"I'm out" — When Shark Tank's Lori Greiner and other Sharks opted out of investing in BoomBoom but product went on to be a hit

In Episode 4 of Shark Tank Season 10, entrepreneurs John and Chelsea Pinto found that sometimes the most refreshing ideas don't always lead to sweet deals. Yet, a 'no deal' on Shark Tank can work as good publicity, too, leading to profits, as the Pintos found out.

The pair pitched BoomBoom, their all-natural nasal inhaler designed to enhance breathing and refresh users. Despite the product's innovative approach and impressive sales, Shark Lori Greiner wasn't ready to take a deep breath and dive in.

Lori's assertion set off a chain reaction that would leave the Pintos swimming upstream. She said:

"But $300,000 for 10% for something that I'm concerned is a one-time buy just doesn't resonate. So, I'm out."

Shark Tank, ABC's hit show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of successful investors, has seen its fair share of unique products. BoomBoom, pitched as "gum for your nose," brought something entirely new to the tank. The Pintos sought $300,000 for a 10% stake, valuing their company at $3 million. While the Sharks were intrigued, most found the numbers hard to swallow.

BoomBoom’s Shark Tank pitch and what the product is

The Pintos came into Shark Tank prepared, with a clear pitch. John hardsold BoomBoom, saying:

"It's like gum for your nose but 10 times more minty fresh."

BoomBoom was positioned beyond being just another nasal product — as a lifestyle enhancement, made with essential oils, menthols, and stimulating scents for "intense refreshment" and "rejuvenation."

The numbers seemed promising: $754,000 in past-year sales, with projections hitting $1.1 million. Each inhaler cost 70 cents to produce and retailed for $7.95 on their website. The wholesale price of $1.50 raised some sharky eyebrows.

The reactions were mixed, but mostly cold. Kevin O'Leary cut straight to the chase:

"That's not a good margin."

He took issue with their $3.99 retail price point, suggesting they were undercutting themselves.

Guest Shark Charles Barkley found BoomBoom to be a "neat thing," but questioned its daily use potential. Mark Cuban echoed Kevin's concerns about margins and retail strategy.

Robert Herjavec saw things differently. While he believed in the product's potential, his offer came with a big bite: 36% equity for $300,000. The Pintos' counter-offer of 20% wasn't enough to reel him in.

The aftermath

Walking away without a deal didn't stop BoomBoom's momentum. In fact, being on Shark Tank might have given the product an extra boost. By March 2024, John Pinto revealed on Instagram that they sold "a quarter of a million dollars" worth of products within days of their Shark Tank appearance. John reflected after their Tank experience:

"It's definitely a bummer not getting a deal with Robert but that's not gonna stop us from really making this happen. We know there's a place for BoomBoom and we look forward to everybody trying it out."

The numbers prove his optimism wasn't misplaced. As of 2024, BoomBoom has hit $20 million in sales and secured spots in some of America's biggest retail chains. Sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't make.

Who knew a refreshing nose inhaler could lead to such a breath of fresh air in the retail market? While the Sharks on Shark Tank might have passed on this opportunity, BoomBoom's success story proves that sometimes, you just need to follow your nose.

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Catch Season 16 of Shark Tank every Friday at 8 PM ET, exclusively on ABC.