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.
Some Seasonal Snafus
The holiday fare below just isn’t the right kind of festive.
Gift Giving Has Reached a New Bottom
Photo: Gary Woodhouse Photo: Gary Woodhouse
Although this present is definitely something everyone needs.
Submitted by Gary Woodhouse, Layton, UT
Smells Like . . . Nothing?
Photo: Tom Pastore Photo: Tom Pastore
Don’t expect any aromatherapy from this bar of soap.
Submitted by Tom Pastore, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Something Isn't Kosher Here
Photo: Jerry Goffe Photo: Jerry Goffe
Maybe this ham would be better for Easter.
Submitted by Jerry Goffe, Albuquerque, NM
Only for Those on the Naughty List
Photo: Mike H. Photo: Mike H.
Kids everywhere hope you’ll shop in a different section.
Submitted by Mike H. as seen in Topeka, KS
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 December 2022 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
