Shark Tank businesses thrive on hustle and hype. But a wave of tariffs in Trump’s second term jammed that system for a surprising number of them. Between cost spikes, factory headaches, and supply chain reshuffles, several entrepreneurs found their made-for-TV dreams rerouted by policy. These ten companies had to scramble for fixes they never planned for.
Rinseroo Got Soaked by Shipping Costs
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Lisa Lane’s slip-on shower hose was a hit for pet owners and renters. She made it in China for just under $4 a unit. After tariffs, that same product cost $8.67 to import, before she even added her own margin. Lane cut ad spend and warned her team to start job hunting.
Tucky’s Fashion Fix Got Too Expensive
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It started as a clever way to crop a sweatshirt, and turned into a viral hit. Tucky and its follow-up tool, the Stitchy, were both made in China for around five bucks each. Founder Brooke Knaus found herself with a 50,000-unit shipment just as tariffs took effect.
Guardian Bikes Saw It Coming Early
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Guardian’s kids’ bikes use a special braking system that founder Brian Riley created after his grandfather’s cycling accident. Riley had already shifted most production to the U.S. and countries like Vietnam and Brazil. When tariffs were imposed on Chinese-made bike parts, his decision saved them from having to raise prices by $150 per unit.
NightCap’s Drink Covers Took a $1,200 Hit
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The NightCap scrunchie conceals a drink cover to provide protection at bars and college events. Michael Benarde had relied on China to make the product cost-effectively. Then a $6,000 order to the UK triggered $1,200 in tariffs, an unexpected bill that threw off his pricing.
ZipString’s Loop Nearly Broke
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It’s a toy that shoots a loop of string into the air. However, its entire motor system is built in China. With tariffs as high as 145%, they couldn’t raise prices without losing their retail partners. Instead, they paused hiring and froze orders, all while counterfeiters copied their product.
Bucket Golf Got Hit Mid-Swing
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Tyler Simmons’ backyard golf brand grew fast with Shark Tank backing. A set that used to cost $55 to produce suddenly increased to $150 after tariffs were imposed. He looked at Mexico and Southeast Asia, yet nothing matched the price or quality, and Simmons is trimming budgets elsewhere.
Scrub Daddy Braced for a Double-Tax Scenario
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The iconic Smiley Sponge is still primarily made in the U.S., but some parts of its production are outsourced to Mexico. At one point, CEO Aaron Krause feared his company would get taxed on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Thankfully, the trade agreement exempted them, but Krause still called it the most unpredictable moment.
Dingle Dangle Was Stuck in Baby Product Limbo
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This multi-use baby toy found a niche as a diaper-change distraction and teether. However, Stewart Gold’s team couldn’t find any factory outside of China that could match the cost and consistency. Splitting production across multiple U.S. facilities meant higher risks for mistakes.
Lectec’s DIY EV Kits Ran Into a Wall
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Lectec’s build-it-yourself electric vehicle kits combine fun with STEM learning. Still, they rely heavily on Chinese components, such as motors and circuit boards. The sudden tariff spike left them with a tough choice to either delay preorders or tack on $150 to kits that already cost nearly $380.
Ash & Erie’s Apparel Line Hit a Sizing Problem
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Ash & Erie made its name designing clothes for men under 5’8”. Their manufacturing operations spanned Peru, Mexico, Vietnam, and China, sometimes splitting a single garment across multiple countries. Tariffs hit mid-production, which left them in a bind. While some spring pieces made it through, others ballooned in cost.