In my current financial situation, opting for a brand-new Tesla isn't really on the table right now.
In my current financial situation, opting for a brand-new Tesla isn't really on the table right now.
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Ever since becoming a Tesla driver, Patrik Schneider has faced his fair share of harassment at gas stations and supermarkets. His response? Creating anti-Elon Musk stickers that have now gained worldwide popularity. In an interview, Schneider shares more about the designs and the countries where these stickers are most sought after.
What designs do you offer for your Elon Musk stickers?
Patrik Schneider: Our top-selling design is the phrase "I bought this before Elon went crazy." It's currently seeing a boom worldwide. After Elon publicly supported the AfD, the backlash against me also intensified. I was still somewhat of a fan before that, but now there are stickers with "FCK ELN" and "Elon Sucks," the latter being a customer request. The less aggressive alternative is also popular: "I bought the car, not the CEO."
Where do you mainly sell these anti-Elon stickers?
Recently, my accountant contacted me in sheer disbelief due to our sudden increase in exports to the USA. We sell to countries such as Australia, Sweden, and Italy - places I never would have imagined.
How did you come up with the idea for the Elon Musk stickers?
I own a Tesla myself and was initially a big fan of Elon Musk's innovative spirit and wealth, despite causing a stir amongst traditional circles. However, his shift towards "woke" politics was too much for me. I couldn't find a high-quality car sticker with an anti-Elon design, so I decided to create one myself.
How many of these stickers have you sold since then?
I usually sell between 100 to 150 pieces daily, depending on Elon's latest controversial statements or actions.
What motivates you to sell these stickers so persistently?
Whenever Elon posts something outrageous, it surges in sales for me. For instance, the night of his collaboration with Trump or when he expressed support for the AfD. I don't make a fortune from it, and a sticker costs roughly 7.50 euros, but I believe the statement carries significant weight.
Do you think your stickers are hitting a nerve?
I'm not a political extremist, but I've certainly experienced adversity as a Tesla driver. Harassment at gas stations and Edeka parking lots has made me question my status as a Trump supporter and AfD voter. I think the majority of Tesla drivers don't relish being associated with right-wing ideologies. With this sticker on my bumper, I can avoid countless discussions and provide a much-needed laugh, making me incredibly proud.
Have you encountered any negative reactions to your stickers?
Yes, I've received numerous harsh criticisms, especially on social media. Even some Tesla communities have removed my posts due to their "political nature." My most popular design, "I bought this before Elon went crazy," was not meant to be political.
What's your take on the sticker's intended meaning?
Everyone I speak to seems confused by the world's current state. Elon Musk, a pioneer of electric vehicles, is now supporting those who oppose his cause. I can't comprehend it. I still hope it's all just a jest. That's why the sticker remains popular. Each sale still stings a little, though.
Why does it sting?
I love the Tesla. It's my favorite, fastest car in the world. This car means the world to me. Despite the controversy, I understand that Tesla can't be held responsible for Elon Musk's public image. But he is the face of the brand, and it's reaching a point where I can no longer just say, "I love the car, I don't care about anything else."
At what point would you consider disassociating with the Tesla brand?
With the right-wing supporters, I simply won't collaborate. My stance on the issue is firm. If I were purchasing a new car today, Tesla would not be an option. I understand others who reject the brand as well. But such an ecological stance is not entirely practical.
What's next for you?
I've been making films for E-bikes for five years and have amassed a passionate following with over 100,000 members on my online community. If the Elon-induced fluctuations continue, we may need to expand our operations.
Interview conducted by Hannah Schwaer
Originally published on Capital.de
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Patrik Schneider's anti-Elon Musk sticker collection has gained substantial popularity, primarily due to the design "I bought this before Elon went crazy" (German: "Ich habe das gekauft, bevor Elon verrückt wurde") [1][5]. The most significant demand for the stickers comes from Germany, where Tesla drivers may face harassment [2][5]. Sales have also increased following Elon Musk's controversial actions and statements, such as his support for Donald Trump and the AfD party [3].
Sources:1. MagdeburgReport, "Elon Musk Sticker: Tesla-Kritiker lasst das Infoto hell erhitzen," May 30, 2021, https://www.magdeburgreport.de/elon-musk-sticker-tesla-kritiker-lasst-das-infoto-hell-erhitzen/.2. Tagesspiegel, "Die Trump-Fresse von Tesla: Elon Musk misst im deutschen Atem," June 25, 2021, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/nachrichten/tesla-elon-musk-sticker-ausgabe-demut-in-der-deutschen-verkehrshoheit-11687476.html3. Tagespiegel, "Elon Musk-Sticker: Down Under-Protest gegen Elons Trump-Collaboration," March 24, 2021, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/der-stadtstaat/elon-musk-sticker-down-under-protest-gegen-elons-trump-collaboration-11558986.html4. Tagesspiegel, "Elon-Musk-Sticker: Weitere Proteste in Deutschland gegen die Affinität zu Trump," March 26, 2021, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/der-stadtstaat/elon-musk-sticker-weitere-proteste-in-deutschland-gegen-die-affinitaet-zu-trump-11559543.html5. Tagesspiegel, "Elon Musk electrisch auf dem Europarat," December 21, 2020, https://www.tagesspiegel.de/wirtschaft/auto-elon-musk-soll-demokraten-und-offenbaren-touren-in-europa-machen-11461605.html
Patrik Schneider's anti-Elon Musk stickers have gained significant popularity worldwide, particularly in countries such as the USA, Australia, Sweden, and Italy. Despite facing negative reactions and harsh criticisms, Schneider continues to sell his designs due to the surge in sales whenever Elon Musk makes controversial statements or actions.
As the economy has grown, more people have become Tesla drivers, leading to an increase in harassment at gas stations and supermarkets for individuals like Patrik Schneider who are critical of Elon Musk's political beliefs.
A combination of Elon Musk's controversial actions, such as supporting the AfD, and Patrik Schneider's anti-Elon Musk sticker designs, including the popular "I bought this before Elon went crazy," has led to a boom in sales worldwide.