10 Infomercial Fails That Were Still Weirdly Popular
These hilariously bizarre products flopped in function but soared in fame thanks to unforgettable infomercials.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Some infomercials were so strange, you could not stop watching them. These products often did not work well, but people still bought them because the ads were unforgettable. From talking blankets to shaky workout gear, they became weird hits. This list looks back at the funniest ones that somehow became popular.
1. Shake Weight: The Accidental Comedy Icon
Flickr User: Herrea; Artwork: Shake Weight on Wikimedia Commons
Marketed as a revolutionary fitness tool, the Shake Weight’s suggestive motion made it a late-night TV sensation. Despite questionable efficacy, it sold millions and became a pop culture punchline.
2. WaxVac: The Ear Cleaner That Sucked (Literally)
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
The WaxVac was supposed to be a safer way to clean your ears instead of using cotton swabs. However, it made a loud, annoying sound and barely worked. Most people gave up on it after just one try.
3. Rejuvenique: Beauty Meets Sci-Fi Horror
Anna Shvets on Pexels
This electric facial mask was meant to firm up your facial muscles. Instead, it looked scary and gave uncomfortable shocks. People found it more frightening than helpful for their skin.
4. Hawaii Chair: Work While You Twerk
brewbooks from near Seattle, USA on Wikimedia Commons
The Hawaii Chair was designed to help you exercise while sitting down, but its constant movement made it difficult to perform tasks like typing. Using it felt more like trying to balance than getting work done.
5. Better Marriage Blanket: Love in the Time of Flatulence
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
This blanket said it could stop bad smells using special carbon. It was meant for couples who wanted peace at night. Still, many people wondered if it really worked or was just a silly idea.
6. Slap Chop: Slapstick in the Kitchen
IMG_2161: Jessica Rudzewicz derivative work: Gage on Wikimedia Commons
The Slap Chop promised fast chopping with just a slap, but it often made uneven cuts, leaving people frustrated. Still, its catchy phrases made it hard to forget.
7. Fushigi Ball: The Illusion That Dropped
https://finna.fi/Record/museovirasto.8965cf21-0849-4dc9-99fe-296137990f48 on Wikimedia Commons
The Fushigi was sold as a magic ball that floated on your hand. It needed a lot of practice to use right. Many people got frustrated when the ball just dropped with a noise.
8. PooTrap: The Canine Conundrum
Jeremy Pitman on Pexels
The PooTrap promised to stop you from having to pick up dog poop, but its strange design made it awkward to use. Instead of helping, it often just caused embarrassment.
9. UroClub: Fore-getting Bathroom Breaks
Shot Clock Masters on Wikimedia Commons
The UroClub looked like a regular golf club but was actually a hidden pee bottle. It gave golfers a private way to go on the course. Still, many people found the idea pretty strange and hard to believe.
10. HeadOn: Apply Directly to the Meme
HeadOn on Wikimedia Commons
The HeadOn ad kept repeating the same phrase over and over without explaining what it did. This made people confused and amused at the same time. It quickly became a funny meme online because of that.