January 16, 2014

Yoshi Grill & Bake Mat

Description: A non-stick cooking mat
Main Pitch: "Cooks food evenly while the grill stays squeaky clean"
Main Offer: $14.99 for 2 grill mats, 1 bake mat
Bonus: Grip 'N Flip spatula (just pay processing)
Marketer: IdeaVillage
Producer: Kerrmercials
Website: www.YoshiGrill.com
Prediction: On the fence

This is the third 'follower product' (how's that for a euphemism?) I've noted from this marketer in as many weeks. The first two were HD Vision Night Vision and HD Vision Visor. This project follows Miracle Grill Mat, which was first tested in November of last year (see #4 in this Weekly Round-Up) and which, I am told, was done by Infomercials Inc.

In the past, I might make a comment here that would get me in trouble. Suffice to say, it isn't new for powerful players to decide to "compete" with less-powerful players if they sense a retail opportunity. Indeed, it appears to be a growing trend again.

As for the item, I liked a similar concept for grills years ago, so I like this product, too. As a grill guy, I do view the grill-marks claim with a high degree of suspicion. As a marketer, I question the timing of the test and know from experience that managing inventory around grill season can be very tricky.