Selling It

Goofs, glitches, and gotchas spotted by our readers

By Consumer Reports

December 8, 2022

Quality, Our Price, 99 cents, and yellow bursts on a pink background

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.

Watch Out If You Want to Get Healthy

These destinations may not make you feel so good this winter.

No Modesty Allowed, Either

sign on door that says "no bags or clothing allowed in weight room"

This gym might want to rethink its “dress code.”
Submitted by Amy Hayden, Denver

Too Tall? Get Another Parking Space!

sign on asphalt that says "compact patient only"

Unless you’re visiting a pediatrician’s office, this policy seems kind of discriminatory.
Submitted by James Berk, Huntington Beach, CA

Cafeteria for Vampires

sign pointing to hallway that has Phlebotomy and Dining

Not into giving blood while you eat? We suggest picking a different hospital lunch spot.
Submitted by Robert Ianarelli, Summerville, SC

Bring a Tissue

display for Walgreens where it reads as "Available: Flu Snots"

Isn’t this exactly what a vaccine should help you avoid?
Submitted by Claudia McGehee, as seen in Iowa City, IA

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 January 2023 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

Consumer Reports

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