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NoMoneyDown

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You know the ones on TV where they have a product for 'only $19.95' and usually have a "free" gift 'if you order now' (that organizer with a free lil' reminder comes to mind). Anyone have experience in getting an idea from concept, through working product, and on to these commercials? I have several ideas for similar $19.99 products (yes, and some free gifts as well) which I think could generate some cash flow, but not sure where to begin exactly.
 
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LightHouse

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I beleive we have a short thread on infomercials. try searching for it it has some down to earth info on producing them. Sounds like a job for "BILLY MAYS HERE"
 

Poudda

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I had a prof in one of my business courses who was actually a retired businessman. One of his money making ideas used infomercials. I don't know what kind of margin they had on the actual product (bought and resold it from a manufacturer via arms length transaction). But he did point out that he actually made more money from the shipping charges. Shipping cost them pennies for this product (like $1.00) since it could be shipped in a 8 X 11 bubble envelope. They charged like $8.95 for shipping AND handling (this was about 20 years ago).
 

Z5 FILMS

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You're speaking of infomercials. From my basic research into them, they are one of those high risk, high reward type things. Also not cheap. I was quoted $25K for a simple 30 second ad. That does not include any media testing. That's going to cost another $10K+ at the very minimum I'm guessing.

But all this could cost $100K easy and skyrocket from there. Those "Billy Mays" ads I'm guessing are $500K+ productions
 
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Andrew

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Also take into account that these involve either recurring subscription billing (Video Professor, Girls Gone Wild) or the company heavily direct markets the customers, upselling more expensive products. $19.95 may very well be running at a loss with the profits coming from the back end.

Thats not to discourage you, just understand what the entire business model is before you mirror the concept.
 

Z5 FILMS

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I beleive we have a short thread on infomercials. try searching for it it has some down to earth info on producing them. Sounds like a job for "BILLY MAYS HERE"

I like Billy Mays! That guy could get eskimos to buy ice.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHAG1TLoyks"]YouTube - Billy Mays OxiClean[/ame]


It would be great to hire him to do some some skit for a viral video.
 

Z5 FILMS

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"Mays said Orange Glo is selling $250 million in products this year and expects to sell $500 million in products next year."

That's what I like to hear!!! Speed!
 

MJ DeMarco

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I have a few friends involved in tv/informercial marketing.

There is a ton of money in infomercials and its actually a fastlane venue that I am considering for my next business venture. I also think Peter2 was engaged in infomercials.

The key is your product and your marketing. Billy Mays is big time and is worth gazillions. Her female version is Joy Magnano who is heavy into infomercials and HSN. I think Joy lives in the Hamptons in some 50 million square foot beach front estate.

Of course, informercialing isn't easy -- you can't just throw a guy with a british accent and an average product on tv -- you need a product with SIZZLE. Billy Mays conveys SIZZLE!!
 

MJ DeMarco

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