HummViewer – Hummingbird Feeder Mask
DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: December 2, 2022
Asking For:
$75,000 for 10%
Investor:
Daniel Lubetzky
Deal:
$75,000 for 35%
PRODUCT SUMMARY
The HummViewer is a unique hummingbird feeder worn as a mask that offers an up-close and personal way to observe and feed hummingbirds.
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Background Story
Joan and John, hailing from Loveland, Colorado, introduced the HummViewer, a hummingbird feeder with a unique twist. The idea for this innovative product stemmed from a personal hobby and a serendipitous discovery. Joan had initially created the HummViewer for their family’s cabin in the mountains. A photograph of John wearing the mask was shared on social media, and it unexpectedly caught the attention of a Denver news company, which led to a news story featuring the HummViewer.
Shortly after, they received inquiries from people wanting to purchase it, signaling a potential business opportunity. The couple recognized the opportunity to turn their unique hummingbird feeder into a business and decided to patent their invention. Despite their limited experience in the retail and marketing industry, they were passionate about sharing the joy of observing hummingbirds up close.
The Product
The HummViewer is a unique hummingbird feeder that allows users to have an up-close and personal experience with hummingbirds. Users fill the flowers with sugar water, which serves as the hummingbirds’ food source.
The clear mask provides protection and a close view as the hummingbirds swoop, dart, hover, and even fly backward while feeding. It’s a visually spectacular way to enjoy the acrobatics and vibrant colors of hummingbirds.
The HummViewer is sold for $59.95, and it costs approximately $10 to produce each unit. To attract hummingbirds, the vibrant red flowers on the mask instantly catch the birds’ attention, drawing them in for feeding.
The product has gained attention on social media platforms like TikTok, with one video amassing 5.4 million views. This exposure has generated interest in the HummViewer from bird enthusiasts and hummingbird lovers.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
The HummViewer has experienced moderate success, having sold approximately 500 units to date, with each mask priced at $59.95. Their total lifetime sales amount to $25,000. The founders mentioned taking out a home equity loan in the early stages to fund the patent process and initial production.
While the HummViewer has potential as a novelty product for bird lovers and enthusiasts, it is currently positioned as more of a hobby business rather than a high-growth venture. The couple’s primary focus has been on developing and marketing their invention, with limited experience in the retail and marketing industry.
They have managed to gain attention on social media and video-sharing platforms like TikTok, where a hummingbird influencer showcased the product, generating 5.4 million views on his video. This exposure contributed to their sales. The founders indicated a need for expertise in marketing and scaling their business, as well as seeking guidance to navigate the retail industry.
The Negotiations:
During the pitch, Joan and John offered the sharks 10% of their company in exchange for a $75,000 investment. Lori Greiner was the first to bow out, as she did not see the product as a fit for her portfolio. Robert Herjavec followed suit, citing the product as more of a hobby rather than a scalable business. Mark Cuban and Daymond John also expressed their concerns about the product’s scalability.
However, Daniel Lubetzky, inspired by a personal connection to hummingbirds and a heartfelt story about his late father, saw potential in the product. He offered $75,000 for a 35% equity stake in the company. Joan and John accepted his offer, sealing the deal on the show.
This partnership not only provided the funding they needed but also the expertise and guidance from a Shark who was passionate about their product. The negotiations ended on a positive note, with Joan and John excited about the opportunity to expand their business with Daniel Lubetzky’s support.
