Quick Shark Tank Update on Yardsale
- Founder: Kelly McGee (Product Designer) and Cristina Ashbaugh (Marketing Professional)
- Product: Magnetic and adjustable ski poles with customizable designs.
- Shark Tank Appearance: Season 16, Episode 3 (Aired November 1, 2024)
- Pitch: Sought $200,000 for 10% equity, valued at $2 million.
- Deal: Accepted $250,000 for 10% equity with a $5 royalty per unit until $300,000 is repaid from Kendra Scott.
- Sales: Made $100,000 in the first month and projected $300,000 by the end of 2024; aiming for $2.1 million in 2025.
- Product Line: P1, P2, and Mini P1 ski poles, with customizable components and accessories.
- Current Status: Active, partnered with retailers like REI, featured in major outlets like Harper’s Bazaar and Forbes, and won the Core77 Design Award.
Yardsale, founded by Kelly McGee and Cristina Ashbaugh, revolutionizes ski poles by addressing common frustrations like clunky designs and poor functionality.
The magnetic and customizable ski poles offer recreational skiers a combination of style and practicality.
Both founders are avid skiers, and with Kelly’s product design background and Cristina’s marketing expertise, they crafted a brand to appeal to both casual and serious outdoor enthusiasts.
After securing a deal on Shark Tank with Kendra Scott, Yardsale is on its way to redefining ski gear for all.
Discover how Yardsale is bringing innovation to the slopes and why it’s the perfect brand for any skiing adventure.
Yardsale Journey Before Shark Tank
Yardsale was founded in July 2023 by Kelly McGee, a former Apple Product Design Engineer, and Cristina Ashbaugh, a marketing professional.
Both were frustrated by the limitations of traditional ski poles, including their clunkiness, noise, and poor ergonomics while skiing.
To address these pain points, they spent six months developing Yardsale ski poles, which feature a magnetic system that allows them to snap together for easy handling.
The poles are available in customizable colors and multiple sizes, making them both practical and stylish.
Before their Shark Tank appearance, the company was already gaining momentum with $100,000 in sales in its first month and $220,000 in revenue year-to-date.
They projected $300,000 in revenue by the end of 2024 and $2.1 million for 2025.
Their poles come in three models: P1, Mini P1, and P2, with prices ranging from $149 to $189. They had also begun building partnerships with major retailers like REI and Backcountry.
Shark Tank Pitch Recap
Kelly McGee and Cristina Ashbaugh entered Shark Tank seeking $200,000 for 10% equity in Yardsale.
They presented their product, explaining the issues with traditional ski poles and how Yardsale addresses them with magnetic handles, modular components, and customizable designs.
The poles are priced at $139, with a 75% profit margin and manufacturing costs of $30.
The pitch began with rejections from Lori Greiner, who didn’t like the name, and Mark Cuban, who wasn’t interested in skiing products.
Daymond John also declined, citing personal disinterest in skiing.
Kevin O’Leary offered $200,000 for 20% equity, while guest shark Kendra Scott countered with $200,000 for 20% equity and a $3 per unit royalty until she recouped her investment.
After negotiations, Kelly and Cristina secured a deal with Kendra for $250,000 for 10% equity and a $5 royalty per unit until $300,000 was repaid.
Yardsale shark tank update
Following their Shark Tank appearance, Yardsale saw significant growth in brand recognition.
The company was featured in prominent outlets like Harper’s Bazaar and Forbes and earned the Core77 Design Award for its innovative P1 poles.
They expanded their product line with the FW 24 Collection, which includes the P2 and Mini P1 poles, and introduced limited edition pink P1 poles in collaboration with Halfdays.
Yardsale’s sales have increased, and the founders have built key partnerships with major retailers like REI and Backcountry, further expanding their reach.
Their social media presence has grown, though it remains under 10,000 followers as of now. With Shark Tank’s exposure, they anticipate continued growth.
Also, don’t miss this update on Shark Tank products from Season 16, Episode 3
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Yardsale is focused on scaling both its direct-to-consumer and retail channels.
They aim to launch their products in major outdoor retailers like Decathlon. Additionally, they plan to expand their product line to include more adjustable options, especially for adult skiers.
The founders are also exploring international markets and partnerships with ski resorts to enhance brand visibility. Yardsale projects reaching $2.1 million in sales by the end of 2025.
Closing Remarks
Yardsale’s journey from concept to national TV exposure highlights the power of innovation and perseverance.
Kelly McGee and Cristina Ashbaugh have created a brand that resonates with outdoor enthusiasts. Their magnetic, customizable ski poles effectively solve common problems for skiers.
Yardsale is backed by Kendra Scott’s investment and a rapidly growing customer base. This support positions the brand for even greater success on the slopes and beyond.
Keep an eye on Yardsale’s future innovations, as they continue to change the way people experience skiing.
We’re closely following the company to bring you valuable insights. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Yardsale!
Feature Image Credit: @abc/@christopherwillard