Pitchmen - 4/22/09

[VegasVic]

Kind of interesting again to see how they actually film the spots. Not much talk this week about how long the spots should be or product pricing. I believe this is the first time I've seen Billy do a 30 minute infomercial.

I think Shuffles is a ridiculous product. I realize the show has one product that makes it and one that doesn't but I can't believe they picked Shuffles. I think the fact the girl was good looking certainly factored in. :rolleyes:

Billy is certainly a Diva. :cool:

[tiams]

Billy is such a wimp! Too scared to be welded into a box?

And I want a dual saw! But I do wonder how long the blade lasts. Anybody have one or know someone who does?

Can we change the thread title to include the products names for this episode? It's better when each week has it's own thread.

[doom1701]

This was the first episode that I've seen; to echo what got put into the other thread:

1. I'd buy a Dualsaw in a heartbeat, and then my wife would have to stand watch over the car to make sure I didn't cut it in half. I'm a sucker for those over the top demonstrations.

2. The Shuffles are a pretty silly product--and they don't have any kind of "over the top" demonstration that can be done with them. "Watch closely as I...clean this floor!"

3. I'm surprised that Billy Mays doesn't scream all the time. I figured that was just the way he is. I guess it's that "over the top" thing again.

[nataylor]

1. I'd buy a Dualsaw in a heartbeat, and then my wife would have to stand watch over the car to make sure I didn't cut it in half. I'm a sucker for those over the top demonstrations.That can be said about a lot of the products, though. I'm thinking of stuff like mops, or choppers, or even the ShamWow. There's nothing really over-the-top about those.

[VegasVic]

I tried to edit the title but it won't let me...

If Shuffles were something you could demonstrate on a tabletop like the Shamwow, then I think Billy could make it seem at least somewhat worthwhile. But it just looks stupid showing people sliding around on the floor with them.

Sully seems like a jag but it was funny when he said they'd let Billy have as many lines as he wants and just edit them out later.

[doom1701]

That can be said about a lot of the products, though. I'm thinking of stuff like mops, or choppers, or even the ShamWow. There's nothing really over-the-top about those.

Mops would probably be the closest, but things like the slapchop and the Shamwow, while being pretty basic products, are demonstrated with some real "bang!". I think VegasVic is right--if you could demonstrate the Shuffles on a table top and actually see the host (even though I think that Sullivan is a little bland) you could "wow" it up a little.

[omnibus]

I learned an interesting trick from the slap-chop spot. If you're dicing an onion just put in skin side down and chop away.....the onion skin just falls away. I guess it works with garlic too.

We have a name brand similar chopper and woudn't be without it. I did'nt cost $19.95 + s&h and did'nt come with the useless "graty"

[Ekims]

I am loving this show!! I don't know why, but I was seriously rooting for the French guy to be a success. He seemed so genuine and likable.

[newsposter]

ok they deferred their fee..what does that mean now that the shuffie didnt do so well? That she owes them or that they took all the money she did make on the initial buy?

and how does this work production wise? they make 10000 saws and hope they sell or wait for 10000 orders them make them and say ships in 8 weeks? Seems like a delicate balance.

[VegasVic]

Sounds like they test market the ad in a few places and gauge the response. Based on that they either stop or roll it out to a bigger market. And with all the things they've sold over the years they probably have a pretty good idea of how many will sell once they do a full roll out and they ramp up production accordingly.