The term “As Seen On TV” is a generic phrase that refers to merchandises and products that have been marketed using infomercials on television. It is part of the direct-response advertising business, which generates billions of dollars in sales every year. The business strategy involves requiring customers to make direct purchases over the telephone or using the mail.

These television infomercials most commonly come in either 30-minute infomercial spots or quick 30-second commercials. The 30-minute infomercial would often feature positive testimonials or interviews of consumers that have used the product. Usually you find these 30-minute infomercials airing late at night with the TV guide stating it is a paid programming.

More recently, producers of As Seen On TV products expanded into retail stores. You can now find many different As Seen On TV products being sold in large mass market retailers such as Wal-Mart or K-Mart. Some pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS now also have a specific section that is dedicated to just as seen on tv merchandises. Often this section is clearly noticeable when customers enter the store.

The online presence for these products has also increased. Now almost every infomercial includes a url to the product’s website along with the phone number to order the product. One main reason is that many customers feel more secure placing an order online through a website rather than giving out their credit card information and address to a stranger over the telephone.

The variety of products that have been promoted with this technique are countless. The most common types include health and beauty products, fitness products, children’s toys, automotive products, pet products and kitchen and cookware. The use of infomercials have turned many into instant successes, including the Topsy Turvy, Sham Wow, Slap Chop, Ab Circle Pro, and plenty more.

The most recent major success would be the Snuggie, which has developed a cult following. The concept itself is very simple given it is just a blanket with sleeves and similar to a bathrobe worn backwards. The product itself however became extremely successful and sold well over 4 million. After the popularity of the initial Snuggie, different patterns for it were created, followed by a smaller version for kids and then even a Snuggie for dogs was made.

In addition, infomercials have made the pitchmen or pitch women who starred in them into a famous celebrities. The first being Ron Popeil, who a lot people know as the “set it and forget it” guy with his famous Ronco Rotisserie Oven.

The recently deceased Billy Mays have also become a famous name after selling a wide assortment of products in his infomercials. The man known as Vince have also enjoyed public attention thanks to his laughable but efficient manner in his ShamWow and Slap Chop infomercials.

Cathy Mitchell is another household name when it comes to infomercials. She has been hired to star in many infomercials for cookware and other products used in the kitchen. Some of the more well known ones include the Pasta Boat, Green Bags, and the Xpress Redi-Set-Go.

Author Bio: The author is currently employed as a writer and web designer at AsSeenOnTVUS.com, an online as seen on tv products store.

Category: Business
Keywords: shop, shopping, infomercial, infomercials, as seen on tv, advertising, marketing