Let’s address the elephant in the room.
This phrase was introduced to explain how holding onto a truth or an issue and avoiding discussion can lead to a small problem morphing into a big one. The elephant in the room is the obvious issue that needs to be addressed, and it keeps getting bigger every minute!
Elephant Chat is not an active company. The business idea plummeted right after the negative Shark Tank review aired, followed by the couple splitting up and shutting down the business. Add it to the list of epic Shark Tank Failures.
What is the Elephant Chat?
The Elephant Chat picks up on the relevant phenomenon and aims to solve the small issues in relationships that lead to bigger problems in the future. It does one of two things; it allows a partner to let their significant other know that an issue needs to be discussed and allows one partner to speak at one time (much like the talking stick method).
How it Works
The Elephant Chat product is a stuffed elephant encased within a 4 by 4 glass box. Anytime a partner feels like they are holding onto an issue that needs to be addressed, they can place the “elephant in the room” to notify them.
Upon noticing the elephant, the partner addresses the need for a conversation. Both partners take turns holding the elephant and voicing their concerns or perspective.
What Makes Elephant Chat Unique?
The Elephant Chat puts a spin on the quintessential objects present within a couple’s therapy room. It plays with the well-known concept of the elephant in the room and provides a solution to the common issues that can ruin a relationship over time.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
For Jason and Amanda Adams, getting the “elephant in the room” wasn’t the problem. However, selling the idea that a couple would pull out an elephant whenever they wanted to discuss their issues did not appeal to the sharks.
The Adams presented their product on 25th October 2013. They mentioned a $100,000 investment generated from friends and family, which they wanted to expand by $50,000 for 20% equity.
The sharks were not sure about Elephant Chat from the get-go. Most of them thought the product had a high production cost ($22). Lori mentioned that one could get a stuffed animal off Amazon for a dollar; why would anyone want to buy their elephant in a box for $59?
Moreover, the fact that none of the founders was a licensed therapist reduced the pitch’s value. The sharks also stressed that the product might not survive real-time couple issues.
Our Review of the Elephant Chat
Elephant Chat may be a great addition to a therapy room. Instead of creating activities for couples using random objects, therapists can use the Elephant Chat to add more value to their techniques.
A couple may not always be open to suggestions, however, adding a cute stuffed toy into the mix may push them to give the activity a chance. The elephant in the room concept applied to the Elephant Chat can provide great comic relief to couples navigating difficult times.
However, like all products, Elephant Chat comes with a set of pros and cons.
Pros of the Elephant Chat
- Attractive: The cute elephant and the relatable concept of the elephant in the room lead to a fun and productive way for couples to discuss their everyday issues. Elephant Chat can encourage children to polish their listening skills if expanded to a younger audience. It allows them to understand the value of taking turns and giving importance to multiple perspectives.
- Cute: How long can you stay angry at your significant other when they’re holding a cute stuffed elephant in their arms. The elephant can reduce the tension in the room, allowing everyone to speak freely.
- Productive: Dealing with issues instead of burying them or ignoring them can lead to a healthier relationship. That’s what this product encourages.
Cons of the Elephant Chat
- Unrealistic: The product may not be enough to solve a conflict in a relationship suffering from toxicity for a long time. Building healthy habits take time, and introducing the Elephant Chat to a couple who has been fighting for years may worsen the situation.
- Expensive: A couple may purchase a stuffed elephant off Amazon instead of investing in a $59 elephant encased in glass.
Who is the Elephant Chat for?
The Elephant Chat is great for two kinds of consumers.
The first is the couple having relationship issues. Elephant Chat can help a couple resolve their issues over time instead of letting them accumulate.
The second is therapists. These professionals can use the Elephant Chat as a tool that allows them to help couples navigate issues in their relationship.
The product can also be marketed to children who can benefit from taking turns and communicating what they want to say.
Are There Any Alternatives?
The best alternative to this product is a therapist. Couples would rather visit a therapist than use a stuffed toy to communicate their issues. This is because issues that have worsened over time need professional attention.
Our Final Thoughts
It is uncommon for people to create products centered around well-being and relationship management. This is because these kinds of products are hard to make, require professional advice, and require subjects that can be tested on.
Elephant Chat is a great idea with poor execution. The stuffed elephant can be taken to new heights with the help of a licensed professional’s take on the product and how it can be improved. Moreover, reviews of people that have used the product can give it the authenticity it lacks.
The Elephant Chat was a great effort made by the Adams, and lowered production costs can bring this product back to life. Here’s to hoping this is not the end of the elephant in a box!
If you find this stuff interesting, you’ll want to check out our reviews of all the Shark Tank products and services that have been on the show.
