The Yono Clip’s a suction cup-based clip that can stick to any smooth surface and was mainly invented so that people could hang their belongings on it and keep their personal items clean. It’s a simple cup that comes with a hook and a clip. The Duraflex style suction can stick to any surface and can hold almost 15 pounds!
The main selling point of the Yono Clip’s that it can hold a lot of weight and is environmentally friendly. The clips are biodegradable, while the packaging is made of recycled paper.
It was invented by Bob Mackey and Michael Green. Mackey had the product concept one evening at the gym. People would leave their gym equipment and coats on the floor, he observed. Bob realized it was a wonderful(ly gross) method to transfer so many germs onto your backpack or coat, so he rapidly drew the product concept and enlisted the support of colleagues.
Michael Green took the call. Green was already well-known for all his infections because of his lengthy history of science exhibitions in Georgia, The Atlanta Braves, and other venues. Before coming to Shark Tank, the two entrepreneurs had already managed to raise almost $9,857 through a Kickstarter campaign and they were looking for more funding to expand production and distribution.
Are They Still an Active Company?
Yono Clip is active and still in business.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
Green and Mackey came to Shark Tank seeking an investment of $150,000 for a 15% stake in the company. They started the pitch by sharing the story of how they’d come to invent the product and how the concept behind it was to keep dust and germs off gym bags.
The product had been invented at the peak of the pandemic, so it was the perfect timing to pitch a product that was aimed at keeping gym equipment hygienic. They knew the Sharks were mainly interested in good numbers. They shared that their sales over the past 2 months had been $14,500, which was a decent number. They also added that they’d worked hard on marketing the product, which was how they’d managed to get sales this good in the first place.
They shared how they’d run a Kickstarter campaign and the way that it had taken off almost instantly- getting them $10,000 in a single day. However, they added that $10,000 of the total sales had come from Kickstarter while the rest had come from website sales and selling Yono Clip at the gym. They added that they’d made the product using 3D printing. Since production was mainly out of a garage, they could only make 10-15 units in a single week in the beginning.
Then it was time for the Sharks to respond. Barbara thought the product was in a very competitive market and it wasn’t a necessity for people, apart from those who went to the gym. She stepped out. She was followed by Mark Cuban, who just didn’t think it was good enough to invest in. After that, Kevin stepped out too because he shared that he’d already invested in another product like this one and there was no point in investing in this too.
Daymond was the only Shark seriously interested in the product. He liked it and was willing to invest but on the condition that he would get 50% equity with it. Some negotiation went on for a while, with Daymond changing his offer to $150,000 for a 30% equity and the two owners arguing for 20% instead. In the end, the two entrepreneurs agreed to Daymond’s offer.
Overall, the Yono Clip Shark Tank Review was positive, and they left with an investment.
Our Review of Yono Clip
We decided to try out the Yono Clip for ourselves to see how it would hold up in practice.
The good news is that the product can hold a lot of weight, which means that it’s perfect for holding heavy gym equipment. The clip is made of environmentally friendly material, and the packaging is made from recycled paper too. It’s also easy to use with a retractable hook.
The bad news is that the clip itself is quite expensive for a suction-based clip. There are many types of suction-based clips on the market already that are sold in bulk and are a lot cheaper than this one. Plus, there might not be any need for this product since most gyms have lockers and hooks in place for people to use.
Pros and Cons of Yono Clip
Pros of Yono Clip
- Can handle a lot of weight
- Comes in a lot of color options
- Easy-to-use
- Environmentally friendly packaging and material
Cons of Yono Clip
- Cheaper alternatives on the market
- Not really a necessary expense
Who Is Yono Clip for?
Yono Clip was initially invented for adults who go to the gym and need to put their bags somewhere while they work out. However, it can efficiently be utilized by students and anyone who’s frequently on the go and carries a bag or a jacket that needs to be hung to keep clean.
Are There Any Alternatives?
Suction clip hangers are nothing new. There are many alternatives on the market for hooks that don’t require any tools to stick on your wall and can easily handle a lot of weight.
One good alternative is the Command Outdoor Large Hooks , which can handle a weight of up to 5 pounds. Unlike the Yono Clip, they aren’t made for a single bag or jacket; they come in a set of 3 hooks for any 3 different items. The material is plastic but it has a metallic bronze finish, which gives it a premium feel. The hooks themselves are lightweight at only 2.11 ounces.
These hooks aren’t meant for daily use though. They’re mainly meant for holiday decorations and events. They leave no residue behind, which means that there won’t be any marks or stains on your wall and they can easily stick onto any surface like a door or a side, not just walls.
Our Final Thoughts
Yono Clips are a great product for people who go to the gym and while it can be argued that it isn’t necessary. It’s convenient to use for anyone who’s always on the go.
