Reality television has helped a lot of startups become really well known but not every success story lasts forever. One luggage company that got a lot of attention after being on Shark Tank is Trunkster.
While Trunkster once looked like it was going to be the future of travel gear a lot of people now remember it for a very different reason.
A Promising Start on Shark Tank
Trunkster got really popular in 2015 when the founders, Jesse Potash and Gaston Blanchet showed off their suitcase on Shark Tank. The investors were impressed and a lot of travelers got excited about the company. They thought Trunkster was something modern.
The excitement did not stop at the television show. Trunkster raised than $1 million from people who believed in the product and wanted to be the first to own it. At the time it seemed like Trunkster was going to be a name in the luggage industry as it was really popular then.
Why Trunkster Luggage Stood Out from Other Suitcases
Trunkster was different from suitcases because it did not open with zippers. Instead Trunkster had a sliding roll-top door. This design made it easier to pack and unpack. It avoided problems with zippers like breaking or getting stuck.
Trunkster also had some cool technology features. It had built-in USB charging ports so travelers could charge their devices on the go. It also had a scale that helped users avoid paying extra for overweight baggage. These features were really appealing to travelers who liked convenient and smart technology.
What Customers Liked About Trunkster Luggage
Some of the people who got their Trunkster luggage really liked it. They liked the way it opened without zippers and the fact that they could charge their devices during trips. Trunkster seemed like it was solving some travel problems.
The way Trunkster looked was also really modern and cool. For people who liked gadgets, Trunkster seemed like the future of luggage.
The Problems That Hurt Trunkster Luggage
But soon some problems started to happen. A lot of people who paid for Trunkster luggage through crowdfunding campaigns had to wait a long time to get their suitcases. Some people waited for even two years.
As time went on, people got more and more frustrated. They had paid for products and did not know when they would get them. Some people said they never got their luggage, and others said they could not get refunds.
It was also really expensive, costing around $325. This was more than a lot of suitcases on the market. Some users also found problems like it did not have a built-in lock, and some parts of the design were bulky.
What Happened to Trunkster
Over time Trunkster started to fade. It seemed like the investment deal they made on television never actually happened and the company disappeared from the travel industry. Trunkster went from being a promising brand to an example of how hype does not always mean long-term success.
Today a lot of people remember Trunkster not for its cool suitcase but for the controversy surrounding delayed deliveries and disappointed customers. Trunkster is a reminder that even the startup ideas need to be executed well and have good customer service to survive.
