Product Characteristics of DRTV
Characteristics That Don’t Sell Well in As Seen On TV.
The narrow criteria for As Seen On TV products is “Items that solve everyday problems in visually unique ways.” Simple right?
But wait… there’s more. Many products are tested so the “internal” knowledge bank what’s not working, is an important step to finding out what consumers are willing to pay for. Much of success is timing. The perfect storm of luck or Divine Providence lines up in your favor with the products, players and funding circling round in the perfect storm. That’s where I like to stand. Right in the eye of the tornado! Where it’s calm. 🙂
Some characteristics of products don’t sell well in As Seen On TV, a segment of the DRTV industry. Knowing what does not work saves time and money.
Over the years we’ve learned a lot about what does NOT work on TV. As you continue to educate yourself, find ways to avoid these characteristics when inventing for TV.
Specifics
Too Many Versions…. TV products are simple. Just one kind works best, but no more than three, in selected cases.
Item Must Stand Alone…. Don’t create products that need other products to function. Accessories or add-ons usually don’t do well. The item must be of value on its own.
Nothing Novelty… Items must have a practical aspect to them. No novelty.
Nothing “Preventative”…. TV is a positive, impulse item purchase. Preventive items create negative emotional responses and tend not to do well in this selling medium.
Other categories that are crowded as of September, 2016 are:
Plush Toys. Cell Phone Accessories.
Then of course, there’s BBQ. As a general rule, BBQ products have not done well in As Seen On TV. Consumers prefer to buy these kinds of products on the end cap at the hardware store!
And please… no more Pooper Scoopers!
Of course, conventional wisdom is always being challenged and consumer trends and buying patterns change. I would ALWAYS prefer to have “First Look” rather then to miss the next Big winner.
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