UnbuckleMe Shark Tank Episode Season 11, Episode 21

UnbuckleMe Shark Tank Episode Season 11, Episode 21

The Shark Tank appearance of UnbuckleMe, a car seat device designed to make unbuckling easier for parents and caregivers, was a pivotal moment for the mother-daughter duo Barb Heilman and Becca Davison.

Their innovative product aimed at solving a common problem— the difficulty of releasing car seat buckles, which require significant thumb strength, particularly for those with conditions like arthritis. This innovative solution captured the attention of the sharks during Season 11, Episode 21.

Barb and Becca’s pitch was rooted in a personal story. Becca’s mother, Barb, who suffers from arthritis, struggled to unbuckle her granddaughter’s car seat, which led to the creation of UnbuckleMe.

 The device was simple yet effective, reducing the force needed to unbuckle a car seat by about 50%. This functionality made it especially useful for grandparents and caregivers who might struggle with the standard buckle mechanism.

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The pitch demonstrated not just the utility of the product but also the potential market demand, given the challenges many face with car seat buckles.

The device was designed to be both easy to use and affordable, retailing at $14.99, with a manufacturing cost of $1.80. These factors, combined with strong sales figures, set the stage for a compelling pitch.

Which Episode Was UnbuckleMe in Shark Tank?

UnbuckleMe appeared on Shark Tank during Season 11, Episode 21. This episode showcased the innovative car seat device that aimed to make life easier for parents and caregivers.

The episode was significant not just for the exposure it provided the company but also for the intense interest it generated among the sharks, leading to multiple offers.

The episode aired in March 2020 and quickly became a topic of discussion among viewers due to the practical nature of the product and the heartwarming story behind its creation.

The pitch stood out for its clarity and the personal connection that Barb and Becca brought to the stage, making it one of the more memorable episodes of the season.

UnbuckleMe Shark Tank Full Episode: What Happened at Shark Tank Pitch?

During the Shark Tank pitch, Barb Heilman and Becca Davison sought $100,000 in exchange for 10% equity in UnbuckleMe, valuing the company at $1 million.

Their pitch was well-received by the sharks, who appreciated the practicality of the product and its strong market potential. The sharks were impressed by the fact that the device had already generated about $400,000 in sales in the year leading up to the episode.

The pitch quickly turned into a bidding war, with multiple sharks showing interest. Kevin O’Leary was the first to make an offer, proposing $100,000 for 7% equity plus a $1/unit royalty in perpetuity.

 He then adjusted his offer to a $0.50 royalty until $100,000 was recouped after the entrepreneurs expressed reluctance to accept a perpetual royalty.

Guest shark Anne Wojcicki, alongside Kevin O’Leary, then made a joint offer of $100,000 for 10% equity plus a $0.50 royalty until they recouped $250,000. This offer included the promise of leveraging their strong social media presence to boost sales.

Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner, recognizing the potential of the product and wanting to avoid the royalty structure proposed by Kevin and Anne, offered $100,000 for 20% equity, split equally between them. Daymond John also made an offer of $100,000 for 15% equity without any royalty.

Barb and Becca countered Mark and Lori’s offer, asking if they would accept 15% equity instead, but the sharks held firm. Ultimately, Barb and Becca accepted the offer from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity.

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Unbuckle Me Car Seat Device Update

Following their appearance on Shark Tank, UnbuckleMe experienced a significant boost in visibility and sales. Although the deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner didn’t come to fruition, the exposure from the show was invaluable.

The company quickly gained traction, with their product being stocked in major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and buybuyBABY.

UnbuckleMe also expanded its product line to include a new offering called the Totebook, an activity book designed to keep children entertained while traveling in the car. This diversification helped the company cater to a broader audience while maintaining its focus on products that enhance the car travel experience for families.

As of the latest update, UnbuckleMe has surpassed $3 million in lifetime sales, a testament to the product’s continued popularity and the effectiveness of their post-Shark Tank strategy.

Shark Tank Appearance:

• Episode: Season 11, Episode 21
• Ask: $100,000 for 10% equity
• Result: $100,000 for 20% equity from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner

Pitch Highlights

• The duo presented a patented tool that reduces the force required to unbuckle car seats by approximately 50%, addressing a common struggle for many caregivers, particularly those with arthritis.
• They showcased the product’s effectiveness, demonstrating how it can help both adults and children unbuckle themselves, which is particularly useful in school drop-off situations.

Offers from the Sharks

• Kevin O’Leary and Anne Wojcicki initially offered $100,000 for 10% equity with a $0.50 royalty until they recouped $250,000.
• Daymond John offered $100,000 for 15% equity.
• Ultimately, Barb and Becca accepted the offer from Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner for $100,000 for 20% equity.

Post-Shark Tank Success

• Since appearing on Shark Tank, Unbuckle Me has achieved over $3 million in lifetime sales.
• The company has expanded its product line to include the Totebook, an activity book designed for kids to use in the car.
• Unbuckle Me products are now available in major retailers like Walmart, Target, and buybuyBABY.

UnbuckleMe Shark Tank Full Episode Video

What Happened to Unbuckle Me Car Seat Device After Shark Tank?

After their appearance on Shark Tank, Barb and Becca saw a surge in sales and brand recognition. Despite the deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner falling through, the company continued to thrive independently.

Barb and Becca maintained full ownership of their business, which allowed them to make decisions without outside input—a move they later stated worked to their advantage.

The product’s success led to its availability in major retail chains across the United States, significantly expanding its reach.

The company’s presence on e-commerce platforms like Amazon helped drive online sales, contributing to their impressive growth figures.

The creation of the Totebook further diversified their product offerings, helping to solidify their place in the market as a go-to brand for parents and caregivers seeking practical solutions for car travel challenges.

Unbuckle Me Car Seat Net Worth

The company’s valuation on Shark Tank was initially set at $1 million based on their ask of $100,000 for 10% equity. Although the deal with Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner didn’t close, the business has grown substantially since then.

Given that the company has generated over $3 million in lifetime sales since its inception, it’s clear that UnbuckleMe has built a strong financial foundation.

With significant sales and ongoing demand for their products, UnbuckleMe’s current net worth is likely well above its original valuation, potentially in the multi-million dollar range.

Is Unbuckle Me Still in Business?

Yes, UnbuckleMe is still very much in business and thriving. The company continues to sell its car seat device through various online and retail channels, including major retailers like Walmart, Target, and buybuyBABY.

Their product is also available on Amazon, where it has received numerous positive reviews, further solidifying its reputation as a must-have tool for parents and caregivers.

In addition to their flagship product, UnbuckleMe has expanded its offerings to include the Totebook, an activity book designed to keep children entertained during car rides. This expansion has allowed the company to cater to a broader audience while staying true to its mission of making car travel easier and more enjoyable for families.

Barb and Becca’s decision to continue running the business independently has paid off, allowing them to maintain control over their brand and make strategic decisions that align with their vision. With ongoing sales success and new product development, UnbuckleMe shows no signs of slowing down.