The outspoken political support of Elon Musk for Donald Trump has sparked an unexpected side business for Matthew Hiller, an aquarium worker in Honolulu.
Hiller manages a small venture on Etsy named Mad Puffer Stickers, catering to Tesla owners who find themselves at odds with Musk’s political inclinations. The venture has remarkably transformed into a thriving enterprise, thanks to Musk’s public endorsement of Trump. According to Hiller, the demand for his products surged notably following Musk’s vocal support of Trump, indicating how political stances can impact consumer behavior.
The Etsy shop specializes in bumper stickers with slogans mocking Musk’s politics. Such products include stickers saying ‘I Bought This Before We Knew Elon Was Crazy’ and ‘Anti Elon Tesla Club.’ These items, particularly popular among Tesla owners who wish to dissociate their vehicle choice from Musk’s controversial views, serve as a form of protest against Musk’s political statements.
One popular item, ‘Anti Elon Tesla Club,’ measures four by five inches and costs $339.80. Within a single day, it had been purchased by 13 individuals, illustrating the high demand among Tesla owners seeking to voice their disapproval through these stickers. Notably, Hiller has sold approximately 18,000 stickers across 30 countries, demonstrating significant global interest.
Hiller, originally a Tesla enthusiast himself, expressed disillusionment post-Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now rebranded as X. He voiced concerns over misinformation on the platform, stating, ‘So I’m like, there’s no way I’m buying a Tesla: I don’t want to give this guy a penny.’ This sentiment underpins his decision to create products that resonate with like-minded Tesla owners.
The response from Tesla owners has been telling, with several stating their discomfort with Musk’s political position. As reported earlier, some current and potential Tesla owners are contemplating selling or refraining from future purchases due to their unease with Musk’s political stance and actions.
Through his Etsy store, Matthew Hiller has tapped into a unique market driven by political differentiation among consumers. His business reflects a broader trend where individuals seek to express their discontent with corporate figures through alternative consumer choices. This case highlights how personal politics can turn into significant business opportunities.
Source: Businessinsider
