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 ripoffs, poorly worded ads, half-empty packaging, outlandish claims, and goofs that have made them laugh out loud.
Call Roadside Assistance
These ads are in need of repairs.
High Maintenance
By the time this reader gets home from his "closest Pep Boys," he'll need another oil change. (Submitted by Brian Fong of Sacramento, Calif.)
Fully Loaded
It's reassuring to know that the Fiat featured in this ad comes with a steering wheel. Let's hope they throw in four tires, too. (Submitted by Joseph Bertrand of Springfield, Ill.)
Two Strong Helpers Included?
We certainly hope they mean a keyless ignition. (Submitted by Terry Evans of Kitchener, Ontario.)
Wheeling and Dealing
Looks like this "sale" filtered out any savings. (Submitted by Peter Drivas of Bedford, Mass.)
Share the Silliness With Us
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
Send us your funny ads and we might publish it here.
Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the April 2016 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
