When we first heard about the opportunity to appear on Amazon Prime TV’s entrepreneurial game show Buy It Now, we knew it was something special. It wasn’t just another pitch competition—it was a chance to share our story, showcase our product, and connect with a nationwide audience.
Getting Casted
In 2023 we had spent months interviewing for a popular TV show, and met several producers along the way. When we didn't get casted for that show, we were crushed. Rather than chalk that up to a loss, we looked at is an opportunity to network with the producers we had met throughout the process. This proved pivotal, as months later we saw one post about a new pitch competition coming to Amazon Prime TV! Needless to say, we reached out instantly.
It was anything but a cake walk from there. The road to getting casted involved hours of interviews and days of filming B-roll. We were continuously tasked with timely requests like sending product samples, wardrobe options, available filming dates, and more. Our team had to put Prime TV's new show at the top of our priority list while we simultaneously struggled to put our infant business in a position to continue making sales that would keep the lights on!
Prepping for the Big Moment
Preparation was everything. From rehearsing our pitch to fine-tuning every detail of our product, the days leading up to filming were a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. The show’s team was incredibly supportive, guiding us through the process and helping us bring out the best in our presentation.
One unique challenge was distilling our passion and years of hard work into just 90 seconds. There was just so much to say! How do you convey the heart and soul of your business while making it appealing to both the judges and the audience? We worked tirelessly to find that perfect balance of authenticity, strategy, and of course... entertainment! After all, it's a TV show!
What's more, we had to forecast how much inventory to have! As a new show, we had no prior data to utilize, and no idea how much traction the show would get. Couple that with being told that the air date would be sometime in Q4 (an ecommerce business's busiest time of the year), this was a real challenge! Even more, we hadn't had even a full year of sales under our belt and had never had a true holiday season to sell HydraLamps. We had next to no data to be able to project our sales, and next to no budget! We would have to take on debt to manufacturer a new round of HydraLamps, but how many should we make?!?
The Day of Filming
Any day starts with the night's sleep before it and, needless to say, we were filled with excitement and adrenaline after being flown out to LA for filming. The moment was really here! With our time to arrive on set being slated for 6:30 in the morning, it was absolutely vital we try to get a sound night sleep ahead of what was sure to be the biggest day of our business and our careers.
Deprived of sleep, we were overwhelmed with adrenaline as we walked onto the Buy It Now set; it was truly surreal! The bright lights, cameras, and energy of the crew created an atmosphere that was both exhilarating and intimidating. But the moment we stepped into the spotlight, everything else faded away. We were there to tell our story.
The hosts and judges, who remained a mystery to us until just hours before filming, brought such a dynamic energy to the room. Their questions were thoughtful and challenging, pushing us to think on our feet. It was an incredible feeling to share our vision and see genuine interest from such accomplished entrepreneurs and creators.
The Pitch
Our pitch was a mix of storytelling and problem-solving. We started with a personal anecdote to explain the "why" behind our product, then transitioned into the nitty-gritty of how it works and why it’s a game-changer. Watching the judges’ reactions—those nods of understanding, the moments of laughter—was everything we had hoped for.
We knew going in that only 1 in 5 healthy adults complained of waking up regularly thirsty for water, and 3 in 5 elderly or unhealthy adults complained of the same. The reaction from the audience matched just that!
Lessons Learned
Regardless of the outcome, the experience taught us so much about resilience, communication, and staying true to our vision. Being part of Buy It Now was a reminder that every great idea needs not just a solid foundation but also the ability to adapt and grow.
What’s Next
Now that our episode has aired, we’re thrilled to share that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve seen a surge in interest for our product, and sold out in just 30 days. The exposure has opened doors to exciting opportunities we couldn’t have imagined, and continuous to surprise us.
We’re deeply grateful to the Buy It Now team, Amazon Prime TV, and all of you who have supported us on this journey. Whether you’re an entrepreneur dreaming of your big break or just someone tuning in to be inspired, this show proves that innovation and determination can truly shine.
If you haven’t already, check out Buy It Now on Amazon Prime TV and catch our episode (S1E5) to see our journey unfold!