When three separate companies operate under one roof, each with its own system and way of doing things, the results can be chaotic. That was the case for Bombay Imports, until they discovered Odoo. What began as a need to streamline operations, evolved into a full-scale transformation. Now this distributor is not only solving inefficiencies but also preparing for ambitious new ventures in global manufacturing.
Bombay Imports is a growing distribution business focused primarily on South Asian food and product brands. Operating under three different corporations in the U.S., the company serves a wide range of small and medium-sized retail stores with a B2B model. Their success lies in ensuring authentic, quality products reach neighborhood shops where mainstream distributors typically don’t go.
Founded over a decade ago, Bombay Imports started as a small operation with just two people handling everything: orders, customer relationships, and logistics. As the team expanded to nearly a dozen people and operations grew more complex, so did the need for an integrated system that could scale with the business. Today, the company not only imports and distributes but also brings exclusive brands into its portfolio and deepens relationships with its retail partners.
"We started as a small company, and as we grew, the ‘pains’ became more obvious, such as communication issues, outdated inventory, and lack of consolidated data. Odoo has helped us overcome all these."
Before Odoo: Fragmented Tools, Slower Decisions
For years, Bombay Imports operated on a mix of disjointed systems: QuickBooks, Excel, and other manual tools. Every company had its own system, meaning data had to be pulled separately and manually compared. This made basic reporting tasks (such as analyzing profitability, sales performance, or inventory age) time-consuming and prone to error.
"When you wanted to see the profitability of a product or customer, you had to go into three different systems and stitch everything together with Excel formulas. It was a mess. There was no easy way to get the full picture."
They explored various options but none offered the depth of integration they needed. The team wanted a platform where accounting, sales, inventory, and CRM could live together, and Odoo emerged as the clear solution. “It wasn’t just about saving time. It was about being able to make smarter decisions faster,” the business co-owner notes.
The Catalyst for Smarter Operations
The team at Bombay Imports first heard about Odoo through a recommendation from a consultant who had implemented it in other distribution companies. What caught their attention was the flexibility of the platform and its ability to unify every aspect of their operation.
With Odoo in place, tangible improvements became evident:
One of the first major shifts came with inventory management. Previously, there was no way to tell how old a product was or why it wasn’t selling. With Odoo’s inventory aging report, they could quickly identify products sitting on shelves for over six months, enabling better purchasing and pricing decisions.
Salespeople, too, have become significantly more efficient. Now they can see procurement costs and previous sales prices for specific customers directly within the system: no more flipping through physical invoices or calling the back office. This has resulted in a 20–30% reduction in the time spent per sale.
On the reporting side, the transition has been outstanding. With the Invoice Analysis tool, the leadership team can filter by customer, product, or sales rep and instantly view profitability data that used to take days to compile. This faster access to business intelligence has not only saved time but also improved decision-making across the board.
Another key benefit is internal communication. Features like Chatter and Log Notes have replaced the need for constant calls, emails, and meetings. When customers reply to quotes, their responses are automatically tracked in the system, ensuring the whole team stays aligned without redundancy.
Lastly, the consolidated calendar feature (which may seem basic) has brought clarity across all three corporations. From staff availability to promotional events, everyone is now on the same page.
"With Odoo, we’ve gone from disconnected guesswork to real-time insight. It’s helped every part of our team, from leadership to salespeople."
Future Focus: What’s in Store for Bombay Imports
Looking ahead, Bombay Imports is ready to take a bold new step: manufacturing. The company plans to start production in India, expanding from distribution into full brand ownership. Managing raw materials, packaging, and manufacturing workflows will add complexity, but they’re confident that Odoo can support this transition just as it has supported their growth so far.
The company also wants to build a better online experience using Odoo’s website module. While most sales currently happen through salespeople visiting stores, there’s a growing interest in reaching underserved clients digitally. With a simple order system and customer portal, the company hopes to increase business opportunities.
As your business expands, smart tools become essential. Bombay Imports’ story shows how the right system can turn complexity into clarity, and help unlock your next stage of growth with confidence. Contact Odoo today, and write your own success story.