Salute to Success!
With Zero money in the pockets but a little of smarts, a dash of digital magic, and enough patience and passion to move mountains!, success is practically begging to join the party 😄
The Story Behind It!
In 2019, after the unfortunate shutdown of Peykcell, despite having received seed money from Finnova acceleration in Tehran, we found ourselves at a crossroads. Months of hard work had led us to the difficult decision of shutting down as we couldn't extend our contract.
Fast forward to the same year, I faced a challenging situation with no money and feeling financially strained. Yet, my determination to try once more burned brightly within me. I knew the potential lay in selling products online, but I was unsure of which product to focus on.
First Step: Deep Market Research
Embarking on this journey, I knew market research was key! With my financial situation in mind, I needed a product that ticked all the right boxes: affordable, easy to store, with a longer shelf life, and most importantly, something that would inspire loyalty in customers.
After careful consideration, I decided to focus on hygiene products, especially condoms. They perfectly fit the bill, being cost-effective, easy to store, and a discreet choice for online purchase. Plus, building trust with customers meant gaining loyal patrons.
In Iran, some people feel shy purchasing condoms from pharmacies, especially in remote areas. Offering this product online provided convenience and a sense of privacy, making it a preferred choice.
With the concept in mind, I dived into action. I secured the online-condom.com domain and crafted a WordPress theme with Woodmart. Setting up payments was a bit tricky in Iran.
Utilizing my SEO knowledge, I conducted thorough keyword research, uncovering a potential market. Operating 24/7 was a game-changer, as customers could reach me even when other shops were closed. Snapp, our Iranian version of Uber, ensured quick and efficient product deliveries.
For the first year, I wore multiple hats – web design, content creation, SEO, Google Ads, customer support, logistics, and warehouse management. It was a whirlwind of challenges, but the sense of achievement and those tiny dopamine bursts with each new order were addictive! The notifications brought instant celebration!
The journey has been fast-paced, exhilarating, and filled with joyous moments. Every step brought its share of challenges and learning experiences, making it a thrilling ride. And you know what? I loved every bit of it!
Hiring The First Person, A Pivotal Moment
After a year of relentless dedication to my online shop, the onset of Covid-19 and quarantine brought new challenges. With people confined to their homes, the demand surged, and it became clear that I couldn't handle everything on my own anymore. The sleepless nights and 3 am customer calls took a toll, causing me to realize it was time to expand the team.
I knew I needed an office to facilitate hiring the first person. So, I rented a space at the heart of Tehran, Enghelab Square, a location that always brings a smile to my face. It was an exciting step, marking the beginning of a new chapter for my business.
The first hire joined the team, working diligently on weekdays. To further streamline operations, I hired a dedicated courier for deliveries, ensuring smoother shipments. With one person on weekends and another for night shifts, the business ran like a well-oiled machine.
Having the right team in place allowed me to focus on content creation and leveraging SEO tricks to boost organic traffic to the website. The office became a hub of productivity and creativity, fueling the growth of the business even amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
Looking back at this crucial moment, I am grateful for the progress and the camaraderie that has developed within our growing team. Hiring that first person marked a turning point in the success story of my online shop, and I can't help but feel excited for what the future holds.
Now,
Currently, I have made the move to Canada in December 2021, yet I continue to manage my business from afar. In my experience as a manager, I believe that the most challenging aspect of a manager roll is not marketing, warehouse management, or customer support, but rather the process of hiring the right individuals for the team. However, I am confident that I have assembled a capable and dedicated team, and even though I am now 14,000 km away, the business continues to operate smoothly and shows promising growth.
Receiving my first order remains the happiest moments for me. I vividly remember jumping around the house, dancing, and yelling with pure joy. Even now, just thinking about that special moment gives me goosebumps of excitement!
The saddest moment in my journey was when I had to make the tough decision to fire one of my employees. Despite giving him three warnings, he continued to create trouble with other team members. As much as I knew it was necessary for the sake of the team, it still remains a very emotional and difficult memory for me.
One of the funniest moments was when a customer called to ask the price of a product listed at $30 on our website. I playfully told him, “Bro, you just said the price!” We both had a good laugh before ending the call. It’s these lighthearted moments that make my job enjoyable!
One of the most exciting moments for me is when I pay the monthly wages to my employees. It fills me with happiness and pride knowing that I have created six jobs and continued to support my team even in challenging times like during the COVID pandemic.
Reached 3000 users daily
Established an SEO strategy that successfully reached approximately over 3,000 users per day
80 orders daily
Generated an
average of 80 daily orders. Half to Tehran and half to other cities
100% growth Annually
Experiencing approximately 100% annual growth in customers and profit.
Team of 5 employee
To ensure efficient operations and exceptional customer service
