ScreenMend is a do-it-yourself solution for ripped or torn window and door screens. It is available as screen patch rolls that are coated with an adhesive. The roll allows for better feasibility for your repair needs. They come in two colors, charcoal and silver grey, to match the color of the existing screens of your door or windows.
To use it, you need to remove the adhesive paper backing on the roll, measure the ScreenMend patch that’s required to cover the damaged area and then cut a slightly bigger patch than measured. Place this patch on the damaged area and apply heat with a hair dryer for 30-45 seconds. It will stick to your screen and give you a long-lasting repair.
ScreenMend comes in two forms: patch, and roll.
After Shark Tank, Lori kept her promise and helped the product air on QVC. She also provided a new packaging for the products and got it into Bed, Bath & Beyond. The company made over $3,000,000 after the tremendous marketing efforts and help from Lori.
As of 2022, the company is still in business and sells its products on Amazon and in stores.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
Emma, Lily, and Brian Hooks came to the Sharks and asked for a $30,000 investment with a 25% equity.
The three of them began by introducing their product as the easiest way to patch a screen. Emma and Lily stated that ScreenMend was invented 3 years ago when their mom made them clean the porch, and then Brian came in and said he was trying to patch a hole in the screen with a self-adhesive patch but it would keep falling off.
Lily was trying to scrape melted wax off the table, and when Brian complained about the patch that wouldn’t stay, Lily suggested that they should try putting a screen patch dipped in wax to repair it. The mended patch worked for a year without falling off, and they realized they have come up with a simple and marketable solution for a common household problem.
Lily then goes on to demonstrate to them how to stick a ScreenMend patch using a hair dryer.
Daymond asked them how many items have they already sold, and Brian told them 750 units have been sold. One unit costs them $0.84, and they sell it for $6.9. The profit margin impressed the Sharks.
They also mentioned that they don’t have a utility patent, only a provisional patent.
Robert asked them why they needed the money, and they explained that they need it to create better packaging.
Daymond said he appreciates the family but says that since they have no business background, he cannot give them a lot of time. The same was the case for Kevin and Robert. All three of them were out.
Mark chimed in and offered $30K for 25% shares, which was what the Hooks wanted, but he said he would not be able to do much work, as he didn’t have much knowledge about their business.
Lori quickly stepped in before they could accept the deal and said that she had the connections to bring the product to television and retail, but she wants a 50% equity. She offered Mark to join in. Lori explained that she needed more equity because she will have to put in a lot of effort such as taking over manufacturing.
Mark, however, stuck to his original offer.
The Hooks took some time to discuss both the deals. They weighed Mark’s ideal offer against Lori’s which took away half the equity from them, but offered the Shark’s insight, connections and marketing strategy. Eventually, they ahead with Lori’s offer, and Mark was particularly happy to see them go forward with a secure deal.
Our Review of ScreenMend
ScreenMend is a perfect solution to both small holes and large tears in screens. It easily repairs the screens and the roll allows the customized size of patches to be cut according to the damaged area. A simple hot setting on the hair dryer is enough to stick the patch to place. The color almost matches the original screen color; it doesn’t exactly blend into the original screen but works well enough that it is not noticeable from a distance.
Pros of Keyword
- Better than spending a lot of money on a new screen door
- Easy to use and require as little heat as a hair dryer can provide
- Resists temperature and weather changes. The repair patch doesn’t come off easily in rain, heat, or humidity.
Cons of Keyword
- Not feasible for places where a hair dryer cannot reach, e.g. places with no electricity outlet or unavailability of long cords.
- The patch has no adhesion unless heat is provided.
Who is ScreenMend for?
The simple and easy application makes it a very feasible solution for tears in house door screens and window screens. It can also be used in pool houses and tents, to repair all kinds of screen rips and damages.
Are there Any Alternatives?
- ACEBON Window Screen Repair Kit
- HTVRONT Screen Repair Tape
- RHO Window Screen Repair Kit
- SANKEMU Window Screen Repair Kit
Our Final Thoughts
Asking for 50% of the shares of a company is evidence that the idea has a lot of potential. The Hooks needed Lori’s help and sure enough, her efforts and influence made it reach such heights other small businesses could only dream of.
ScreenMend has a lot of mixed reviews on Amazon. Some users say that the patch doesn’t withhold outdoor conditions like heat and humidity, and some say that the patch worked for them for years. Lori has mentioned that they have improved the formula with help of her FiberFix partners. Still, it is a way less expensive solution to repair damaged screens, rather than buying a new screen door.
