Trunkster Luggage Update | Shark Tank Season 7

While traveling, Jesse Potash and Gaston Blanchet dealt with a common problem; luggage zippers breaking, made it pretty much difficult to open their bags whenever they needed to. Tired of the hassle, they decided to create Trunkster, a suitcase that opens with a roll-top instead of zippers. It also has a built-in scale and GPS tracking to make travel easier. But will the sharks invest in their business? Let’s find out in our Trunkster update and pitch recap.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Trunkster after Shark Tank.

Jessie and Gaston entered Shark Tank Season 7, seeking $1.4 million for 5% equity in their luggage and travel accessories business. After their pitch, they secured a deal with  Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban for $1.4 million for 5% equity, doubling if unpaid in 24 months, plus a $1 per unit perpetual royalty.

In terms of a Trunkster update, the company failed to deliver on its promises after its appearance on Shark Tank, struggling with manufacturing delays that left many backers without their orders.

Shark	Result
Mark Cuban and Lori Greiner	Accepted offer of $1.4 million for 5% equity, with a condition: if Trunkster didn’t repay the full amount within 24 months, the sharks’ equity would double, plus a $1 per unit royalty in perpetuity
Robert Herjavec	$1.4 million for 30% equity
Kevin O’Leary	$1.4 million for 37% equity
Barbara Corcoran	No offer

Shark Tank Trunkster Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Jessie Potash and Gaston Blanchet 
• Business: Zipper-free luggage with USB ports and a self-contained scale
• Ask: $1.4 million for 5% equity
• Result: $1.4 million for 5%, with double equity if not paid in 24 months and $1 per unit royalty in perpetuity
• Sharks: Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban

Jesse Potash and Gaston Blanchet stepped into Shark Tank with Trunkster, a luggage brand that eliminated zippers for a sleek roll-top design.

Trunkster is a smart suitcase that ditches zippers for a roll-top opening, making it easier to pack and access your things.

Instead of dealing with stuck or broken zippers, you simply slide the top open like a garage door. The suitcase is made from strong, lightweight materials, so it can handle rough travel without getting damaged.

What makes Trunkster stand out is its built-in technology. It comes with a removable battery and a USB port, so you can charge your phone or other devices on the go.

There’s also a digital scale inside, that lets you check the weight of your bag before heading to the airport. If your luggage ever gets lost, the built-in GPS helps you track it down.

For added security, it has a TSA-approved combination lock and a hidden compartment to store valuables.

The designers made the wheels suitable for all surfaces, ensuring easy rolling wherever you travel.

However, while the sharks found the concept intriguing, they were far less impressed with the company’s valuation—a hefty $28 million price tag that immediately raised concerns.

Their skepticism grew when Jesse and Gaston revealed that Trunkster was still in pre-sales.

In other words, they had yet to manufacture stock and put their suitcases in consumers’ hands.

Nevertheless, they had managed to secure $2 million in pre-orders, with each unit selling for $395 at an 80% profit margin.

Despite this, the sharks agreed that the valuation was unrealistic. Robert Herjavec stated outright that the business was likely worth no more than $8 million.

Kevin O’Leary challenged them, asking if they would accept $1.4 million for 30% equity, though it was only a hypothetical offer. They immediately declined, but Kevin made it clear that no investor would match their valuation.

Barbara Corcoran was concerned that no one had actually tested the luggage in real-world conditions, which, in her view, posed a major risk. With those doubts in mind, she bowed out.

Meanwhile, Robert saw potential and made a $1.4 million offer for 30% equity. Kevin wanted in on the deal, but Robert shut him out.

As a result, Kevin countered with his own offer—$1.4 million for 37% equity.

Lori Greiner, on the other hand, offered $1.4 million to fund purchase orders in exchange for 15% equity.

Meanwhile, Mark Cuban wasn’t convinced by their financial projections. However, when Jesse and Gaston asked if he would consider partnering with Lori, he agreed to negotiate.

After a quick discussion, the entrepreneurs returned with a revised proposal.

They offered $1.4 million for just 5% equity but included a safeguard; if they failed to pay back the full amount within 24 months, their investors’ equity would double.

Additionally, they proposed a $1 per unit royalty once the investment was repaid. In the end, Mark and Lori accepted the deal.

So where is Trunkster now? Let’s find out in our Trunkster update.

Shark Tank Trunkster Update

Our Trunkster update found that the deal with Lori and Mark was not finalized.

Despite the initial enthusiasm, Trunkster faced significant challenges post-Shark Tank. The company struggled with manufacturing delays, leading to unfulfilled orders and dissatisfied customers.

Many backers reported never receiving their luggage, while others who did receive their products complained about subpar quality.

Attempts to contact the company for refunds or support went unanswered.

Gaston has since moved on to co-found Storypod in June 2020, a children’s educational audio platform that also utilized Kickstarter for funding. Jesse, on the other hand, took a position with a company named Bungalow.

In 2021, Trunkster had ceased operations. The company’s website became inactive, and its social media accounts were deleted.

Unfortunately, we have to report that this product might have been a scam.

It’s a good thing that the deal with Lori and Mark never closed. This will be our final Trunkster update.

Make sure that you check out our other company updates from Season 7 Episode 10 below.

• Leaux Racing Trikes Update
• Glow Recipe Update
• Sarah Oliver Handbags Update

Before you go, be sure to check out our list of all the Shark Tank Season 7 products.