Selling It

By Consumer Reports

February 2, 2023

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.

Can You (Really) Read the Signs?

There’s some seriously mixed-up messaging happening out there.

Whose Hardware Store Is This, Anyway?

sign for Jerry's Hardware with sign under it saying Welcome to Rob's Hardware with road and trees in background

Looks like there’s a power struggle over some power tools.
Submitted by Kevin Mattimore, via email

An Open and Shut Case

sign on door saying "closed" but under that says "come in"

Hey, don’t let that locked door stop you.
Submitted by Joe Hauser, Cupertino, CA

Thirsty? Think Again.

two drinking water fountains with sign above them saying "non-potable water"

You definitely shouldn’t drink from these water fountains.
Submitted by Jim Richardson, via email

Let's Get Lost

two road signs pointing in opposite directions for North 321 with road, trees, and mountains in background

You’re going to need a map (or Waze) for this one.
Submitted by Del Allen, Columbus, OH

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 March 2023 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.