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'Shark Tank': Did Chirp Wheel come for publicity? After $900K deal from Lori Greiner, fans call owner 'douchebag'

Daymond John posted, 'As a Shark, you have to be tough sometimes. It’s a fair question: Why take the carpet from someone who needs the money?'

This week's episode of ‘Shark Tank’ featured Chirp Exercise Wheel owned by entrepreneur Tate Stock. Presenting a “wheel” that can effectively help to stop back pain and a wide array of other ailments, he “worked to convince the Sharks that he isn’t stretching the truth about his product designed to relieve back pain.”

Previously known as Plexus, the idea first blossomed on a vacation when Tate was visiting his aunt and thought the yoga wheel could use some improvement. As per the official website, it is available in three different sizes. One wheel starts at $45 and the Ultimate Back Pain Bundle is currently priced at $119. Sold for $99, the Chirp Wheel 3-Pack comes with 12" Gentle Wheel, 10" Medium Wheel, 6" Deep Tissue Wheel
and a free Posture Corrector.

Who got the deal? 

Lori Greiner clinched the deal. She first offered: $900,000 to be paid by the end of next year for a 2% stake. Kevin O'Leary then made his offer: $900,000 for a 2.5% stake and a royalty of $3 per unit until $2.7 million is paid. Robert Herjavec then offered $900,000 for a 3% stake and a royalty of $1.5 per unit until $1.2 million is paid. The counter-offer to Lori was $900,000 to be paid back in 18 months for a 2% stake. 

Lori accepted it and then Mr Wonderful joked that she was giving off her money for free as she laughed out loud! Many fans wondered why he was arguing with Lori for 0.5 percent. "You were really arguing with Queen Lori over .5% #SharkTank," one tweet read and another said, "#sharktank So what does Lori get money wise for 2 percent?"

Were they just for publicity?

On the show, Daymond John asked some difficult questions and later posted: "As a Shark, you have to be tough sometimes. It’s a fair question: Why take the carpet from someone who needs the money? #SharkTank." He added, "Not everyone who stands on the carpet in front of us will get a deal. At those times, it’s more about listening to the advice from the Sharks, taking it home, and pivoting to get you on the road to success and prove us wrong. #SharkTank."

Many fans agreed with him. "Thanks for not giving Chirp no money, they didn’t need it. That was a very nice way to say I enjoy helping ppl that really need help... clever! #SharkTank," one said and another posted, "The chirp guy was arrogant and only there for publicity clearly. But I think many people are lying to themselves if they don’t do exactly what he did and get on #sharktank for more exposure." A third even went on to say: "Chirp wheel dude on #SharkTank is a douchebag."

‘Shark Tank’ Season 12 Episode 3 premiered on October 30, 2020, at 8 pm ET/ 7 pm CT on ABC. Episodes can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu.