With the holiday season fast approaching, people everywhere are kicking their shopping pace into high gear. Soon, panic will set in as it becomes more and more difficult to find that elusive "perfect gift" at a reasonable price. Walking up and down aisle after aisle, with a big list and a small budget, many begin to beg Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and anyone else with remotely tenable power in the Christmas world, to come to their rescue. That?s when it happens - the phrase heard 'round the world during the holiday season, the exalted phrase of gift-giving sounds in their heads: "As Seen on T.V."
Most people with access to a television set are familiar with at-home shopping and infomercials. Infomercials are basically ad spots or long commercials that present products and their associated details in a lively, vibrant and generally entertaining manner. The undisputed King of the Informercial is the man who coined the phrase "As Seen on T.V." - Mr. Ron Popeil. He founded Ronco, a company that would specialize in products invented, for the most part, by Ron and his father. Popeil, an excellent salesman, recognized early that television would be the perfect way to reach the masses and sell his creations. He was already making sales for products "As Seen on T.V." early in the 1960?s. Some of his earliest and most successful "As Seen on T.V." products were gadgets & gizmos such as the Chop-o-Matic, the Pocket Fisherman and the Veg-o-Matic.
The Chop-o-Matic was an incredibly efficient "machine" with six rotating, stainless steel blades that were activated by tapping down on the knob or plunger. It was a wildly successful kitchen gadget because it worked well, exactly as demonstrated, and was affordable. The new and improved Chop-o-Matic continues to be sold by Ronco today and is listed on their website for a mere $9.00. The Veg-o-Matic was a natural complement since it did not chop but rather sliced and diced. This "As Seen on T.V." product, with its interchangeable cutting blades, can also still be purchased today, including at retail outlets such as Walmart.
Even in semi-retirement, Ron Popeil is an avid fisherman. His "As Seen on T.V." Pocket Fisherman is a basically a compact fishing kit. A hinged double-flex fishing rod, it can be folded down to be compact enough to fit in a car?s glove compartment or to hook onto a belt. No need to worry about lugging a tackle box, either. Hook, line, bobber and sinker are conveniently stowed in the handle.
Ron Popeil and Ronco were certainly the inspiration for the wealth of today?s "As Seen on T.V." products. In the Health & Beauty category, for example, one might purchase the Age Away Root Color Concealer Duo Pen to glide over those unsightly greys between hair color appointments. The DermaFresh Microdermabrasion System, with its bonus case and mirror, would make a great Christmas gift for the woman who keeps her skin healthy and youthful. The exfoliation tool gently buffs away old skin cells with the help of the included cream.
"As Seen on T.V." products in the Home & Garden category are useful, affordable and easy choices for under the tree. Who wouldn?t love a Snuggie or a Slanket to stay warm and cozy this winter? These are basically large blankets with sleeves that allow you to be wrapped up in soft, comfortable fleece while keeping your hands free for reading, snacking or using the computer. You can even get a Snuggie Dog for your favorite furry friend.
So this season, when shopping is wearing you down and you?re fresh out of ideas, give some thought to all those fun and useful "As Seen on T.V." items. Just remember Ron Popeil?s famous advice that accompanied the Record Vacuum or the Buttoneer - "Makes the Perfect Christmas Gift!" |
