Man turns jersey restoration hobby into business

KUALA LUMPUR - What started as a hobby has unexpectedly turned into a thriving business for graphic designer Zainal Abas. Today, he is one of the few specialists restoring football jerseys, allowing fans to relive their cherished memories through his work.

Working from home with an initial investment of around RM5,000 and starting as a part-time venture, Zainal, the owner of Prokit Services Enterprise, now earns an average monthly profit of RM4,000. During major tournament seasons like the World Cup, his earnings have soared to as much as RM10,000.

"It all began when I noticed that the jerseys I had been collecting since 2010 were starting to fade and deteriorate. One of them was the first jersey I owned from my favourite team, Liverpool FC.

"Due to the sentimental value of the jersey, which I purchased in 2010, I began searching for ways to repair and preserve it. By 2013, I had started collecting the necessary tools,” he told Bernama in an interview at his house here recently.

The 43-year-old said that after successfully restoring that jersey, he embarked on a "conservation project” for his existing collection, which he later showcased on social media.

SOUGHT AFTER

According to Zainal, his posts on social media attracted the attention of many individuals looking for a ‘jersey restorer.’

"At first, I operated on a commission basis, with clients hiring me to repair and restore the jerseys they sent to me.

"However, in 2020, I lost my full-time job, which inspired me to start my own company,” said Zainal, who now also works in a permanent position at a local airline.

Discussing the jersey restoration process, he said the first step involves cleaning and removing any adhesive from the fabric.

"This process is challenging because we want to avoid damaging the fabric. After that, I carefully examine the design, logo, and type of lettering used.

"For accuracy, I utilise computer software to match the original font. Once that's complete, I move on to the printing. Each of these steps requires precision, as any damage to the jersey can be difficult to repair,” he explained.

Despite the labour-intensive nature of the work, Zainal said that he only charges RM10 to RM15 for the cleaning process, while lettering repairs range from RM20 to RM45.

"Many people ask, 'Isn’t it tiring to clean and restore jerseys for as little as RM10?' For me, this is a labour of love (because I understand the sentimental value of the jersey to its owner),” he added.

He also noted that repairs for vintage jerseys can take longer, sometimes up to a month, as he must be particularly careful not to damage the fabric.

"On average, I receive around 100 jerseys each month for repair, and to meet customer demand, there are times when I have to wake up as early as 4 am. But I don’t mind, because I understand how the owners feel,” he added.

When asked about his future plans, the father of three expressed his intention to expand his business once his company is stable and well-established.

"Currently, I handle everything myself; it’s a one-man operation. I’m not overly concerned about competition, as there aren’t many who offer this service. In fact, I have a loyal customer base,” he said, while acknowledging that he has also experienced issues with customers who failed to pick up their repaired jerseys.

VALUABLE COLLECTION

Zainal, a fan of both the German national team and Harimau Malaya, said he owns hundreds of jerseys from various teams, including state, national, and club teams from around the world. Among his collection is a German national team jersey from 1986.

Additionally, he possesses vintage jerseys from the Malaysian League, including one from Perak, his home state.

"I have jerseys signed by national football legends Karim Pin and Khalid Jamlus, along with a Liverpool jersey featuring signatures from Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Mark Wright, and Jason McAteer,” he said.

When asked about the value of his collection, Zainal explained that a single jersey could fetch thousands of ringgit if sold, depending on the timing and the platform used for the transaction.

"If you know how to sell on the right platform, the value can be quite high. For example, if advertised online in Malaysia, it might only be worth RM300 to RM500, but using international platforms like eBay, it can go for RM800 to RM1,500.

"The value of jerseys also skyrockets if the player has passed away. For instance, after Diego Maradona’s death, many people sought out jerseys with the number he wore. In fact, at one auction, a Pele jersey reportedly sold for 30,000 Euros (RM138,000),” he shared.

In 2013, when visiting his wife, who was pursuing her PhD in Germany, Zainal gained valuable experiences by witnessing European football culture, particularly the German Bundesliga.

"Although I only stayed for a month, I had the opportunity to watch several exciting Bundesliga matches, including Borussia vs. FC Nuremberg and FC Schalke vs. Hannover,” he said, adding that he never missed the chance to buy a team jersey every time he attended a match at the stadium.

"Every jersey I own tells a story about my experiences. To me, these jerseys are more than just fabric; they are priceless memories,” he said. - BERNAMA