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Company: Bug Bite Thing
Company Description: Bug Bite Thing is dedicated to offering people a chemical-free and eco-friendly solution that alleviates the discomfort, stinging, itching, and swelling caused by bug bites and stings. The suction tool removes insect saliva/venom from under the skin and is reusable, chemical-free and safe to use on children of all ages, as well as adults. It is Amazon’s #1 selling product for insect bite relief.
Nomination Category: Achievement Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Achievement in International Expansion
 Nomination Title: Bug Bite Thing Offers Insect Bite Relief Worldwide, Expands to 25 Countries
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated organization's customer satisfaction achievements since the beginning of 2020, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization's history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 176 words used.
After many failed attempts to alleviate her six-month-old daughter’s constant suffering from mosquito bites, Kelley Higney researched how other countries combat insect bites. She discovered a little-known tool that uses suction to remove insect saliva/venom from under the skin and eliminates the itching, stinging and swelling by removing the irritant. Higney was amazed to find that the product not only worked, it also offered instant relief. Higney secured the international distribution rights for the product in the U.S. and sold her home to fund the business.
In 2018, Higney was selling Bug Bite Thing at local farmers’ markets, bake sales and online on Amazon and BugBiteThing.com. The company’s revenue was hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Then, in October 2019, Higney and her mother, Ellen McAlister, appeared on ABC’s hit show ‘Shark Tank.’ All the Sharks wanted to invest in the business, but self-proclaimed "mosquito-magnet" Lori Greiner's Golden Ticket offer secured the investment. At that time, the product was carried by CVS Pharmacy and in three countries, Canada, South Korea and the United States.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2020 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 63 words used.
From 2019-2020, the company’s revenue increased 170%. From 2020-2021, it’s revenue is anticipated to increase by 55%. Bug Bite Thing obtained international distribution rights to the product and expanded into the following twenty-two countries: Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Trinidad, Tobago, the UK, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 222 words used.
Bug Bite Thing has expanded internationally to 25 countries in less than four years. The company is disrupting the insect bite relief industry by offering a suction tool that is chemical-free, reusable, and safe to use on children of all ages and adults. It is made with pharmaceutical-grade plastic and the results from one of the clinical trials is available on the websites and.
The majority of products sold on the market contain harsh chemicals and product warning labels. In addition, many of them are packaged in aerosol cans, which are hazardous to the environment. Germany-based company, BiteAway, began selling in the U.S. in 2020, and contains several warnings, including self-application only by those age 12 and up and warns against use by anyone with poor blood supply, malignant changes of the skin and other medical conditions.
In business for 48 years, AfterBite is currently available in 45 countries. However, AfterBite has been cited for violating manufacturing practices and misrepresenting testing results. The product also contains harmful ingredients, such as ammonia.
In 2015, Bite Helper began selling its product in the U.S. The list of countries where it’s sold is not available. It should only be used on children age 4 and up. It also contains warnings against usage by anyone with diabetes, pregnant, poor blood circulation, or other medical conditions.
- Optional: Reference here any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and explain how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 45 words used.
Press Features: TC Palm (part of the USA Today Network): https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/2021/05/20/shark-tank-partnership-boosts-bug-bite-thing/5167180001/
Happi Magazine: https://www.happi.com/contents/view_online-exclusives/2021-05-19/natural-bug-sprays-repellents-rise-in-demand/
Shark Tank Update: https://thecinemaholic.com/update-on-bug-bite-thing-from-shark-tank/
South Florida Broadcast Segments:
https://www.wptv.com/rebound/bug-bite-thing-not-stinging-during-pandemic
https://www.wpbf.com/article/local-woman-reappears-on-shark-tank/36214857
https://www.wflx.com/2021/05/13/bug-bite-thing-not-stinging-during-pandemic/
https://cbs12.com/news/local/treasure-coast-moms-invention-now-sold-worldwide
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