Infomercial Products

It seems like you just can't turn on the TV today without some pitchmen pushing a new product that they say you just can't live without. As seen on TV products and 30 minute infomercials dominate TV advertising, especially in the late night and Sunday morning markets.

The As Seen On TV Pitch

Many of these products have special offers such as "buy one get one free" (or as they are known in the industry: BOGO's), Free bonus gifts and lifetime guarantees. Often when a new as seen on TV product comes out it's pitched as "You can't buy this in stores folks!" and within a few months, guess what, it's on the shelf at your local chain pharmacy or discount retail store. The Ped Egg and ShamWow are a prime example of this. - with one major exception: You pay the same price at the store (minus the S&H of course) as you would if you ordered online or through the toll free phone # on TV, but they don't include the "Free bonus" or the "buy 1 get 1 free" offer. So if you want two, you have to buy 2. In addition, many of these infomercial products, especially in the higher price items like exercise equipment, offer a free or discounted 30 day in home trial that you can't get in any store.

Buying Online Advantages

So what's the advantage to buying online?

Online retailers for as seen on TV products often deal direct with the manufacturer or through a listing service (called Affiliate Networks) that allow them to offer the same special deals and pricing advertised on the commercials. On occasion these retailers may even be able to offer the products at a lower price or with additional bonuses thrown in as "Special Online Only Deals".

Another major advantage of buying online is that many sites like the As Seen On TV Market provide product testimonials and reviews from actual consumers and not paid celebrity endorsers. So the next time you see one of those late night infomercials proclaiming the latest and greatest product to help you loose weight, make yard work easier, or help you become a fabulous chef in the kitchen, take a few minutes and search for the product online. Your wallet may thank you for it.