If you want to succeed in drop shipping, you sometimes need to think outside the box. Here are some of the weirdest, strangest – but highly effective – drop shipping tips that have worked for successful entrepreneurs:
- Sell Ugly, Not Pretty
- Conventional wisdom says you should sell aesthetic products, but some of the ugliest and weirdest products tend to go viral.
- Example: The “Ugly Christmas Sweater” niche thrives because people love tacky humor.
- Test odd or novelty items – think bizarre pet beds, peculiar home decor, or oddly shaped furniture.
- Exploit Late-Night Impulse Buys
- People make irrational purchases late at night, especially after a few drinks.
- Tip: Run ads between 11 PM – 3 AM targeting impulsive buyers.
- Works best for gag gifts, relationship products, or quirky problem solvers.
- Use “Secret” Keywords That Don’t Seem to Fit
- Instead of targeting direct product-related keywords, find odd, loosely related search terms with less competition.
- Example: Selling LED toilet lights? Instead of “bathroom lighting,” try “midnight snack lighting” or “ghost hunter essentials.”
- Make People Angry (Strategically)
- Some viral ads work because they trigger controversy.
- Example: Ads that poke fun at common annoyances (e.g., “Your phone battery lasts shorter than your relationships? Get this ultra-long-lasting power bank!”)
- Just be careful – controversy can boost sales, but avoid topics that could backfire.
- Create a Fake Rivalry
- People love choosing sides – so create an imaginary rivalry to boost engagement.
- Example: Selling pet products? Market a “Dogs vs. Cats” item, encouraging debate in the comments.
- Engagement spikes sales because Facebook & TikTok reward heated discussions with more reach.
- List Your Store in Odd Marketplaces
Everyone focuses on Shopify and Amazon, but have you tried:
-
- Etsy (even if it’s not handmade)
- Craigslist (for local urgency)
- Facebook Buy/Sell Groups
- Reddit Marketplaces
- TikTok Shop (still massively untapped)
Some of these platforms have less competition and let you sell at higher markups.
- Use “Boring” Products with an Insane Angle
- Instead of selling a product as-is, package it as something weirdly specific.
- Example: A simple beard grooming kit can be rebranded as “The Viking Beard Domination Kit”.
- A basic standing desk can be sold as “The Anti-Sitting Disease Workstation.”
- People buy the idea, not the item.
- Turn Customer Complaints into Products
- Go to Amazon reviews of popular products and find the most ridiculous, common complaints.
- Then sell an alternative that fixes that problem.
- Example: If people complain that a yoga mat is too thin, sell is as “The World’s Thinnest Yoga Mat,” as well as sourcing and selling “The World’s Thickest Yoga Mat,” too.
- Send Freebies That Make People Laugh
Instead of a basic thank-you note, include hilarious or unexpected free gifts.
Examples:
- A “Certificate of Awesomeness” for buying.
- A tiny toy version of your product.
- A random funny sticker (like “Certified Big Spender” for a $5 item).
- Do Live “Unboxing” and “Try Not to Laugh” Sales
Drop Shippers who react to their own products on TikTok/YouTube drive viral traffic.
Example:
- Order your own weirdest product and do a hilarious unboxing review.
- Do a “Try Not to Laugh” challenge with a ridiculously bad product (ironically boosting sales).
- Use “Mystery Product” Sales
- Offer a mystery item for a small fee (e.g., $9.99).
- The curiosity effect makes people buy just to see what they get.
- Works best for novelty, gadget, or fashion niches.
- Make the Checkout Process Annoying (But Fun)
Instead of just offering a discount, make buyers “win” a special deal by:
- Completing a spin-the-wheel game.
- Clicking a mystery button.
- “Guessing the correct answer” to unlock a secret offer.
This gamifies the experience, increasing conversion rates.
Bottom Line
Drop shipping success isn’t just about finding products – it’s about selling them in ways that trigger curiosity, impulse, and engagement.
If you dare to get a little weird, you’ll stand out in a sea of generic stores.