WritingsApr 20, 2025Source article

Tariff Wars; and Email Inboxes

What I learned about Tariffs running a Startup

Running Zero Inbox challenged assumptions about who buys software and revealed why open, curious American consumers matter to businesses around the world.

The Notorious B.I.G. wearing a crown against a red background

When we first launched ZeroInbox.ai, I only knew two things:

how to build software products

and 2) if we ever did sell anything, Iceland would pay double

The reason Iceland would pay double is because when I visited them a few years ago - whilst kind - they charged me 45$ for a Pizza! I never forgot this immense betrayal. So I said quite simply, if I ever have a business, Iceland pays double.

Other than that rational, I pretty much just had fun with it. Build product. Sell product. Marketing. Repeat. Quite simple right?

What astounded me was: "who was buying?"

Brooklyn Bridge and the New York City skyline illuminated at night

My notions of who I "thought" would buy were false. My biggest customer ended up being a Swiss dude that was the Vice President of a Hotel chain. He spent 90$ USD on Zero Inbox to get his inbox cleaner. Crazy! That's more than what I paid for Netflix I thought... We must be on to something!

Then a guy in Algeria paid. Why does a guy in Algeria use email? I thought only North Americans got annoying promotions. Guess not!

And then a dude in India paid for it. I thought India mainly uses cash! Wrong.

But one thing happened that astounded me. Firstly, my biggest supporter/evangelist ended up being a guy in Austin Texas. We all know that Texans show hospitality. But to digital products?!

So the kindest evangelists were Americans. Got it.

Golden Gate Bridge crossing San Francisco Bay beneath a bright sky

But they bought again. And again. And again.

Man Americans love to buy products I learned. They also like to try new things. They also like to tell others about it. They're also really kind. And intelligent. And will teach you where your product could improve....

Wait a second. The perfect consumers are Americans.

This shocking revelation made me realize that all these countries in tarriff wars with the U.S. Whilst for sure, the U.S needs the rest of the world (obviously, where else would they get their delicious Italian food, Portuguese Empanadas, and wonderful culture!!). The rest of the world needs the U.S.

I hope you learned something from this article. Maybe that we all need each other. And that we should get along. And perhaps what that nice American gentleman once said:

"Go ahead, try Zero Inbox and you can get to Inbox Zero with AI! And guess what! It's FUN, easy, super secure, and NO SUBSCRIPTIONS!"

Clear your Email, Clear your Mind with ZeroInbox.ai

#InboxZero

#ZeroInbox

#Email

#EmailManager

#EmailCleaner

#EmailOrganizer

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