The Moki Doorstep is a smart car rooftop tool that caught attention on Shark Tank Season 10. It attaches to a car door latch, making it easy to get to the roof. Alyssa and Zachary Brown, the inventors, asked the Sharks for $150,000 for a 5% stake in their company.
They valued their company at $3 million, aiming to help shorter people and outdoor fans. Their pitch impressed Daymond John, leading to a surprising twist in the Tank.
The Moki Doorstep’s story is one of creativity and hard work. It costs $10.50 to make each unit and sells for $44.95. This made it a profitable product. The Browns’ time on Shark Tank was a turning point for their business.
Key Takeaways
- Moki Doorstep is a car accessory that provides easy roof access
- Invented by Alyssa and Zachary Brown
- Pitched on Shark Tank Season 10 for $150,000 and 5% equity
- Initial company valuation was $3 million
- Daymond John made an offer before acquiring the entire company
- The product solves accessibility issues for shorter individuals and outdoor enthusiasts
Introduction to Moki Doorstep
The Moki Doorstep is a smart car roof access tool that became famous on Shark Tank. It makes it easy to get to your car’s roof, helping many outdoor fans and people who are shorter.
What is Moki Doorstep?
Moki Doorstep is a patented step that attaches to a car’s door latch. It gives a strong foothold about three feet off the ground. It can hold up to 2200 pounds and fits most cars. You can buy it for between $34.95 and $44.95, depending on where you shop.
The inventors: Alyssa and Zachary Brown
Alyssa Brown, an emergency room nurse, and Zachary Brown, a firefighter, came up with the Moki Doorstep. Their work in emergency services led them to make a useful tool for everyday problems.
Inspiration behind the product
The Browns love being outdoors, which led to the Moki Doorstep. Alyssa had trouble reaching their car’s roof because of her height. Zachary then made this simple but effective tool. The name “Moki” is inspired by the “Moki step,” footholds carved by Pueblo people in the American Southwest.
“We created the Moki Doorstep to make outdoor adventures more accessible for everyone, regardless of their height or vehicle type,” said Zachary Brown.
The Problem Moki Doorstep Solves
Moki Doorstep solves a big problem for many car owners: getting to the car roof. It’s perfect for those who are shorter or have tall cars. It’s a big help for outdoor fans who often load gear on their car roofs.
This tool is simple but very effective. It gives a safe place to step, making it easy to load gear. You can put on kayaks, bikes, or ski gear without using ladders or taking big risks.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Aircraft-grade aluminum construction | Supports up to 2,500 pounds of vertical force |
| Portable design | Easy to carry and store |
| Universal fit | Compatible with most vehicle types |
| Non-slip surface | Ensures safe footing in various weather conditions |
Moki Doorstep has been a hit, with over 150,000 sold and a $1 million sales boost after Shark Tank. It’s now in big stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI. It’s a key tool for outdoor lovers and car owners everywhere.
How Moki Doorstep Works
The Moki Doorstep is a clever way to get to your car’s roof. It uses the car door latch step to create a stable platform. This makes it easy to reach your roof-mounted gear.
Design and Functionality
The Moki Doorstep attaches to the car door’s striker. This is a common part in most car doors. It can hold up to 2,200 pounds, making it strong for most people.
Safety Features
The Moki Doorstep focuses on safety. It has a non-slip surface for stable footing, even when it’s wet. Its secure attachment means it won’t come loose while you’re using it, giving you peace of mind.
Compatibility with Different Vehicles
The Moki Doorstep works with many cars, SUVs, and trucks. Its wide compatibility makes it popular among outdoor lovers and regular drivers.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Attaches to door striker | Universal fit for most vehicles |
| Supports up to 2,200 lbs | Suitable for various body types |
| Non-slip surface | Enhances safety in all weather conditions |
| Easy attachment/removal | Convenient for frequent use |
Moki Doorstep Shark Tank Appearance
In 2018, Alyssa and Zachary Brown appeared on Shark Tank with their product, the Moki Doorstep. They wanted $150,000 for a 5% stake, valuing their company at $3 million. Their pitch showed how the product solves a common car problem.
The Browns talked about their Kickstarter success. They raised $110,000 in 30 days, with each step selling for $40 to $50. The cost to make each step was just $10.54, showing a good profit margin. This caught the Sharks’ attention.
Lori Greiner showed how easy the Moki Doorstep is to use. The Browns also mentioned a potential licensing deal. This made their pitch even more interesting to the Sharks.
“We’ve created a simple solution to a common problem, and we’re excited to share it with you today.”
The Sharks loved the Moki Doorstep. They were impressed by its creativity and the Browns’ business skills. The pitch ended with a surprising turn that would change the Moki Doorstep’s future.
Initial Business Strategy and Kickstarter Success
The Moki Doorstep journey started with a bang. The inventors launched a Kickstarter campaign that caught fire, showing the product’s potential. This crowdfunding effort laid the groundwork for their future success and eventual Shark Tank appearance.
Kickstarter Campaign Details
The Moki Doorstep Kickstarter campaign was a huge success. They started with a goal of just $2,000 but exceeded it. In 30 days, they raised an impressive $110,736 from 2,220 backers. This showed strong market interest in the product.
Pre-Shark Tank Sales and Distribution
After their Kickstarter success, the Browns worked on their business strategy. They tested product pricing at camping shows, finding it worked well at $40. Although they hadn’t set up big sales channels yet, their pre-Shark Tank sales were promising.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Kickstarter Goal | $2,000 |
| Amount Raised | $110,736 |
| Number of Backers | 2,220 |
| Campaign Duration | 30 days |
| Optimal Price Point | $40 |
The success of the Moki Doorstep Kickstarter campaign and promising pre-Shark Tank sales set the stage for the inventors’ appearance on the show. Their journey from a simple idea to a product with proven market demand was about to take an exciting turn.
The Sharks’ Reactions and Negotiations
The Moki Doorstep pitch on Shark Tank was truly unique. Out of 35,000 to 40,000 applications each season, only 158 make it to filming. The Browns’ presentation was one of the four featured in their episode.
Initial Offer from Daymond John
Daymond John made a bold start. He offered $450,000 for a 20% stake in Moki Doorstep. This was much higher than the Browns’ original ask of $150,000 for 5%.
Unexpected Turn of Events
Zach and Alyssa Brown surprised everyone by suggesting to sell their entire company. This move caught the Sharks off guard. Most entrepreneurs want to keep their ownership.
Final Deal with Daymond John
Daymond saw an opportunity and revised his offer. He proposed buying 100% of Moki Doorstep for $3 million. This deal included paying royalties to Zach’s uncle, who helped with the initial investment and patent.
After some thought, the Browns agreed. This deal was one of the most surprising in Shark Tank history.
| Original Ask | Initial Offer | Final Deal |
|---|---|---|
| $150,000 for 5% | $450,000 for 20% | $3 million for 100% |
Post-Shark Tank Developments
Moki Doorstep’s journey after Shark Tank took an unexpected turn. The deal with Daymond John didn’t happen, but the company kept growing. The Browns moved from making products to managing a big licensing deal.
Rightline Gear, a company that makes outdoor gear, teamed up with Moki Doorstep. This partnership helped them get their product into big stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, and Amazon. The Browns now focus on the agreement and protecting their ideas.
The Moki Doorstep’s growth after Shark Tank is clear in its features and customer policies:
- Weight capacity: 510 lbs
- Dimensions: 3.9″ x 5.5″ x 9.3″
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Free 60-day returns
- Free shipping on orders over $200
These details show the product’s strength and the company’s dedication to happy customers. The Best Price Promise shows they’re competitive in the market.
| Aspect | Pre-Shark Tank | Post-Shark Tank |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Direct Manufacturing | Licensing Agreement |
| Distribution | Limited | Major Retailers |
| Product Range | Single Product | Expanded Line |
| Market Presence | Niche Market | Mainstream Outdoor Gear |
Licensing Deal with Rightline Gear
The Moki Doorstep’s journey got exciting with a big deal with Rightline Gear. This partnership was a major step for the roof access tool. It put it in the spotlight of the automotive market.
Terms of the Licensing Agreement
The deal’s details are not public, but it’s for eight years in North America. It’s aimed at bringing new solutions to sports, outdoor, and car markets.
Impact on Distribution and Sales
The partnership with Rightline Gear has greatly helped Moki Doorstep’s reach. Now, it’s sold for $44.95 and has a perfect five-star rating from 56 reviews. This shows the deal has made it easier for people to find and buy it.
Zach and Alyssa Brown can now focus on other things while their invention keeps doing well. Rightline Gear’s expertise in rooftop tents and car carriers is a great match for the Moki Doorstep.
Now, people think the Moki Doorstep is worth between $3 million and $4 million. This shows how well it’s doing in the market. The deal has made this simple invention a key auto accessory.
Challenges Faced by Moki Doorstep
The journey of Moki Doorstep wasn’t easy. From 2017 to 2023, it faced many challenges. Its simple yet effective design attracted many copycats, flooding the market with knockoffs.
Patent Infringement Issues
Zachary Brown worked hard to protect Moki Doorstep’s patent. He removed over 9,000 infringing listings from online platforms. This fight against fake products was constant and took a lot of time and resources.
Market Competition
As Moki Doorstep became more popular, competition grew. New products appeared, trying to take its place. The Browns had to keep improving to stay ahead.
They focused on quality and brand recognition. They also expanded their retail presence. This helped them stay competitive.
Despite these challenges, Moki Doorstep’s success story continued. It was featured on national TV shows like Shark Tank and The View. This increased its popularity.
Rightline Gear, a brand known for outdoor and rooftop accessories, later acquired Moki Doorstep. This ensured its legacy. Today, you can find Moki Doorstep in major retailers like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods.