Friday, May 01, 2026

Tech

Wrapping the tech industry in strategy and controversy

Ever wondered how a company selling vinyl skins and cases managed to carve its name in the tech world's marble?

By Paul Reji George

info@thearabianstories.com

Friday, April 19, 2024

Founded in 2011 by Adam Ejaz in Canada, dbrand has become synonymous with customization and protection for devices like phones, laptops, and gaming consoles. But what truly sets them apart is their high-quality skins and cases and their unapologetically bold marketing strategy that has garnered a cult-like following among tech enthusiasts globally.

dbrand isn’t just about vinyl skins and protective cases; it’s a culture, a movement embraced by tech aficionados globally. What sets dbrand apart isn’t just its high-quality offerings but its rebellious marketing ethos, crafted to resonate with the unconventional.

With an irreverent, bold, and downright conversational tone, dbrand’s email marketing isn’t your average promotional spiel. Their focus hasn’t been on selling products; they sell an attitude. From addressing customers as humans to injecting humour with phrases like “Cows died for this,” dbrand’s emails pack a punch.

But dbrand’s journey hasn’t been all smooth rides. A recent misstep reminded them of the fine line between edgy and offensive. A $10,000 apology for a racially insensitive comment underscores the challenges of maintaining a casual yet respectful tone. More on this soon!

Here’s why you should care about dbrand’s email marketing strategy in particular? Let’s examine some 2023 email statistics to understand the landscape.

Contrary to the myth that “email is dying,” statistics show that approximately 4 billion people worldwide still use email daily, with over 300 billion emails sent globally daily. However, the challenge lies in the average inbox facing information overload due to promotional emails and newsletters.

This is where dbrand shines. With an average email open rate of 17.9% across industries in 2022, standing out while providing value is crucial. And dbrand’s emails do just that. Their highly personalized, conversational style with a hint of attitude sets them apart in crowded inboxes.

Yet, even the boldest of brands can stumble. dbrand found itself in hot water when a jest turned sour. A customer, Bhuwan Chitransh, voiced dissatisfaction over a product issue, only to receive a response that crossed the line into insensitivity. What started as a playful banter quickly escalated into accusations of racism, tarnishing dbrand’s reputation in an instant.

Despite the hiccups, dbrand’s email marketing saga teaches us valuable lessons about standing out in crowded inboxes. In an era where “email is dying” is a popular narrative, dbrand’s personalized, conversational approach proves that relevance and value never go out of style.

So, what can we learn from dbrand? Dare to be different in a tech landscape dominated by templates and canned responses. Connect with your audience authentically, speak their language, and, most importantly, know where to draw the line. In the digital age, a single misstep can redefine your brand’s narrative.

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