Surprise Loved Ones With Unforgettable Moments By The Surprise Store

Surprising someone isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Whether it’s a last-minute plan or the desire to make a loved one feel extra special, the process often feels overwhelming. Yet, few things in life are as heartwarming as witnessing the pure joy of someone who feels truly valued. Surprises have the power to strengthen bonds, create unforgettable memories, and bring people closer, making even the simplest moments extraordinary.

Understanding this, The Surprise Store has been revolutionizing the way people celebrate since 2015. This Bengaluru based startup offers a unique personal gifting and celebrations platform, making the process of expressing love as effortless as ordering food online. From heartfelt apologies to grand bachelorette parties, they craft bespoke experiences tailored to create lasting impressions.

With over 35,000 surprises delivered and a stellar 4.9-star rating on Google, The Surprise Store has earned its reputation for spreading joy. Their loyal community of followers reflects the emotional impact of their curated experiences. At its core, the platform is a celebration of human connection, ensuring that every event, big or small, becomes a cherished memory.

We sat down with the Founder & CEO – Rohit Raj, for an one on one interview, in helping us understand their startup better, and learn about their goals and vision. Do go through their interview conducted by Desi Founder Team.

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How did the idea for The Surprise Store come about?

The idea for The Surprise Store was born out of a simple insight: people crave real, personal connection, especially during big moments. We started as “Birthday Engineers” back in 2015 but quickly realized that people wanted surprises beyond birthdays—they wanted thoughtful, unforgettable celebrations for any occasion. That realization led to the evolution of The Surprise Store in 2018, transforming it into a platform where expressing love is as effortless as ordering food online. We’ve been creating memorable moments ever since.

What’s the story behind the name “The Surprise Store”?

The name says it all. We’re a one-stop shop for surprises—but not the kind you pick up last-minute. Each experience is crafted to feel personal and unique, truly surprising the person it’s meant for. The name represents the heart of our brand: creating impactful surprises that are easily accessible through our platform, much like ordering from your favorite online store.

How do you design experiences that feel unique and personal to each customer?

It starts with understanding the person we’re celebrating. We gather details about their interests, memories, and personality, and then design each surprise with these elements in mind. Whether it’s an in-person celebration at one of our “Surprise Zones” or a curated gift delivered to their doorstep, every detail is personalized to create something that feels deeply meaningful.

How do you ensure customers feel comfortable with the process, especially if they’re new to personalized gifting and surprises?

We make the process simple and transparent, mirroring the ease of ordering food online. From the first interaction, we guide clients through each step, explaining how it works, listening to their ideas and offering tailored options. Our user-friendly platform allows customers to effortlessly book experiences or order personalized gifts. Plus, each customer has a dedicated team member to answer any questions, ensuring they feel supported throughout.

What’s your business and revenue model?

The Surprise Store operates on two main revenue streams:

In-Person Celebrations (Franchise Model): We partner with premium venues to create “Surprise Zones,” where customers can book personalized celebration experiences. We earn revenue through booking fees, add-ons like decor and photography, and pretty soon commission from our venue partners.

Surprise Gift Deliveries (E-commerce Platform): Our platform offers curated, personalized gifts and surprise delivery services. Revenue comes from direct sales of these gifts, with options for customized unboxing experiences that add a special touch. By combining the convenience of online booking with unique, personalized experiences, we generate revenue through commissions, direct sales, and premium add-on services that elevate each celebration.

With around 130 bookings a month and over 35,000 experiences delivered, what does your day-to-day workflow look like?

Our workflow is all about precision and efficiency. We use an integrated CRM system that tracks every step—from inquiry to feedback—in real time. Every team member knows their role, whether it’s coordinating with venue partners, managing gift deliveries, or providing customer support. This streamlined process ensures both our in-person celebrations and surprise deliveries run smoothly, allowing us to handle high volumes without compromising on personalization.

How do you ensure high levels of customer satisfaction?

Customer satisfaction is non-negotiable for us. We focus on delivering exactly what we promise, whether it’s a surprise gift delivery or an elaborate in-person celebration. We collect feedback regularly and address any issues immediately. Our strategy is simple: exceed expectations
every single time, making the experience seamless and delightful for our customers.

Do you work with partner brands, vendors, or suppliers for your experiences?

Absolutely. We have a network of trusted partners, including premium venues for our “Surprise Zones” and vendors for decor, catering, and personalized gifts. We’re selective about who we collaborate with because our reputation is on the line with every surprise. Each partner must meet our quality standards and share our vision for creating unforgettable experiences.

What are your future goals for The Surprise Store?

Our goal is to scale up and make personalized celebrations accessible to even more people. We’re looking to raise capital to streamline operations, expand our network of “Surprise Zones,” and enhance our e-commerce platform. We aim to be the go-to platform for celebrations worldwide, making expressing love as easy and convenient as ordering food online.

How does social media play into your marketing and customer engagement strategies?

Social media, especially Instagram, is our direct connection to clients. We showcase real surprises, real reactions, and keep it authentic. It’s our portfolio, our marketing, and our community all in one place. Our followers trust us because they see genuine moments and understand how effortlessly they can create these experiences through our platform.

What have been some of the biggest challenges in scaling a business centered around experiences?

Balancing scale with personalization is our biggest challenge. Creating a unique experience for each customer requires meticulous attention to detail. As we’ve grown, we’ve refined our processes, invested in technology, and trained our team to ensure quality at every level. Integrating our services into an online platform has been crucial in maintaining personalization while scaling up.

What advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs, especially in service-based businesses?

Find your niche and own it. Don’t get sidetracked by fleeting trends; focus on what you do best and make it irreplaceable. Leverage technology to make your services accessible and convenient for your customers. And never underestimate the power of grit—it will keep you moving forward through challenges.

How do you balance your work and personal life in such a demanding field?

It’s definitely a challenge, especially with a bootstrapped business. But the joy of creating these experiences keeps me grounded. I make time for family and unwind with music. Relying on a
strong team and efficient technology helps maintain that balance, ensuring both the business and my personal life thrive.

What are the most important qualities for a successful entrepreneur in today’s market?

I think resilience, self-awareness, and a commitment to constant improvement. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses and be relentless about growing. Embracing technology and prioritizing customer convenience are also crucial in today’s market. These qualities are key to staying ahead in a competitive landscape.

What’s your favorite part of creating these special moments, and how has this journey impacted you personally?

Seeing the reactions and knowing we’ve created a lasting memory—that’s the best part. This journey has taught me patience, resilience, and the profound impact of a well-executed surprise. It’s more than a job; it’s a way to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Integrating our services into an accessible platform has amplified that impact, allowing us to touch more lives and spread more joy.

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That will be a wrap of the interview. Hope you enjoyed reading it, as much as we enjoyed creating it. If you too have an interesting Founder Story to share it with the world, please feel free to submit a request here.