Often when we want to buy hardware items or equipment to help in our repair work, hobby or DIY projects, we would need a good recommendation and advice. It would be great if we can have honest recommendation and guidance on what to buy based on the items we need and within our budget.
Especially if we are not an expert and still have a long learning curve.
I’ve discovered a shop, located in Petaling Jaya that meets just that need. It is Jaya DIY located at Section 17, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Jaya DIY sells well, all types – it is a one-stop center for plumbing (pipes, kitchen sinks, etc), locks, electrical accessory, car care, paint, household items, bolts and nuts, light bulbs, special made knives, woodworking products, equipment like Karcher and Borsh power tools, paint, storage, gardening supplies (including plants, soil, pots, fertilizer, etc), bricks, cement, plastic products, etc.
Reason I want to write about this little humble shop is because it offers a service that is very difficult to be found nowadays. When we visit more commercialised hardware shops, many of the staff may not be so knowledgeable of the items that they are selling. We are sort of expected to ‘know our stuff’ when we go to such stores to purchase hardware, paints, equipments, etc- because when we ask, we would probably get a blank stare. Else, we may be recommended to purchase the most expensive equipment in the range.
What I like about Jaya DIY is that the company works on a DIY or Do-It-Yourself concept ….for hobbyist or those who would like to undertake weekend projects, perform simple home repair or learn a hobby on their own and require equipment. It is a family business and the owners are more than happy to explain or clarify any doubts that a customer may have instead of trying to get them to buy and buy.
I was informed that the Jaya DIY started operating in 1986 at the Jaya Supermarket in Section 14. The shop operated there for 22 years before they had to move due to the reconstruction of Jaya Supermarket. They have thus relocated in 2008 to a renovated bungalow house in Section 17, near the market (the one with the previous Sentosa Cinema). It’s about 27 years of experience being in the trade- so they would know their stuff.
For example, if I want to start a painting project for my home….yes, I can try to search for online tutorials but I may still make costly mistakes. So I would consult them what do I need to do and they inform me that I need to first clean the area, giving instructions on how to clean and to use what product to clean. After which, what is the colour that I want and the kind of paint selection to use. Perhaps I am not sure that how much of paint would I need from the area- they would be able to give estimates.
A lady walked in and asked for what do she need to do as there is a hole in her bathroom that she needed to patch up. The owner asked how big was the whole, where was it and other descriptions before recommending to her what to buy and to how to about to do the repair work.
The owner told me when speaking to the customer he can gauge whether they can carry out the repair work by themselves. If the customer is able to understand the simple instruction like how to repair the toilet float or to fix a broken pipe, then after explanation the customer would purchase and go back to try. If the customer really do not know or not successful, then he would recommend a plumber.
Or when it comes to electrical wire repair- it should be done only if the customer have knowledge of how to do it. If the customer is a beginner, he would request the customer to get an electrician to help him- and help to recommend one to the customer if need be.
When we sometimes receive pamphlets or see in classified ads of plumbing, renovation or electrical repair, we may not be comfortable to let a total stranger into our homes. Jaya DIY would recommend those that they know for many years- many who are their customers (as Jaya DIY have 2 types of customers: the normal walk-in customers like us as well as the service providers who need to purchase the supply).
They told me that they have many customers who have been with them for many years or customers who found out about them through friend’s recommendation. Hence they are not in the business to make a quick buck- they offer the service as they value long term relationship with the customer. This is something I really admire because many businesses nowadays are losing that personal touch. I am glad I can find a company that carries similar fundamental beliefs as me 🙂
By the way, they also other offer services such as:
- of sharpening knives (I seen some nice knife collection being displayed at the store)
- rental of equipment- example high pressure water jet washer, or other types of equipment that usually people will not buy but need to use occasionally
- custom made plywood according to specification required by customers
For those of you who are staying within the vicinity of Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur….meaning Klang Valley, you can check out the store if you wish to look for a DIY supply store who can offer you a good piece of advice on how to go about in your projects or DIY endeavours:
Jaya DIY (Jaya Do-It-Yourself)
No 49 (Bungalow Showroom), Jalan 17/21
Section 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
(click HERE to view map)
Tel: 603- 79540509. Tel/fax: 603-79560309.
Email: jayadiy@yahoo.com
Business hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9am to 7pm
Sunday/ public holidays: 9am to 5.30pm
