My journey began in 2021 in Kolkata, where I was working as an IT professional. The idea of running my own business always intrigued me. My wife and I were brainstorming about our future when the concept of Spotdeal emerged. We were inspired by the bustling eCommerce industry and decided to dive in. The decision wasn’t driven by extensive planning but rather a natural progression from our circumstances and aspirations.
We decided to venture into eCommerce, a step towards independence and a chance to create something of our own. The choice of dealing in leather wallets and accessories was influenced by our location – West Bengal, Kolkata – the heart of the leather industry. The proximity to the leather market made it a practical choice, offering easy access to raw materials and a quick turnaround for our customers.
The initial phase wasn’t without its challenges. Financial constraints and family responsibilities often loomed large. But what kept us going was our belief in our vision and our products. The name “Spotdeal” was chosen with a personal connection, as I had previously worked on an IT project with the same name. This felt like bringing a part of my past into my new venture.
In terms of sourcing our leather products, being in the heart of Kolkata’s leather industry was a significant advantage. It allowed us easy access to raw materials. We worked closely with ground-level workers who purchased raw leather from nearby tanneries and crafted our products. This proximity not only made sourcing efficient but also ensured we could maintain high-quality standards.
We introduced unique hand-painted 3D designs on leather wallets, differentiating our offerings in a saturated market. This innovation was not just a business strategy; it was a creative expression that resonated with our customers.
Our journey with the Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Program began when we chanced upon it while browsing through social media in early 2022. It seemed like a ray of hope during our challenging times. The program also offered one-on-one mentorship, which was the tipping point for us. Our mentor guided us through the intricacies of the eCommerce marketplace. His advice to focus on wholesale marketing was ground-breaking for us. Following his guidance, we started advertising our products on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram without paid promotions, a strategy we hadn’t considered before. This approach gave us significant successes.
The impact of the Walmart Vriddhi program was not just limited to business strategies but also extended to our personal growth. We learned the importance of thinking big, a lesson that transformed our approach towards business. Our orders increased substantially, with the wholesale component of our wallets reaching up to 500 units/month, an endorsement to the program’s effectiveness in enhancing our business capabilities. This experience was more than just a business lesson; it was a journey of self-improvement and empowerment.
Looking ahead, our short-term goal is to capture the national wholesale market in India, and the long-term vision includes expanding into other markets. We also plan to bolster our online presence. There’s also the exciting prospect of setting up our own manufacturing unit, depending on the growth and scale of incoming orders.
Every day in this journey is a learning experience. From understanding the nuances of eCommerce to mastering digital marketing strategies, we are growing. The most heart-warming part of this venture has been our client feedback who find our products unique and of high-quality.
Our story with Spotdeal is more than just about business growth. It is about perseverance, learning, and the joy of creating something that others value. As we continue to navigate this journey, the lessons from the Walmart Vriddhi program and our own experiences will be our guiding light.
