You may have seen our appearance on Dragons’ Den and be interested in finding out more about the Qombi Case™ (Quombi Case). Please take a few minutes to read our side of the events.
We applied to enter the Den because we believe our Qombi Case™ is a unique product and a good opportunity for a Dragon with foresight to invest in.
Our intention was to show them how our working prototype could be unfolded and transformed into a Sun Lounger and full length Sunshade in just 90 seconds.
Originally the plan was for Robert to start his 3 minute pitch, while Phil demonstrated the working of the case. However, on the day of filming we were advised to give the pitch first and then demonstrate its operation. We were told that this was necessary because the Dragons would find it easier to concentrate on the presentation. Our case was to be left on the set and covered with a sheet until the pitch was finished.
When we finally made our assent of the stairs into the Den we were obviously extremely apprehensive and nervous but still hopeful of a good result. It is a daunting experience to walk on to the set knowing what is at stake and you have one chance to sell your idea without the help of notes and knowing that any mistakes will be filmed and transmitted. You face the Dragons under the glare of the spotlights and start your pitch.
Robert started by explaining who we were, what we were promoting and what we needed as an investment.
One of the BBC’s rules is that the participants have up to 3 minutes to give their pitch without interruptions from the Dragons.  It’s a pity Theo didn’t respect this.
When Robert was about half way through his pitch, and after he had explained that it was a working prototype, Theo said that he wanted a demonstration, so Robert stopped and Phil unlocked the case and started to unfold the Lounger and erect the Sunshade. 
Well, that’s when they kicked off.
We knew that our prototype wasn’t perfect and if we had been given a chance we could have explained that it was built to show anyone with imagination how it could be developed. We weren’t given that chance.
If you are a regular viewer of Dragons’ Den you may have noticed an unsavoury trend that’s creeping into the show. Some of the Dragons seem to think that they are amusing and when one starts to ridicule a product or business idea the others join in and try to outdo each other. Constructive criticism is fine, but making misguided comments such as ‘it’s too heavy’, without leaving the comfort of their chairs confirm that they had made their mind up before we had entered the Den and it shows the Dragons in a bad light.
This is a shame because most people watch the programme because of the new ideas not to see some of the Dragons trying to be funny. If you wanted to have a laugh you would watch Harry Enfield and Paul Whitehouse doing their version of the Dragons Den.
Do we regret appearing on the show? At the time yes, but they say that there is no such thing as bad publicity. If we hadn’t been on you might not have been to our web site and read this. The worst thing we could have done would have been to do nothing with our idea and in the years ahead to think back with regret and wonder what might have been.
We are still confident that our Qombi Case™ will get to market and be very successful because it is a unique product and will help people to protect themselves from over exposure to the Sun, no matter where they are. If it prevents one person from contracting skin cancer it will have been worthwhile.
The potential market for our Qombi Case™ is immense. We see our customers as being holiday makers, caravan owners, concert goers, anglers, home owners for relaxing in their gardens or as a put you up bed. We have also developed a child sized Qombi and a rugged version for airlifting to help victims of natural disaster areas.
Thank you for taking the time to read about our experience and if you can see the potential and would like to invest in an interesting and worthwhile product please contact us or if you would like to take part in our survey it would be much appreciated. Email enquiries@parmata.com for further details