No Fly Cone Fly Trap
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: November 2, 2012
Asking For:
$25,000 for 15%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
No Fly Cone is a non-toxic, cone-shaped flytrap designed to catch flies on the inside, placed over a natural attractant, provided by animals like dogs, to control flies without the need for toxic chemicals.
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Background Story
Bruce Gaither, a professional horse trainer from Sylmar, California, developed the No Fly Cone out of frustration with flies in his barn, where he gives riding lessons and trains horses. Having spent years around horses, he identified the need for a non-toxic fly control solution that would be effective without the use of harmful chemicals.
Inspired by his own experiences and driven by the desire to find a simple and natural solution, Bruce developed the No Fly Cone with the help of his dog, Biscuit, who provided the natural attractant. Despite initial success, Bruce struggled with marketing the product and sought investment and support from the Sharks to bring his invention to a wider market.
The Product
No Fly Cone is a cone-shaped flytrap that utilizes an all-natural attractant provided by animals like dogs to lure flies inside, where they are trapped without the need for toxic chemicals. The cone is placed over the attractant, such as dog excrement, and catches flies where they feed and breed.
It can also be used to catch mosquitoes and gnats. The product is simple to use and offers a chemical-free solution to controlling flies in barns, homes, and other outdoor spaces. Customers can purchase the No Fly Cone directly from the company’s website or through retail stores.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
The company had limited sales, with only 3,000 traps sold in the last year. Bruce Gaither is the sole founder of No Fly Cone, operating out of Sylmar, California. The product is currently available in stores but lacks widespread recognition due to marketing challenges. The company is seeking investment and support from the Sharks to scale up production, improve marketing efforts, and establish No Fly Cone as the trusted standard for controlling flies.
The Negotiations:
Despite initial interest from some Sharks, including Seth MacFarlane, who was a friend of Bruce’s and even jokingly offered his connections, no deal was made. The Sharks expressed concerns about the reliance on animal excrement as an attractant and the limited appeal of the product. Ultimately, all Sharks opted out of investing in No Fly Cone, citing various reasons such as personal aversion to the product, lack of perceived value, and inability to add significant value to the company. Despite the setback, Bruce remained optimistic and appreciated the opportunity to pitch his product on the show.
