The 85% Cheaper Alternative to Happy Socks — an Article MVP
I really like Nat Eliason’s idea of an article MVP: essentially an MVP in the form of a blog post or article for a startup idea you’re considering pursuing. All this in the name of leanness and quickly testing ideas. Thus, you can consider the following an article MVP, as I am trying to gauge interest for a website or other indie product around the 85% cheaper alternative to Happy Socks.
In 2012 already The New York Times wrote a piece about how socks make the tech entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. The stylish accessories have spread. Only recently did I see a finance executive wear what looked like Happy Socks on stage at a public event. I have been enjoying wearing colorful, playful socks myself for a while now.
Socks have become a design object. Funky socks put you in a good mood. It even starts at home in the morning when you put on your socks, but also when you see other people wearing an interesting pair. I am happy every time I see people wearing colorful socks. I immediately assume then that they are fun and it does not get boring with them. Many have to walk around all day long in a business look. Socks are a great way to show a little bit of personality under the trouser leg and make everyday life more colorful.
What has bothered me though, is the usual price tag of around 15 USD for a pair. Coupled with a (healthy) AliExpress addiction, I have searched my way through the aisles of the Chinese markets. There’s a bunch of garbage out there: low quality, bad fits, and worse materials. But I have finally found THE quality alternative to Happy Socks. And at an 85% discount too. Where you pay 14 to 24 USD for a pair of socks at Happy Socks, you get a very similar quality pair for only 2 USD on AliExpress.
And it only makes sense: when you think about the economics of socks, their production and material costs are marginal. What you pay for when you buy Happy Socks is the brand, i.e. marketing and profits. Me being frugal by nature, I think the above prices have too much of a markup.
So here you go, check them out and get yourselves a couple of pairs: socks, socks, and more socks. If you need even more choice, here are two stores to browse: Lionzone, and C-Block.
Let’s make it rain socks:
For those who haven’t ordered from China yet, be advised though that you will have to wait for 2 to 4 weeks usually for your order to arrive. No worries though, it only makes the delivery a pleasant surprise. It’s all a matter of perspective.
Note that the links are affiliate links so I can track the interest in this alternative to Happy Socks and see if I should pursue the idea of an indie product around it.
