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I sell onions on the Internet (2019) (deepsouthventures.com)

496 points by sogen · 210 days ago · 174 comments on HN

Article summary

The author, Peter Askew, bought the domain name VidaliaOnions.com in 2014 for $2,200 and decided to start a business selling Vidalia onions online, despite having no experience in farming or the food industry. He partnered with a farmer and started small, but the business grew rapidly, with over 600 orders in the first season. The author attributes the success of the business to the unique domain name, which gave him an unfair advantage and helped drive new customers. The business has continued to grow, with the author focusing on customer service, marketing, and logistics.

Main themes

  • Domain name investing
  • Entrepreneurship
  • E-commerce
  • Food industry
  • Marketing and branding
  • Business growth

What commenters say

  • The author's purchase of the domain name VidaliaOnions.com was a key factor in the success of the business, as it gave him a unique advantage and helped drive new customers.
  • The story highlights the importance of taking risks and being open to new opportunities, even if they seem unconventional or uncertain.
  • Some commenters believe that the domain name was not the primary factor in the business's success, but rather the author's hard work and the quality of the product.
  • The author's approach to domain name investing, where he buys domains with the intention of developing them into businesses, is seen as a viable strategy by some, but others are skeptical about its potential for success.
  • The use of unique and memorable domain names can be a key factor in differentiating a business and attracting customers, but it is not a guarantee of success.
  • The story raises questions about the value of domain names and whether they can be a worthwhile investment, with some commenters sharing their own experiences with buying and selling domains.
  • The importance of adaptability and being able to pivot when circumstances change is highlighted in the story, as the author had to navigate unexpected challenges and opportunities in building the business.
  • The role of luck and circumstance in the success of the business is debated, with some commenters arguing that the author was fortunate to have stumbled upon the domain name and others seeing it as a result of his deliberate efforts.