When I first heard about Click & Carry, I couldn’t help but think, “Why didn’t someone invent this sooner?” It’s one of those simple yet genius ideas that solves a universal problem: carrying multiple bags without the discomfort and hassle. As someone who has juggled grocery bags, paint cans, and more, I immediately saw the value in this product. But what really captivated me was the story of its inventor, Kim Meckwood, and her relentless journey to bring her product to life. Let me take you through the fascinating tale of Click & Carry—from its inception to its Shark Tank success and beyond.
The Problem-Solving Idea
Click & Carry is a compact, ergonomically designed handle that allows users to carry up to 80 pounds of bags comfortably. Whether it’s groceries, dry cleaning, or even sports equipment, this device evenly distributes weight across your shoulders or hands. The gel-padded grip ensures comfort, while its twist-and-click mechanism secures bags in place. It’s versatile, too—you can use it for everything from paint cans to dog leashes.
The idea for Click & Carry came to Kim Meckwood during a challenging time in her life. After a breakup left her lugging groceries up flights of stairs on her own, she realized there had to be a better way. Standing at just 5’2”, Kim knew firsthand how difficult it could be for petite individuals or those with physical limitations to manage heavy loads. This personal struggle sparked her entrepreneurial journey.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Kim’s path to Shark Tank was anything but easy. She applied seven times before finally getting the chance to pitch her product in Season 12, Episode 8, which aired in late 2020. Her persistence alone was inspiring, but her pitch was what truly stole the show.
Kim entered the tank seeking $225,000 for 15% equity in Click & Carry, valuing her company at $1.5 million. She presented her product with passion and precision, demonstrating how it worked and highlighting its affordability—it cost just $1.85 to manufacture and retailed for $9.99 at the time.
Despite her enthusiasm and a solid product demonstration (which included Barbara Corcoran testing the device herself), some Sharks were skeptical due to Click & Carry’s modest sales history—$70,000 in the previous year and $625,000 in lifetime sales since its launch five years earlier.
One memorable moment came when Barbara remarked on how soft the handle felt against her bones—a testament to the product’s thoughtful design. Ultimately, Mark Cuban and Barbara teamed up to offer Kim $225,000 for 40% equity. They also suggested hiring an operations manager so Kim could focus on creating new products—a deal she happily accepted.
Click & Carry at a Glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of Click & Carry’s journey:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Click & Carry |
| Founders | Kim Meckwood |
| Season & Episode | Season 12, Episode 8 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $225,000 for 15% |
| Final Deal | $225,000 for 40% |
| Shark(s) Involved | Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Barbara testing the product; Kim’s perseverance after seven audition attempts |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $1.5 million (2024) |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $1 million annually |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram with thousands of followers |
| Key Achievements | Retail partnerships with Walmart, Lowe’s, Amazon; breast cancer awareness campaign |
Post-Shark Tank Success
The Shark Tank effect was immediate and profound for Click & Carry. Within weeks of the episode airing, sales increased fivefold as customers flocked to purchase this innovative product. The exposure also opened doors to major retail partnerships with Walmart, Lowe’s, Amazon, and QVC.
Kim didn’t stop there. She expanded the product line by introducing new colors and a special pink version in support of breast cancer awareness—donating 10% of profits from these sales to the National Breast Cancer Coalition. As a breast cancer survivor herself, this initiative held deep personal significance for Kim.
Beyond retail success, Click & Carry gained media attention from outlets like Reader’s Digest and MSNBC.com. The company also participated in programs like Lowe’s “Making It…With Lowe’s,” which helps diverse entrepreneurs scale their businesses.
Challenges and Innovations
Every entrepreneurial journey has its hurdles, and Kim faced her fair share. Early versions of Click & Carry had design flaws—bags would slip off or handles would pop open when placed in car trunks. Customer feedback helped refine these issues into a patented design featuring prongs for even weight distribution and a secure twist-and-click mechanism inspired by hair barrettes.
Kim also tackled challenges with online marketing. Many customers didn’t know how to search for a bag-carrying device online because they weren’t familiar with such a product category. To bridge this gap, she focused on brick-and-mortar retail partnerships while improving online visibility through platforms like Amazon.
Current Status
Fast forward to January 2025: Click & Carry is thriving with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million and annual revenue exceeding $1 million. The product is available globally through Amazon as well as major retailers like Walmart and Lowe’s.
Kim continues to innovate by developing complementary products designed for bulkier items like skis or ladders. Her goal is clear: make Click & Carry a household name while expanding its functionality across industries.
Lessons from Click & Carry
Kim Meckwood’s story is one of resilience and innovation—a masterclass in entrepreneurship that offers valuable lessons:
- Persistence Pays Off: Kim’s determination to get on Shark Tank after six rejections exemplifies the importance of never giving up.
- Customer Feedback is Key: Listening to users helped refine Click & Carry into a functional and versatile product.
- Strategic Partnerships Matter: Collaborating with Sharks like Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran provided not just funding but also invaluable business guidance.
- Social Impact Adds Value: Initiatives like supporting breast cancer awareness resonate deeply with customers while giving back to the community.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on Click & Carry’s journey, I’m struck by how such a simple idea has made such a significant impact on people’s lives—and how one woman’s perseverance turned that idea into reality. With plans for international expansion and new product launches on the horizon, the future looks bright for Click & Carry.
If there’s one takeaway from Kim Meckwood’s story, it’s this: solving everyday problems with innovative solutions can lead not only to business success but also to personal fulfillment. And who knows? Maybe you’ll see me using my own Click & Carry during my next grocery run!