how to buy from TV infomercials

[anatta]

Just saw that NuWave oven or that BeachBody workout you gotta have, or maybe it's the BareMinerals special TV offer
where you get a started kit for $29.99 for you ladies?

If you've called into a TV ad before (infomercial) and you paid too much, or the operator gave you a hard time,
or you signed up for something on autoship and it was a bad experience and you swore never to buy from TV again....

It's you - not the TV /operator that placed the order wrong!

I've been doing this for about 7 years now ( infomercial operator) and while I do look out for my callers
( assuming you aren't a total pain in the ass to talk to) I have to represent my company.

So here are a couple of tips to get more for your money, and actually make shopping an enjoyable experience!

1.
The biggest mistake is callers telling me what they want when I pick up the phone, instead of letting me sell you the stuff.
You don't know what I have, and you don't know if I can give you discounts if you say "no" to the first offer.

So let me sell to you - you are the buyer,and I need the commission or sale ( there are both types of compensation)
so I'm more likely to try to accommodate you, then if you just say " i don't want anything else"

If that's all you want -OK -i'll give it to you, but chances are I'm not going to downsell it, and give you a better deal.

2.
So don't be so antsy about the sales call! Play a little hard to get -but don't just MINDLESSLY say "no"
to everything I offer you because "I don't want to be sold anything else"

Chances are if you listen I might have more then just what you saw on TV - or the TV showed you everything
but you missed the part where it said "just pay Shipping and Handling" -and now you're going to hang up instead of haggling with me.

Think of infomercials as a middle eastern bazaar - if you are shopping there, you are going to have to
ask for a better deal.
Sometimes if you forego "easy monthly installments" - and choose to pay in full today, I can sweeten the deal.
So don't tell me up front "I just want this and I want to pay in full" because you're going to get less value for your money that way.

3.
Oh and 1 more thing,, those calls that go on forever where we ask you if you'd like a free magazine subscription, and can claim a gift card
or a discount shopping program? TAKE ADVANTAGE of those, but be sure you UNDERSTAND how you cancel out your subscription
and memberships.

These can be real money savers, but you got to try them, and you have to follow the terms of the deal.
I'll tell you everything, and I have to comply with FTC regulations -but some things you just have to look at for your self
when the mailer comes - and it is true it only takes one phone call to cancel ( like you autoshipments of makeup).

Don't be so worried you're gong to get ripped off - sure there are shady operators, but there are some really nice
opportunities too.
Take the offer, make sure you follow up, and get your premiums for doing so.

I know you were just sitting around watching TV and you decided to call in, and now there is this Big Sales Thing
you gotta go thru to get your stuff!
Be patient, and ask questions, and try to beat me down on the costs,and chances are you'll do get more then
you thought you would for less..

Oh. and please turn down the TV volume when you call in so I don't have to scream over it!
Life goes on while you're on the phone -we get that - just don'tmake it any more difficult for us to talk to each other.

hope this helps! Call Now!! But Wait there's MORE! :mrgreen:

 

[joko104]

So what you are explaining is that it is generally a bait and switch operation for which you suggest people fall for it some you can make a bigger commission.

 

[Cardinal]

It's really odd to me that there are people who actually call a business to buy something after watching an infomercial. Who are they, anyway? Time travelers from 1995? We have Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and torrenting. Nobody should have to watch an infomercial no matter how bad their insomnia is.

 

[PoS]

I remember back in the 90's my dad had infomercials like Amazing Discoveries blaring in the living room TV day and night- he loved those things and would always buy the latest gadget that was on sale. God what a horrible memory.

 

[SMTA]

It's really odd to me that there are people who actually call a business to buy something after watching an infomercial. Who are they, anyway? Time travelers from 1995? We have Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime and torrenting. Nobody should have to watch an infomercial no matter how bad their insomnia is.

The royal screwing on 'shipping and handling' is hilarious.

Anyone who buys anything from an infomercial is a moron.

 

[Summerwind]

Just saw that NuWave oven or that BeachBody workout you gotta have, or maybe it's the BareMinerals special TV offer
where you get a started kit for $29.99 for you ladies?

If you've called into a TV ad before (infomercial) and you paid too much, or the operator gave you a hard time,
or you signed up for something on autoship and it was a bad experience and you swore never to buy from TV again....

It's you - not the TV /operator that placed the order wrong!

I've been doing this for about 7 years now ( infomercial operator) and while I do look out for my callers
( assuming you aren't a total pain in the ass to talk to) I have to represent my company.

So here are a couple of tips to get more for your money, and actually make shopping an enjoyable experience!

1.
The biggest mistake is callers telling me what they want when I pick up the phone, instead of letting me sell you the stuff.
You don't know what I have, and you don't know if I can give you discounts if you say "no" to the first offer.

So let me sell to you - you are the buyer,and I need the commission or sale ( there are both types of compensation)
so I'm more likely to try to accommodate you, then if you just say " i don't want anything else"

If that's all you want -OK -i'll give it to you, but chances are I'm not going to downsell it, and give you a better deal.

2.
So don't be so antsy about the sales call! Play a little hard to get -but don't just MINDLESSLY say "no"
to everything I offer you because "I don't want to be sold anything else"

Chances are if you listen I might have more then just what you saw on TV - or the TV showed you everything
but you missed the part where it said "just pay Shipping and Handling" -and now you're going to hang up instead of haggling with me.

Think of infomercials as a middle eastern bazaar - if you are shopping there, you are going to have to
ask for a better deal.
Sometimes if you forego "easy monthly installments" - and choose to pay in full today, I can sweeten the deal.
So don't tell me up front "I just want this and I want to pay in full" because you're going to get less value for your money that way.

3.
Oh and 1 more thing,, those calls that go on forever where we ask you if you'd like a free magazine subscription, and can claim a gift card
or a discount shopping program? TAKE ADVANTAGE of those, but be sure you UNDERSTAND how you cancel out your subscription
and memberships.

These can be real money savers, but you got to try them, and you have to follow the terms of the deal.
I'll tell you everything, and I have to comply with FTC regulations -but some things you just have to look at for your self
when the mailer comes - and it is true it only takes one phone call to cancel ( like you autoshipments of makeup).

Don't be so worried you're gong to get ripped off - sure there are shady operators, but there are some really nice
opportunities too.
Take the offer, make sure you follow up, and get your premiums for doing so.

I know you were just sitting around watching TV and you decided to call in, and now there is this Big Sales Thing
you gotta go thru to get your stuff!
Be patient, and ask questions, and try to beat me down on the costs,and chances are you'll do get more then
you thought you would for less..

Oh. and please turn down the TV volume when you call in so I don't have to scream over it!
Life goes on while you're on the phone -we get that - just don'tmake it any more difficult for us to talk to each other.

hope this helps! Call Now!! But Wait there's MORE! :mrgreen:

Or people could just be smart and not order from tv infomercials. If a product is truly useful and lasts a reasonable amount of time, likelihood is that it will be available through a much more reputable source and a more reasonable price (ie no shipping or handling) and no ridiculous game playing by operators trying to make more money by upselling.

Lastly and most importantly for those still determined to do so, be sure to read online reviews. Type in the product name and the word review, then do it again with the word scam, check the BBB reports (though it does seem the BBB can be bought these days). And once on the phone if the S&H is more than the product or you have to be involved in monthly commitment, don't give 'em your credit card info and hang up.

 

[Lovebug]

Infomercials?

 

[Lovebug]

Or people could just be smart and not order from tv infomercials. If a product is truly useful and lasts a reasonable amount of time, likelihood is that it will be available through a much more reputable source and a more reasonable price (ie no shipping or handling) and no ridiculous game playing by operators trying to make more money by upselling.

Lastly and most importantly for those still determined to do so, be sure to read online reviews. Type in the product name and the word review, then do it again with the word scam, check the BBB reports (though it does seem the BBB can be bought these days). And once on the phone if the S&H is more than the product or you have to be involved in monthly commitment, don't give 'em your credit card info and hang up.

Good point. Wait until it has sold enough to be on Walmart's radar. That way you can just bring it back if you don't like it instead of going through a bunch of hassle.

 

[Summerwind]

I'm curious if anyone else has a friend or relative that likes to call these infomercial numbers just to screw with them and tie up their phones so others can't get through and get scammed. I don't know if he's still doing it, but it used to be sleepless night "fun" for a friend of mine.

 

[Cardinal]

The royal screwing on 'shipping and handling' is hilarious.

Anyone who buys anything from an infomercial is a moron.

Apparently there's an entire subculture of infomercial buyers I thought only existed in the past (Fight Club is the last movie I know of that features an insomniac forced into watching infomercials). The world is a much larger (or smaller) place than I was aware. You want to know a really funny subculture? Google cockatoos dancing to music.

 

[SMTA]

Apparently there's an entire subculture of infomercial buyers I thought only existed in the past (Fight Club is the last movie I know of that features an insomniac forced into watching infomercials). The world is a much larger (or smaller) place than I was aware. You want to know a really funny subculture? Google cockatoos dancing to music.

The kids and I love them - we compete to see who correctly guesses the total shipping and handling costs before they are shown.

Then you factor in the BOGO, and all the other 'free' addins, and the separate shipping and handling costs are astronomical.

IIRC, the worst S&H percentage that we have seen is 80% of the item cost.

What a scam this garbage is.

 

[SMTA]

Apparently there's an entire subculture of infomercial buyers I thought only existed in the past (Fight Club is the last movie I know of that features an insomniac forced into watching infomercials). The world is a much larger (or smaller) place than I was aware. You want to know a really funny subculture? Google cockatoos dancing to music.

I think that subculture created QVC. :mrgreen:

 

[anatta]

So what you are explaining is that it is generally a bait and switch operation for which you suggest people fall for it some you can make a bigger commission.

it's not like any other sales. It's not bait and switch, they are regulated by the FTC.

Some things are really good deals, some of my commissions aren't based on sales volume.
Everybody hates infomercials but they are a $7billion industry last I looked.

As to Walmart -yes you can wait till it hits the "As Seen on TV" aisle -but you might not be getting the best deal.
For ex. we handle Nutribullet, and it's a BOGO for the double shipping ( $29.95) and it's the complete system with the Natural Healing books.

Hey I get nobody likes to call in and be pressured, and I'm pretty skilled so I don't -i'll ask questions as to what are you need.
and make some recommendations.
High pressure operators don't last -no one wants to be jammed up - and most of my callers end up thanking me.

 

[anatta]

Or people could just be smart and not order from tv infomercials. If a product is truly useful and lasts a reasonable amount of time, likelihood is that it will be available through a much more reputable source and a more reasonable price (ie no shipping or handling) and no ridiculous game playing by operators trying to make more money by upselling.

Lastly and most importantly for those still determined to do so, be sure to read online reviews. Type in the product name and the word review, then do it again with the word scam, check the BBB reports (though it does seem the BBB can be bought these days). And once on the phone if the S&H is more than the product or you have to be involved in monthly commitment, don't give 'em your credit card info and hang up.

absolutely. good advice. write the number down, and google up the reviews.
as to S&H -that's not a hard and fast rule either, you gotta look a the order total and what you get.

 

[clownboy]

it's not like any other sales. It's not bait and switch, they are regulated by the FTC.

Some things are really good deals, some of my commissions aren't based on sales volume.
Everybody hates infomercials but they are a $7billion industry last I looked.

As to Walmart -yes you can wait till it hits the "As Seen on TV" aisle -but you might not be getting the best deal.
For ex. we handle Nutribullet, and it's a BOGO for the double shipping ( $29.95) and it's the complete system with the Natural Healing books.

Hey I get nobody likes to call in and be pressured, and I'm pretty skilled so I don't -i'll ask questions as to what are you need.
and make some recommendations.
High pressure operators don't last -no one wants to be jammed up - and most of my callers end up thanking me.

Wow, it's kind of sad that you advertise being a snake oil salesman as if it's a good thing. Yes indeed it's a scam, the folks you work for just skirt the edge and find loopholes. This is as insipid as those asshats who offer the free whatever if you'll just sit through their condo sales meeting.

 

[Lutherf]

Just saw that NuWave oven or that BeachBody workout you gotta have, or maybe it's the BareMinerals special TV offer
where you get a started kit for $29.99 for you ladies?.....

I think the last things I purchased from an infomercial were a K-tel Goofy Greats record and a Ronco glass froster. When I got the Goofy Greats I think I also got the Spooky Sounds LP.

Anyway, I was quite happy with my purchase and the services provided.

 

[Lutherf]

it's not like any other sales. It's not bait and switch, they are regulated by the FTC.

Some things are really good deals, some of my commissions aren't based on sales volume.
Everybody hates infomercials but they are a $7billion industry last I looked.

As to Walmart -yes you can wait till it hits the "As Seen on TV" aisle -but you might not be getting the best deal.
For ex. we handle Nutribullet, and it's a BOGO for the double shipping ( $29.95) and it's the complete system with the Natural Healing books.

Hey I get nobody likes to call in and be pressured, and I'm pretty skilled so I don't -i'll ask questions as to what are you need.
and make some recommendations.
High pressure operators don't last -no one wants to be jammed up - and most of my callers end up thanking me.

Having spent may years in retail management I can well appreciate the work you put in. It's not an easy job by any stretch and those of you who can overcome the initial resistance and then make the experience pleasurable for the consumer are worth your weight in gold.

 

[rhinefire]

I ordered al little tiny 4 oz. tube of headlight restorer and they want $11.00 to ship it. I hung up.

 

[anatta]

Wow, it's kind of sad that you advertise being a snake oil salesman as if it's a good thing. Yes indeed it's a scam, the folks you work for just skirt the edge and find loopholes. This is as insipid as those asshats who offer the free whatever if you'll just sit through their condo sales meeting.

it's not a good thing or a bad thing - it is what it is.
Any sales have to be given the full terms and conditions, and for some people the interest free monthly payments allow a purchase they otherwise couldn't make.

There are also "trial fees" where they can try it out for $9.95 for 30 days , and then return it, and not get charged.

The "asshats" that have you sit through a condo pitch are a bit different, but people do use that for a free stay.
I've never done it -my time is worth more - but i'm sure people will sit thru a sales presentation to take advantage of the stay.
You calling it a scam doesn't really make it so - it's prolly a more expensive way to buy, but it also allows purchases that people couldn't other wise make.
It's a convenience for most people, and they can either buy or not -no one forces anyone to call.

 

[anatta]

Having spent may years in retail management I can well appreciate the work you put in. It's not an easy job by any stretch and those of you who can overcome the initial resistance and then make the experience pleasurable for the consumer are worth your weight in gold.

It;s my goal always. I do not want to shove stuff down peoples throats, and I've found out that not doing so actually increases sales.

 

[PoS]

It;s my goal always. I do not want to shove stuff down peoples throats, and I've found out that not doing so actually increases sales.

Nice. Telesales is a hard job and only a select few can do it- I certainly value my agents because I was one myself a few years back.

 

[clownboy]

it's not a good thing or a bad thing - it is what it is.
Any sales have to be given the full terms and conditions, and for some people the interest free monthly payments allow a purchase they otherwise couldn't make.

There are also "trial fees" where they can try it out for $9.95 for 30 days , and then return it, and not get charged.

The "asshats" that have you sit through a condo pitch are a bit different, but people do use that for a free stay.
I've never done it -my time is worth more - but i'm sure people will sit thru a sales presentation to take advantage of the stay.
You calling it a scam doesn't really make it so - it's prolly a more expensive way to buy, but it also allows purchases that people couldn't other wise make.
It's a convenience for most people, and they can either buy or not -no one forces anyone to call.

Oh nonsense. I worked in retail for years, and yes, what you're doing is a scam. The shipping and handling should not be a profit vehicle for the seller. The full price of the item isn't mentioned up front in the advert. The try before you buy thing is as old as the hills in retail sales and we all know what that's about. And in most states you HAVE to give folks their money back if they return the item within 30 days unless you prominently note that all sales are final, don't act as though that's something special.

 

[anatta]

Oh nonsense. I worked in retail for years, and yes, what you're doing is a scam. The shipping and handling should not be a profit vehicle for the seller. The full price of the item isn't mentioned up front in the advert. The try before you buy thing is as old as the hills in retail sales and we all know what that's about. And in most states you HAVE to give folks their money back if they return the item within 30 days unless you prominently note that all sales are final, don't act as though that's something special.

"should not be a profit' is your value judgement -sometimes it is
sometimes ( especially the BOGO's it not)
Yes if they pay in full they are under a 30 day MBG - the trial fees are just that, and it's disclosed they are not part of the purchase price.

anyways...I didn't post the OP to argue about the industry - I posted it for those who choose to call in and buy -
so they have some idea to get the best deals..

 

[anatta]

I'm off to a Fleetwood Mac concert, and will not be answering this thread anymore.. I posting this in "self help"
just for that reason.. "On With the Show"!!

 

[Meadowlark]

Just saw that NuWave oven or that BeachBody workout you gotta have, or maybe it's the BareMinerals special TV offer
where you get a started kit for $29.99 for you ladies?

If you've called into a TV ad before (infomercial) and you paid too much, or the operator gave you a hard time,
or you signed up for something on autoship and it was a bad experience and you swore never to buy from TV again....

Thanks, but I don't believe I've ever saw anything on TV I 'had to have'