SplashZen: Saving Bath Time Messes Through Shark Tank
SplashZen is set to appear on Shark Tank Season 15 Episode 14 on Feb 16, 2024. SplashZen is a solution to a common problem: the messy flooded bathroom floors caused by a baby or a dog in the tub. Their practical and innovative splash guard is designed to keep water inside the bathtub. They cater to parents and pet owners looking for a hassle-free way to handle bath time activities without the aftermath of a soaked bathroom.
SplashZen – The Numbers:
- Amount and equity asked: TBA
- Amount and equity received: TBA
- Shark(s) in the deal: TBA
- Valuation of the deal: TBA
Table of Contents
SplashZen Shark Tank Moment
SplashZen With is excited for the upcoming episode of ABC’s Shark Tank. They will be pitching their idea to Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec. Will they get a deal?
Origins of SplashZen
Rodney and Tanya Rasmussen are the brains behind SplashZen. They struggled with the bath time chaos caused by their children’s love for water. Motivated by the mess and extensive water damage in their bathroom, they looked for a solution to contain the splashes without diminishing the fun of “tubby time.”
Our bathroom was wearing fast from water damage and we dreaded bath time and the inevitable water war zone.
We knew there had to be a way to solve this problem, so we got to work.
Rodney and Tanya Rasmussen
Founding Story
After enduring years of stressful and soggy bath times, the Rasmussens began crafting a solution. They dedicated over three years to meticulous research, involving focus groups and surveys aimed at understanding the pain points of parents, guardians, and caregivers alike. Their commitment led to the creation of SplashZen.
Evolution of the Brand
SplashZen quickly evolved from a simple concept to a full blown brand. Their products started becoming popular among pet owners, thanks to its effectiveness in avoiding bath messes. Rodney and Tanya, who use SplashZen to bathe their Mini Goldendoodle, Blossom, take pride in the joy and relief SplashZen brings to bath time routines.
List of SplashZen Products
SplashZen has developed a line of products designed to improve the bath time experience for both kids and pets, providing a solution for containing water and making clean-up easier.
SplashZen for Kids
SplashZen’s guard for children is a practical innovation that keeps bath water confined, preventing spills and splashes. It features a clear, flexible material and a bottom splash strip. The guard can be opened and closed using one hand, thanks to an easy-grip handle. After use, the guard dries well and can be stored away conveniently.
SplashZen for Dogs
For pet owners, the SplashZen for dogs offers a way to bathe pets without the usual watery mess. It includes a see-through, flexible barrier with suction cups and an easy-to-use handle. Like the children’s version, it also dries effectively and can be rolled up for storage.
How Much Do SplashZen Products Cost?
SplashZen has seven total products. Two are the main guards for kids and dogs. Five are complementary products, that address specific needs. From organizing toys with the Bath Toy Organizer to replacing parts with sticky hooks and rectangles. Additionally, the Shower & Bath Shelves offer a no-drill solution to keep bath essentials in reach, and the Splash Strip increases the guard’s ability to contain water.
How Does SplashZen Actually Work?
SplashZen effectively contains bath water with a splash guard and suction cup strip, designed to fit most bathtubs. The splash guard acts as a barrier preventing water from spilling out. It is roomy with maximum dimensions of 24.8 inches in height by 70.8 inches in width and is intended for tubs enclosed by walls on both sides.
Installation requires one to attach the guard to one side of the tub using the provided sticky pads, which are designed for a single use. On the opposite side, hooks secure the setup. The suction cup barrier, running along the tub edge at a length of 72 inches, can be trimmed to match narrower tubs.
During use, the transparent material allows visibility and interaction with children or pets, while its flexibility lets users reach over comfortably. After bathing, the guard should be extended and hooked for drying, which helps maintain its cleanliness and freshness.
For removing or repositioning, SplashZen’s main unit detaches from the rectangle sticky pads, and the suction cup strip can also be removed by pulling sideways. Replacement sticky pads and hooks are available if relocation is necessary. In short, SplashZen utilizes a simple yet effective mechanism to keep bath water contained, ensuring a mess-free bathroom.
How to Install SplashZen
- Step 1: Ensure the tub’s walls and edge are clean and dry.
- Step 2: Attach the two gray rectangular pieces with sticky pads to the back of the splash guard spool, sticky side out.
- Step 3: Remove the protective stickers to expose the sticky pads on the rectangles.
- Step 4: Position the splash guard spool on the tub edge, sticky rectangles vertical, with the handle facing the tub interior. Slide the guard along the top edge toward the wall until the pads adhere.
- Step 5: Press the sticky pads firmly against the wall, expelling any air bubbles. Let them set for five minutes.
- Step 6: With assistance, extend the splash guard from the spool.
- Step 7: Uncover the adhesive on the gray hook pieces and thread them through the guard’s top and bottom slots, hooks facing inward.
- Step 8: Ensure hooks with sticky pads are vertical, then press firmly to the wall. Detach the guard and retract into the spool.
- Step 9: Firmly press the hook sticky pads against the wall and remove bubbles. Allow five minutes for secure attachment.
- Step 10: Wet the suction cup strip pieces and fix them along the tub’s edge beneath the guard for a watertight seal.
- Step 11: If necessary, trim excess suction cup strip with scissors.
During bath time, the splash guard is extended and rests inside the suction cup strip. For storage or tub access, retract the guard into the spool. To dry, extend and hang the guard. For removal, lift from the rectangles cautiously. For replacing suction strips or sticky pads, visit the product site for replacement parts.
SplashZen Business Model
SplashZen operates on a business model that centers around direct to consumer sales of its bath time products.
Revenue Streams
Direct to consumer: SplashZen generates revenue primarily through the direct sale of its SplashZen splash guards on their website. They do not seem to be in online marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, or others.
Retail Partnerships: Their website does not specify whether they are in retail locations. To date, we cannot confirm if it’s possible to buy the products in person.
Opportunities for Development
Beside the opportunities coming from Shark Tank and the potential help from the Sharks, there are other options that may be worth exploring. If I had to brainstorm, I’d think about:
Wholesale: So far it is unclear whether they are exploring this option. Yet, it can be very profitable, especially at scale. If they manage to get into big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, their profits will grow exponentially. This is a step that often requires a Shark!
Affiliate partners: Because of their strong presence in social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they have the opportunity to:
- Offer affiliate commission to influencers and creators
- Have affiliate marketers promote their product, at relatively no cost for them
Online marketplaces: Amazon and Walmart are surely the most trafficked online marketplaces. Margins are lower after accounting for the platform’s fees, registration etc etc…yet, there is massive exposure. There is also higher competition on the same platform. But if they manage to enter the Shark Tank section on Amazon, they can be partially shielded by products alike.
Product Reviews
SplashZen seems to be quite liked by their clientele. The reviews from their kids’ splash guard have an average of 4.4 out of 5.
I especially appreciated reading the review about the splash guard helping a mom whose daughter had sensory issues, and needed playtime with water to expend her energy. The moat of the potential customer is quite wide, given the very personal reasons that make a client purchase a SplashZen product.
SplashZen on Social Media
SplashZen has a good presence across social media platforms, specifically on Instagram and TikTok.
On Instagram, SplashZen has an audience exceeding 7,500 followers. The content often features visual storytelling about their bathtub splash guard, highlighting its utility and design. To visit their Instagram profile, one can click here.
Turning to TikTok, their approach to marketing the SplashZen product to families has amassed a following of nearly 29,000, coupled with an impressive total of 2.9 million likes. Here they post SplashZen in action with short funny, relatable videos. Alongside them, you will find “action shots” of the business, like the one below. Access to their TikTok presence is available here.
@splashzen Gang’s all here! #smallbusinessowner #smallbusiness #shopsmall #smallbusinesscheck #entrapreneur #momsoftiktok #dadsoftiktok #dadsbelike #parentingtips #fullhouse #fullerhouse #splashguard #splashzen #parenting ♬ original sound – fishwad
Both platforms serve as key avenues for SplashZen to demonstrate their product’s effectiveness and connect with their customer base through interactive and engaging content.
SplashZen – The Technology
SplashZen’s technological edge epitomizes a commitment to practical innovation, addressing the real-world challenges faced by parents during bath time.
Research and Development
SplashZen refined their product thanks to hands-on iterations with families. Design enhancements and material selection evolved from direct feedback, so that SplashZen would address, or prevent, potential issues in using it with our most loved assets: kids and pets.
Adoption of New Trends
Embracing modern advancements, SplashZen incorporates durable materials coupled with a micro-suction tape on the Splash Strip, allowing for a sturdy bond to bathroom surfaces. This trend of using innovative adhesives ensures a leak-free experience and reflects an agile approach to emerging household technologies.
SplashZen Market Competitors
SplashZen operates in a competitive market where products are designed to enhance the experience of bathing for children and infants, ensuring safety, entertainment, and cleanliness.
Competitive Analysis
The Tub Topper® stands as a principal rival, offering a splash guard that doubles as a play area. Its design includes heavy-duty suction cups for secure adherence and an extended ledge for extra play space. Furthermore, it incorporates a downward lip to channel water back into the tub, mitigating spillage.
Splashpad® Baby Bath Sink Splash Guard surfaces as another competitor, focusing on infant safety and convenience during sink baths. It features a non-slip surface and encompasses additional protective elements such as a faucet guard, bath mat, and microfiber material, intended to cushion and absorb splashes.
Future Outlook
The marketplace for kids’ products is very competitive. Yet, they managed to address a sub-niche. This is an advantage, and if the sales demonstrate that they are poised to scale, the Shark may be quite excited about the opportunity to partner with them.
Seb
Seb is a PhD scientist by training, and an entrepreneur by heart. He started his first business while in elementary school, and he got in trouble for it! He then moved onto various online ventures, including consulting and e-commerce. Seb loved Shark Tank since he saw the first episode of Season one on TV. The rest is history.
