Want to have an entertaining evening with your friends? Ditch the remote controllers and bring some water balloons to the backyard. The time for battle is about to begin, so better fill them up fast!
You check up on your team to see how they are doing, and the sight that greets you is this: Each of them is having trouble tying the knots, and the balloons keep dropping on the floor.
Water balloons are one of the most popular summertime activities. They are great for cooling off on a hot day and also a lot of fun to play with. But did you know there’s a right way and a wrong way to tie up a water balloon?
Since water balloons are smaller in size than regular balloons, it’s quite hard to make the loop no matter how nimble your fingers are. So, what can be done about this? After all, war waits for no one, even if it’s with water and between children.
Enter Tie-Not, a company that offers you two foolproof systems to tie water balloon knots without hassle. Tie-Not gives water-fight lovers relief from aching fingers. The first product is a filler that allows you to tie the knot while the balloon is attached to the hose, and the second is a tying stick that helps tie a knot while holding the balloon in hand.
This invention is unique because you can tie a water balloon in less than 6 seconds. There’s even a video to prove it! Check it out.
Tie-Not was founded in 2010 by Scott Smith and Wayne Sikorcin. Wayne is the owner of operates Craftsman Tool and Mold, a company that he has managed for more than 35. It specializes in making plastic bases. Scott joined the company as the Sales Director and later moved to Michigan to work in a plastic molding company.
It was Wayne’s wife who gave him the idea for Tie-Not. She had ordered hundreds of water balloons for a family picnic and tasked Wayne to the knots. After about 15 balloons, Wayne gave up and enlisted the children’s help. This got him thinking: Is there an easy way to complete this mundane task?
With the help of his daughter, he was able to come up with a solution. After telling Scott about his idea, they started production and made $112,000 in the first year.
Is the Company Still Active?
Tie-Not had a licensing deal with Imperial Toy. However, the company went bankrupt in 2019. In 2021, Tie-Not’s website went dark, and there was no activity on their social media pages. Though, the products are still being sold on Amazon. In late 2021, Imperial Toy signed a deal with Ja-Ru. Tie-Not is not included in their brands’ list.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
Tie-Not was featured on Shark Tank in 2016 on Ep.527 of Season 5. Wayne and Scott were looking for $125,000 for a 10% ($1.25 million) stake in their company.
Scott started the pitch by explaining how Tie-Not works and demonstrated the product by filling a water balloon. Excited, Kevin joined the owners on stage and made a balloon for himself. Scott explains costs and pricing.
Next, they disclose their deal with Imperial Toy, which makes all the Sharks wonder whether Tie-Not will be able to make it to the market again or not. With the major details shared, Scott and Wayne are open to questions.
Mark says he doesn’t like toys, so he backs out. Robert says he likes toys but is not happy with the valuation, and he backs out. Kevin thinks the business doesn’t make much money and backs out. Lori says the product is too inexpensive, and she’s out.
Barbara starts to bargain and asks for a 25% stake in exchange for $125,000. She says she will give $75,000 through a line of credit and $50,000 in cash. Scott counters with a $100,000 credit line, but Barbara stands firm. Scott doesn’t like the deal, and they leave with no Shark.
Though Scott and Wayne didn’t make a deal, they did get a lot of fame after the episode aired. It has been featured in several national publications and was even included in Oprah’s Favorite Things list in 2016.
Our Review of Tie-Not
Tie-Not is an excellent product if you are looking for an easy way to tie water balloons. The tool is simple to use and does the job quickly. It can also be used to tie air balloons, which makes it perfect for all sorts of functions, from birthday parties to corporate events.
The only downside is that the tool can be a bit tricky to operate at first. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. The company also offers a portable pump station that can hold 1 gallon of water and allow you to make 20 balloons on the go.
Pros of Tie-Not
- A simple design that makes it easy to use
- The ability to tie knots quickly
- Portable pump station that allows you to make balloons with a water hose
- The ability to use it with one hand
Cons of Tie-Not
- A bit tricky for children to operate
Who Is Tie-Not For?
Who doesn’t love a water fight! Tie-Not is for everyone, and we mean EVERYONE. Playing with water balloons is the ultimate fun sport for children, adults, and even older people.
Are There Any Alternatives?
There are no alternatives to Tie-Not.
Our Final Thoughts
Tie-Not is a great tool for people of all ages. It is definitely worth the price. If you want your water balloon fight never to end, we recommend you take out Tie-Not; it’s a real game-changer. The portable pump will take the opposing team by surprise and they will be drenched in a watery defeat.
