As seen on TV

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the advertising technique. For the novel, see As seen on TV (novel).

For the SpongeBob SquarePants episode, see As Seen on TV (SpongeBob SquarePants)

For "Victoria Wood As Seen On TV", see Victoria Wood.

As seen on TV is a nameplate for products advertised on Television for direct-response mail-order through an 800 number. Typically the packaging for these items includes a standardized red seal in the shape of a television screen with the words "AS SEEN ON TV" in white. The pervasive presence of "as seen on TV" products is the subject for much comedy on TV, often exaggerating the typical pitches of "as seen on TV" products. One such example of mockery is the fictional "Spishak company", a series of sketches on Mad TV. Prominent marketers of "as seen on TV" products include TimeLife, K-tel, Ronco, and Thane. There are also retail and online stores that specifically sell As Seen on TV products.

As Seen On TV Products is a generic name attached to items that are advertised on television - either in 30 minute infomercial spots, or in 30 second commercials. These products can range from kitchen, household, automotive, cleaning, health, and beauty products, to exercise & fitness products, books, or to toys and games for children.

The As Seen on TV category has expanded recently, becoming a major category in the mass market retail sector. Products are placed on television, building massive amounts of consumer impressions while maintaining to turn a profit from the advertisements. Then, after impressions have built up, the product is pushed into retail outlets where sales soar. This model was invented in the 80's by Telebrands Corporation's executives A.J. Khubani and Keith Mirchandani.