Project Overview “Surprise Party” was a live eCommerce show produced in 2018, hosted by Awesome Joey and ScottVsBox. The show was formatted like a game show and played on live reactions to mystery box unveilings. The innovative concept combined the excitement of live mystery box openings with the convenience of eCommerce, offering a unique shopping experience for viewers.
$500 in sales generated in 3 60 minute Live Shows
Surprise Party used a variety of smartphones as cameras utilizing the Sling Studio system to switch cameras, which itself was operated via iPad. The main stream was multicast to Mixer, Facebook, YouTube, Mobcrush and Twitch using the mobcrush software and OBS broadcasting software.
Objectives
- To create an engaging and interactive live eCommerce show that generates sales through real-time mystery box unveilings.
- To leverage Shopify for seamless integration of eCommerce and live streaming.
- To explore the potential of live sales streams before they became mainstream in the American market.
Execution
- Show Format: Viewers could purchase a mystery box numbered 1 through 96 via a Shopify storefront. Each box contained a Funko Pop, with varying rarity (common, uncommon, or rare).
- Live Interaction: The hosts, Awesome Joey and ScottVsBox, would find and open the purchased boxes live on stream, revealing the contents and reacting in real-time, which created an engaging and dynamic viewing experience.
- Sales and Shipping: Once a box was opened, the Funko Pop was shipped to the purchasing viewer, completing the eCommerce cycle seamlessly.
- Production: Despite being produced in 2018, “Surprise Party” was ahead of its time, recognizing the potential for eCommerce and sales livestreams before they became popular on platforms like TikTok.
Results
- Sales Generation: The show generated $500 in sales over three hour-long episodes, showcasing the viability of live eCommerce shows. | “$500 in sales generated in 3 60-minute Live Shows.” -Sam Proof
- Viewer Engagement: The live reaction format and interactive nature of the show captivated viewers, encouraging them to participate and make purchases.
- Innovation: “Surprise Party” demonstrated the potential of combining live streaming with eCommerce, paving the way for future innovations in the space.
Challenges and Learnings
- Limited Episodes: Only three shows were produced, which limited the long-term impact and growth potential of the concept.
- Early Market Entry: Being ahead of its time meant that the concept didn’t fully capitalize on the later boom of live eCommerce on platforms like TikTok. However, it provided valuable insights and experience in the field.
Conclusion “Surprise Party” was a pioneering live eCommerce show that successfully combined the excitement of live mystery box openings with the practicality of online shopping. The project highlighted the potential of live sales streams and set the stage for future developments in the industry. By recognizing the potential of eCommerce livestreams early on, “Surprise Party” demonstrated the importance of innovation and experimentation in creating engaging and profitable live content.