What is The WISP and what problem does it solve? The WISP is a broom and dustpan combination designed to make sweeping easier and more efficient. It addresses the common problems of traditional brooms and dustpans, such as inefficient debris collection, back strain, and difficulty getting all the dust and crumbs into the dustpan.
Summary
- The WISP is a broom and dustpan combo with innovative design features.
- Eben Dobson, the inventor, appeared on Shark Tank Season 10 seeking $500,000 for 10% equity.
- He didn’t secure a deal due to concerns about the company’s financial losses.
- Despite not getting a deal, The WISP is still in business and has expanded its product line.
- Products are available on the company website, and Lori Greiner helped promote the product after the show.
The WISP Shark Tank Update | Shark Tank Season 10
Tired of chasing dust bunnies with a traditional broom and dustpan? The WISP aimed to revolutionize cleaning with its unique design and promise of efficiency.
Inventor Eben Dobson brought his creation to the sharks on Season 10 of Shark Tank, hoping to sweep up an investment.
But did this innovative cleaning tool truly offer a better way to tidy up, or was it just a lot of hype? Let’s dive in and find out.
The WISP on Shark Tank
1. Eben Dobson’s Pitch
Dobson confidently entered the Tank, claiming The WISP would disrupt the age-old cleaning industry.
He highlighted its user-friendly design and efficient cleaning capabilities. However, the sharks quickly honed in on some troubling financial figures.
| Entrepreneurs | Eben Dobson |
|---|---|
| Business | The WISP (broom/dustpan combo) |
| Ask | $500,000 for 10% equity |
| Deal | No deal |
| Sharks | None |
| Season – Episode | Season 10 – Episode 5 |
| Original Air Date | October 28, 2018 |
| Website | The WISP |
| Key Points of Pitch |
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| Why Sharks Declined |
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2. Innovative Features and Design
The WISP’s key innovation lies in its unique broom and dustpan design. Unlike traditional brooms that sweep debris side-to-side, The WISP uses a back-and-forth motion.
Its short, dense bristles are positioned at a 90-degree angle, creating a seal with the floor for better dust and dirt collection.
The dustpan features a foot pedal that secures it to the floor, preventing debris from escaping. Built-in combs on the dustpan make cleaning the broom bristles a breeze.
3. Financial Struggles and Shark Concerns
While The WISP’s design impressed the sharks, Dobson’s financial presentation raised red flags. Despite generating $3.3 million in lifetime sales, the company faced significant losses.
Dobson admitted to losing over $600,000 in recent years and over $2 million in cumulative losses. This sparked concerns about the company’s viability and profitability.
The sharks questioned the high manufacturing costs and potential challenges in scaling production.
Ultimately, the financial risks outweighed the potential rewards, leading to no deal for The WISP.
The WISP Update: After Shark Tank
1. Company Status and Product Availability
Despite leaving the Tank without a deal, The WISP persevered. The company is still in business today, proving that entrepreneurial spirit can overcome setbacks.
You can find their products on their website, offering a direct-to-consumer approach. While they were once available on Amazon and in select stores, it seems the company has shifted focus to selling primarily through their own platform.
2. Lori Greiner’s Support
Though she didn’t make an offer on the show, Lori Greiner saw potential in The WISP. She reached out to Eben Dobson after the episode aired, offering her support and expertise.
This unexpected gesture highlights the collaborative spirit often seen in the Shark Tank community. Lori even featured The WISP on QVC, giving the product valuable exposure to a wider audience.
3. Expanded Product Line
The WISP has grown beyond its initial broom and dustpan combo. They now offer a variety of cleaning tools, including:
- Outdoor brooms: Designed for tackling tougher messes on patios and decks.
- Hand brooms and dustpans: Perfect for smaller cleanups around the house.
- Wet mops: Expanding their cleaning solutions beyond dry sweeping.
- Window cleaning kits: Providing a comprehensive cleaning system for the home.
This expansion shows the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting diverse cleaning needs. By offering a range of products, The WISP aims to become a one-stop shop for cleaning solutions.
The WISP’s Future
What’s next for The WISP? While the future remains unwritten, there are a few potential paths this innovative company could take:
- Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Sales: By selling primarily through their website, The WISP can build stronger relationships with customers and control their brand messaging. This approach could lead to increased customer loyalty and higher profit margins.
- Expand Product Offerings: The WISP has already shown a willingness to innovate beyond its original product. They could continue developing new and improved cleaning tools, potentially venturing into areas like eco-friendly cleaning solutions or smart home integration.
- Seek Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with other companies in the cleaning industry could open up new distribution channels and customer bases. Imagine The WISP partnering with a sustainable cleaning product manufacturer or a home organization company.
- Embrace Digital Marketing: Utilizing social media, online advertising, and content marketing can help The WISP reach a wider audience and build brand awareness. Sharing customer testimonials and engaging cleaning tips can create a strong online community around their products.
While The WISP faces challenges like any business, its innovative design and dedicated founder provide a solid foundation for future success.
By focusing on customer needs and embracing new opportunities, The WISP can continue to sweep its way into homes and hearts across the country.
FAQs
Is The WISP still in business?
Yes, The WISP is still operating. You can find their products on their official website.
Where can I buy The WISP?
The WISP is currently sold exclusively through their website.
Did The WISP get a deal on Shark Tank?
No, The WISP did not secure a deal on Shark Tank due to concerns about the company’s financial losses.
What products does The WISP offer?
The WISP offers a variety of cleaning tools, including their original broom and dustpan combo, outdoor brooms, hand brooms, wet mops, and window cleaning kits.
Did any of the sharks invest in The WISP after the show?
While no sharks made an offer on the show, Lori Greiner did reach out to offer support and helped promote the product.
The Bottom Line
The WISP’s journey exemplifies the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Despite a compelling product and passionate founder, navigating financial challenges and securing funding proved difficult. However, their story also highlights resilience and the power of adapting to change.
By focusing on innovation, customer relationships, and a diverse product line, The WISP continues to carve its own path in the competitive cleaning market. Whether they achieve widespread success or remain a niche favorite, The WISP reminds us that even without a Shark Tank deal, entrepreneurial dreams can still be pursued.
