UnderEase Underwear
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: September 13, 2009
Asking For:
$55,000 for 25%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Under-Tec Corporation produces Under-Ease, protective underwear designed to contain and filter flatulence odors.
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Background Story
Under-Tec Corporation, creators of Under-Ease protective underwear for flatulence, was founded by Buck and Arlene Weimer. Arlene’s battle with Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel syndrome causing excessive gas, provided the impetus for their entrepreneurial journey. The idea for Under-Ease emerged one fateful Thanksgiving Eve in 1991, as Buck and Arlene lay in bed amidst unbearable odors. Faced with the challenge of managing Arlene’s condition, divorce was not an option for the couple.
Arlene, driven by necessity and creativity, envisioned a solution: underwear designed to contain and neutralize flatulence odors. This vision led to months of experimentation in their cellar, culminating in the creation of Under-Ease—an airtight garment featuring elastic leg bands and a charcoal filtering system. In 2001, armed with their innovative product, the Weimers launched Under-Tec Corporation, initially met with skepticism and laughter. However, they quickly recognized the humorous angle associated with their product, using it to their advantage in marketing.
Despite the initial challenges, they persevered, establishing a web presence and generating sales, albeit with fluctuations over the years. The Weimers’ journey embodies resilience and ingenuity in the face of adversity. Their personal experience with a medical condition sparked a unique business idea, showcasing how innovation can arise from the most unexpected circumstances. Despite the sharks’ decision not to invest, the Weimers’ story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the entrepreneurial spirit.
The Product
Under-Ease, crafted by Under-Tec Corporation, is a specialized form of underwear designed to address the discomfort and embarrassment associated with flatulence. Made from airtight material, the underwear features elastic leg bands and a unique charcoal filtering system strategically placed in the back area. This innovative design effectively contains and neutralizes unpleasant odors, providing relief and confidence to individuals dealing with conditions such as Crohn’s disease or excessive gas.
The benefits of Under-Ease extend beyond odor control, offering users a discreet and comfortable solution to a sensitive issue. Its airtight construction ensures that odors are contained, while the charcoal filtering system absorbs and neutralizes gases, minimizing embarrassment and discomfort in social situations.
Under-Ease can be purchased directly from Under-Tec Corporation via their website or through select medical suppliers and mail-order channels. Priced at $24.95 per pair, the underwear offers an affordable and practical solution for individuals seeking relief from flatulence-related challenges. With its innovative design and proven effectiveness, Under-Ease stands as a testament to the power of creativity and ingenuity in addressing everyday problems with dignity and discretion.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
Under-Tec Corporation, the company behind Under-Ease protective underwear for flatulence, has demonstrated resilience in navigating a niche market and addressing a unique consumer need. Despite facing challenges associated with market size and niche appeal, the company has maintained a steady position in the industry. With estimated sales of $37,000 in the previous year and a peak gross of $83,000 in its first year, Under-Tec Corporation has showcased both successes and challenges in its journey.
The company’s customer base primarily consists of individuals seeking relief from conditions such as Crohn’s disease or those experiencing discomfort due to excessive gas. Additionally, Under-Tec Corporation targets medical suppliers and mail-order channels as key distribution channels for its products. In terms of funding, the company’s capital appears to be self-generated, with no mention of external investment or financing. This self-sustaining approach underscores the founders’ dedication to their vision and their ability to bootstrap the business.
The company’s current structure likely involves a small team consisting of the founders, Buck and Arlene Weimer, along with possibly additional staff members involved in production, distribution, and marketing. Despite the sharks’ decision not to invest, Under-Tec Corporation remains committed to serving its niche market and providing innovative solutions to individuals facing challenges with dignity and discretion.
The Negotiations:
During the negotiations, Buck and Arlene Weimer presented their product, Under-Ease protective underwear for flatulence, with humor and professionalism. Despite acknowledging the founders’ creativity in addressing a sensitive subject, the sharks expressed concerns about the niche market appeal of the product. Barbara Corcoran commended the Weimers for their presentation but opted out, citing the small market size.
Similarly, Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary saw limited potential in the product and declined to invest. Robert Herjavec expressed interest in the medical aspect but ultimately decided not to proceed with an offer due to the specialized nature of the product. Lori Greiner praised the Weimers for their handling of a challenging topic but ultimately did not see a fit for her investment portfolio. Daymond John also appreciated the founders’ efforts but did not make an offer.
In the end, despite the sharks’ admiration for the Weimers’ entrepreneurial spirit, no deal was struck. The negotiations highlighted the challenges of bringing a niche product to market, with the sharks ultimately deciding that the potential returns did not justify an investment. Despite the outcome, the Weimers left with the sharks’ best wishes for their future endeavors.
