Anyone can sell weird stuff online...
"I sell onions on the internet..."
That's the title of a viral blog post that Peter Askew wrote in April 2019...
Peter tells his fascinating story about selling onions online ($320,000+ per year)...
Here's how it happened:
November 2014: GoDaddy was auctioning the expired domain, VidaliaOnions.com.
Just for fun, Peter offered $2,200...
"I was confident I’d be outbid."
"5 minutes later, I was the proud owner of VidaliaOnions.com."
"I had no idea what to do with it.
Ready, fire, aim."
February, 2015: Peter calls the Vidalia Onion Committee. They introduce him to a farmer.
The two get along well, and Peter starts a dropshipping partnership...
First Season: Peter thought he'd get 50 orders. He ended up with 600...
2016-2019: Peter tried unique marketing ideas: billboards, sponsoring a charity bike ride, helping a high school basketball team, etc.
He iterated his way to success.
Little by little, a thriving online business was born...
And it's still going strong:
Get the full story:
Peter is a great storyteller...
He shares some amazing insights and takes you behind the scenes in his viral blog post here (pt.1) and here (pt.2).
GoDaddy made a short film (3:39) about them. Look close. It's packed with marketing nuggets. You can get a taste of their great customer experience philosophy.
Get the "nuts and bolts":
Nick Loper did an excellent interview with Peter, and his interview notes are fantastic. Scroll down that page to see Peter's tools and tactics.
Some thoughts:
1. Peter found a unique market that was perfect for him. Use creative methods to discover markets that allow you to make people happy. Enjoy every minute of your life.
2. Peter models his business after a world-class, Fortune 1000 company, Harry & David (gift baskets). Which companies already do amazing things that you can learn from?
3. Peter sends postcards to all his customers. "Snail mail" is one way to amaze customers. Don't forget Nick's story: from 1k to 100k. What can you do offline to create moments your customers don't forget?
4. Peter focuses on customer experience, and he's reaping the rewards. Steady growth, year after year, and a business he loves.
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