Late last year we got a call from Lauren at The Price Is Right asking if we'd like our bikes to be on the show. We'd like that very much, we said. She said great, and so we designed two bikes - one single speed and one geared - and boxed them up bound for LA. Jefferson even drew assembly instructions for the warehouse guys.
If you've ever wondered how The Price Is Right prizes are won, here's how it works:
Prizes are assigned a specific game and film date. At each taping, 300 audience members vie for the few open spots on "contestant's row." Games commence, Drew Carey squints, models gesture, eager players jump up and down. Sometimes prizes are won, and sometimes they're not. If they're not, The Price Is Right holds on to the item and plays it again in a future show. If it's won, it's done.
After the lights and dopamine fade, successful contestants have to pay taxes on their winnings, which vary by state. It's common for winners to decline prizes or immediately sell them to cover the required tax bill. After signing a bunch of paperwork winners are connected directly with the prize manufacturer - like us - for fulfillment. A couple months after actually filming, the episode is on the air and new TVs, gas grills, and pool tables are being unboxed across this great nation.
All the while, pets are being spayed and neutered.
Random Fact: PETA named a building after Bob Barker (and his $2.5 million donation).
"Come on down! You're the next contestant on the Price Is Right," is likely the most iconic game show phrase on TV. Due to the shows penchant for giving away cars, a close runner-up might be "...a brand-new car!"
That could change. Tune in this Friday, March 4, to see if one lucky contestant can win... a brand-new (Mission) bike! We'll be watching at the shop with coffee and donuts.
Random Facts: For the full story on Terry's perfect bid, click here.