May 24, 2011

Review: Slushy Magic

Description: A slushy maker
Main Pitch: "Transform any drink into a frosty, cool slushy ... [with] no ice, no blender, no mess."
Main Offer: $19.99 for one with spoon straw and drink guide
Bonus: 2nd complete set
Marketer: Ontel
Producer: Hutton-Miller
Website: www.SlushyMagic.com
Prediction: Likely to succeed

I usually refrain from giving predictions for items that are targeted toward kids because I don't have a good understanding of the criteria for such products. For instance, I know one of the key criteria for "adult" DRTV products -- solving a problem -- doesn't apply. I also know "wow factor" is much more important, possibly the No. 1 criterion. You have to get the kids to bug mom. Beyond that, I lack the experience necessary to say whether a kids' item could be a DRTV hit or not.

So why the prediction here? One reason alone: When I watched the commercial, my "inner child" wanted the product. My rational brain also told me that slushies are popular, and there is no cheap and easy way to make them at home. True, you can just go down to the local 7-11 and buy a slushy, but this product lets you make any flavor you want. You can make healthy ones, too. Come on mom, please!

On a side note, the $12.99 price point [this originally tested with] is noted as a first. Telebrands has been testing $10.99, something I also noted and am tracking with interest. I want to see if another bit of common DRTV knowledge -- that people only respond to $5 price breaks -- will be disproved by these tests.

Finally, on another side note: I love the kiddie twist on a classic DRTV line in this commercial. The secret is ... "snowflake science." How clever!