Next up is Jackson Mann of Vibes, seeking $100,000 for 20 percent equity.
Vibes helps filter out damaging levels of sound with their high-fidelity earplugs. The earplugs are designed for music, according to their website, and “allows you to hear the music exactly the way it intended to be heard, only without the damaging decibels that cause your ears to ring and become damaged” by filtering acoustics. Especially useful for concerts and other live-sound experiences, the earplugs will help make the listening experience clearer and more comfortable. They cost $23.99 online.
After being given a live demonstration by the McNasty Brass Band, the sharks are extremely impressed by how well the earplugs filtered and optimized the sound. The sharks think, however, that the earplugs seem a bit expensive. Kevin O’Leary believes there’s too much competition and that their only unique feature is that they can’t be seen while being worn. Guest shark Chris Sacca also believes the point of purchase is a challenge.
Mark Cuban thinks they’re a great product but thinks they could only be sold as giveaways and goes out, followed by Sacca. Barbara Corcoran says she fears that Mann can’t sell and goes out, as does Lori Greiner. O’Leary finds the lack of proprietary elements troubling but offers $100,000 with a royalty of $2 for every pair sold until he gets his money back with 35 percent equity. Given that O’Leary is not interested in a counter offer, Mann declines.
Social Media Reacts to Vibes’ Appearance on “Shark Tank”
Great presentation from #Vibes! @ABCSharkTank #SharkTank
— Ryan Bartholomee (@RyanBartholomee) January 28, 2017
#Vibes earplugs is a useful product but he's not selling it. He should be outside next to the t-shirt & hot dog stands. #SharkTank
— Ieesha M. Gee (@IeeshaTheGreat) January 28, 2017
#SharkTank need to get bar tenders to sell these #vibes at the clubs.
— Phil Brady (@ergomorphis) January 28, 2017
I'd wear #vibes on #NYC subway system #commuter #earplugs #SharkTank
— Jacqueline E (@helpbusinesses) January 28, 2017
I usually don't like the royalty deals @kevinolearytv offers, but #Vibes would have done well by accepting it. @ABCSharkTank #SharkTank
— dmcmuns (@dmcmuns) January 28, 2017
Each week on “Shark Tank,” budding entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their emerging business to six multi-millionaire and billionaire investors, known as sharks: Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks; Daymond John, fashion mogul and founder of FUBU; Kevin O’Leary, self-proclaimed Mr. Wonderful and founder of O’Leary Financial Group; Barbara Corcoran, real estate maven; Lori Greiner, queen of QVC; and Robert Herjavec, technology guru and founder/CEO of the Herjavec Group. Venture capitalist Chris Sacca is also slated to appear as a guest shark this season.
“Shark Tank,” which is based on “Dragons’ Den,” is produced by Mark Burnett and first debuted in 2009. To date, the sharks have invested more than $87 million in various companies after engaging in numerous bidding wars and shark fights. A new episode airs each Friday at 9 p.m. on ABC.
Would you use Vibes? Sound off in the comments section below!