In my recent years, I’ve found myself being irresistibly drawn to infomercials. I tend to be easily convinced that every spotlighted item is an absolute ‘must-have’ for me. In essence, TV infomercials seem tailored specifically for individuals like me who are usually swept up by the convincing promises on our screens.
Typically, it is my level-headed spouse who steps in to say “No, we do not need that.” Yet, occasionally, I splurge on products that I am convinced would revolutionize my life.
My experiences with infomercial buys have been a mix of hits and misses. A good example of a successful purchase would be the time I invested in an Instapot, a device that doubles up as a pressure cooker. I was looking to replace my slow cooker which had given up the ghost after six years of faithful service, and discovered the Instapot could fulfill both roles. While I haven’t been entirely impressed with its pressure cooker performance, it has served admirably as a slow cooker replacement!
However, not every infomercial experience is a happy one. If you’re thinking of making a purchase, it’s advisable to do some due diligence. Here are five examples of infomercial products that I would strongly discourage anyone from buying. In worst-case scenarios, you might even need legal support for defective products, although there are online services available for this.
1. WEN
Did you also get swept up in the craze of the WEN hair product, developed by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean? Despite initial positive reviews, the product was hit with a lawsuit claiming extensive hair damage and loss. My own interaction with the product was disappointing, resulting in hair loss every time I used it.
2. THE MIRACLE MOP
My mother’s experience with one of the early Miracle Mops is etched in my memory. It simply wasn’t fit for the job. Since then, supposedly ‘better’ versions have come out, however its negative reviews outnumber the positives.
3. VACUUMS
Purchasing vacuums from TV infomercials should be avoided at all costs due to prohibitive shipping and return challenges. It’s more convenient to buy one from a local store, or from Costco, known for its generous return policy.
4. SHAKE WEIGHT
Would you truly trust that a vibrating weight could help you achieve toned arms? A number of companies have recently been accused of paying for positive reviews on Amazon, and it seems the shake weight might be one of the victims of this dishonest practice.
5. LARGE KITCHEN GADGETS
My parents once bought an overpriced kitchen device that promised to quickly chop and dice potatoes. Needless to say, its usage has been rare and it mostly takes up unneeded kitchen space. This only emphasizes the reality that oversized kitchen gadgets not required in daily food prep ultimately end up gathering dust.
In conclusion, it’s advisable to steer clear of TV infomercials. Their products are pricey, returning them is inconvenient, and 100% guarantees or risk-free trials are hard to come by.
Have you ever purchased anything from a TV infomercial? What was your experience? Share your thoughts!
