Shark Tank Recap: Velocity Signs Looks To Replace Human Sign Spinners

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Remember that guy who spins a sign trying to get people to pay attention to a business? A new take on that idea was presented to the investors on an encore presentation of ABC's "Shark Tank."

Scott Adams and Jason Faherty brought their Velocity Signs brand to the Sharks seeking $225,000 for a 15% stake in their company.

The idea came when one of the founders saw a sign spinner on a hot day in Los Angeles resting with his sign not visible.

"My first thought was poor guy, he's going to die of heat exhaustion" Flaherty said. "My second was there's got to be a better way."

That led to Velocity Signs which makes portable, rechargeable sign holders which look like people. They also move in a fashion that mimics real life and attracts attention. The signs cost between $18.99 and $2850.

The company had $257,000 in sales during its first year and its biggest client for the 185 pound sign holders is Little Caesar's, the pizza chain.

"How many days to I have to pay a student before this machine pays for itself," Robert Herjavec asked.

The founders explained that it's not about the direct comparison, it's about how the machines can work 24/7.

Only Lori Grenier showed any serious interest in the product.

"I think that this is a smart way to bring attention to a retailer store," she said before offering $225,000 for 30%.

Kevin O'Leary and Mark Cuban, who had already dropped out, came back in with an offer to partner at that price.

Grenier turned down that offer, but came back offering 25% in partnership with Barbara Corcoran. That led to Cuban, Herjavec, and O'Leary offering $225,000 for 30%.

The company elected to take the Cuban, Herjavec, and O'Leary despite them not being willing to match the 25%.