‘Shark Tank’ preview: The JesKa Shoe Company dilemma
On Friday night, “Shark Tank” will be back on ABC with an all-new episode, and the product that we are once again showing off today is a rather interesting one. Why? It’s the sort of thing that sounds really great when you first hear about it, but the devil may very well be in the details.
The basic premise here is simple: the JesKa Shoe Company makes high heels that you can customize, transform into wedges, and add your own flair to. Daymond John compared it quickly to the Mr. Potato Head of shoes, whereas Robert Herjavec actually claimed that it was a “great” idea. From this standpoint, we could see it: for people who are not extremely wealthy, this could in theory give them an opportunity to have the sort of variety that many people with money have, presumably for a fraction of the cost.
Sadly, this is where the problem comes in for us. Wealthy patrons are likelier to just spend $100 on heels and $100 on flats rather than burn through an enormous amount of money on this with a $200 price point. We know that $200 is not a fortune in the shoe industry, but this with so much of the fashion industry being dependent on the name, we think that this product would fare far better appealing to a budget-conscious market in the $60-80 range.
As for the business’ other primary issue, it’s that this is merely a prototype at the moment. How do you show proof of concept when you have no sales to back you up? The fact that fashion guy Daymond used a pretty disparaging analogy does not bode well, but you also have to remember that some preview clips for the show have been misleading in the past.
Do you like the idea behind the product, and would you pay $200 for this? If you want to check out some more highlights from “Shark Tank” this season, you can do so over at the link here.
Photo: ABC
JT
March 4, 2013 @ 1:26 pm
I think she made the right choice going in on Daymon’s offer.
john engebretson
March 3, 2013 @ 11:06 pm
Dear ABC,
I am 80 going on 81 and love shark tank. A good natural show full of surprises
very natural and believable. There is alot of violense and junk on TV and this
is a good family show for all ages to enjoy. I like to see the new entrenpenures come up with and how the investers react to possible money making remarks in these times of high unemployment. I live in a individual home retirement of all ages to enjoy. I like to see what local new businesses are created apanel thinks could be a money maker. Do not cancel this show. I live in a community of 8000
homes (senior retirement by Robson) and many of my neigbors here have
expressed good comments to me about shark tank. You have a slow growing
sleeper show here which is unusual and good. I have missed it!
Celest Benn
March 2, 2013 @ 2:22 pm
Anyone spending $200+ on shoes does not need to change heels. They can afford to buy however many they want. Plus would be traveling for business with an evening function to also go to and not having to pack 2 pairs of shoes. So that works. But the best market would be the $50-60 market with a $10 to $20 price point for the heels. Now, bows, flowers and do-dads could also be a great selling point, as an after-sale. But, what do I know? I market to woman nationwide who only look for fun, free or discounted stuff for their or a loved one’s birthday month.
On my e-commerce site it would have to have much better price points.
Would I buy them? maybe, just maybe but not at $200 a pair. BTW, great article
Susan Peyerl
March 2, 2013 @ 12:39 am
Great idea. Too high a price at $200 a pair. I would pay $100 including a change in heel. Super idea for the business woman that needs a changed look after business hours. Also a super way to reduce the bulk for traveling. They have to a very comfortable shoe from the first time they are worn! Good luck. Daymond will make this a success, if anyone can.
Silkygm
March 1, 2013 @ 10:15 pm
I absolutely LOVE this idea. I just saw a deal made with Damon.. I can’t wait to try bout the first pair.. When I travel I take at least 10 pairs of shoes… If a shoe is comfortable I don’t mind the same shoe.. Also this shoe has other. Items to add to the romance of the shoe… I think the whole idea is really a deal breaker… I AM IN!!! Waiting for my bill :)
Brittany ficut
March 1, 2013 @ 10:15 pm
Great idea! I always pack so many shoes when I travel and it takes so much space! This idea is going to work and she is so driven! I will definitely be a customer;)
Nicole
March 1, 2013 @ 10:04 pm
Great idea. Terrible price point. I like to change the “style” of my shoes. Not just the heel. I’m out.
Anonymous
March 1, 2013 @ 9:59 pm
It is a great idea for women who travel for business… with the changes in the travel industry (increased fees), packing compactly is important. I would pay $100 for the shoes with an extra set of heels. She can do it. And the shoes will sell….