Selling It
Goofs, glitches, and gotchas spotted by our readers
Marketers want their products and services to be noticed and applauded, but sometimes the attempt backfires. When it does, our eagle-eyed readers let us know, submitting examples of rip-offs, poorly worded ads, half-empty packaging, outlandish claims, and goofs that have made them laugh out loud.
Think You’re Ready to Travel?
You may want to stay at home if this is what awaits you on the road.
Who Needs Choices Anyway?
Photo: Kari Elsila and Maple Buescher Photo: Kari Elsila and Maple Buescher
This hotel vending machine makes it super-easy to decide what to drink.
Submitted by Kari Elsila and Maple Buescher, as seen in a Massachusetts hotel
Everyone Missed This Flight
Photo: Charlie Kronvall Photo: Charlie Kronvall
It’s usually a good idea to post a boarding time that comes before departure.
Submitted by Charlie Kronvall, as seen in Seattle
Bike Tour for Billionaires
Photo: Rodney Falk Photo: Rodney Falk
For this price, someone else should do the pedaling.
Submitted by Rodney Falk, via email
Who Could Pass Up This Deal?
Photo: Liz Burden Photo: Liz Burden
And for another $20, we’ve got a bed for you, too.
Submitted by Liz Burden, via email
Send Us Your Funny Ads
Be on the lookout for goofs and glitches like these. Share them with us via:
• Email: SellingIt@cro.consumer.org
• Mail: Selling It, Consumer Reports, 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers, NY 10703
Please include key information, such as the publication’s name and date. We might publish your submission here.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the August 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
