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.
But They Promised!
With these products, what you see on the label isn’t necessarily what you’ll get.
We Guess They Meant ‘South' American?
Submitted by Meredith Bertz, Cary, NC Submitted by Meredith Bertz, Cary, NC
Which is why it’s a little confusing to feature the U.S. flag on the label.
Submitted by Meredith Bertz, Cary, NC
You Had One Job
Submitted by Marcia Elkins, via email Submitted by Marcia Elkins, via email
If only this phone stand could actually float.
Submitted by Marcia Elkins, via email
Those Are the Breaks, Kid
Submitted by Fred Crater, Clemmons, NC Submitted by Fred Crater, Clemmons, NC
Here’s a hard lesson: Some things just don’t live up to the claims.
Submitted by Fred Crater, Clemmons, NC
When Life Gives You Lemonade . . .
Submitted by Scott Yost, Greensboro, NC Submitted by Scott Yost, Greensboro, NC
Looks tasty but definitely not “just” ice tea.
Submitted by Scott Yost, Greensboro, NC
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 July 2023 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
