

Give a breakdown of staff/ functions/ length of service?
3 x ladies -- curtains and pillows / upholstery stitching / stitching of seat covers
1 x gent - large canvas work and netting
1 x gent helping with stripping and stitching
1 x driver and installer
They all are working for the business for numerous years - some even more than 15 years

Do any receive special perks or incentives?
Ad-hoc bonuses

Are they on contract?
Yes

Do any have management potential?
All workers skilled in their field of expertise
They can work unsupervised

How involved is the Owner in running the business?
The owners are actively involved on a daily basis

When does the current lease end?
The seller's family are also the owners of the property -- available to buyers
Aldes has accounted for a lease expense

Is there an option of renewal & what period?
Yes , a formal lease agreement will be drawn up
The property is also available to a buyer if interested

What are the trading hours?
Only weekdays -- 8h00 to 17h00

What is the square meters of the business?
Erf size - 548 m2
Building size - 348 m2

What are the main assets of the business?
Industrial sewing machines and canvas fabrication tools
• Raw material inventory: canvas rolls, fabrics, decorative stock
• Finished goods: completed decor items ready for sale
• Display and showroom fittings: shelving, signage, sample setups
• Office equipment: computer, printer, POS system
• Customer and supplier database
• Business name and goodwill (established reputation since 2006)
• 2 x delivery vehicles
• Design templates or proprietary styles

Are any items not included in the sale?
3 x specific machines

What is their overall condition?
Good

Do any require repairing?
No , standard maintenance required

How have they been valued ?
Fair valuation by the seller

Are they presently insured?
Yes

Strengths?
• Long-standing local reputation and repeat client base
• Skilled in custom upholstery and canvas work
• Flexible service offering across residential, commercial, and mining sectors
• Hands-on owner involvement ensures quality and responsiveness
• Strong “can-do” attitude reflected in service delivery and client relationships

Weaknesses?
• Limited marketing footprint and online visibility
• No formal contracts despite repeat work
• Reliance on owner involvement for day-to-day continuity

Opportunities?
• Expand service reach to nearby towns
• Modernize marketing via social media and local online platforms
• Formalize repeat work into service agreements or contracts
• Scale production capacity to meet growing demand

Threats?
• Challenging economic climate in South Africa impacting consumer spending
• Rising input costs and pressure on service margins

What is the reason for the sale?
Owners would like to retire

Why is this a good business?
Established in 2006, this well-regarded Lydenburg business offers custom canvas and home decor solutions.
It serves a loyal local market with low overheads, strong margins, and clear potential to expand into hospitality and outdoor sectors.