What Happened to Pluto Pillows after Shark Tank?
What exactly are Pluto Pillows?
Pluto Pillows is an innovative startup that has lately entered the market with an auto-pillow. This item is designed to look like one of Jaw’s teeth and is intended to be worn over your head while sleeping. This makes sense considering that each pillow is manufactured to a person’s requirements.
Pluto Pillow was founded by Susana Saeliu and Kevin Li. Susana has previous expertise as an entrepreneur. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.
Her first business was Kora Brand, which sold bamboo bath tissues. After a good start, she sold the company and launched Tradex Marketplace, a company where she processed client returns and reviewed product ratings.
Who is the man behind Pluto Pillows?
The Pluto Pillow was created by Susana Saeliu and Kevin Li. Susana, a Marshall School of Business graduate from the University of Southern California, has prior business experience.
Kora Brand was her first business, and it sold bamboo bath tissues. After a successful start-up, she sold the company and launched Tradex Marketplace, a company through which she processed client returns and gathered product feedback.
She found that many pillows were being returned because they were improper for the consumer while working in customer service.
Furthermore, when she needed a cushion, she had a profusion of alternatives, none of which satisfied her.
Individualized to their physical attributes, sleeping habits, and preferences. Because there are presently 35 potential permutations, practically every Pluto Pillow will feel unique.
Kevin Li, her friend, came into the scene at that moment. Susana sought advice from Kevin, who, like Susana, had pillow troubles.
They worked together to develop the notion of a single pillow that can be customized to the customer’s sleep schedule, pattern, level of comfort, and other preferences.
To enhance their design, they solicited the help of sleep specialists, physical therapists, and even customers.
This brilliant concept is made out of inner foam that can be adjusted in height and density. Susana claims that the CertiPUR-US certified foam used in their pillows is free of harmful components like mercury and lead.
After then, the inside foam is coated in a silky polyester microfiber cover. These microfibers may be further customized in terms of length, thickness, and quality to fit each customer’s individual comfort needs. Furthermore, the surface of the cushion is made of high-percentage polyethylene, which assists in temperature control on the pillow’s surface.
What happened to the Pluto Pillows during their Shark Tank pitch?
Following the creation of the product, Kevin and Susana decided to pitch their ideas to Shark Tank investors for collaboration.
Kevin and Susana entered Shark Tank seeking $400,000 for a 5% ownership in their company, which was valued at $8 million.
The team gave a passionate presentation about how their firm could customize a pillow to meet each customer’s specific tastes using their proprietary algorithm and the 35 various pillow stuffing and pillowcases they supplied.
Furthermore, they claimed to have sold their pillows for $95 plus $18 for shipping. While the Sharks were clearly intrigued by the concept, they were dissatisfied with the $8 million valuations they assigned to their company. As a result, Lori Greiner decided to back out of the deal.
The couple then sought to persuade the Sharks by explaining how they relied heavily on machine learning and algorithms to discover the optimal pillow for each client, even mentioning that they had a utility patent pending on their method for distributing the optimal pillow to each customer.
Unfortunately for them, Mark Cuban was even hesitating to make an offer because he thought they were underutilizing their machine intelligence and algorithms. Daniel Lubetzky followed Cuban’s lead and also declined to make an offer.
In the end, it came down to Kevin O’Leary and Robert Herjavec. Kevin O’ Leary, too, decided that investing in the company would be too risky and exited.
Robert, on the other hand, took everyone by surprise when he chose to invest in the company. In order to justify his decision to make an offer, he highlighted how much he appreciated the entrepreneurs’ spirit and the scope of their patent.
Although Kevin and Susana entered the tank prepared to part with a 5% share in their company, Robert thought the offer was too low and countered with a $400,000 offer for a 20% stake.
The two reacted with a $400,000 offer for a 9% stake, asking Robert whether he would accept a 9% stake rather than a 20% stake.
Robert refused to budge and thought that 20% was an acceptable request. As a consequence, the couple politely declined the offer and left the pitch without a deal.
What happened to the Pluto Pillows after they were shown on Shark Tank?
Despite the fact that they were unable to reach a deal with the Sharks, Kevin and Susana continue to push their firm’s development. The company is still in business and has even brought new products to the market and to retailers.
Currently, the company offers its products on its website as well as on Alibaba. In 2021, the company’s net worth will be $8 million.
Pluto Pillows’ net worth
The company valuation was $8 million during and after the pitch, since then the company is still operating and hence the company’s net worth might have been more than that of the pitch.
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Pluto Pillows FAQs
How to change the pillow stuffing?
The under fill is easily removed. The whole process should take less than 2 minutes to complete.
How much does a pillow cost?
A single Pluto Pillow starts at $95, plus shipping costs $18.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs $18 and is free for orders over $99.
How long does it take to get a pillow?
Shipping takes between one and two weeks. However, expedited shipping could be purchased up front, cutting down this time by two-thirds.
What are the main payment methods used by Pluto Pillows?
There are several payment methods offered by Pluto Pillows. The company also accepts Bitcoin, and customer can pay with Direct Deposit from their bank account.
How to track my order?
The tracking number will be emailed to them as soon as it has shipped. They can use that tracking number when they contact customer service for their warranty issue, if needed.
How long is the warranty?
The warranty on all the products is 90 days and comes with a 25% discount, i.e. the warranty starts from the day of purchase. If the pillow is damaged due to poor craftsmanship, they will repair it free of charge.
Are there other products by Pluto Pillows?
While there are no other products launched by Pluto Pillows, they have a variety of other products. They also have pillow covers and sheet sets available in their store.
What is the return policy for pillow stuffed with different firmness and thickness?
The return policy is a 30-day return period, but they also have an extended warranty plan available.
How long does it take for my pillow to arrive at my address after I ordered it online?
It takes between two and five days for the pillow to reach its address after shipping.
What is the difference between a soft and firm pillow?
Soft pillows provide minimal support, while firm pillows offer increased support. When shopping on Pluto Pillows, customer can choose their desired firmness level.
What is Pluto Pillows made of?
Pluto Pillows are made of polyester and polyester-cotton blend. Furthermore, the stuffing is hypoallergenic as it is made from cellulose fibers.
How do I wash Pluto Pillows?
The company does not recommend that pillows be washed because they could shrink in the dryer. The company recommends their customers to spot clean any stains, using a mild bleach alternative.
They also suggest using a mild soap and soft cloth to remove dirt, dust and pet hair from the pillow.
