July 05, 2012

Wonder Charger

Description: A charger for disposable batteries
Main Pitch: "Re-energizes and recharges dead, disposable alkaline batteries up to 25 times"
Main Offer: $19.99 for one
Bonus: Battery organizer/tester (just pay P&H), 4 battery converters (free)
Marketer: Hampton Direct
Website: www.WonderCharger.com
Prediction: On the fence

This is one of those times when consumer apathy, against all logic, might undermine an otherwise promising selling proposition. Being able to recharge batteries you thought you had to throw away is a great pitch, especially for cost-conscious DR buyers. But will people actually take action? Or is it just easier to toss batteries in the trash when they're done and plug in some fresh ones you picked up at the grocery store?

I equate this to the many 'save your blade' pitches I've seen or tried myself over the years. It seems that no matter how strong of a case you make that razor blades are ridiculously expensive (they are), people don't care enough to do something about it -- at least not in sufficient numbers to sustain a campaign.