But Wait... There's More!

5 replies
Greetings fellow Warriors,

Haven't been on the forum in quite some time but had something come up today that I felt was felt sharing.

As I've mentioned in some of my previous posts, I'm constantly working on honing and building my skills.

Case in point, I started studying infomercials last year or so. Specifically to try and pick up some tactics in their voice-over scripting that might be applicable or useable with video salesletters.

One of the first books I picked up was "But Wait ... There's More!" which I thought was GREAT.

I needed to recommend it to a client today... and when I looked it up on Amazon to email him the link, I saw they're selling the Kindle version (readable on Kindle, smartphones, or through Amazon's free desktop reader) for 99 cents which is an absolute steal.

No kidding... I bought the Kindle version myself even though I already own the hardcover version of the book.

Here's a non-affiliate link:

Amazon.com: But Wait ... There's More! eBook:...Amazon.com: But Wait ... There's More! eBook:...

Most of the book focuses on the history of infomercials and pitchmen but there's also some great insider industry tactics shared too.

The book has a great description on Amazon which I'll quote below:

Along the way, Stern details the history behind the classic products and introduces readers to some of the most famous (and infamous) pitchmen and personalities in the business, including Tony Robbins, Billy Mays, Ron Popeil, Tony Little, Suzanne Somers, Kevin Trudeau, and Joe Francis. He also presents an in-depth look at the business behind the camera—the canny sales strategies, clever psychological tools, and occasionally questionable tactics marketers have used to get us to open up our wallets and spend, spend, spend.
Hope that helps,

Mike
#wait
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Cohen
    Speaking of infomercials, Kevin Harrington shares some of his never before told stories from inside the infomercial business in this audio interview...

    Episode 118: The one with Kevin Harrington « I Love Marketing

    Alex
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8266661].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author max5ty
    Good read.

    A copywriter by the name of Schiff is actually credited with coming up with the phrase you used in your headline.

    He also coined the phrases, "Now, how much would you pay?", and "Act now and you'll receive...". He was the one that made the Ginsu knives famous.

    Have a friend that's a big wig in infomercial productions. We were discussing once what the first infomercial ever produced was...most agree it was Soloflex.

    Here's some interesting facts USA Today put together...

    USATODAY.com - Infomercial history highlights
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8267554].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    I always liked the Jet Stream Oven commercials...

    http://youtu.be/pjqloU2aX4s
    Signature

    Do you want a 9 figure copywriter and biz owner to Write With You? I'll work with you, on zoom, to help write your copy or client copy... while you learn from one of the few copywriters to legit hit 9 figures in gross sales! Discover More

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8268424].message }}
  • My first grunt job in TV was for WAKR-TV in Akron, Ohio. I would drive to the post office and collect all the checks people sent in for Bamboo Steamer, Fishin' Magician, Ginsu Knives, K-Tel etc. In those days you sent a check to a post office box. "Just send $9.99 to PO Box 555, Akron, OH 55555. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery!"

    Did you have a K-Tel Record Selector?

    https://www.youtube.com/user/KtelClassics

    Anyhooz, if you get into infomercials, pick up Joe Sugarman's "Television Secrets for Marketing Success."

    Television Secrets for Marketing Success: How to...Television Secrets for Marketing Success: How to...

    Tons of great info on infomercials, shopping channels, etc. He talks about the evolution of Blu \Blockers and how they developed the iconic commercial that made him rich(er).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgvVwNWpyKI

    "Dr. Geek in the house!

    Here we go:
    Alright now I'm real fast
    Let me tell you what I think of this 'a come to pass.
    My name is Geek I put 'em on as a shocker
    Man, I love these BluBlockers!

    Everything is clear, they block out the sun.
    Oh yeah, I gotta get me some.
    Everything is groovy now I'm not pulling my speech.
    This is what I do up and down Venice Beach.

    My name is Geek I'm more than a hip-hopper
    And I'll be 'chic' in my BluBlockers! Yeah... now what my mean
    Yep these sun glasses are really really keen.

    So there you have it folks
    Out there in TV land.
    Get you some glasses..
    They're sweeping the land.

    Remember what I said "now I'm a hip hopper"
    Yeah go get you some BluBlockers.
    Um, now yep its sweet
    I'll see you later I gotta make some money on the beach."

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Png-PC0ews
    Signature
    Marketing is not a battle of products. It is a battle of perceptions.
    - Jack Trout
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8269026].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jking1
    I haven't read that e-book yet but it seems very interesting so I'll get one for myself and learn more tactics. I hope it can improve my writing and marketing abilities.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8272067].message }}

Trending Topics