Are You Easy Prey when it Comes to Infomercials and Shopping Channels?
You Don't Have to Buy Just Because They Advertise
If you've had occasion to stay up during the wee hours of the night looking at TV you will notice the airwaves are bombarded with various infomercials. There are also those 24 hour, non-stop shopping channels that are vying for your money too.
Please don't get me wrong. I have taken advantage of the shopping channels in the past. But at one point I realized I was spending too much time and money by looking at them on a regular basis. It almost became an addiction. Thankfully now, I can pass by their enticing offers because I rarely look at them any more.
I'll give it to them. They make very good and polished sales pitches. Before you know it you think you have to buy everything they advertise. Your bank account lets you know just how much you have been spending. Ouch!!
As a former customer service representative with a shopping channel I would often receive calls from senior citizens. Many of them were widows or widowers and others were just lonely. Unfortunately they are sometimes easy-prey for things such as this. In many instances this is the only interaction that they have throughout their day. It may not necessarily mean that they need that particular product but rather it is a way for them to have some communication with a real person.
And just who can ignore those heart-gripping infomercials that work your emotions in overdrive? You find yourself reaching for that credit card. Certainly if a well-known celebrity is endorsing or acting as the spokesperson, it must be good right? Not necessarily. Who doesn't want that perfectly sculpted body that is promised by a certain piece of exercise equipment? Gadgets that are supposed to enhance your life are sold at 2 for $19.99 plus shipping and handling. And you'll get a bonus if you are one of the first 50 people to call in.
While I don't necessarily think that all of them are bad, be careful that you don't feel pressured into buying everything you see or supporting every humanitarian cause. Be wise and use extreme caution before dispensing your hard-earned money.
SOURCE:
Personal experience and observation
Published by Lee Hansen
I am a woman who enjoys the simple things in life. My parents raised 10 children. I have an Associate Degree in Medical Office Assisting as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Education. View profile
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22 Comments
Post a CommentI've been guilty a time or two. Great job on this!
They do make the products look a lot better on television.
No not me Lee:0)
Shopping channels tend to suck me in fast. Thanks for the article! Of course, exercise infomercials get me too.
I have noticed that there have been times when there was commercial after commercial. Just too numerous to count.
I absolutely despise infomercials and shopping channels. Great article, thanks!
I watch and never buy! It amazes me that everything is one low price and can be doubled for the first fifty callers! LOL cheers :)
There are some appealing items. I have one of those ped eggs.
I have to turn the channel quick!
I used to be easily convinced that I needed things on TV, but my skeptic husband has gotten me to tone it down. Now I usually wait until it is available in the store and decide if I still think it's a good idea. Or I keep it in mind and if I can find it cheaper on ebay or at a garage sale, then I might try it. At the Ohio State fair, there were a ton of live demonstrations of informercial-type products...and they are almost always $20. It's easy to grab a few of those too.