LugLess Luggage Shipping
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: May 17, 2013
Asking For:
$100,000 for 10%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Lugless offers a door-to-door luggage shipping service aimed at eliminating airline baggage fees, lost luggage, and TSA handling issues.
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Background Story
Lugless, founded by Brian Altomare, originates from New York. Altomare’s frustration with airline baggage fees, lost luggage, and TSA inspections sparked the idea for Lugless. With a background in logistics and a passion for improving travel experiences, Altomare saw an opportunity to revolutionize the luggage shipping industry. The company’s mission is to provide travelers with a seamless, hassle-free solution for transporting luggage worldwide.
The Product
Lugless operates as a comprehensive luggage shipping service. Customers can sign up online and receive a packet containing reusable plastic luggage tags. These tags are affixed to the luggage, which Lugless then picks up from the customer’s location and delivers to the desired destination.
The service caters to individuals, corporations, and companies, offering competitive rates compared to traditional shipping methods like FedEx or UPS.
Pricing varies depending on luggage size and destination, with options for express, international, oversized items, and specialty items like surfboards and golf clubs. The company also provides additional services like private pickups and white-glove delivery for those seeking extra convenience.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Lugless has seen steady growth, generating $215,000 in revenue within 10 months, with a net profit of around $70,000. The company is actively seeking partnerships with travel-related businesses, including hotels, travel agents, and concierge services.
While they have not yet pursued partnerships with airlines, Lugless aims to target corporations and travel-related entities to expand its customer base. The company’s structure emphasizes flexibility and competitive pricing, positioning itself as a viable alternative to traditional shipping methods.
The Negotiations:
Despite presenting a compelling pitch, none of the Sharks were convinced to invest in Lugless. Concerns were raised about competing against larger, more established companies like FedEx and the challenges of maintaining profitability in a competitive market.
While Altomare highlighted the company’s unique selling points, such as service flexibility and competitive pricing, the Sharks ultimately passed on the opportunity. Altomare remains optimistic about Lugless’s potential for growth within the evolving travel industry, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptation in an ever-changing market landscape.
