E-Commerce Case Study: Dropshipping Before It Was Cool

Client Overview

The case studies on our website are professional, buttoned up, and tight. This is not one of those case studies 😂 . Back in 2016, before it was “in vogue”, my friend Robert and I launched WOWEE Apparel, a dropshipping business that specialised in offering trendy t-shirts featuring novelty sports catchphrases and captivating designs. Juggling full-time university and multiple jobs/internships, our passion for sports fuelled our appetite to grow WOWEE Apparel. This was a bootstrap operation, exemplifying the power of self-learning, self-starting, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Chanllenged Faced

Inception:

The original WOWEE Apparel T-Shirt caught in the crowd at Richmond vs Brisbane AFL match, August 2015.

After being shown on the AFL broadcast wearing novelty t-shirts we gifted each other for Christmas, Robert and I noticed our 15 mins of fame had caught the attention of a sub-niche within sport… people just like us who enjoyed quirky catchphrases in sport. After investigating the logistics of distribution we set off launching WOWEE Apparel.

strategy implemented

Daring or Delusional?

Unfazed by the challenges of managing WOWEE Apparel alongside university commitments, and multiple jobs/internships, Robert and I took charge of various aspects of the business, ensuring WOWEE Apparel’s smooth operation and success:

Company Formation: Robert and I navigated the legalities of forming WOWEE Apparel, ensuring all necessary regulations and paperwork were meticulously addressed.
Design Subcontracting: To offer a diverse and appealing t-shirt collection, we sourced talented designers, managing the creative process and ensuring a wide array of designs resonated with sports enthusiasts.
Digital Marketing: We leveraged social media and content strategies, attracting and engaging a devoted community of sports fashion aficionados.
E-commerce Management: We handled the daily operations of WOWEE Apparel’s online store, overseeing product listings, order fulfilment, and providing the best possible customer support.

For a couple of 17-year-olds, this truly was a “learn on the job” operation.

Results achieved

With the few hours a week we committed to WOWEE, in 18 months we produced something we look back on and smile about:

Grew a passionate digital following of 3,000 enthusiasts across various platforms.
Garnered a decent $20,000 in sales, a testament to our ability to connect with the target audience and convert interest into thriving transactions.
Built a suite of new self-taught skills that have aided us in the rest of our professional careers.

conclusion

Amidst our bustling schedules as full-time students and multiple jobholders, Robert and I showcased the potential of self-taught skills and resourcefulness in crafting a brand that resonates with our target audience.

E-Commerce Case Study: Dropshipping Before It Was Cool

Client Overview

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