Major Money Makers: Cheap Products that Made their Creators Millions

By Bethany Stewart 

Everyone wants to be able to say that they made millions in their lifetime. There are many ways this is possible, but creating a product that costs less than five dollars and produces a profit in the millions is something difficult. Many new products and ideas are released to the market on a regular basis. But, very few produce a substantial profit for the creator. Below is a list of some of the cheapest products in stores that have been the most profitable.

1. Post-it Notes. Originally a failure of 3M glue, creator, Arthur Fry, used the faulty glue to stick on the back of his reports. This sparked the idea for sticky notes, a small piece of paper with a sticky adhesive strip on the top. Post-it Notes have made over 29.9 billion dollars in profit, but typically cost under $8 pack.
   
2. Silly Bandz. These elastic shaped bracelets were the craze during 2010. Even with many imitators, the company was able to make a huge profit off of the silly product. With over $100 million made in profit, the creator had tremendous success in under a year. The product currently only costs about $12, but at the height of their sales, they sold for up to $30 a pack, each pack containing about twenty-five bands.
   
3. The Pet Rock. Although this fad is a thing of the past, creator, Gary Dahl, was able to make north of $15 million in the first year of production, costing $3.95 per rock. This rock came in a box with air holes so the rock could “breathe.” This idea may have started out as a joke between Dahl and friends, but in the end, the joke made him a multimillionaire.
   
4. Snuggie. This blanket with built-in arm holes is an idea so simple, yet so valuable. The retail price is $14.99 per each snuggie. They come in all colors, patterns, and a few different sizes. This simple yet innovative idea has profited creator, Scott Boilen, over $200 million, and is still being sold in stores today.
   
5. Slap Bracelets. These flat bracelets that hit your wrist and then wrap-around are super exciting for young children. Stuart Andrews was a schoolteacher turned inventor when coming up with this idea. These bracelets only cost about fifty cents each, but in only a year, the bracelets profited about 8 million dollars. ​
   

    These products are only a few of the many that have profited their creators millions. Many new ideas fail, causing debt for their creators. If you have a new idea, do not be afraid to try it, but make sure you do not put all of money into it!