What can I do about this infomercial lie?

Question

I see so many infomercials selling products and they say something like "This is valued at $100 but we will sell it to you for just $19.99". Where do they get these inflated values from and if they were really at such a great value and they are selling it so low, they would have to be the biggest business idiots ever. So how can anyone call these groups out on these ridiculous product values?

Answer 1

You can’t. Value of a produce is based on what a consumer would be willing to pay for it. The company may have done marketing that showed that a consumer stated they would pay say $100 for a product. Also the products may be in a bundle that each individual item sells for the total of the value they place on the bundle. From the company’s stand point they are being truthful and honest.

However, as a basic fundamental of economics at a lower price they will sell more. As a company it is better to make $10 selling 10 of a product, then the same $10 on one of the product. You get better market share and more visibility.

Answer 2

Well, the MSRP (manufacturers suggested retail price) can be whatever the heck they want it to be, but that surely doesn't mean the product is ever sold at that price. Just like cars have an MSRP, but unless it's a really hot model, or limited edition of some kind, they rarely sell at that price, so it's not just infomercal items.

Answer 3

That's how they value their product. They don't see it as a lie. I never agree with the product value either but it seems to be run of the mill even in non-informercial settings to overvalue products (read: GAS!). So, if you think it's worth the "reduced price", buy it; if not, shut your TV off and go outside.

Answer 4

Just sit back and laugh at their pathetic junk and cheesy infomercials.

Answer 5

I ignore them. If there is something interesting than I go look.