Ever felt like someone in your household is hogging the bathroom? Enter the Toilet Timer, a quirky bathroom gadget that’s making waves. This nifty device, brainchild of Adam Stephey, is designed to keep “poo-crastinators” in check. It’s not just another run-of-the-mill timer; it’s a conversation starter that’s caught the eye of Shark Tank.
The Toilet Timer is a five-minute sand timer with a twist. It’s built for those who tend to overstay their welcome on the porcelain throne. This Shark Tank novelty has transformed from a simple idea into a must-have bathroom accessory, proving that humor and practicality can go hand in hand.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet Timer is a unique five-minute sand timer for bathrooms
- Created by Adam Stephey to address the issue of bathroom hoggers
- Successfully funded on Kickstarter
- Gained popularity as both a practical and humorous bathroom accessory
- Featured on Shark Tank as a novelty product
The Birth of the Toilet Timer
Adam Stephey, always inventive since he was a kid, moved from Germany to the Midwest. He tackled a common problem – long bathroom visits. This was a turning point in his journey as an inventor.
Adam Stephey’s Invention Journey
Stephey learned furniture making and 3D drafting. He called himself a “poo-crastinator.” He saw a funny yet useful need to shorten bathroom times.
From Germany to the Midwest: A Creator’s Tale
Back in the Midwest, Stephey mixed his German experience with local ideas. This mix of views led to the creation of the Toilet Timer.
Kickstarter Success Story
In July 2017, Stephey started a Kickstarter for the Toilet Timer. It quickly gained support, raising $23,868. This showed people wanted his unique invention.
| Milestone | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Kickstarter Funding | $23,868 |
| Christmas 2019 Sales | $250,000 |
| July 2021 Total Sales | Close to $1 million |
The Toilet Timer went from a Kickstarter to a million-dollar business. It shows Stephey’s drive and the product’s popularity. By 2024, it’s making over $250,000 a year, changing bathrooms in America.
What is the Toilet Timer?
The Toilet Timer is a unique gadget for the bathroom. It’s designed to help people who spend too long in the bathroom. It works for 5 minutes, reminding you it’s time to leave.
This timer costs $15 and has become a hit. It’s useful and funny, making it a great gift. Its Kickstarter campaign raised $23,868, beating its goal of $20,000 with 977 backers.
But the Toilet Timer is more than just a joke. It helps kids with autism learn to use the potty. It gives them a visual cue, helping where other methods fail.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Timer Duration | 5 minutes |
| Price | $15 |
| Kickstarter Funding | $23,868 |
| Amazon Reviews | Over 1,000 positive |
| Media Coverage | 40+ articles, including CBS-Chicago, The Sun, Mirror |
The Toilet Timer has seen huge success. In 2019, it made $294,000 online. In 2020, $250,000 worth were sold for Father’s Day. These numbers show it’s a hit as a useful item and a gift.
The Poo-crastinator’s Nemesis: How It Works
The Toilet Timer is a smart invention for managing bathroom time. It fights against bathroom hogging with a simple sand timer mechanism.
5-Minute Sand Timer Mechanism
The Toilet Timer’s main part is a 5-minute sand timer. It helps users finish their tasks quickly. The sand falling down reminds them to hurry up.
Spin to Set Feature
The timer is easy to use, thanks to its spin-to-set feature. Users just turn it to start a 5-minute countdown. This makes using the bathroom a bit more fun.
Encouraging Timely Bathroom Breaks
The Toilet Timer limits bathroom time to 5 minutes. It’s great for families or offices wanting to be more productive. Just knowing they have only 5 minutes makes users quicker.
The timer costs $14.99 and is loved as a useful tool or a funny gift. Katamco made $250,000 in sales during Christmas 2019. By April 2024, the company’s annual revenue was between $250,000 and $500,000.
Toilet Timer Shark Tank Appearance
The Toilet Timer made a splash on Shark Tank, a hit TV show for entrepreneurs. Adam Stephey’s pitch caught Mark Cuban’s eye, leading to a $200,000 deal for 25% of the company. This deal not only raised the product’s profile but also made it a hit in quirky bathroom accessories.
After Shark Tank, the Stepheys saw their business boom. They had trouble keeping up with demand, especially during holidays. To handle the surge, they moved to a new spot off Hamilton Road in Bloomington.
The Toilet Timer’s journey from Kickstarter to Shark Tank shows its charm. It first raised $23,000 on Kickstarter, beating its goal of $20,000. This success set the stage for their strong Shark Tank pitch.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Accurate Description | 5.0 |
| Reasonable Shipping Cost | 4.9 |
| Shipping Speed | 5.0 |
| Communication | 5.0 |
The Toilet Timer’s success goes beyond Shark Tank. Customers love it, praising its accuracy, speed, and communication. These reviews prove the product’s appeal and the Stepheys’ smart business moves.
Humorous Marketing: More Than Just a Bathroom Accessory
The Toilet Timer’s marketing is more than just useful. It’s a great example of using humor to tackle a sensitive topic. This approach has made it a hit as a gag gift and stocking stuffer.
Gag Gift and Stocking Stuffer Appeal
The Toilet Timer is known for its hilarious nature. It’s small and affordable, making it perfect for stocking stuffers. Available for $15 on Amazon and Walmart, it’s a fun and affordable gift.
Targeting the “Long-Pooper” Demographic
This product is aimed at those who spend a lot of time in the bathroom. It uses humor to tackle a common problem, appealing to families looking for a fun solution.
Witty Product Descriptions
The product’s descriptions are full of clever jokes. They make shopping for it a fun experience. This has won over many customers, with over 13,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
| Marketing Aspect | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Gag Gift Appeal | “Explosively funny” | Popular stocking stuffer |
| Target Demographic | “Long-poopers” and families | Addresses common household issue |
| Product Descriptions | Witty and pun-filled | 13,000+ five-star Amazon ratings |
Product Variations and Designs
The Toilet Timer comes in many designs to fit different tastes and needs. The classic model shows a regular person on the toilet. But Katamco didn’t stop there. They created more Toilet Timer designs for all kinds of humor.
The “Dawdling Dad” design is great for families who want to remind dads to hurry up. There’s also a “Presidential Commander in Relief” model for those who love a political joke. These designs are perfect for White Elephant or Dirty Santa gift exchanges.
Katamco’s wide range of Toilet Timer designs was a hit. Their Kickstarter campaign raised almost $24,000. After Shark Tank, sales went up a lot, leading to more products.
People’s feedback helped create new designs. Some new ones include:
- Customizable duration options
- Child-friendly designs
- Limited edition runs for special occasions
These bathroom accessories are not just useful. They also bring humor to our daily lives. They ship across the continental US. Orders before December 12 usually arrive before Christmas, making them great last-minute gifts.
The Business Behind the Bathroom Humor
Katamco, an American company, has made a big splash with its Toilet Timer. This funny product has won over people all around the world. It shows that laughter is something everyone can enjoy.
Katamco: An American Success Story
Adam and Katie Stephey started Katamco in Muscatine, Iowa. Their Toilet Timer has been a huge hit. In 2019, they made $294,000 from it.
Their journey started with a Kickstarter that raised over $23,000. This caught Shark Tank’s eye. The Stepheys wanted $200,000 for a 10% stake. Mark Cuban offered $200,000 for 25% equity.
Global Appeal of Gaseous Humor
Katamco’s success isn’t just in the U.S. The Toilet Timer has made people laugh all over the world. It has over 20 million views on Facebook and over 1,000 positive reviews on Amazon.
Katamco is looking to grow even more. They expect to make $1 to $3 million by the end of 2020. With a cost of $3 to make and a price of $14.99, it’s clear they’re onto something big.
From Kickstarter to Retail Success
The Toilet Timer’s journey started with a bang on Kickstarter in 2017. It raised an impressive $23,000, catching the eye of many. A Facebook video got over 21 million views and 130,000 comments.
After its crowdfunding success, the Toilet Timer moved to retail. It was priced at $14.99, with a production cost of $3.00. The holiday season of 2019 saw sales jump to $294,000, showing its appeal as a gift.
The Toilet Timer’s success kept growing. By the end of 2020, it was on track to hit $1 million in sales. This caught Shark Tank’s attention, leading to a deal with Mark Cuban: $200,000 for a 25% stake, valuing the company at $800,000.
| Year | Milestone | Sales/Investment |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kickstarter Launch | $23,000 |
| 2019 | Christmas Season | $294,000 |
| 2020 | Total Sales | $1 million (projected) |
| 2020 | Shark Tank Investment | $200,000 |
The Toilet Timer’s success story is a lesson in combining crowdfunding with smart retail. From a small Kickstarter campaign to a national presence, it shows a unique idea can lead to big success.
Customer Impact: Solving Real Bathroom Issues
The Toilet Timer has made a big splash in managing bathroom time. It tackles family bathroom problems in a funny yet effective way. At just $14.99, it’s a clever solution to a common issue.
Regaining Timely Access to Bathrooms
The Toilet Timer uses a five-minute sand timer to track bathroom time. It’s been a game-changer for families with “poo-crastinators.” Its Kickstarter campaign was a hit, raising nearly $24,000 in 30 days.
Addressing Family Frustrations
The Toilet Timer does more than make people laugh. It improves how families share the bathroom. It comes in four designs – classic, dads, presidential, and feline – to suit everyone’s taste.
A gastroenterologist even endorsed it, saying it helps prevent health issues like hemorrhoids and constipation. This shows how it’s more than just a joke.
Thanks to user feedback, the Toilet Timer has gotten even better. Now, you can set your own time limits and choose designs that are safe for kids. These updates show the Toilet Timer’s commitment to solving real problems while keeping things fun.