Wacky Idea: Selling Rocks as Pets — “Pet Rock” (1970s)
Wacky Idea: Selling Rocks as Pets — “Pet Rock” (1970s)
In 1975, an advertising exec named Gary Dahl had a wild idea: sell ordinary rocks in a box with breathing holes and straw — marketed as low-maintenance pets.
Why it seemed crazy:
It was literally just a rock — no moving parts, no tech, no use.
What it yielded:
He sold over 1.5 million Pet Rocks at $4 each… in just a few months.
That’s millions in revenue for something you could find on the ground.
Lesson?
Sometimes it’s not the idea — it’s the story and presentation. Embracing silliness or absurdity can tap into humor, novelty, and emotion… and that sells.
Leave your comment