The Blowzee
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: October 16, 2020
Asking For:
$100,000 for 20%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Blowzee is a device that allows individuals to blow out candles on a cake without spreading germs, utilizing a battery-powered fan to blow the candles out without slobbering.
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Background Story
Blowzee, a product designed to address the unhygienic practice of blowing out candles on cakes, was the brainchild of co-founders Mark Apelt and Mark Lareau. Mark Apelt’s expertise lies in the realm of science and engineering, particularly in the field of environmental sciences, which likely informed his understanding of the potential health risks associated with traditional candle-blowing practices.
On the other hand, Mark Lareau brought his experience in supply chains and logistics consulting to the table, potentially contributing to the strategic planning and execution of the product’s development and distribution. The duo’s shared experience at a birthday party, witnessing the unappealing spread of spittle over a cake during the candle-blowing ritual, inspired them to create Blowzee.
This revelation triggered their desire to engineer a device that would allow individuals to extinguish candles without any risk of bacterial contamination, thereby ensuring the continued enjoyment of birthday celebrations without compromising on hygiene standards. Their combined expertise in both scientific and logistical domains likely played a crucial role in the successful conception and early development of the Blowzee product.
The Product
Blowzee, a revolutionary device, aims to revolutionize the traditional practice of blowing out birthday candles. The product operates through a simple yet efficient mechanism. When a user blows into the Blowzee, a battery-powered fan is activated, redirecting the air away from the cake, thereby extinguishing the candles without any risk of slobber or germs contaminating the cake’s surface. The device’s sophisticated design ensures that the celebrant can make a wish without compromising the hygiene standards associated with this age-old ritual.
One of the key benefits of Blowzee lies in its ability to maintain a clean and germ-free cake surface, thereby significantly reducing the risk of bacterial contamination during celebratory events. Its user-friendly design and hassle-free functionality make it a must-have for anyone conscious about hygiene during birthday parties.
The product can be purchased both online, through their dedicated website, and in various retail stores, including the option to buy from the popular online marketplace Amazon. With a wholesale price of $6 and a retail price of $11.99, Blowzee offers a cost-effective solution to an enduring problem, making it an essential accessory for anyone concerned about the health and cleanliness of their celebratory events.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Blowzee, despite its relatively recent entry into the market, has shown promising signs of growth. With 1,200 units sold, translating to approximately $12,000 in revenue within the initial five months, the company has demonstrated a notable demand for its innovative product. In terms of funding, the founders initially invested $16,000 each, with an additional upfront cost of $2,000 for production, highlighting the company’s prudent financial management and cost-effective approach. Blowzee’s current operations involve a small but efficient team comprising global experts, allowing for a streamlined and cost-effective product development process.
The company’s primary sales channels include their dedicated online platform and the widely recognized e-commerce giant Amazon. However, despite their promising product and initial traction, the company’s marketing strategies have not yielded substantial results, potentially indicating a need for further refinement and investment in this crucial area. The company’s current structure appears to be relatively lean, with a focus on efficient production and distribution processes.
The company’s performance, although modest in the initial phase, demonstrates the potential for further growth and expansion, especially with the ongoing shift in societal norms regarding hygiene. With an emphasis on enhancing their marketing efforts and scaling their product reach, Blowzee is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing awareness and demand for innovative hygiene solutions in the market.
The Negotiations:
During the negotiation phase, the Sharks acknowledged the potential of Blowzee and expressed interest in its innovative solution to a prevalent hygiene concern. However, they raised concerns about the company’s early-stage performance and limited marketing efforts. Despite the positive feedback, none of the Sharks opted to invest in the company.
Some Sharks, like Kevin O’Leary, voiced their reservations about the company’s current position, citing the low sales figures as a significant deterrent for investment. Others, including Lori Greiner and Daymond John, recognized the ingenuity behind the product but emphasized the need for a more diverse product line to create a sustainable business model. Mark Cuban, while appreciating the founders’ efforts, emphasized that the product’s limited usage primarily during special occasions was not sufficient for him to make an investment.
Ultimately, all the Sharks decided not to invest, citing reasons such as the company’s early-stage status, limited product range, and the need for more substantial marketing efforts. Despite the lack of a deal, the Sharks commended the founders for their determination and applauded their entrepreneurial spirit. The negotiation process highlighted the importance of strong marketing strategies and a more diversified product roadmap for the company to secure future investments and establish a robust market presence.
