Whatever Happened To Better Life Cleaning Products After Shark Tank Season 5?
While "Shark Tank" sees a lot of pitches for cleaning products, it doesn't see many where the developer sprays the product directly into their mouth during the pitch — which is exactly what happened during a season 5 episode. As lifelong friends, Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs bonded over their mutual worries about their young children crawling around and putting everything in their mouths, potentially exposing themselves to various germs and dangerous chemicals found in some cleaning products. In response to these growing concerns, they came up with Better Life, and with Tibbs' career as a formulation chemist, it didn't take long for the entrepreneurial duo to come up with a winning list of formulas.
Containing no artificial fragrances, dyes, sulfates, bleach, or petroleum solvents, everything Better Life sells is completely natural, and is safe to use around people and pets in all areas of the home. Each cleaning product in their line advertises themselves as being completely safe for both people and pets if swallowed, thanks to the 100% plant-based ingredients. Better Life also claims to be safer for the environment, biodegradable, and capable of breaking down twice as fast as what is considered to be the industry standard. Not only is Better Life advertised as safer to use in the home than traditional chemical cleaning products, but they've also shown that it can work better. In the episode, the duo demonstrates how their product wiped away raw chicken residue better than the nation's leading brand.
Better Life on Shark Tank
The founders of Better Life walk into the shark tank seeking $400,000 for 7% equity. Right out of the gate, Lori Greiner made them an offer $400,000 for 17% equity. Kevin O'Leary jumped in to try and beat the offer by offering $400,000 with 10% interest over three years in exchange for a lower amount of equity in the company at 5%.
John Paul DeJoria also extended Barklage and Tibbs an offer of $400,000, but for a 20% stake in equity split between him and Greiner. Daymond John expectedly throws his hat into the ring, offering $500 for a 20% stake. Upon hearing Daymond's offer, Lori and John revise their initial offer to $400,000 for 17% equity. Mark Cuban also makes an offer of $800,000 with 20% equity, asking Lori to join him on the deal, which she refuses, saying that $800,000 is too high. In response, Kevin revises his initial offer and also makes one for $400,000 and 17% equity, with the agreement that it will drop down to 7% after the loan was fully repaid. Lori likes this, and makes the same offer as a standalone investor. John and Daymond end up coming together with a joint offer of $500,000 for 20%, but ultimately Barklage and Tibbs agreed to Lori's offer.
Better Life following Shark Tank
Though it's obvious Better Life was successful prior to their appearance on "Shark Tank" with their $2.1 million in sales the year before they ever even met Greiner, their success has grown exponentially since. While their products were already on shelves in Whole Foods, Crate and Barrel, and other retailers prior to entering the "Shark Tank," since then, they can now be found at several Meijer, Mariano's, and Target locations across the U.S.
In addition to gaining entry to several more major retailers, Better Life has also gone international since appearing on "Shark Tank," having developed market share in Canada and throughout Europe in addition to Bermuda and South Korea. The company has expanded 645% since it left a lasting impression on the sharks and viewers, and as such, was named on Inc. Magazine's list of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. Better Life, and their line of natural, eco-friendly products was purchased by Bissell in 2018.
Where Better Life is today
Unsurprisingly, given its growth and success, Better Life is still operating today and appears to be doing well since being acquired by Bissell. As of August 2022, they have an annual revenue of $5 million. They still offer a full range of natural and safe products for all areas of the home, which can be purchased on Amazon and directly from their website, in addition to major retailers.
If you want to add Better Life to your cleaning arsenal, you have a wide array of products to choose from. They offer an all-purpose cleaner, as well as cleaners for the floor, toilet bowl, glass surfaces, tile, stone, as well as a kitchen scrubber. They also offer polishes for stainless steel and wood surfaces, a produce wash for fruits and veggies, and a stain and odor eliminator for all areas of the home. Their growing product line includes dryer sheets, hand and body soap, and lotion. In addition to their wide range of cleaning products for the home, Better Life also sells products for messes on the go, including all-purpose wipes and biodegradable pet poop bags, reducing your environmental footprint when you inevitably have to clean up after your dog while out on a walk. Keep in mind that if you want to stock up, several of their most popular products are available to purchase for a discounted rate in bulk bundles.