Meet Raja, the founder of RoyalKing Construction, an air conditioning company specialising in installation, servicing, repair, and maintenance. With a passion for creating comfortable and energy-efficient environments, Raja has played a pivotal role in building the company from the ground up.
His expertise and dedication to quality service have made RoyalKing a trusted choice for homes and businesses across Singapore. From routine maintenance to complex repairs, Raja and his team are committed to delivering top-notch solutions that keep customers cool and satisfied all year round. Read to find out how he got started.
What inspired you to start an air con installation and repair business, and how did you get started in this industry?
I originally came to Singapore in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Although my academic qualifications and professional background are in IT and computer-related fields, I was unable to secure a role in that industry at the time.
Determined to build a career, I took up an opportunity to work as an air conditioning technician with my uncle’s company, where he had been working for many years. Air conditioning wasn’t initially my field of expertise, but as I gained hands-on experience, I developed a solid understanding of the trade.
My uncle, who has over 15 years of experience in the industry, became a key mentor during this period. When we later decided to start our own business, we carefully considered our options.
Leveraging my hands-on experience and my uncle’s extensive expertise, we decided to focus on air conditioning installation and repair services which we are very familiar with.
What sets your air con services apart from other competitors in the market?
Our aircon services stand out from the competition because we prioritise three key aspects: affordability, speed, and quality workmanship. All our technicians are highly skilled, certified, and bring over 10 years of experience to every job.
We specialise in efficient and precise aircon and ducting installations, ensuring reliable solutions tailored to your needs. With RoyalKing Construction, you get excellent service at a competitive price delivered promptly without compromising quality.
What are some of the most common issues clients face with their air conditioning units, and how do you address them?
The most common issues are air cons not cooling or leaking. These are the two major problems. Usually, we can’t give a solution over the phone; we need to be on-site to do a survey. We check the air con’s temperature, pressure, and other factors.
Sometimes, we need to cut open the ceiling to access the inside components to inspect further. Only after this can we identify the problem.
I envision growing my business into a leading provider of air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance services in Singapore.
What challenges did you face when starting the business, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was finance. We invested around $100,000, but it wasn’t enough. We also used our savings. Finance was the major issue. Also, competitors were underpricing their services, especially big companies that could afford to play with smaller prices.
As a startup, we couldn’t do that because we wouldn’t be able to sustain ourselves. Instead, we lowered our margins to keep prices competitive, and that helped us attract more clients.
What advice would you give to homeowners or businesses to help extend the lifespan of their air con units?
They need to do regular air con maintenance, depending on usage. For commercial properties, it’s different than for residential. Residential units are mostly used at night, but some are used lightly during the day. Regular servicing, at least once every three months, is essential.
We need to check the temperature, gas levels, and other components to keep everything in good condition. New air cons don’t need much maintenance, but after a few years, regular servicing becomes necessary.
How do you manage customer relationships and ensure high levels of satisfaction and trust?
I am in a business networking group and some of the members know I’m in the air con business. So they try out my services. Once they use my services, they’re satisfied and continue to renew and recommend me to their friends and family. This is how I’ve been developing my customer base.
Housekeeping is also an important part of our service. After finishing a job, we make sure to clean up the entire house so the customer doesn’t have to do anything. This ensures that the customer feels at ease after our work is done.
Where do you see yourself and your business in the next five years?
I envision growing my business into a leading provider of air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance services in Singapore. My goal is to expand our operations, build a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable, and affordable solutions, and establish long-term relationships with both residential and commercial clients.
I also aim to invest in training and upskilling my team, ensuring we stay updated with the latest technologies and environmentally friendly practices in the industry. Additionally, I hope to diversify our services to include energy-efficient cooling systems and smart aircon solutions, positioning our company as a forward-thinking and sustainable business.
Ultimately, I see the business not only growing in size but also becoming a trusted brand synonymous with excellent workmanship, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Connect with Raja: RoyalKing, Facebook and Instagram.
