6 Products that made Infomercial millionaires overnight
Image Source: YouTube/The Shamwow Guy
In the past decade, infomercials have been slowly losing their popularity. People are less reliant on infomercials because they can do their own research and have more information available. 54% of Americans claim they do not pay attention to any commercials. Infomercials used to be a major force in the development of some of today’s biggest products. Check out these six iconic products which made infomercial millionaires. 1.
The George Foreman Grill: Revolutionizing Kitchens Everywhere
Launched in 1994, the George Foreman Grill became a household name with its promise of quick and healthy cooking. It was marketed as the “Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine” and resonated with health conscious consumers around the world. George Foreman’s enthusiastic and relatable personality helped the grill gain popularity. Over 100 million units have been sold worldwide. George Foreman earned 40% of profits during the peak. This equates to $4.5 million a month. George Foreman earned well over $200,000,000 from grill sales. Compact design and the ability to drain fat from the grill changed how people cook, especially in smaller kitchens. Its legacy continues as a symbol for infomercial success.2.
ThighMaster – The Fitness Craze that Swept the Nation
The ThighMaster was made famous by actress Suzanne Somers and became one of most recognizable fitness product of the 1990s. It was marketed to fitness enthusiasts as well as casual exercisers. Its compact and portable design appealed to those who did not have access to a fitness center. The product was backed by catchy ads featuring Suzanne Somers and sold more than $100 million in its first few years. Somers and Alan Hamel said they stopped counting after 10 million ThighMasters, but now they think it’s probably closer to 15 million. Overall, she’s made $300 million from it. 3.
OxiClean: The Stain Fighter That Dominated Laundry Rooms
OxiClean revolutionized cleaning with its versatile, oxygen-based stain-fighting formula. The late Billy Mays’ energetic infomercials are largely responsible for its success. Mays’ estimated net worth was $10 million at the time of death in 2009. In 2000, OxiClean became a huge success after Billy Mays was chosen as the face. OxiClean made $245 million in 2001 and was expected to reach $330 million by the next year. Audiences were captivated by demonstrations of OxiClean’s ability to remove stubborn stains on carpets, clothes, and other surfaces. Its environmentally-friendly and non-toxic ingredients boosted the product’s popularity with eco-conscious customers. OxiClean became a household must-have almost instantly, generating millions of dollars in revenue. The brand’s success led it to expand into a full line of cleaning products.4.
Snuggie – The Blanket With Sleeves that Went Viral
The Snuggie – often called “the blanket with arms” – turned a simple concept into a multimillion-dollar empire. The infomercials were funny and quirky, which made it a viral success in the late 2000s. The practicality of keeping warm and having their hands free to do other things like read or use remote controls was a big hit with consumers. Snuggie’s sales exceeded $500,000,000 despite initial skepticism. This proves the power of marketing creativity. The Snuggie became a popular culture phenomenon. Parodies and fan-made video clips added to its appeal. The Snuggie was a success because it showed the power of combining practicality and humor. ShamWow – The Super-Absorbent Cleaning Towel that Took Over Television
ShamWow is a highly absorbent towel that gained fame via infomercials featuring the charismatic Vince offer. The towel’s ability to absorb large amounts of liquid was demonstrated in infomercials starring the charismatic Vince Offer. The towel’s ability to clean almost any surface and its durability made it appealing to both households and businesses. The slogan “You’ll Say Wow Every Time” became instantly recognizable and drove its sales to million within weeks. ShamWow was so successful that it spawned other variations, such as the Slap Chop. This further cemented Vince Offer’s reputation as an infomercial icon. Offer’s networth is estimated at around $1 million despite both products being successful in the infomercial industry. He is still among the infomercial millionaires, with at least one successful product under his belt.
6. The Bowflex: Redefining Home Fitness
Bowflex brought gym-quality workouts to homes with its innovative resistance-based design. In the 1980s the Bowflex machine was launched and gained huge popularity due to infomercials that highlighted its versatility and effectiveness. Bowflex, unlike traditional home equipment promised a complete body workout in only 20 minutes per day. Fitness enthusiasts were attracted to its sleek design and the promise of immediate results. Bowflex helped Nautilus earn more than $580 million annually in 2005. The company was in financial difficulties in 2023, and faced bankruptcy, before Johnson Health Tech Retail, Inc. bought it in April 2024. Even though it was no longer a household name, the company still made millions of dollars during its TV infomercial days. Turning Ideas into Empires
With proper marketing and timing, every product has its moment in the spotlight. These products, whether they are simple cleaning tools or fitness equipment, have all made infomercial millionaires. Their stories of success highlight the power that captivating pitches, relatable characters, and products which solve everyday problems can have. What infomercial do you remember? Read More18% Of US Households are Millionaires. Here’s Why You Aren’t One.
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