Aurora and Steve Weinstock hope to clean up and get a deal for Pick Up Bricks, their special vacuum for cleaning up LEGOS and other small toys, in Shark Tank episode 1510, the season 15 “Holiday Special.” Aurora got the idea for her Lego vacuum after stepping on way too many LEGOS after her kids were done playing with them. If anyone has ever stepped on a LEGO barefoot, you can identify with the pain.
She set out to make PickUp Bricks 4 years ago and finally perfected it. Her brother-in-law, Steve, tends to the “nuts and bolts” side of the business. He was intrigued by the idea (and had stepped on a few LEGOS himself) and brought his background in finance to the company. Pick Up Bricks is essentially a mini vacuum cleaner that sucks up scattered LEGOS and separates any dirt and dust into a different compartment. It not only works, but it makes kids want to pick up their toys.
The product got a big boost in January, 2023, when a video of the vacuum went viral, garnering over 1.5 million views on Tik Tok. That led to Pick Up Bricks getting featured on the Today Show and in other media outlets. The vacuum will set you back $99 and is available on the company website and Amazon. They likely want a Shark’s help getting into retail stores – right on the shelves next to LEGOS.
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Posts about Pick Up Bricks on Shark Tank Blog
Pick Up Bricks Shark Tank Recap
As Aurora and Steve enter the Shark Tank, Steve is barefoot and he steps on Legos that are strewn all over the floor. They introduce themselves and say yhey’re seeking $200,000 for 10% of their company. They say they’re here to talk about pain as Steve steps on more Legos. Steve asks if the Sharks want to come up and try but Aurora says “our attorney said no.” There’s another type of pain: getting your kids to just pick up their stuff.
That’s why they created Pick Up Bricks, the kids toy vacuum that picks up bricks. Steve says “this thing really sucks, but in a good way.” They made it durable, cordless, easy to use and perfect for kids. A video demo of the product in action plays as they talk. Unlike a normal vacuum, their patented design separates the dirt and dust from the toys, leaving you with cleaner toys and a cleaner floor. It empowers kids and teaches them to clean up after themselves. They don’t even realize what they’re doing because it’s fun. They ask the Sharks, “who’s ready to clean up with Pick Up Bricks?”
Samples and Questions
The Sharks all have a vacuum and a pile of Legos to vacuum up. Kevin says just picking up the bricks is fun. Daymond calls it genius. Mark says it’s really smart and Lori agrees. Kevin asks about “cash pain” to buy one. The retail cost is $99 and it costs $32.64 landed. They only sell direct to consumer. They started developing the product 4 years ago and they started selling summer of 2022.
Customer acquisition cost was initially $26 but now they’re at $11; they’re looking to get it under $10. To date, they have $348,000 in sales. Most of that was during Christmas. They’re talking to some manufacturers now and 1 of them can get the cost to just under $20. So far they invested $495,000 into the business. They want a Shark’s cash for inventory to get set up for the holidays because that’s when they make 75% of their sales. They don’t have credit lines and they don’t have debt.
Who’s In?
Kevin likes to 10X his investments. That means they have to sell this business for $20 million and he has to wait a long time to make any money. He’s out. Mark wants to know how big they think it could be. Steve says the plan is next year they’ll go international starting with the UK and Germany. They also want to get the manufacturing cost down and go to retail. In 3 years they’d like to do 1 million units. Daymond thinks they should license it for retail and continue to sell direct. He offers $200,000 for 20%.
Barbara thinks they have the makings of a successful business and they just need cash. She offers a $400,000 credit line at the cheapest rate in town for 20% of the business. Lori thinks it’s super clever and she agrees with Daymond. She offers $200,000 for 20% and she’d be open to extending credit. Daymond says he’s the only Shark with a 7 year old so he’s stepping on stuff all the time. Steve and Aurora don’t want to give up too much equity. Mark offers $200,000 for 12%. Lori says she’ll make it more interesting. She offers $200,000 for 15% and says she’s worth it. Daymond matches Lori’s offer. Mark and Lori offer to team up at $200,000 for 18%. Aurora counters with 16% and Mark and Lori accept.
Pick Up Bricks Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show. After airing, the company saw orders increase by 20 times. In February, 2024, Aurora told Fordham Magazine “we are in talks to go beyond the direct-to-consumer space into national chain retail placement.” As of June, 2024, there is no evidence the deal with Lori and Mark closed. The company doesn’t appear on either of their websites. In the same Fordham Magazine article, when asked about working with Lori and Mark, Aurora sais she was “grateful for the opportunity.”
The Shark Tank Blog will follow-up on Pick Up Bricks & Aurora and Steve Weinstock as more details become available.
