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Case Studies

The Surprising Success Of Dropshipping A Controversial Product: $100K In One Month [Case Study]

by Denis K. | | 7 min read
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Today, we’re diving into an extraordinary story — a tale of a controversial product that astonishingly racked up $100,000 in sales in a single month. We’ll walk through the journey of Mikey, an intrepid entrepreneur who harnessed the power of dropshipping, the viral potential of social media, and a knack for strategic risk to hit a jackpot most can only dream of. If you’re just stepping into the vast world of ecommerce or you’re a seasoned pro looking to glean new insights, you’re in the right place. Get ready to uncover the secrets behind dropshipping a controversial product and learn strategies that transformed a daring idea into an electrifying reality.

Unveiling the mystery: The controversial product

So, what’s this controversial product that’s causing such a stir? Imagine a “ruler for your grass,” a seemingly simple item that became an overnight sensation. Our entrepreneur, Mikey, stumbled upon this gem through a clever tactic on TikTok. By tailoring a new account specifically for dropshipping products, he smartly tweaked the platform’s algorithm to his favor, unveiling a treasure trove of potential hits.

Among the many options, one item stood out for its viral appeal and relatively untapped market — the Copper Roller. This product, with its unique appeal and low competition, was the golden ticket Mikey was searching for in the vast world of dropshipping controversial products.

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But, as with any treasure hunt, the path was not without its obstacles. The Copper Roller was elusive, a ghost on the usual haunts like AliExpress where dropshippers typically source their wares. For many beginners, this roadblock might signal the end of the road.

However, Mikey wasn’t one to give up so easily.

He dug deeper and discovered a clever workaround. By providing a supplier with a direct Alibaba link or even the TikTok video itself, he could potentially source this controversial product. It was a move that required ingenuity and a bit of daring, but then again, that’s what dropshipping controversial products is all about — seizing opportunities where others see dead ends.

TikTok and Instagram Reels strategy

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With the controversial product securely in their grasp, Mikey swiftly pivoted to promotion. Understanding the vast potential of social media, he launched two new TikTok accounts, each targeting a different audience — one for the UK and another for the US. His mission was to make a splash in the market with a product that was just begging to go viral.

The initial foray into TikTok was promising but not groundbreaking. Mikey drew inspiration from the successful strategies behind the Copper Roller but needed that extra spark to catch fire. That’s when a stroke of genius struck. He slipped in a fake comment — “that ain’t no broccoli roller” — beneath one of his videos. This subtle, witty hint not only piqued interest but also sparked conversations, subtly nudging viewers to reconsider what they thought they knew about the product. This clever tactic was the nudge needed to start turning passive views into active sales.

The results were nothing short of phenomenal. One video, in particular, saw its view count explode from a modest 40,000 to an eye-popping 3.6 million, propelling sales to soar alongside it. By simply embedding the website link in the video description, Mikey watched as sales surged from nearly $500 from 200,000 views to a whopping $18,000 as the numbers climbed. This wasn’t just success; it was a testament to the compelling allure of the controversial product and the power of a well-executed promotional strategy.

Yet, Mikey knew better than to rely solely on TikTok. He extended his reach to Instagram Reels, well aware of the platform’s quick trigger on banning new accounts. He shared his workaround tips, though they came with no guarantees. But as it turned out, Instagram was yet another goldmine.

Reels brought in millions of views and thousands in sales, proving once again that a controversial product, when marketed right, can resonate with audiences far and wide.

While the journey was lucrative, it wasn’t without its pitfalls and challenges.

Overcoming the challenges of selling a controversial product

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Mikey’s journey into selling a “ruler for your grass” encountered significant obstacles right from the start. One of the earliest setbacks was a community guideline strike from TikTok, his main marketing platform. This strike was more than a simple warning; it caused a considerable drop in sales and showcased the strict and unpredictable nature of social media rules.

The problems continued to mount as TikTok began banning his videos in quick succession, eventually leading to the complete shutdown of his US account. This showed how difficult it can be to promote controversial products on social media.

But the issues didn’t stop with social media. Mikey also faced challenges with Shopify, the platform hosting his online store. Due to the rapid increase in sales and the nature of his product, Shopify put his funds under review. This situation risked his product being labeled as paraphernalia, which could lead to being banned from major payment processors like PayPal and Stripe, threatening his business’s existence.

In response, Mikey started searching for high-risk payment processors willing to handle his transactions. This search was tough, filled with many rejections until he finally partnered with We Transact. However, this partnership meant that ten percent of his sales would be held for six months as a precaution.

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Despite these challenges, Mikey persisted and adapted which helped him reach the stunning goal of $100,000. Each obstacle he faced taught him valuable lessons and helped him move closer to sustained success.

His experience reveals the importance of persistence in the face of challenges, the need to use multiple platforms to reduce risk, the strategic approach required for risk management, and understanding how to navigate social media’s rules.

Most importantly, it shows the need to handle the logistical and legal issues that come with rapid success in selling controversial products through dropshipping.

Launching your journey with Sellvia: Mastering best-selling dropshipping products

Venturing into the online business world can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the game. But fear not, because with Sellvia, embarking on this journey is simpler and more straightforward than you might think. Sellvia is your all-encompassing partner, streamlining the process of setting up and managing your online store. From product sourcing to fulfillment and delivery, Sellvia takes on the heavy lifting, freeing you up to concentrate on expanding your business.

  • Crafting your ideal online store

At Sellvia, we don’t just set up any store; we craft a space that mirrors your personal brand, filled with in-demand, best-selling dropshipping products. We’re dedicated to ensuring your store operates smoothly and profitably. Our professionally designed layouts aren’t just about function; they also provide an aesthetically pleasing shopping experience that will keep your customers coming back.

  • Effortless platform and extensive supplier network

Sellvia’s platform is designed with your convenience in mind. It simplifies the complexities of order management, product updates, and global customer engagement. Our extensive catalog doesn’t just list products; it provides a detailed backdrop for each item, aiding in your marketing efforts. Plus, with our efficient fulfillment center, quick deliveries are the norm, helping you maintain high customer satisfaction and loyalty.

  • Maximizing earnings with best-selling products

Sellvia is more than just a platform, it’s a gateway to higher profits. We conduct thorough market research to identify and offer access to best-selling dropshipping products at competitive prices. This means you can enjoy higher profit margins without the stress.

Here’s how Sellvia elevates your dropshipping business:

  • Curated Product Selection: We carefully select high-demand, best-selling items that fit perfectly with your store’s niche.
  • Profitable Sales Process: Every sale brings in significant revenue, fueling the growth of your business.
  • Efficient Reordering System: Restock your inventory with best-selling items at lower rates, boosting your profit margins.
  • Streamlined Fulfillment Services: From packaging to shipping, we handle it all, ensuring your products reach your customers promptly and safely.

Starting an ecommerce venture with Sellvia at your side opens doors to a world of opportunities. Whether you’re stepping into ecommerce for the first time or aiming to grow your existing operation, now is the perfect moment. Dive into this exciting journey, and watch as your online store blossoms into a thriving hub for best-selling dropshipping products. Get ready to seize the lucrative opportunities ahead and make this year your most triumphant yet in ecommerce with Sellvia!

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by Denis K.
Denis is a copywriter at Sellvia. Having graduated from the Faculty of International Business as a specialist in advertising, he explores the rapidly changing and evolving digital marketing industry and feels committed to sharing his findings with a wider reader’ audience.
1 Comment
Chelsea December 28, 2023 15:43:47

I Need help understanding better on how do I start without paying anything till I get paid end of January please help me understand

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