Quick Shark Tank Update on Dunny Buddy
- Product: Dunny Buddy, an innovative outdoor toilet roll protector and dispenser.
- Founder: Darren Storace, Melbourne-based inventor with a passion for outdoor convenience.
- Shark Tank Deal: Secured “$75,000 for 20% equity” from Sharks Nick Bell and Maxine Horne.
- Sales Pre-Shark Tank: 17,000 units sold over two years, generating $560,000 in revenue.
- Distribution Channels: Available online and at trade shows, with plans for expansion into big-box stores.
- Achievements: Awarded “Best New Product / Accessory” in the Caravancampingsales Innovation Awards.
Dunny Buddy, created by Melbourne-based inventor Darren Storace, offers a clever solution for outdoor convenience. Designed for adventurers, it’s a unique, portable toilet roll protector that keeps toilet paper safe from water, dirt, and unraveling.
Storace launched Dunny Buddy with a distinctly Australian touch, proudly stating it’s “100% designed, engineered, manufactured, and packaged in Melbourne, Australia.”
With a durable, ergonomic design, it’s perfect for camping and outdoor use. It even includes extra storage for essentials, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.
Recently featured on Shark Tank, Dunny Buddy was quickly recognized as “ARMOUR for your paper,” captivating both Sharks and outdoor fans.
Now backed by new investment, Dunny Buddy is set to expand and change outdoor hygiene for adventurers across Australia and beyond!
Dunny Buddy Journey Before Shark Tank
Dunny Buddy officially launched in 2022 and quickly found its niche in the outdoor adventure market. Darren’s goal was clear: to solve the common problem of keeping toilet paper clean and accessible in the wild.
He designed Dunny Buddy to be more than just a toilet roll holder. It’s a protective device made from durable materials, built to withstand various outdoor elements.
With Dunny Buddy, users “can keep it 5-star wherever you are.” The device also boasts a “two-piece locking system” for quick access, plus a central storage compartment for essentials like hand sanitizer, medication, or a small flashlight.
In its early days, Dunny Buddy was promoted primarily at trade shows, generating considerable interest. Sales quickly climbed, with Darren reporting a significant milestone: “17,000 units sold over two years.”
This achievement brought in “$560,000 in revenue,” half of which came directly from trade shows. Priced at “$39” each, Dunny Buddy attracted a strong base of outdoor lovers.
The product even won multiple awards, including the “Best New Product / Accessory” at the Caravancampingsales Innovation Awards. Additionally, it secured “Best Stand in Caravan & RV Accessories” at the Bendigo Caravan & Camping Leisurefest.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Darren made a memorable impression during his Shark Tank pitch. With a mix of humor and a relatable approach, he began with “G’day sharks. My name is Darren, and I’m the owner and director at Dunny Buddy. Sharks… Three things we know for sure is, one, we all have a bum…”
Darren admitted he had practiced this moment tirelessly, saying he rehearsed the pitch “1,500 times” to get it just right. During the pitch, he confidently highlighted Dunny Buddy’s achievements and unique qualities, showcasing it as “the only one of its type on the market” due to its patented design.
Darren sought an investment of “$75,000 in return for 15% equity” to expand the product’s reach, enhance its e-commerce platform, and support a subscription model for toilet paper.
His humor and authenticity resonated with the Sharks. When he disclosed that Dunny Buddy had achieved “$560,000 in revenue” from “17,000 units sold” since launch, the Sharks took notice.
Nick Bell even described it as a “genius product with massive potential.” However, he humorously confessed that he personally preferred using wet wipes over toilet paper. This lighthearted moment added to the charm of the pitch.
Several Sharks expressed interest, but Darren eventually struck a deal with Nick Bell and Maxine Horne. The final offer was “$75,000 for 20% equity.” Each Shark took a 10% stake. Darren’s original ask was for only 15%, but he accepted the increased equity share to gain their expertise and market influence.
Dunny Buddy Shark Tank Update
Following his Shark Tank debut, Dunny Buddy’s popularity skyrocketed. The investment enabled Darren to improve his e-commerce site and pursue partnerships with major retail chains like BCF.
He aimed to distribute Dunny Buddy nationwide. Additionally, Darren planned to introduce a subscription model. This would encourage customers to return to the Dunny Buddy website regularly for their outdoor needs. Dunny Buddy also announced that viewers could “watch the episode on the 10 Play app,” capitalizing on the Shark Tank exposure.
In terms of media coverage, Dunny Buddy has continued to capture public interest, participating in prominent events like the Adelaide 4WD & Adventure Show.
It has also received rave reviews in outdoor-focused publications such as Adventure Rigs Mag and RV Daily. SEMrush data shows a notable increase in online searches from outdoor enthusiasts eager to learn more.
Dunny Buddy’s award-winning design and unique utility have earned it a dedicated following among adventure lovers who value convenience and practicality on the go.
Future Plans: Expanding the Product Line and Retail Presence
Dunny Buddy’s future appears bright, with plans for international expansion and potential new products. Darren is looking to partner with major retail stores to ensure Dunny Buddy is readily available nationwide.
His vision includes “building a loyal customer base through a subscription model” for toilet paper and offering exclusive benefits to repeat customers.
As the brand continues to grow, Darren aims to maintain its core promise: “keeping toilet paper safe from water, dirt, dampness, and unravelling” no matter where the journey takes you.
Closing Remarks
Dunny Buddy’s journey from a trade show novelty to a Shark Tank success story illustrates the power of a unique solution meeting a widespread need. With Nick Bell and Maxine Horne’s support, Darren Storace has positioned Dunny Buddy for even greater success.
It’s well on its way to becoming a staple for outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. As Dunny Buddy transforms outdoor hygiene for adventurers across the globe, one thing’s for sure:
“Your Toilet Paper’s New Aussie Mate” has made a big splash. There’s plenty more to come. Keep an eye on this innovative brand as it continues to evolve and set new standards for outdoor convenience.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Dunny Buddy!
