Here are seven BONA-FIDE HITS to round out the year, followed by my original scores, ratings and comments for each one. (More on my methodology for determining hits here.)
In a few months, when the annual charts come out, I'll post a complete recap of 2008 and evaluate my system for predicting hits for the second time. (My first evaluation is here.)
1. Iron Gym - I gave this multi-functional exercise bar a 6 out of 7 product score. "Like BodyRev's products, this item is priced high for TV," I wrote. "But price doesn't seem to matter as much to this new DRTV demographic, as evidenced by the staggering success of Perfect Pushup." I also gave the commercial a Good/Excellent rating. "LoudMouth TV's Annika Kielland is one of the best in the business when it comes to this format," I wrote. (Read the complete review)
2. Loud 'N Clear – I gave this in-ear personal sound amplifier a 6 out of 7 product score. Sully guest-wrote the post that week, but he generally liked the product and the creative. (Read Sully's comments)
3. Mighty Mendit – I gave this liquid bonding agent a 6 out of 7 product score. "After missing the boat on Mighty Putty, I’ve learned my lesson! I’m predicting this item will be a hit," I wrote. I also gave the commercial my highest rating: Excellent! "Billy Mays and John Miller have outdone themselves again," I raved. (Read the complete review)
4. Pedi Paws – I gave this tool for filing a pet's nails a 6 out of 7. “[E]ven though it's second to market behind Peticure, I think it will do well. It might even eclipse the competition," I wrote. "The reason? It's marketed by a master of DRTV, and it corrects a major flaw with its predecessor: the price." (As I write, Pedi Paws is No. 23 on the Jordan Whitney and Peticure does not appear on the chart at all.) I also gave the commercial a Good/Excellent rating. “When it comes to the pet category, no one does it better than Blue Moon," I wrote. (Read the complete review)
5. Pro Caulk - I gave this silicone tool for applying caulk a 5 out of 7. "Based on the number of times I've seen this commercial lately, I have to guess it's successful," I wrote. "But I can't imagine that success will last for long. That's because the market is limited." So far, I'm wrong. Pro Caulk is everywhere. As for the commercial, I gave it a Good rating. "[I]t's simple, focusing on the most important thing when you're marketing this kind of item: frequent, close-up demonstrations," I wrote. (Read the complete review)
6. Smooth Away - I gave this pad for buffing away body and facial hair a 6 out of 7. "IdeaVillage has done it again, introducing the next hit in this category," I wrote. "Another definite winner." However, I only gave the commercial an OK rating. Although I didn't explain myself at the time, I felt the overall quality of the commercial could have been better. (Read the complete review)
7. Snuggie - This item did not pop up on my radar until it was in full rollout. Good thing, too. Had I reviewed it, I probably would have shared the skepticism of many. A blanket with sleeves? Who knew?!
