Shantanu Deshpande, the founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, shared an emotional and inspiring update on Sunday about the company’s recent triumph—securing a deal with Taj Hotels after a seven-year-long pursuit. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the brand, which faced initial rejection and years of hard work before finally meeting the high standards of the iconic hotel chain.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Shantanu Deshpande recounted the first pitch he made to Taj Hotels’ procurement head back in 2017. “Sir, I can give you a great shaving kit for your hotel rooms. It will be higher-priced, but it will be awesome,” he remembered saying. Despite the pitch’s enthusiasm, the response from Taj’s team was clear: “We’re not there yet. Let’s work together till we’re ready.” This early rejection, however, did not deter Deshpande or his team.
“Sir, I can give you a great shaving kit for guests in your hotel room. But price will be higher 3X and we’ll replace gel with cream. But it will be awesome”
Circa 2017.
There was nervous optimism in my voice. I was presenting to the procurement head of Taj.
Senior… pic.twitter.com/XJg04LDKQb
— Shantanu Deshpande (@shantanukd) November 24, 2024
Deshpande’s dedication over the years bore fruit, and he outlined the crucial lessons that guided Bombay Shaving Company’s path to success. He emphasized the importance of price sensitivity, especially when catering to a large customer like Taj Hotels. “When you serve the largest buyer in the country, their value consciousness is top. Quality at that price is non-negotiable,” he shared.
He also highlighted the importance of respecting customer preferences, as he recalled Taj’s insistence on gels over creams for their shaving kits. “A customer will never change their habits for you. If they like gels, they want gels. Nothing else works,” Deshpande noted.
One of the most significant takeaways from Deshpande’s experience was the importance of perseverance and trust. “Supply chain readiness and trust has to be created. The cost of failure is high,” he warned. The years of slow, steady improvement in product offerings and iteration were crucial to Bombay Shaving Company’s eventual success in securing the deal.
“Stay at it. Show up. Just do not give up,” Deshpande encouraged, stressing that overcoming challenges through perseverance was key.
Deshpande’s post ended with gratitude and acknowledgment of the road ahead. He expressed appreciation for the team’s relentless effort and the customers who supported the brand. However, he also pointed out the challenges that still lie ahead. “We know one bad experience or one competitor innovation can throw us out. So we have to be on our toes,” he said. Nevertheless, he was confident that the small efforts would eventually lead to big wins. “These small ‘boond boond’ efforts lead to that beautiful first Purchase Order,” Deshpande concluded.
The announcement was met with widespread support, including congratulatory messages from industry leaders such as Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma. He wrote, “I understand how such a long-due win tastes. Cheers to the coveted business.”
Fans of Bombay Shaving Company also took to social media to praise the brand, with many sharing their positive experiences with the products. One user shared their delight, saying, “Bombay Shaving Company is at another level, must try,” while another expressed appreciation for the brand’s products, calling them “terrific.”
However, not all feedback was positive. Some users shared less-than-ideal experiences with the shaving products. A customer from Taj Madurai reported a painful shaving experience with the razor, while another user found the razor’s sharpness inadequate compared to the brand’s competition. “Best to get back to Gillette disposable,” one critic remarked, highlighting that while the shaving kits may work well in hotel rooms, they were less suitable for personal use.
The collaboration with Taj Hotels is a monumental achievement for Bombay Shaving Company, marking the culmination of years of effort, learning, and perseverance. While the brand continues to face challenges in ensuring customer satisfaction, this deal is a significant step forward in its journey. With Deshpande’s leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, Bombay Shaving Company is poised for even greater success in the future.
