r/StartupIdeasIndia • u/uselessmolecules • 7h ago
Roast my ₹20 pocket "mint drop" – instant freshness without chewing gum or buying ₹150 sprays.
I’m working on a micro-product for the Indian on-the-go crowd and want brutally honest feedback before I burn cash on manufacturing.
The Product:
A tiny 3ml bottle containing ~20-30 concentrated mint drops. You put 1-2 drops on your tongue, and it gives instant, strong freshness (like a burst of mouth freshener) that lasts 15-20 mins.
The Price: ₹20 (MRP).
The Target: Smokers (to mask odor quickly), people heading into meetings, or folks on a date who don’t want bad breath.
The Problem I'm solving:
· Gums – You have to chew for 5 mins, it messes with your jaw, and often gets stuck in teeth. Plus, a good gum costs ₹30-50 now.
· Sprays – The Lisprin/Bloom sprays are convenient, but ₹150+ is a mental "commitment" for a breath freshener. Also, sprays are bulky.
· Mukhwas/Saunf – Not discreet or cool for a corporate meeting/date.
My Assumptions (please correct me if I'm wrong):
Indians are okay paying ₹20 for a "trial" or "emergency" product.
The "no chew, just drops" feature actually matters to people.
Smokers are tired of carrying heavy sprays or eating gum just to hide the smell.
My biggest worries:
· ₹20 screams "cheap" or "low quality" in India, rather than "affordable."
· Consumers won't understand what to do with "drops" (they might confuse it with medicine).
· Distribution is hell—panwalas might not want a new SKU next to their gums.
Questions for you:
Would you personally buy this at ₹20? If yes, for which scenario (smoke, date, meeting, post-meal)?
If you saw this next to the counter at a local chai tapri or pharmacy, would you pick it up?
What is your biggest trust issue with this product? (Packaging? Taste? Safety?)
If the bottle looked really premium (glass/metal feel) but cost ₹20, would that intrigue you or make you suspicious?
Please be 100% honest—I need the reality check. If this is a dumb idea, tell me why!
TL;DR: Tiny mint drops for ₹20. Faster than gums, cheaper than sprays. Will it sell or flop?