Just finished watching Shark Tank and the the presentation by Megan Gage. What an adorable little boy! And I love the reasons as to why she made the product. As a mom that suffers with a variety of allergies and works in the cosmetic industry I know all too well the benefits of using healthy, non toxic products. I wanted to offer a word of advise to Mark Cuban and Megan as they start this adventure:
1. Take expert advice.
Lori Greiner’s advice and repackage the product. Seriously. There is nothing about this packaging that says the product is non-toxic, allergy friendly, dairy free, gluten free, not even safe or healthy. Most mom’s read the front of the label and while the shiny crown is awesome! It doesn’t scream healthy or for kids.
2. Be mindful of your claims.
Since it’s a hair care product you don’t have to do all of the allergy testing, do a RIPT test ( repeat insult patch testing) do some dermatological approved but changing your packaging and adding words that explain the product will do ( with the exception of making tear free claims.)
3. Choose your manufacturing partner carefully.
I would look for a manufacturer that specializes in hair care, period. You will get better prices on your runs and better prices on packaging if you go with someone who specializes in hair care manufacturing.
4. Be open to packaging changes.
The packaging is beautiful and very expensive. The acrylic jars are very expensive, especially with the silver foil. My advice in the redesign phase of this product line to either get rid of the expensive jars or buy them bulk and pre-decorated from the factory. You may want to consider some custom molds if you are going big time.
5. Make sure your marketing matches your clients.
My only other concern is how many mom’s buy hair care products for their kids at salons? Why not try target? Advertising in allergy specific magazines like Living Without or Go Dairy Free?
Congrats Megan! I loved watching your presentation and loved the connection between you and Mark Cuban! What an amazing line you have created and I wish you lots of success!
I so agree with Melody. As an ex hairdresser, Moms with small kids will shop at a Walmart, not a beauty salon.
Best presentation I’ve ever seen. Heck I have no kids and want to buy the product.
I enjoyed Melody’s review and adversting suggestions very much! Definintely agree with packaging comments. At first I agreed with the discount chain store points. BUT, there is a whole group of our population that would only purchase this product at a salon. While I’m not one them, I don’t live too far from one of those neighborhoods and have a few friends in that catagory. It sounded to me like Megan had already found out where her money was coming from – for now. I think she should be ready to develope a line at the appropriate time specifically for the discount stores and maintain the high-end line for Salons too. She wouldn’t be the first to do so. Megan was SO ready for every financial, research, distribution questions the Sharks had.
I agree about the name. I was concerned about what might turn up besides the hair care products. Megan did a great presentation on the show…congratulations!!
I think she was trying so hard to be and look upscale that she forgot to put some important claims on there, like paraben free, organic, etc. Those are labels we look for – yes, but I read the ingredient list too. Have to make it easy to want to even consider it. I do like the crown…but it might need a slight revamp in packaging. I give her lots of credit for taking it as far as she did.