In recent years, I’ve found myself increasingly captivated by TV infomercials. They always make the featured products seem like absolute must-haves. It feels like these commercials are designed specifically for people like me, who are easily convinced by their persuasive pitches.
Most of the time, it’s my practical spouse who steps in and says, “No, we don’t need that.” But every now and then, I do give in and buy something that I genuinely believe will change my life for the better.
My experiences with infomercial purchases have varied. Some have been great, others not so much. For instance, I once bought an Instapot, which works as both a pressure cooker and slow cooker. My old slow cooker had finally died after six years, and I thought the Instapot would be a perfect replacement. While I haven’t been all that impressed with its performance as a pressure cooker, it’s done a fantastic job as a slow cooker replacement.
However, not all infomercial purchases have been positive. It’s wise to do some research before buying. Here are five infomercial products I recommend avoiding. In worst-case scenarios, you might even need legal help for defective items, though online services can assist with this.
1. WEN
Remember the WEN hair product developed by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean? It had rave reviews at first but eventually faced a lawsuit due to claims of severe hair damage and loss. My own experience was disappointing, as I experienced hair loss every time I used it.
2. THE MIRACLE MOP
My mother tried one of the early versions of the Miracle Mop, and it was a disaster. The newer versions haven’t fared much better, as the negative reviews still outnumber the positives.
3. VACUUMS
Buying vacuums from TV infomercials is a bad idea due to the high shipping costs and the hassle of returns. It’s much easier to buy one from a local store or from Costco, which has a great return policy.
4. SHAKE WEIGHT
Would you really trust a vibrating weight to tone your arms? Some companies have been caught paying for positive reviews on Amazon, and it seems the Shake Weight might be one of the culprits in this dishonest practice.
5. LARGE KITCHEN GADGETS
My parents once purchased an expensive kitchen device that promised to quickly chop and dice potatoes. It turned out to be rarely used and mostly just took up valuable kitchen space. This goes to show that oversized kitchen gadgets, which aren’t needed for daily cooking, often end up gathering dust.
In conclusion, it’s best to be cautious with TV infomercials. Their products are usually pricey, returning them is a hassle, and risk-free trials are rarely 100% guaranteed.
Have you ever bought anything from a TV infomercial? How was your experience? Share your thoughts!