OK, how stupid are US consumers?

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In summary, US consumers are often criticized for making irrational and impulsive purchasing decisions, such as overspending on unnecessary items and falling for deceptive marketing tactics. However, this behavior is largely influenced by the widespread availability of credit and the constant bombardment of advertisements. Additionally, consumer intelligence and education can also play a role in shaping their spending habits. Ultimately, while US consumers may make questionable choices at times, there are various factors at play that contribute to their overall behavior.
  • #1
turbo
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Does this "product" satisfy a need?

http://www.snazzynapper.com/
 
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  • #2
How about this one?

 
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  • #3
That is the stupidest thing I've ever seen.

I only bought 3.
 
  • #4
Jamma said:
How about this one?


I just gave my wife a hug and saved a bundle.
 
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  • #5
They are going in completely the wrong direction anyway.

If it wasn't a device to show love and affection to someone who you are fond of by giving them a hug and instead was a device which punches your enemies in the face, then I think that I'd be interested in buying one.
 
  • #6
turbo-1 said:
Does this "product" satisfy a need?

http://www.snazzynapper.com/
I want the sheep one!
 
  • #7
turbo-1 said:
Does this "product" satisfy a need?

http://www.snazzynapper.com/
Do not use while driving or operating machinery. :smile:
 
  • #8
What I like about the commercials is they show someone having a difficult time doing some simple activity without the product. For example, they'll have a woman in a kitchen trying to cut some tomatoes and having a really hard time doing it; cutting her fingers and smashing the tomato instead of cutting it (because the knife isn't sharp enough). Tomato juice is everywhere and she has a distraught look on her dirty face.
Then they show her cutting the tomato with the Handy Dandy Tomato Cutter. Suddenly she's smiling, the kitchen is spotless and her husband comes in and gives her a kiss. Who wouldn't want that?
 
  • #9
Not for anything, but: that Snazzy Sleeper looks a lot like a burqa. Is it possible then, that this is a middle eastern influence (kind of like how hookahs have come back into style, since we invaded Iraq)? Really, I suspect the manufacturer is trying to ride the coattails of the Snuggie. :biggrin:

The hug thing is kind of cute, but it takes up a lot of space. Eventually, it might just turn into another albatross, at my house.
 
  • #10
leroyjenkens said:
What I like about the commercials is they show someone having a difficult time doing some simple activity without the product. For example, they'll have a woman in a kitchen trying to cut some tomatoes and having a really hard time doing it; cutting her fingers and smashing the tomato instead of cutting it (because the knife isn't sharp enough). Tomato juice is everywhere and she has a distraught look on her dirty face.
Then they show her cutting the tomato with the Handy Dandy Tomato Cutter. Suddenly she's smiling, the kitchen is spotless and her husband comes in and gives her a kiss. Who wouldn't want that?

Mentos (although I don't dislike them) I would have to say were the most blatantly absurd commercial product that I am aware of. Really, I think the subliminal message therein, was always like having them somehow gives you license to jerk people around. "Oh, don't mind me urinating into your tuba--CAUSE I'VE GOT MENTOS!" (*Give the thumbs up, with Mentos at hand*). "Mentos, the freshmaker!"
 
  • #11
I went with the burqa thought too, except I guess, you would have to smell your way around.
 
  • #12
FrancisZ said:
Not for anything, but: that Snazzy Sleeper looks a lot like a burqa. Is it possible then, that this is a middle eastern influence (kind of like how hookahs have come back into style, since we invaded Iraq)? Really, I suspect the manufacturer is trying to ride the coattails of the Snuggie. :biggrin:

The hug thing is kind of cute, but it takes up a lot of space. Eventually, it might just turn into another albatross, at my house.

Me three, also with the burqa association.

(Hookahs are back in style :confused:? How can anyone use one and not look like like this dude

[PLAIN]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:IV8uGSdDsyuaLM:http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc167/BrittanyPaul/alice1.jpg&t=1

?)
 
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  • #13
lisab said:
Me three, also with the burqa association.

(Hookahs are back in style :confused:? How can anyone use one and not look like like this dude

[PLAIN]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:IV8uGSdDsyuaLM:http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc167/BrittanyPaul/alice1.jpg&t=1

?)


It's what I've heard (I don't actually smoke). But I do love the oldies...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HmJQyS8QVw&feature


Maybe if they played this song during their infomercials.
 
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  • #14
turbo-1 said:
Does this "product" satisfy a need?

http://www.snazzynapper.com/

It's almost a http://www.designboom.com/history/useless.html" .
'chindogu' is the japanese word coined for the art
of the unuseless idea.
strangely practical and utterly eccentric inventions
for a life of ease and hilarity have taken the land
of the rising sun by storm.
meant to solve the niggling problems of modern life,
these bizarre and logic-defying gadgets and gizmos
have a tendency to fail completely.
addicts of the unuseless all over the world love this
collection. the art of chindogu was born in the late
1980's when amateur inventor kenji kawakami
discovered that a not-quite-usable idea for a new
gadget or product could nonetheless be enjoyable if
one were to create a prototype and take delight in the
way it misses its mark.
 
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  • #15
Math Is Hard said:
It's almost a http://www.designboom.com/history/useless.html" .

quite tolerant, hooper!
 
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  • #16
lisab said:
Me three, also with the burqa association.

(Hookahs are back in style :confused:? How can anyone use one and not look like like this dude

[PLAIN]http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:IV8uGSdDsyuaLM:http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc167/BrittanyPaul/alice1.jpg&t=1

?)

I don't think they ever went out of style, at least not in the middle east.
 
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  • #17
The one that's been driving me nuts for the past while is the touchless soap dispenser. Supposedly, it prevents you from picking up all of those nasty germs from the plunger. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you wash your hands after touching the soap dispenser?
 
  • #18
Danger said:
The one that's been driving me nuts for the past while is the touchless soap dispenser. Supposedly, it prevents you from picking up all of those nasty germs from the plunger. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you wash your hands after touching the soap dispenser?

I for one hate public bathrooms (I was once a custodian), and consider them a crime against humanity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2kQBOADTWw&feature
 
  • #19
FrancisZ said:
Not for anything, but: that Snazzy Sleeper looks a lot like a burqa. Is it possible then, that this is a middle eastern influence (kind of like how hookahs have come back into style, since we invaded Iraq)? Really, I suspect the manufacturer is trying to ride the coattails of the Snuggie. :biggrin:

The hug thing is kind of cute, but it takes up a lot of space. Eventually, it might just turn into another albatross, at my house.

I immediately thought Burqa too. Though, it looks even shorter than standard airplane blankets, which already leave me choosing whether to pull the blanket up to my chin or keep my feet warm (and I'm short). I'd be really annoyed by something that just left my nose sticking out (those eye masks do nothing for me...tried them once on an overseas flight and wound up with them on the top of my head holding my hair in a really goofy poof by the time I woke up). On the plus side, they look like they could be turned around and made into a super-hero cape for a Halloween costume. :rolleyes:
 
  • #20
A super-hero cape with sheep? OK, you're cool with that!
 
  • #21
Danger said:
The one that's been driving me nuts for the past while is the touchless soap dispenser. Supposedly, it prevents you from picking up all of those nasty germs from the plunger. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you wash your hands after touching the soap dispenser?

LOL! Germ-phobes are the biggest spreaders of germs. I have to constantly remind students in the anatomy labs that they should NEVER touch the handle on the paper towel dispenser until AFTER they've washed their hands, otherwise, they get it all grimey with what they've just been trying to wash off their hands and leave it there for the next person. Our custodian is really quite good, and he complains about it too because he's the one who has to keep cleaning those things (and he isn't too fond of opening the door to find out someone didn't wash their hands or take their gloves off before grabbing the door handle either). I'm actually going to nominate him for one of the staff awards for our non-faculty employees who go above and beyond their job description this year.
 
  • #22
If I had to nominate the worst product I've ever purchased myself, then it'd have to be "The Perfect Pancake"...

http://www.delsquacho.com/articles/images/perfect-pancake.jpg

It seemed like such a good idea at the time. But, to be fair, I guess it probably has to be all-in-the-wrists, or something--because I only wound up with raw pancake on my shoes!
 
  • #23
one more for burqa. tho, i would not be opposed to someone stealing the idea and rebranding it as the "face apron".
 
  • #24
The patent office is chalked full of bad product ideas. For example, United States patent number 6,293,874; User Operated Amusement Apparatus for Kicking the User's Buttocks.

http://www.wikipatents.com/US-Patent-6293874/user-operated-amusement-apparatus-for-kicking-the-users-buttocks/Page-1"
 
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Related to OK, how stupid are US consumers?

1. How can we measure the intelligence of US consumers?

Measuring intelligence is a complex and controversial topic. There is no one definitive answer to this question. Some may argue that intelligence can be measured through standardized tests, while others believe it is a combination of various factors such as education, experience, and critical thinking skills.

2. What are the common misconceptions about the intelligence of US consumers?

One common misconception is that US consumers are easily swayed by marketing tactics and do not make informed decisions. While there may be some truth to this, it is important to remember that consumers are constantly bombarded with advertisements and it takes critical thinking skills to filter through them and make a smart purchasing decision.

3. Are US consumers becoming less intelligent over time?

There is no evidence to suggest that US consumers are becoming less intelligent over time. In fact, with advancements in technology and access to information, consumers have more resources than ever to educate themselves and make informed decisions.

4. How do cultural and societal factors play a role in the intelligence of US consumers?

Cultural and societal factors can certainly influence the behavior and decision-making of US consumers. For example, cultural norms and values may shape what is considered "intelligent" in a particular society. Additionally, access to education and resources can also impact the intelligence of a population.

5. Can we generalize the intelligence of US consumers?

No, it is not accurate to generalize the intelligence of an entire population. Each individual has their own unique intelligence and factors that contribute to it. It is important to avoid stereotypes and acknowledge the diversity and complexity of US consumers.

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