The Podillow, a unique face-down tanning and massage pillow, made its appearance on the popular television show Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs Anthony and Tina Calvert presented their innovative product. Created to provide comfort and convenience while sunbathing or receiving a massage, The Podillow aimed to revolutionize the way people relax and enjoy their leisure time.
On Shark Tank, Anthony and Tina were accompanied by a model to demonstrate the product as they pitched their idea to the panel of investors. In addition to its primary function, The Podillow also featured hidden pockets for storing personal items, enhancing its usefulness and appeal. With a production cost of $7 per unit and a retail price of $29.95, the Calverts had managed to sell 6,000 units and generate $21,000 in sales in the year leading up to their appearance on the show.
Although The Podillow did not secure a deal with the Sharks, the product continued its journey through online retailers like Amazon and mail-order catalogues. Persistence and dedication have helped Anthony and Tina’s invention remain in the market and serve as a reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit showcased on Shark Tank.
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Podillow on Shark Tank
Pitch and Valuation
Anthony and Tina Calvert, creators of the Podillow, entered the Shark Tank seeking an investment for their innovative pillow product. The Podillow is designed for comfort and convenience at the beach, poolside, or during outdoor activities. It features a raised base for improved airflow and hidden compartments to store personal belongings. The entrepreneurs shared that each Podillow costs around $7 to produce and retails for $29.95. They had sold 6,000 units, with $21,000 made in sales in the past year.
Sharks’ Reactions and Offers
The Sharks, including Robert Herjavec, Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary, and Kevin Harrington, were intrigued by the concept and impressed with its design. However, they had concerns regarding the valuation of the Podillow and questioned how the company would scale.
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Even though the Sharks were interested in the product, they were not convinced about the potential for large-scale success. Offers from the Sharks did not match the valuation that the Calverts were hoping for, and ultimately, no clear deal was made during the episode.
Deal and Outcome
After their appearance on Shark Tank, the Calverts continued to run their business independently. They decided not to pursue any offers made by the Sharks, which they believed undervalued their company. Despite not securing a deal in the Shark Tank, the Podillow is still available for purchase through online retailers like Amazon and mail-order catalog partners.
Product Features and Benefits
Face-Down Tanning and Relaxation
The Podillow is a unique solution designed for those who enjoy tanning and lounging. This face-down tanning and massage pillow provides exceptional comfort and convenience for sunbathers and massage enthusiasts. Its raised base allows air to flow freely beneath, keeping your head cool when lying on your back, side, or face-down. This innovative design eliminates the need for resting your chin on your fists or a rolled-up towel, which often results in a sore or strained neck.
Head and Neck Support
The Podillow not only addresses face-down tanning concerns but also provides proper alignment for your neck and spine. Its unique structure ensures that your muscles remain relaxed and supported, whether you are lying on your back or stomach. By perfectly aligning your head and neck, The Podillow prevents constant turning and readjustments, ensuring a comfortable and restful experience.
- Proper neck and spine alignment
- Relaxed muscles
- Reduced strain on the neck
Hidden Pockets for Personal Items
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One of the standout features of The Podillow is its convenient hidden pockets. These compartments are designed to store personal items such as car keys, an MP3 player, or even your beach towel. By providing a secure and easily accessible storage space, The Podillow ensures that you can keep track of your belongings while you enjoy your tanning or massage session.
- Store personal items securely
- Easy access to belongings
- Keep track of items during tanning or massage sessions
In summary, The Podillow offers a unique and practical solution for those looking to enhance their tanning and relaxation experiences. With its face-down tanning and relaxation support, head and neck support, and hidden pockets for personal items, this inventive massage pillow is a must-have for sun-lovers and massage enthusiasts alike.
Marketing and Distribution
Online Retailers
The Podillow, a portable pillow with an opening for face or head to rest, is available on popular online retail platforms like Amazon. This has proved to be beneficial for the inventors, Anthony and Tina, as they have managed to sell 6,000 units in 2 years’ time. The pillow costs around $7.00 per unit to make and retails at $29.95.
Online retailers have played a significant role in helping The Podillow reach a wider audience. Through Amazon, customers can easily access and purchase the product, which has received mixed reviews, ranging from one star to five star ratings.
Mail-Order Catalog Partners
In addition to online retailers, The Podillow has also collaborated with mail-order catalog partners. These partnerships have potentially contributed to the overall sales and orders of the product, offering another avenue for interested customers to buy The Podillow.
Mail-order catalogs can cater to a different demographic, specifically those who prefer a physical medium to browse and shop rather than online platforms. Collaborating with mail-order catalog partners, such as Lillian Vernon, has enabled The Podillow to reach out to niche markets and capitalize on regional and seasonal opportunities.
Success and Challenges
Sales and Revenue Figures
Podillow was pitched on Shark Tank by founders Anthony and Tina Calvert. They initially sought a $250,000 investment for a 33% stake in their business, which they valued at $757,576. The product cost around $7 to make and retailed for $29.95. At the time, they had sold 6,000 units, generating $21,000 in sales over a year1.
Competition and Market Positioning
While on the show, Podillow failed to secure a deal with any of the Sharks. However, the product is still available for purchase on Amazon and through their mail-order catalog partners2. The company has managed to stay in business despite not achieving the nationwide success they envisioned during their Shark Tank pitch.
Out of Business
Although Podillow has not gone out of business, the company has faced challenges in terms of expanding its market share and growing sales significantly.
In conclusion, Podillow made its debut on Shark Tank with founders Anthony and Tina Calvert asking for a $250,000 investment for a 33% stake in their business, valuing it at $757,576. While they didn’t get a deal, their product is still available on Amazon and through mail-order catalog partners. The company has faced challenges in expanding its market share, but it has managed to stay afloat.
Customer Service and Support
FAQs
The Podillow, a face-down tanning and massage pillow, is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Many customers seek support and assistance related to the product, and the following frequently asked questions might help address their concerns:
- What payment methods are accepted for purchasing The Podillow?: Major credit cards and online payment methods such as PayPal are typically accepted through online retailers like Amazon, which sell The Podillow.
- Can The Podillow be used as a massage cushion or for massages?: Indeed, The Podillow is perfect for face-down massages, providing a comfortable surface to rest your face and neck and equipped with hidden pockets to store personal belongings.
Return Policy
Regarding the return policy for The Podillow, customers will need to refer to the specific return and refund policies of the online retailer (e.g., Amazon) through which they purchased the product. Keep in mind the following general guidelines for potential returns and refunds:
- Check the product description and information carefully before making a purchase, as this will ensure that you are ordering the right item and minimize the chances of needing to return it.
- If you need to cancel your order, make sure to do so within the specified cancellation period allowed by the retailer.
- In the case of defective or damaged products, contact the retailer’s customer service promptly to report the issue and follow their instructions for returns or refunds.
When dealing with returns, it’s essential to maintain clear communication with the retailer and be familiar with their specific policies. This will help ensure a smooth return process and potentially save time and effort for both parties.
Related Ventures and Businesses
The Factionist
The Factionist, founded by entrepreneurs who appeared on Shark Tank, is an ethical clothing company that focuses on promoting social causes and environmental responsibility. Their products are made from environmentally friendly materials, and they aim to inspire positive change with their fashion statements. The company, though not directly connected to The Podillow, shares a similar entrepreneurial journey and experience with the Sharks on the show.
Wee Can Shop
Wee Can Shop is a children’s retail store that was also featured on Shark Tank. Founded by two moms, it offers a unique shopping adventure for kids, as they can engage in educational activities while shopping. The business was pitched to the Sharks, just like The Podillow, and they have had their share of challenges and successes in dealing with investors post-show. Although the companies differ in their product offerings, their experience in the Shark Tank helped shape their brand.
Grease Monkey Wipes
Grease Monkey Wipes, another venture that was pitched on Shark Tank, is a business that offers pre-moistened degreaser wipes for a variety of uses, including cleaning hands and surfaces after encountering grease and grime. Like The Podillow entrepreneurs, the founders of Grease Monkey Wipes took their chance with the Sharks to pitch their product and secure investments.
In summary, while The Factionist, Wee Can Shop, and Grease Monkey Wipes are not directly related to The Podillow, they share a common experience in pitching their businesses on Shark Tank, seeking the support of investors, and navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in their respective industries.
Inventors’ Background and Inspiration
Anthony Calvert and his wife Tina Calvert are the inventors of The Podillow. Anthony previously served as a SWAT team member with the San Diego police department before becoming a deputy sheriff for San Diego County. One day, Anthony was sunbathing and found it difficult to get comfortable while lying on his stomach due to a prior back injury. He also had concerns about the safety of his personal items, such as his wallet and phone, while at the beach.
Anthony and Tina set out to create a solution to address these issues. They came up with the idea of The Podillow, a face-down pillow designed for sunbathing and tanning. The pillow features a plastic foundation that allows users to safely store personal items inside, while also providing comfort and support for the head and neck.
During their research, Anthony and Tina discovered that many people experienced similar discomforts when trying to sunbathe on their stomachs, especially those with dislocated shoulders. This finding reinforced the need for a product like The Podillow in the market.
In order to transform their idea into reality, the couple reached out to manufacturers in the USA. They invested their own capital to kickstart the production process and bring their innovative tanning pillow to life. The founders were passionate about creating a high-quality product that would genuinely improve the sunbathing experience.
Anthony and Tina were confident in their invention and decided to pitch The Podillow on Shark Tank. They sought an investment of $250,000 for a 33% equity stake in their business.
