24/06/2025
This price point and commission won’t work, Sir. That’s what the very first vet I visited had to say.
The clinic was a premier one on Sarjapur Road. The same place where I met the lady with her Labrador who said, “Pumpkin juice? We make this at home.”
After she walked out, the vet — let’s call him Mr. N — called me into his consultation room.
“Yes, Mr. Sunder, what can I do for you?” “Doc, thank you for taking the time — I’ve got something for you.”
I pulled out all three juice variants — Pumpkin, Beetroot, and Carrot.
I explained how they were formulated at optimal temperatures, enriched with prebiotics for gut health, highly palatable, and easy to use — as a topper, mixer, or even snack.
I also spoke about the 12-month shelf life and our use of the retort processing method — no preservatives, no chemicals.
Mr. N nodded. He was genuinely impressed.
“You’re right,” he said. “Almost every second dog that comes in here has gut-related or digestive issues.”
And in that moment, it hit me: we had done the groundwork right. We had surveyed pet parents and vets before starting, and gut health had topped the list.
He then flipped the pack over. “How much is this?”
“Rs 189, Doc — including GST.”
“And our commission?”
“We start at 20% and move up to 30% based on reorders.”
He kept the pack down. “Sir, this won’t work,” he said. “Rs 189 for pumpkin juice? We make that at home. Also, we don’t accept anything below 40% commission.”
At that moment, I knew this was more than a sales pitch. It was a battle for awareness.
So I asked:
“Doc, do all dogs get prebiotics and probiotics in their food?” “No.”
“Is the pumpkin cooked at the right temperature to retain nutrition?” “I can’t say.”
“And what do preservative-filled treat brands charge?” “Rs 300+, and we get 50% commission.”
Exactly.
“Doc, Barky Brews is priced at Rs 189, is preservative-free, chemical-free, and still includes GST.”
We’ve made a choice to stay true to our philosophy, even if it means lower margins. And that’s why we cap commissions at 30%.
He leaned back, smiled and said: “Okay, Sunder. Let’s start with 30 juices. I like what you’re doing.”
Barky Brews Fresh Juices for Dogs — crafted for wellness, backed by love. Order now at barkybrewsdotcom or just DM me.
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Next week: “You must have a big team, Sunder?” What another vet said that made me pause.
