AfreSHEET – Disposable Layered Bed Sheets
NO DEAL
EPISODE SUMMARY
🕓 Air Date: November 13, 2015
Asking For:
$100,000 for 20%
Investor:
No Deal
Deal:
No Deal
PRODUCT SUMMARY
AfreSHEET is a revolutionary product that addresses the age-old challenge of keeping sheets clean in today's fast-paced world. It is the world's first fitted bed sheet with peel-away disposable top layers, emphasizing practicality and convenience.
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Background Story
AfreSHEET founder Maxwell Cohen, a college student from New York City, created the product to address the challenge of maintaining clean sheets in busy lifestyles. The inspiration came from the varied uses of dorm beds and the inconvenience of washing sheets regularly. Cohen poured his own bar mitzvah money, totaling over $12,000, into starting the business.
The Product
AfreSHEET is constructed from three different types of polyester, providing a solution for those who prioritize practicality and convenience over the traditional softness associated with bed sheets.
The peel-away disposable top layers allow users to instantly reveal a fresh layer beneath when the bed is soiled, simplifying the process of keeping the sleeping environment clean. Priced at $29.95 for a Twin Extra Long size, the product offers an innovative alternative for those seeking a hassle-free bedding solution.
How It Went
The company’s position before Shark Tank
AfreSHEET has made initial sales, with over 400 units sold. While Cohen faced challenges in retail, with major stores like Bed Bath & Beyond expressing interest but citing concerns about the softness of the material, the company has garnered attention from overseas markets, particularly in South African hospitals and ambulances. The company is currently awaiting a new shipment and is in talks with various institutional markets such as summer camps and elderly homes.
The Negotiations:
During the pitch, the Sharks expressed reservations about the breathability of the polyester material and questioned the overall market viability. Despite interest from institutional markets, including a suggestion from Mark Cuban that the product might find success in such settings, none of the Sharks were willing to invest. One by one, the Sharks opted out, with Kevin O’Leary being the first to decline.
In the end, Cohen left the tank without a deal but remained optimistic about the future potential of AfreSHEET. In summary, while AfreSHEET did not secure a deal on Shark Tank, the innovative nature of the product and the founder’s commitment indicate a potential niche market and future growth opportunities for this unique bedding solution.