Selling it October 2010: Goofs, glitches, gotchas, and howlers

In this report: Overview

Selling it

Last reviewed: October 2010

This article appeared in
October 2010 Consumer Reports Magazine.

Waste paper

Here, snippets of a receipt Sears gave a reader who bought three items. She measured the whole strip at 42¾ inches. A tree might have been saved, she says, if she'd been asked whether she wanted extra offers.

Image of a receipt from Sears for three items

Picture perfect

So clear, so bright—if only we could get reception this good.

Ad for a TV where it disclaims that the reception is simulated

Lern hear

From left, pitches from Start Smart Learning Center, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Happy Days Child Development Center, where someone seems to be challenged not only by spelling but also by math: The copy boasts a "very low teacher/child ratio."

Start Smart Learning Center ad with terrible spelling and grammar mistakes

Smooth move

Let's examine the skin that's been lifted, tightened, and smoothed in that "After" photo. But wait: Something is blocking our view.

Before and after of eye cream with the after blocked by the ad

Pet peeves

At left, a snag-proof cat leash; at right, a Peerlesspet tie-out cable "for dogs up to 200 lbs." Or not.

Tardy Tony

Change the name, folks.

5 minute thin spaghetti, that takes 6-7 minutes to cook

Watch your language!

"You have to admire the customer care experience at Wells Fargo," writes a doctor and longtime customer, who received this new credit card. He works with some associates.