Toilet Timer: Bathroom Timer from Shark Tank
Did you know the average person spends over 30 minutes in the bathroom daily? Much of this time is wasted. The Toilet Timer is a funny yet useful solution that became a hit after Shark Tank. Adam Stephey and his wife, Katie, created it. It aims to make bathroom time more efficient while keeping things light-hearted.
Key Takeaways:
- The creators of the Toilet Timer, Katie and Adam Shepley, originally sought $200,000 for 10% equity on Shark Tank.
- Mark Cuban offered $200,000 for 20% equity, but the deal did not materialize.
- By Christmastime 2019, the Toilet Timer had generated $250,000 in sales.
- Each unit costs under $3 to produce and retails for $14.95.
- The company projected $1 million in sales for 2020 with additional funding.
- As of July 2021, sales approached $1 million for the year.
- By April 2024, the product continues to thrive, yielding annual revenues between $250,000 and $500,000.
Introduction to the Toilet Timer
The Toilet Timer is a clever five-minute bathroom timer. It helps limit time spent in the bathroom. This device tackles a common problem caused by smartphones and other distractions.
The Toilet Timer is not just useful but also a fun novelty gift from Shark Tank. Adam Stephey wanted $200,000 for 10% of his product. He raised over $23,000 on Kickstarter, but needed a deal with investors to succeed.
On Shark Tank, Mark Cuban offered $200,000 for 25% of the product. Adam and Kate accepted. This deal was crucial, as other products like Bottle Bright and DrainWig also got deals. The Toilet Timer made a splash with its unique feature.
The Toilet Timer was first sold for $14.99, costing $3 to make. It got over 20 million views on Facebook and over 1,000 positive Amazon reviews. It now makes $250,000 to $500,000 a year, proving its worth as a bathroom timer and a fun Shark Tank gift.
| Product | Investment Details | Final Deal |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet Timer | $200K for 10% equity | $200K for 25% equity |
| Bottle Bright | $75K for 33% equity | $75K for 33% equity |
| Springer | $400K for 6% equity | $400K for 10% equity |
| DrainWig | $300K for 5% equity | $300K for 15% equity |
| UnShrinkit | $150K for 10% equity | $150K for 15% equity |
The Origins of the Toilet Timer
The Toilet Timer started with Adam Stephey, a creative Midwesterner. He was good at 3D drafting and loved inventing. Stephey wanted to fix a common problem: spending too much time on the toilet.
The Kickstarter Campaign
In July 2017, Adam Stephey started a Kickstarter campaign. He aimed to raise $20,000 for his invention. But, the Toilet Timer got more support than expected, raising $23,868.
977 backers showed they really wanted the Toilet Timer. This success was a big step for Stephey. It helped him turn his idea into a real product.
The Toilet Timer was priced at $15. It became a hit, not just as a joke, but as a useful gift. It was especially popular during holidays and Father’s Day. Its high profit margins showed it was a smart investment.
Adam Stephey’s company, Katamco, marketed the Toilet Timer and other inventions. The Kickstarter campaign was more than just funding. It helped Katamco grow, with sales reaching almost $1 million by July 2021. By 2024, they expected to make up to $500,000 a year.
Product Features of the Toilet Timer
The Toilet Timer by Katamco is a mix of fun and usefulness. It has a unique design where sand flows from a figure’s belly into a toilet base. This creates a countdown from five minutes, making bathroom breaks more enjoyable.
It comes in both male and female versions, making it suitable for everyone. The Toilet Timer is a great gag gift for friends and family. It’s also useful for personal use.
The product has done well in sales. It raised over $23,000 on Kickstarter, beating its goal of $20,000. On Shark Tank, it got a $200,000 investment for a 25% stake. It’s priced at $14.99, making it affordable and profitable.
Its popularity is clear from over 20 million organic views on Facebook and more than 1000 positive reviews on Amazon. In the last 12 months, it received high seller ratings:
- Accurate Description: 4.9
- Reasonable Shipping Cost: 4.8
- Shipping Speed: 4.9
- Communication: 5.0
These ratings and feedback from 470 verified buyers show its quality and reliability.
The Shark Tank Experience
In the 2020 Holiday Special of “Shark Tank,” Katie and Adam Stephey introduced the Shark Tank Toilet Timer. They asked for $200,000 for 10% of Katamco. Their product aims to manage bathroom time well.
Pitching on Shark Tank
Adam Stephey shared the product’s success during the pitch. They raised $23,000 on Kickstarter and made $318,000 in sales before the show. The product got 21 million views on Facebook and over 1,000 positive Amazon reviews.
It was also featured in more than 40 articles, including CBS-Chicago and UK newspapers. This showed strong market demand, impressing the Sharks.
Mark Cuban’s Offer
Mark Cuban was interested in the Toilet Timer’s success and market appeal. He offered $200,000 for 25% equity. Although they didn’t finalize the deal on the show, Cuban’s offer showed faith in the product.
Adam Stephey saw the chance to grow sales to $3 million, more than their 2020 goal of $1 million.
The pitch’s confidence and Mark Cuban’s offer were key milestones. They set the stage for the Shark Tank Toilet Timer’s growth.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Sales in 2019 | $294,000 |
| Pre-Shark Tank Sales in 2020 | $318,000 |
| Estimated Sales Post Shark Tank (2020) | $1,000,000 – $3,000,000 |
| Mark Cuban’s Offer | $200,000 for 25% Equity |
| Kickstarter Raised | $23,000 |
| Sell Price | $14.99 |
Sales and Market Reception
After appearing on Shark Tank, the Toilet Timer saw a big increase in sales. By December 2019, it had made $250,000. This was part of a bigger trend, making $294,000 that year.
Revenue Growth
The Toilet Timer’s sales have grown a lot since it started. After Shark Tank, sales jumped, reaching almost $1 million by 2020. A big reason for this was a viral video that got over 21 million views online.
Amazon also helped a lot, adding to its sales. This kept the product’s success going strong.
| Year | Revenue |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $294,000 |
| 2020 | $318,000 |
| 2021 | $1,000,000 |
| 2024 (Projected) | $250,000 – $500,000; potential $3 million |
The Toilet Timer is still doing well in the market. It has high sales and is very popular. With smart marketing and new ideas, it’s expected to keep growing.
The Health Benefits
The Toilet Timer is not just a fun gadget—it’s a tool with big health benefits. Many people don’t think about how long they sit on the toilet, but it can be harmful. Doctors, especially those who study the stomach and intestines, say it’s key to not sit too long.
Using a bathroom timer like the Toilet Timer can help avoid problems like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and constipation. These issues often come from sitting too long on the toilet. The timer helps keep bathroom time short, which reduces these risks.
Also, the Toilet Timer helps your blood flow better by stopping long sits. Bad blood flow can cause serious problems like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is especially dangerous for people who might be more likely to get blood clots.
To make things clearer, here’s a table showing the risks of sitting too long on the toilet and how a Bathroom Timer can help:
| Potential Health Risks (Prolonged Toilet Sitting) | Benefits of Using a Bathroom Timer |
|---|---|
| Hemorrhoids | Reduced risk of hemorrhoids by encouraging shorter bathroom sessions |
| Anal fissures | Decreased likelihood of developing anal fissures |
| Constipation | Promotes regular bowel movements |
| Poor circulation | Improved blood flow |
| Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) | Lower risk of DVT due to reduced sitting time |
In short, the Toilet Timer is more than a fun idea—it’s a tool for better health. It helps users avoid the dangers of sitting too long on the toilet. This way, it helps keep people healthier overall.
Customer Feedback
The Toilet Timer has won over many customers with its mix of usefulness and humor. People love it for being both a handy bathroom timer and a fun gift. Its wide appeal is clear from all the positive feedback.
Amazon Reviews
On Amazon, the Toilet Timer has gotten over 1,000 good reviews. These reviews praise its ability to keep track of bathroom time and its fun factor as a gift. Many say it’s both useful and a great conversation starter.
| Criteria | Customer Ratings |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Novelty | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gift Appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Overall Satisfaction | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
But it’s not just about the feedback. The Toilet Timer is also great for potty training kids, especially those with autism. The common thread in these stories is how it balances being useful and fun, making it a favorite in homes everywhere.
Additional Products by Adam Stephey
Adam Stephey is known for more than just the Toilet Timer. He has shown his creativity and drive in making many other products. His work in the retro gaming world is especially notable.
1UPcard.com
Adam Stephey has also made a splash in the retro gaming market with 1UPcard.com. This brand offers cleaning solutions for old video games and consoles. These products help keep gaming items in top shape, so players can enjoy their favorite games again.
Through 1UPcard.com, Adam Stephey has proven himself to be a versatile and innovative entrepreneur. The 1UPcard is a standout product. It’s practical and loved by those who want to keep their classic gaming gear in great condition.
Marketing and Distribution
The Toilet Timer’s marketing strategy focuses on a strong online presence and smart product placement. After its appearance on “Shark Tank,” its popularity soared. This led to wider distribution of the product.
It’s mainly sold on the Katamco website, Amazon, and eBay. This approach has helped it reach many people.
The product is also found in some boutique gift and novelty stores. This strategy has opened up new sales channels. It also targets customers looking for funny and useful gifts.
There are different editions, like the Presidential and Skeleton Editions. These cater to different tastes, keeping demand high all year. Especially during holidays like Christmas, birthdays, and Halloween.
Social media campaigns have also boosted the product’s visibility. Katamco has used the “Shark Tank” buzz and social media to promote it. They’ve worked with influencers and run targeted ads.
This wide-ranging retail strategy has made the Toilet Timer a hit. It’s known for being both funny and useful.
FAQ
What inspired the creation of the Toilet Timer?
How does the Toilet Timer work?
What makes the Toilet Timer a great gift?
Can the Toilet Timer be found on popular marketplaces?
How did the Toilet Timer perform on Shark Tank?
What kind of sales growth has the Toilet Timer experienced?
FAQ
What inspired the creation of the Toilet Timer?
Adam Stephey wanted to solve a problem he saw often. People spend too much time in the bathroom, distracted by their phones. He launched the Toilet Timer on Kickstarter and got a lot of support.
How does the Toilet Timer work?
The Toilet Timer is a simple sand timer. You set it, and the sand flows from a figure’s belly into a toilet base. It tells you when it’s time to leave the bathroom.
What makes the Toilet Timer a great gift?
The Toilet Timer is both useful and funny. It’s a great novelty gift. Its unique design and function appeal to many, helping manage bathroom time in a fun way.
Can the Toilet Timer be found on popular marketplaces?
Yes, you can find the Toilet Timer on Amazon and the Katamco website. It’s also available on other retail sites, making it easy to buy.
How did the Toilet Timer perform on Shark Tank?
Adam Stephey presented the Toilet Timer on Shark Tank’s 2020 Holiday Special. Mark Cuban offered 0,000 for 20% equity, but the deal didn’t happen. Still, the show boost its sales and popularity.
What kind of sales growth has the Toilet Timer experienced?
After Shark Tank, the Toilet Timer’s sales skyrocketed. It made 0,000 in sales during Christmas 2019. By 2020, it was expected to reach nearly
FAQ
What inspired the creation of the Toilet Timer?
Adam Stephey wanted to solve a problem he saw often. People spend too much time in the bathroom, distracted by their phones. He launched the Toilet Timer on Kickstarter and got a lot of support.
How does the Toilet Timer work?
The Toilet Timer is a simple sand timer. You set it, and the sand flows from a figure’s belly into a toilet base. It tells you when it’s time to leave the bathroom.
What makes the Toilet Timer a great gift?
The Toilet Timer is both useful and funny. It’s a great novelty gift. Its unique design and function appeal to many, helping manage bathroom time in a fun way.
Can the Toilet Timer be found on popular marketplaces?
Yes, you can find the Toilet Timer on Amazon and the Katamco website. It’s also available on other retail sites, making it easy to buy.
How did the Toilet Timer perform on Shark Tank?
Adam Stephey presented the Toilet Timer on Shark Tank’s 2020 Holiday Special. Mark Cuban offered $200,000 for 20% equity, but the deal didn’t happen. Still, the show boost its sales and popularity.
What kind of sales growth has the Toilet Timer experienced?
After Shark Tank, the Toilet Timer’s sales skyrocketed. It made $250,000 in sales during Christmas 2019. By 2020, it was expected to reach nearly $1 million in revenue.
Are there health benefits associated with using the Toilet Timer?
Yes, the Toilet Timer helps you spend less time in the bathroom. This can lead to healthier habits and reduce health risks from sitting too long.
What feedback has the Toilet Timer received from customers?
Amazon reviews show the Toilet Timer is a hit. People like how it helps manage time and is a fun, engaging gift.
Does Adam Stephey have other products?
Yes, Adam Stephey also created products like cleaning solutions for retro video games. His brand is called 1UPcard.com.
What strategies does Katamco use for marketing and distribution?
Katamco sells online, mainly on Amazon and their website. They also use social media and Shark Tank appearances to promote and distribute their products.
million in revenue.
Are there health benefits associated with using the Toilet Timer?
Yes, the Toilet Timer helps you spend less time in the bathroom. This can lead to healthier habits and reduce health risks from sitting too long.
What feedback has the Toilet Timer received from customers?
Amazon reviews show the Toilet Timer is a hit. People like how it helps manage time and is a fun, engaging gift.
Does Adam Stephey have other products?
Yes, Adam Stephey also created products like cleaning solutions for retro video games. His brand is called 1UPcard.com.
What strategies does Katamco use for marketing and distribution?
Katamco sells online, mainly on Amazon and their website. They also use social media and Shark Tank appearances to promote and distribute their products.
