Digitarvike Oy, which sells camera accessories, started in 2005, when a group of amateur photographers from Oulu noticed that it was difficult to order accessories from Finland. The company, which started at home, has been on the rise since the beginning, but the last few years have been downright booming.
- In 2005, we lived in times when online stores were just beginning. We ordered goods from abroad and realized that there was a need for a Finnish online store, explains Janne Rajala, 43, founding member of Digitarvike.
The company started as a business name company. When sales increased, the company was converted into a limited company. The rise was moderate in the beginning, but the last five years have been a time of great growth. In 2019, the turnover reached 5.2 million euros and the profit was more than 800,000 euros.
- From the beginning, we have been interested and enthusiastic about the products in our field. We always strive to have a customer service person who is actually able to provide information. At large companies, customer service does work, but there is not necessarily product expertise, says Janne.
In addition to functional customer service, Digitarvike has a clear and informative online store. Products are easy to order. Web availability is also fine. The store is located in Oulu, but the postal lines are fast all over Finland.
- We were at a fair in Helsinki last Friday. The customer wanted a product that we did not with us. He ordered it from our online store. The next day, the customer came to thank for the fast delivery, the product had arrived. There are surprisingly fast postal lines from Oulu, says Janne.
In autumn 2019, Janne decided to sell his company. The main purpose was to get help with the management of the company through the new ownership base, because the operation had grown large.
- I was leaving for a business trip to China when the representative of Suomen Yritysmyynti (Finlandia Business) made a promise that they have found a buyer when I come back. I've always been careful to believe something that hasn't happened. But when I returned, the business broker presented several potential buyers. Together we got the deal done. Janne says that he was surprised how easily the transaction went because he had heard of cases where the sale had taken years.
- Suomen Yritysmyynti (Finlandia Business) acted as an experienced expert in sales. I see a business broker as my trustee. A business transaction is a process in which many things must be taken into account. The broker also has a lawyer who makes sure things are going correct legally.
Now in 2020, the company has a new main owner. Janne still has a share in the company and continues to work for the company. But he is involved in daily work with less weight.
- I plan to stay in the company to do things that interest me. This is such a nice job. However, I'm not going to give all my resources anymore, because time is important, Janne concludes.
