Has a TV commercial ever convinced you to buy something?

[jbs]

I was talking with my cousin and he said he have never been influenced to buy something from a TV commercial. I think we all know commercial work or the company's wouldn't pay to air them, but does this happen subconsciously or can we actually tell when they are influencing us? Can you remember any commercial that has convinced you to buy something, or do you believe commercials have no influence on you?

[rennigade]

Movie previews...yes. Everything else....no.

[elessar78]

As someone that has worked in advertising for over a decade, I'd like to think that it has an influence on most people. You're not going to get every to "Act now!", and as a business insight that's the difference between "Direct Response" or "Direct Marketing" vs "Advertising"

Direct Response is the short game, Advertising is the long game and advertising can work pre or post purchase.

Even if a person did not go out that very moment or the next day to buy something that was advertised—a lot of times it's just about planting the seed. Let's say Washer/Dryers. Your dryer is starting to make noise or takes longer to dry. You saw an ad for say, Maytag, with a bored Maytag repair man. But you're a diligent consumer, so you head to Consumer Reports and the internet to research Reliable models. Your research yields that, for example, Maytag, Samsung, and LG are all highly reliable brands. You research price and find that Samsung is REALLY expensive but Maytag is 60% of the cost. Long story short, maybe you end up with that Maytag or Honda sedan because you're keenly aware of it's reputation.

The real only "act now" ads are for fast food that show up at 7 PM and Midnight directed toward hungry single males.

[LuckyRobin]

TV commercial, no. Infomercial, yes, but only after having watched it dozens of times over the course of a couple of years. I bought a Tilia food saver. Was worth it, too. Didn't buy it off the infomercial, though.

[Drake3287]

I think at some point these commercials work against them. I'm sick of the non stop Flo insurance one. I have a negative view of Progressive just because of her.

[marvholly]

Nope.

Many years ago I developed the ability to tune out certain noises like kids fighting, noisy co-workers and tv/radio commercials. Still able to do these days even though 4+ years retired.

[JoeP]

Commercials annoy me, so I tune them out by pressing the mute button and walking away for 2 minutes.

I always do independent research before buying major products and services. Sometimes I solicit input on forums like this, ask friends and co-workers, etc. I NEVER listen to radio or TV personalities...they get PAID to recommend things, hardly impartial!

[disneysteve]

As someone that has worked in advertising for over a decade, I'd like to think that it has an influence on most people. You're not going to get every to "Act now!", and as a business insight that's the difference between "Direct Response" or "Direct Marketing" vs "Advertising"

Even if a person did not go out that very moment or the next day to buy something that was advertised—a lot of times it's just about planting the seed.

I think this is a great post.

I can't think of any time when I saw a product advertised on TV and said, "Ooh, I have to get myself one of those." However, whenever I buy something, there has to be some reason why I chose that particular brand/product/model. I drive a Toyota Camry. I've driven a Toyota Camry since 1991. I'm on my 3rd one. There had to be something back in 1991 that led me to choose that car. Had I never seen a single ad for it, never heard a commercial, never seen any car rankings, why would I have suddenly gone out and chosen that vehicle? I'm sure part of what led me there was TV ads, hearing that it was the best selling car in its class, etc.

So I am definitely not an "act now" kind of guy. Honestly, I usually ignore the commercials during the limited time that I do watch TV. Frequently my wife wil make some comment about a commercial that was just on and I won't have a clue what she's talking about because I wasn't paying attention. But ultimately, commercials do have some impact. I don't think I'm as influenced by them as many others, which is why you'll find our home stocked with many generic and store-brand products, but surely there are some things that I bought at least in part to learning about them through advertising.

[MKKShah]

TV commercials for food works wonders on me and my Wife. There have been times when we saw an ad for a restaurant and immediately packed up and left to dine there!

We are also suckers for coupons / in store cash from the likes of JCP/Kohls.

Beer is another thing that I get tempted to buy based on TV ads.

I won't buy a car, a house, clothing items, electronic products based on TV ads.

[krantcents]

Commercials, magazine advertisements,m billboards and all forms of marketing may make me look into the product or service, but never convince me to buy it. I think marketing is supposed to just influence us, so it is successful if it makes you want to look into it. Food commercials may make me hungry, but not necessarily for their product. Will I try something just because I see it on TV? Probably not! If I am given a sample in a store, I may buy it if I like it though.

[disneysteve]

Will I try something just because I see it on TV? Probably not! If I am given a sample in a store, I may buy it if I like it though.

I agree. Free samples are a much more effective form of advertising. I don't think I've ever gone out and bought a new food product because of a commercial, but I definitely have as a result of trying it in the store or getting a free sample at home.

[Scanner]

I think it has convinced people more than everyone would care to admit.

First of all, I want all the "As Seen on TV" doo-dads.

But off the top of my head, I am pretty sure my beloved Vitamix was TV inspired (and I do use the heck out of it).

Of course, the internet is kind of TV's silent partner after you are introduced to a product. After that, TV produces Top of Mind Awareness (TOMA) on products and services. Whether it's "RedLobster Fest" or whatever.

[disneysteve]

First of all, I want all the "As Seen on TV" doo-dads.

Really? You do realize almost all of them are complete and total crap, right?

[corn18]

Really? You do realize almost all of them are complete and total crap, right?

The Twinkie maker I got for Xmas was utter crap. The machine seemed to bake them ok but the filling insert device exploded on the first one. I always have such high hopes for the stuff on TV but then I visit Amazon or Consumer Reports and that stops the urges. The funniest thing I ever bought was an electric head massager from Sky Mall. We had a lot of laughs Xmas day with that thing.

[Scanner]

Really? You do realize almost all of them are complete and total crap, right?

I know. . .but I want them.

All of them. . .the fish aquarium, the bacon bowl, the razor sharpener thing, the Topsy Turvy. . .all of them.

I tell my kids they are father's day gifts.