Hawaii, USA – Stickers criticizing Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk have gained popularity among Tesla owners, reflecting a trend of disapproval towards Musk and his involvement in the Trump administration. The stickers, such as “Anti-Elon Tesla club” and “Elon is a dogebag,” have been selling well on online shop MadPufferStickers, owned by Matthew Hiller. As a Tesla enthusiast turned skeptic, Hiller launched the stickers to express his disillusionment with Musk’s behavior and beliefs.
Initially serving as a side-hustle to his job at an aquarium in Hawaii, Hiller started with fish stickers on his online shop before introducing the first anti-Musk sticker in 2023. The rising sales of these stickers coincide with a declining public sentiment towards Tesla and Musk, as evident in a CNBC survey indicating negative views held by half of Americans. With Tesla’s first-quarter revenue decrease and falling car sales, it seems that the public opinion on Musk’s actions is influencing consumer behavior.
Sales of the anti-Musk stickers spiked during significant events involving Musk, such as his appearance at a Trump rally or a gesture resembling a Nazi salute at a Trump inauguration event. Despite the controversial nature of the stickers, Hiller has noticed customers purchasing them for safety reasons, amid reports of attacks against Tesla vehicles and dealerships. The stickers have become a nationwide phenomenon, reaching customers from various states and even international buyers.
While the success of MadPufferStickers has been unexpected, Hiller remains grounded in his perspective. He does not plan to turn his sticker business into a full-time endeavor, expressing contentment with his current role at the aquarium. Hiller’s experience with the stickers reveals a broader sentiment of criticism towards Musk, highlighting a shift in consumer attitudes towards both the Tesla brand and its CEO. Tesla did not respond to inquiries regarding the stickers and their impact on the company’s image.
In conclusion, the rise of anti-Musk stickers serves as a reflection of changing public perceptions towards prominent figures in the tech industry. Hiller’s unique journey from Tesla admirer to sticker seller sheds light on the intersection of personal values and consumer choices. As the dynamics between consumers, brands, and public figures continue to evolve, the impact of such expressions of dissent through stickers raises questions about the influence of individual beliefs on purchasing decisions.