When it comes to bathroom-related products, “Shark Tank” has never been shy about embracing the weird, the wacky, and the downright necessary. From the legendary Squatty Potty to the Toilet Timer and the hilariously named Crap Strap, the show has a history of taking products that tackle the less glamorous side of life and propelling them into the spotlight.
Enter Tyler Jay and his bathroom-saving creation, Plop Star. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about leaving behind an unpleasant aroma, Jay’s invention might just be the hero you never knew you needed. But what actually happened when he brought his innovative toilet deodorizer to the sharks? And where is Plop Star now? Let’s dive in.
The Plop Star Pitch – A Fresh Idea in a Stinky Market
Tyler Jay appeared in Season 11, Episode 4 of Shark Tank in 2019, rolling in on a motorized toilet bowl like a king ready to rule the bathroom product market. His invention? Plop Star tablets—small, bath bomb-like tablets that neutralize toilet odors before they can escape. The idea was simple but effective: drop a tablet into the toilet bowl before you go, and a protective layer of essential oils traps any unpleasant odors beneath the water’s surface.
Jay was seeking $150,000 for 10% equity in his company, valuing Plop Star at $1.5 million. At the time, Plop Star offered two product options: a six-pack for $4.99 and a 30-pack for $12.99. Jay was transparent about his limited sales, revealing he’d only made $12,000 by the time he pitched to the sharks.
Unfortunately, the sharks weren’t entirely sold. Lori Greiner, who famously helped bring Squatty Potty to the masses, was intrigued but ultimately passed, citing the competitive market. Mark Cuban was the first to bow out, joking that he likes to “leave his mark” in the bathroom. Barbara Corcoran and Kevin O’Leary also decided to sit this one out, raising concerns about the product’s cost and the scale of competition. Guest shark Rohan Oza liked the idea but felt Jay lacked a solid business plan.
In the end, Jay left without a deal, but not without leaving a lasting impression.
Life After the Tank – Riding the Shark Tank Effect
Despite walking away empty-handed, Plop Star didn’t flush away its dreams. In fact, like many Shark Tank products, it experienced the “Shark Tank effect.” After the episode aired, Plop Star’s stock sold out almost immediately.
However, by 2020 and into 2021, things seemed eerily quiet. The company’s social media channels went dark, and Plop Star products were consistently out of stock. This led to speculation that the business might have gone under. But Jay and Plop Star weren’t down for the count.
In 2021, the brand re-emerged with a new toilet deodorizing spray alongside restocks of its signature tablets. Although Plop Star’s social media presence remained sparse, the products returned to Amazon, and demand appeared steady.
Is Plop Star Still in Business?
Yes! As of the latest updates, Plop Star is still very much in business. While you won’t find their products in major retail stores, the tablets and spray are readily available on Amazon, where the company seems to be thriving quietly but consistently.
The price has increased slightly since Jay’s Shark Tank pitch. The 30-pack of Plop Star tablets now sells for $14.99, while the toilet deodorizing spray retails at $9.99. The product has a loyal fanbase, with the tablets averaging a 4.0-star rating on Amazon. Many users praise its effectiveness, though some feel the spray isn’t quite as strong.
Interestingly, Plop Star doesn’t seem to rely heavily on frequent marketing or social media. Yet, periodic promotions and holiday sales pop up, suggesting the business is steady enough to sustain itself without aggressive advertising.
Tyler Jay’s Net Worth and Other Ventures
While Plop Star remains a side hustle, Tyler Jay’s main focus is his marketing and production company, Tandem, Inc. Based in Chicago, Tandem specializes in video production, editing, and graphic design services. Through Tandem, Jay has continued to build a successful career in creative marketing, and his experience undoubtedly contributes to keeping Plop Star afloat.
Though it’s difficult to pinpoint Jay’s exact net worth, estimates suggest he is comfortably within the mid-six figures to low-seven figures range. As of 2023, Plop Star’s net worth is around $1.3 million. His entrepreneurial spirit and knack for innovation clearly extend beyond bathroom products.
What’s Next for Plop Star?
Since adding the toilet spray to its lineup, Plop Star hasn’t released any groundbreaking new products. This could mean Jay is focused on perfecting what’s already working. With steady Amazon sales and positive reviews, it seems Plop Star is in a comfortable spot, even without expanding into physical retail.
Jay continues to balance Plop Star with his growing family and his commitments at Tandem. While the sharks may have passed, it’s clear that Tyler Jay isn’t someone who gives up easily.
Plop Star’s journey is a testament to the fact that even if you don’t win over the sharks, success is still possible with perseverance, a little humor, and a whole lot of grit.
So, next time you’re worried about leaving behind a stink, remember that Plop Star’s got your back. And even if you don’t snag a deal with a shark, sometimes all you need is a splash of creativity to stay afloat.
