Ever wondered why Lori Greiner is known as the Queen of QVC? Let’s unpack and see what the formula is behind Lori Greiner’s secret to winning product picks.
In spite of joining the Shark Tank show late as a guest Shark in season 4 and then transitioning into a full-time role, Lori is known to be the one Shark who has the most successful deals.
Lori has been behind some of the very biggest Shark Tank products that have made it huge since their appearance. Some of these include Everlywell, Scrub Daddy, Squatty Potty, and Phone Soap, among many others.
As evidenced by her picking style, Lori often goes for products that appeal to most people in a utilitarian luxury way. Items that instantly make life better and have you questioning why they weren’t already part of your routine.
How to Catch Lori’s Attention?
Few entrepreneurs can match Lori Greiner’s track record. She has transformed hundreds of product ideas into household names, protecting 120 of them with patents worldwide. Her years on QVC earned her the title “Queen of QVC,” but her influence stretches far beyond television.
With nearly every new venture becoming a success, Greiner has become a model for building and scaling multi-million-dollar businesses.
1. Think it Through
The Lori Greiner philosophy is that the products that succeed are the ones that feel fresh and necessary. Shoppers respond to ideas that solve problems in a way they haven’t seen before.
It is tough to stand out when a market is already crowded. A unique concept produced at the right price point has the power to capture attention and build momentum.
2. Test Your Product’s Limits
Lori’s first product made it out to the market shelves only after she tested it in the real world. Her approach involved seeking honest feedback from strangers. That level of grassroots research eventually led to a licensing deal with JCPenney.
She preaches the same sermon to up-and-coming entrepreneurs. No amount of online surveys and virtual analysis is as valuable as ground research.
You are also running the risk of intellectual property theft when you expose your next big startup idea on the internet like that.
3. Sell a Book By Its Cover
Presentation is the key, and packaging is the answer. Shoppers should be able to understand what the item is and why it’s useful the moment they see it.
Lori pushes her entrepreneurs to refine their packaging again and again until it grabs attention and clearly tells the story.
4. You are Your First Employee
The smartest way to start is by keeping expenses low. Fancy offices, excess inventory, and early hires can drain cash before a business finds its footing.
According to the Lori philosophy, founders should handle as much as possible themselves in the beginning, because no one will bring the same dedication or urgency to the venture as they do.
5. Avoid Short-Term Fixes That Create Long-Term Problems
According to Lori, one of the biggest mistakes new founders make is trading away control of their company just to cover early expenses.
Handing over a big share of your company for some cash boost may solve a short-term problem, but it can cripple you in the long term when the business grows.
She also points out the risks of turning to family and friends for money. Personal loans often come with pressure to repay, and startups rarely have guaranteed outcomes.
The bottom line on the matter is to withhold ownership, even if it means growing more slowly.
6. Stories Sell, Have An Authentic One
The best story you can tell is your own. People want to know why you started, what you’ve been through, and what makes your journey different. Those real experiences make your brand relatable and give customers a reason to believe in you.
Lori reminds founders not to overlook their own path. What feels ordinary to you might be the exact thing others find inspiring. Share the parts that show your personality and your passion.
At the end of the day, being genuine is what makes people want to cheer you on.
Best of Lori’s Pickings from Shark Tank
Lori stands out as the Shark with the most successful track record, with her deals generating over $2.8 billion in sales for the companies she’s invested in. Some of her most successful bids include:
1. Everlywell
Everlywell was pitched as an at-home lab testing company by Julia Cheek, who launched it after facing her own challenges with getting answers about her health.
Quick Facts
- Founder: Julia Cheek
- Product: At-home lab testing
- Investment Asked: $1,000,000 for 5% equity
- Deal Outcome: $1,000,000 line of credit at 8% interest rate in exchange for 5% equity
The company provides test kits for everything from vitamin levels to metabolism and disease screening. It makes healthcare more accessible to users.
The pitch clicked with Lori, who believed in Julia’s vision and saw both the real-world need and the potential to scale. It had an authentic story and tackled a problem many people deal with every day.
2. Scrub Daddy
Scrub Daddy has been one of Shark Tank’s all-time hall of fame products. Going back to its pitch, Aaron was visibly passionate and in love with his product, and it reflected throughout in the sincerity of his demonstration.
Quick Facts
- Founder: Aaron Krause
- Product: Multipurpose washing sponge
- Investment Asked: $100,000 for 10% equity
- Deal Outcome: $200,000 for 20% equity
The product was simple, eye-catching, and something that would be used every day and benefit literally every person who uses it. Who does not use utensils after all, right?
One could wash each and every genre of utensil with it, no matter how greased and dirty. The sponge in itself could be cleaned easily, and it had all the makings of a Lori Greiner classic product.
As of 2025, it is one of the most beloved products not just in the US but in the world.
Lori’s Formula for Lasting Success
Lori Greiner’s success when it comes to picking the right business is rooted in discipline, focus, and staying true to the customer and yourself.
She is a great example of creativity with practical discipline working together. This exact mix of strategy and authenticity is why so many of her bets turn into brands people trust.
Keep an eye out for the next big Lori Greiner production, which will be coming to shelves near you sooner than you expect!
