NoPhone – Fake Phone
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: April 8, 2016
Asking For:
$25,000 for 15%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
The NoPhone is a technology-free alternative to constant hand-to-phone contact, serving as a fake phone for people addicted to real phones.
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Background Story
Van Gould and Chris Sheldon, based in New York City, met in grad school and currently work at an ad agency. Observing the widespread issue of phone addiction where people are overly focused on their phones rather than each other, they conceptualized the NoPhone during a moment at a rooftop bar. Realizing the pervasive nature of the problem, they designed the NoPhone as a humorous and satirical solution to encourage people to disconnect from their devices.
The Product
Priced at $12 for the regular NoPhone and $18 for the version with a “selfie upgrade” (a mirror), the NoPhone has no screen, battery, apps, or features. Its usage is simple—pick it up and hold it. The founders emphasize that it’s not intended for any practical use, with no warranty or returns.
They have sold over 3,100 units since starting sales in November of the previous year, and approximately one in three customers opt for the selfie upgrade. The cost to make each NoPhone is $2.95. The product is sold exclusively through their online store.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
With $42,000 in sales and 3,100 units sold since starting, the NoPhone has generated interest globally. The founders admit that sales are not their expertise as they come from an advertising background. The product is positioned as a gag gift, and the primary sales channel is their online store. They have applied for a provisional patent to protect their concept. The sharks express skepticism about the market potential, questioning if the 3,100 units sold represent the entire market. The founders hint at the possibility of expanding through avenues like infomercials.
The Negotiations:
The pitch faced a humorous but skeptical response from the sharks. While some acknowledged the cleverness and the 3,100 units sold, they expressed concerns about the limited market and the product’s viability. No sharks made an offer, with Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary both expressing their doubts. Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec quickly decided to pass, and Daymond John, feeling it would be foolish to invest, also opted out.
The founders remained optimistic about the NoPhone’s potential and its status as the “Pet Rock of our generation,” expressing disappointment that the sharks missed a significant opportunity. Ultimately, they left the tank without securing a deal but were proud of their unconventional product’s success.
