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Don't you love Billy Mays?

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Billy Mays is the most famous infomercial spokesperson today. In fact, he is considered the “king” of infomercials and he will be getting his own reality show soon. Billy is known for selling several products on TV. (Most of them useless) He even sells products in Spanish. (Well… is not really his voice either) Whether we find overall infomercials annoying, or think that Billy is just a cheap salesman, one thing is true. The companies that have been selling all these products for years are making a profit! Somehow Billy and his buddies have managed to keep themselves running on air because there is someone out there buying all these products. I think, we all, at some point have fallen for a product that is advertised on an infomercial. Yes, I am one of those people too. I know it’s sad.

Before, infomercials were only shown on TV after midnight, now you can see them anytime of the day and in numerous occasions. No wonder, why more and more people despise advertising today. Because when people are asked what they think about advertising, all they can think about is that it is deceiving, annoying, unreal and over-promising.

Here are some of the most common phrases I’ve heard on Billy’s ads:

•    "Would you pay..."
•    "Introducing the revolutionary"
•    “I am so convinced that you'll love this product that I am offering..."
•    But wait!," "But wait there's more!", or "But that's not all!"

I just have a question? If Billy and his friends are making a lot of money, couldn’t they produce something with better quality, more engaging, and more real?

I know this formula has been working for Billy, but common. It hurts my eyes every time I see him. (Especially in Spanish)

Here is his webiste: http://www.infomercialsitv.com/celebrity/billymays.htm
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Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 19, 2008 at 3:15 PM

    test

    ReplyDelete
  2. IsaacDecember 20, 2008 at 5:17 PM

    Let me start off by saying that I totally hear what you are saying about infomercials 'almost' convincing you to buy something completely not necessary. Before i go on to give my two cents in regards to this form of advertising, I have to say that I am an informercial virgin shopper. I have been close, but I havent bought anything.

    Ok, so here are my two cents.
    1) Production - I truly believe that they will never have good production because the moment they do that will be the moment people will start buying. Having this low-budget productions make people feel like they are actually paying for the product, not the advertising itself... as they might feel when they buy George Foreman grills.. hence the huge growth in Private Label purchases.
    2) Copy - One thing we have to give them credit for is the mundane but witty copy. Honestly, this in addition to the one very long product demo is what makes the sale.

    To close, I feel that with the current economic downturn, or as Bush said today 'depression,' infomercial are not going anywhere. Think about it... Its a very prominent product demo, that always carry a value added strategy... "but that's not all..." Who doesnt want to stretch their dollar as much as possible in todays economy? Good posting Yito.
    Isaac.

    ReplyDelete

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