History By Mail Shark Tank | Season 16
Barbara Corcoran examines a historical replica from “History By Mail” as Ari Siegel shares his story on Shark Tank Season 16. (Image Credit: @sharktankabc)
Every history enthusiast understands the frustration of seeing precious documents or artifacts on display without being able to touch them, let alone take them home. Wouldn’t it be great if you could bring them home in some way? History By Mail offers replicas of iconic historical documents delivered right to your doorstep.
The company was founded by Ari Siegel, a history enthusiast who grew up listening to stories of past wars and presidents. Over time, he found a way to turn his passion for history into a creative business venture—and thus, History By Mail was born. As the next step in the journey, the entrepreneur brings his business to Shark Tank Season 16.
The question is: will the Sharks like what they find in History by Mail’s envelope and become a partner?
About History By Mail
| Category | Details |
| Founder (Plural if multiple) | Ari Siegel |
| Product Type | Subscription-based educational product |
| Funding (Pre-Shark Tank) | Self-Funded |
| Investment Asked | $250,000 |
| Equity Offered | 10% |
What Happened on the Shark Tank Episode?
Ari Siegel pitches his business History by Mail to the Sharks. He delivers an entertaining yet informative presentation. Ari explains to the Sharks that while museum artifacts are fascinating, you’re not allowed to touch them. He proposes his product as the perfect solution to that problem — it’s history you can hold in your hands. He then offers samples to the Sharks, and they seem to love the pieces.
- Ari Siegel has always been a history fan. His grandparents shared stories of their service in World War II. While interning in the U.S. Senate, he discovered incredible documents on display in the Library of Congress, which deeply inspired him. He began making replicas of such documents and sending them to friends and family, who were delighted each time. That’s when he realized he could turn it into a business.
- Barbara asks the entrepreneur how he finds his history-loving customers to sell to. Ari tells them that their business runs in two different ways: one is direct-to-consumer via their website, and the other is wholesale through Uncommon Goods.
- The entrepreneur shares that he has made $3 million in sales over the last five years. Sales in the last 12 months amount to $1.075 million. The company has sold 85,000 subscriptions so far, with customers staying subscribed for an average of 18 months. They currently operate at a 43% net profit margin.
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What Makes History By Mail Unique?
History by Mail is a subscription service that delivers the best of America’s incredible history right to your doorstep. It is a monthly delivery that brings you an immersive experience—right in an envelope—so you can touch and engage with history using your hands.
These are replicas of historical documents, carefully reproduced to match the originals.
Along with the documents, they send detailed explanations to give you insight into each piece of history, plus transcripts in case the original is written in cursive or difficult to read.
Did History By Mail Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
Sharks ask why Ari is here when his business is already running smoothly and what he will do with the investment money. The entrepreneur explains they would use the money for scale, as they haven’t made any bulk sales yet.
- Mark Cuban feels that Ari does not really need anyone’s help since his business is already on the right track, and with that, he backs out from making any deals.
- Kevin offers $250K for a 20% stake.
- Daniel offers the same — $250K for 20% of the company — adding that he is a dolphin and his fellow investors are Sharks.
- Shark Barbara suggests that Ari should use social media to sell his service since it would do great on those platforms. Both Daniel and Barbara come together to make an offer worth $250K for a 20% stake.
The entrepreneur takes Daniel and Barbara’s offer, and they make a deal.
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What Happened to History By Mail After Shark Tank?
You’ll find ongoing coverage of Shark Tank businesses here. We cover news about the entrepreneurs and their companies post-show. Initially, History by Mail did not have a profound social media presence, as the entrepreneur shared on screen, but now their Instagram is filled with amazing visual posts of their service and historic document replicas. They have 2K+ followers.
On Shark Tank’s post about History by Mail, they received many likes and comments—still counting! Their search interest has increased, according to Google Trends. They also appeared on Windy City Weekend for further exposure. They have been featured in Forbes and Reader’s Digest as well.
Where Can You Buy It?
To get a replica of history’s glimpses in your hand or neatly on display in your home, get a subscription from History by Mail today. You can get it from their official website. They have three subscription models: monthly for $9, 6 months for $42, or annually for $78. Check out their website for special offers or discounts.
Quick Summary
- Ari Siegel comes on Shark Tank Season 16, Episode 15 with his business, History By Mail.
- History By Mail is a subscription service that delivers replicas of historic documents to you.
- The entrepreneur makes a deal with two Sharks, Daniel and Barbara, for $250K for 20%.
